OzVMX Forum
Clubroom => General Discussion => Topic started by: firko on February 23, 2010, 09:58:27 am
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(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1062154/camden25m.jpg)
Our dear mate Bruce"Magoo" McFarland passed away this morning after a putting up a short but courageous fight against cancer. On behalf of the VMX community I wish his family our sincere condolences. He'll be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.
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I'm shocked and shattered by this terrible news!!!!! He will be sadly missed by his many, many friends.
I know we all have our own stories about this larger than life character, his crap jokes and booming, infectious laugh. He won't be forgotten.
Make sure you crack a 'cold one' as a tribute to a great bloke. And spare a thought and a prayer for Anne and his family.
Bruce, thanks for everything!!!
Jeff
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Bruce,
You have given us all a better understanding of what life is about
You will be truely missed by one and all
God speed good friend
Shane
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I too, am shattered with this news. Words cannot express the feeling of loss when a good mate like Bruce leaves us.
If there ever was the embodiment of the "dinky-di Aussie male" it was Bruce. Generous and loyal to his mates without question, irreverant, fair, funny, optimistic and most of all a fun person to associate with, Bruce will be sorely missed by the VMX community as a whole.
My sincere condolences to Anne and the McFarland family.
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Thoughts & prayers are with Bruce's family at this tough time. What else can one say.
Stewart
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I am also shattered by this mornings news.
RIP Big Fella.
Shaun
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I'm numb. 1 of my BEST mates from the early days of Heaven VMX.
A lot of us have just lost a GREAT MATE.
My thoughts are with Anne and the children.
God speed my friend. Mick Watts.
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Goodbye mate!
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there comes a point in your life when you realize WHO REALLY MATTERS, WHO NEVER DID, and WHO ALWAYS WILL!!!!!!
GOD speed Bruce
"good mates allways will"
Trev
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God Speed Bruce.
Condolences to the McFarland family
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There aren't any words at a time like this.
I only met the bloke once but he made an impression and I'm sure his memory will continue to do so for years.
My thoughts too are with his family, especially the kids.
RIP
Let's make sure we all do what we can so that his family don't have to worry about the financial side of things for a while.
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Our thoughts also go to his family at this sad time.
Mr & Mrs Maico #54
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My sincerest condolences to the MacFarland family.
The world is truly a far worser place for his passing.
Magoo was one of the first guys I met at my first VMX race back at Dargle in 2001 and from that moment on we have had a lot of good times and laughs (normally over a can of beer or three).
All that those of us who knew him can do is focus on the good memories ,and embrace some of his great qualities in our day to day lives.
RIP Brother
Craig & Scott Taylor & Families
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My condolences to the family...................Bruce will be sadly missed.
Rob Moodie
RXV550
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My sincere condolences , I only spoke to him a few times but you could pick him out of a crowd pretty easy, I'm shaw hes riding a Z50 Honda right now, and smiling down on us, RIP Mr Magoo.
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Godspeed my Friend
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its a sad day
our thoughts are with the family at such a tough time. RIP Bruce.
David and Vicki Tanner and Family
#211
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my God! I'm in shock! My sincerest condolences to all family, relatives and close friends.
so sad and I'm at a total loss for words.. Godspeed big fella :(
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Betcha Bruce and Ray have got plenty to talk about huh? Hope there's a bloody big Honda garage there too...
My humblest and sincerest sympathies to Bruce's family, he's a man who will be sorely missed by a lot of people.
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rest in peace Bruce
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Rest in Peace mate.
Met Bruce about 10 years ago through HEAVEN VMX. Had VMX in the best interests, loved his family.
Even 10 days ago he dragged us all down the pub to have a beer and yarn, even if was short due to him tiring quickly.
One thing he always said me "Goolies, never let the truth get in way of a good story!!!"
Our thoughts are with Ann, children and extended family.
Love,
The Goold's
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Rather than words, here are some memories of Magoo as we knew him.
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1062154/13June%2009%20125.jpg)
Magoo and his lovely Anne...Jonesys 50th birthday..july 09.
