Vale – Peter Baird

After a short illness, Pete passed away peacefully on Tuesday 31 July, at the age of 84.

Pete had a long history and love of motor cycles, starting with his first bike, a Norton, at the age of 17.

He was a member of the Hartwell Motorcycle Club and through this association had many lifelong friends, which he still caught up with at annual functions including the Veteran Riders Association and Tracey Speedway reunions.

Pete and Bernie Puche teamed up racing a speedway sidecar, a Jap 500, they made a great team with considerable success.  They raced at Brooklyn, Tracey’s and also grass tracks at Romsey and Wedderburn.

He also dabbled half-heartedly in motor cross riding a Montessa. Spent more time pushing and cursing it rather than riding it!  Oh the joy, the kids were so proud.

Pete’s greatest love, after his family, was his Ducati 250 Desmo which he purchased new from Col White Motorcycles.  His other toy, a Bultaco Metralla 250, was lovingly restored after he purchased it from his eldest son Andrew.

Pete was an avid reader of any motorcycle publications, loved watching moto GP and anything to do with motor sport.  He had a great knowledge and understanding of bikes and could waffle on for hours to anyone who would listen.

After retiring, Pete and wife Peg enjoyed numerous European trips, which gave them great enjoyment and life long memories.

Pete was dearly loved and will be sadly missed by his family, Peg, Andrew, Robyn, Ian and partners and his 7 adored grand kids.

 

Robyn Baird