MOTORCYCLES old and new were lined up at Carinya Gardens Cemetery on Monday morning to honour the late Laurie Fox OAM.
Racing flags were displayed among floral tributes inside the chapel and, as Reverend John Deer put it, there was “a fair bit of leather on show,” as the motorcycling community turned out in droves to celebrate the life of the local motorsport icon.
Around 200 people attended the service, with attendees spilling outside and braving wind and hail to pay their respects to a “truly wonderful gentleman.”
Laurie’s grandson Matthew Fox said Laurie had been a father figure to him.
“My father died when I was a couple of years old so I spent all my time with my grandpa growing up and all my school holidays as a kid at his shop,” he said.
“He was the greatest man I knew, he was always selfless and put everyone else before himself – he never wanted to let anyone down.”
Russell Fox said his father’s generosity made a lasting impression on everyone he met.
“I think most people in this room met him and knew him – while dad’s business was motorcycles, it was the people he met that truly drove his passion for the sport,” he said.
“He was quite overwhelmed by the turnout at his 90th birthday and during this week the well wishes and thoughts that have come from the community and the motorcycling community have been overwhelming.
“I’m very, very proud to call Laurie my father.”
Bo’az Manser said the word gentleman should be synonymous with his Pa.
“In a time where smart phones are in the hands of most people, this gentleman knew that the best way to connect will always be a spoken conversation to whoever is standing next to you,” he said.
“Pa was aware of those around him and always gave them the time he felt he could spare, even if he couldn’t spare any.
“From the race tracks attended by many, to the kitchens attended by his family, Laurie “Pa” Fox was the most gentlemanly gentleman I’ve known.”
Mr Manser said Laurie’s wit was sharp “right to the end” and his sense of humour “never left his side.”
“His caring for those around him was often shown in little habits, such as loaning me books he knew I’d find interesting or buying my wife Mahalia the same packet of chocolate mousse every fortnight,” he said.
“It’s these little things we will notice are missing and that is when we will feel the loss of Pa Fox.
“We should all take a leaf out of his book and strive to put others first, to not be afraid of dedicating time to a good cause or personal passion, to keep an open mind about the world and be interested in other people’s ideas and above all, we should each and every day find a small way to show those around us that we love them and we are here for them.”
Mount Gambier Junior Motor Cycle Club former club president Russell Collins described Laurie as “quiet, unassuming and a devoted club and committee man.”
“Rain, hail or shine, you could always rely on Laurie to be at every race meeting,” Mr Collins said.
“Laurie would not have called himself a historian, but that he really was – his knowledge, memory and ability to write a good story would be the envy of many journalists.
“What a wonderful achievement doing what he loved right to the very end, he will leave a huge hole in the club – we have lost a treasure.”
Members of the Junior Motor Cycle Club formed a guard of honour as Laurie was carried to his final resting place.