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1062154/13June%2009%20166.jpg)
Magoo, the infamous 'Redback Shirt and a plate of tucker...Jonesys 50th
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1062154/magoo-tony.jpg)
Magoo and Tony on the pit hill at Nepean Dirt Track.
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1062154/magoo.jpg)
Bruces last public gig..assisting at the auction for Noel Clarke, November 09.
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1062154/CD6-%201431.jpg)
With Pommy VMX correspondent Chris Malam and his lady..Kamp Kevlar, CD6.
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1062154/CD6-%201432.jpg)
Kissing Bill Forsyth, Chris Malams lady and Shoey, Husky HQ, CD6
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1062154/CD6-%200338.jpg)
In his element at CD6...how we'll remember him.
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....lost for words
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Thoughts to the family of a great man,i was at the party Firkos photos came from and im sure when i meet up with bruce in the big berm in the sky he will be wearing that damn spider shirt or a Honda jersey.
Gods speed to a gentleman of our sport.RIP old mate. Mike
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I met Bruce early 2006 at Crawford River ( Bulahdelah) we instantly became good friends.
In 2007 he invited me to ride for his team, Red Devil Racing with him even giving me his beloved 78 Honda CR250R to race for the season, how generous is that!.
He was a very special friend.
To Anne, Ally, Dan and Aimee condolences from the Crane family.
Godspeed "Sweetheart"
RIP Damo
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If I may please add a little story now I'm a little more composed. I met Bruce at Connondale Classic in 2006. Actually he met me as it was he, who in no uncertain terms, walked by, looked me in the eye, stopped and said, you're Doc! I was a little/LOT surprised as he was much larger in real life than he was on the forum where I'd first spoken to him! He introduced himself and I to him and proceeded to drag me over to his camp, he reached in the car and pulled out a bag. He unfolded a black Crawford River Classic 2006 tee shirt and said "here ya go mate, this should fit ya" I was very humbled and from that day on whenever I wanted a shirt to wear that made me feel good that was it! I've just dug it out of my 7 foot high pile of laundry (clean laundry!!) and for the life of me I don't know if I'll ever wear it again :'(..It's a memory, albeit a tiny insignificant memory compared to some, but for me it was an act of kindness I'll never ever forget ;)
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(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1062154/CD6-%200338.jpg)
In his element at CD6...how we'll remember him.
I only met the bloke a few years ago, but that photo is exactly how I picture him - beer in hand, and a smile on that big ugly mug.
Godspeed, Bruce.
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Our sincerest condolences, to the McFarland family.
Gary and Jackie McDonald
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Very sorry to here about MAGOO.
Godbless to this family, sorry about your loss, (RIP Bruce )
David Alsop
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i cannot convey it into words.
RIP Bruce.
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Godspeed Bruce
RIP
KB171
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Lost for words also...... Bruce, you will be missed - but your memories will live on forever. RIP Bruce Stewart Raewyn Rebecca & Samanatha
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The man drew people to him like a moth to a flame.
I miss you already.
Love ya mate.
All my love to Anne , Ally, Dan and Amy.
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My conersations and encounters with Bruce were only a few, he knew his stuff and had a great respect for thedirkbike scene. He also had a connection with building great bikes.
SO SORRY to hear the news... :(
OLDYZMAN Brett
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I couldn't believe he would go so quickly. Then again he did on the track. A fantastic bloke who had time for everyone.
Condolances to Ann and the kids
Bill & Grace
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Sincere condolences to the family. Words can't say or do enough for those left behind.
RIP Magoo.
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A very sad day.
I first met Bruce around 2003 when we travelled down from Qld to do a Heaven race.
He was the first guy to come and say gidday and made us feel very welcome and every year since we'd catch up somewhere for a chat and a laugh.
One of the nicest people you could ever meet..
RIP Bruce
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A very sad day indeed...
sincere condolences to Ann and the kids..
RIP Bruce...
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I only met Bruce once and briefly,
My condolences to his familly and friends.
Brent
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Having just read through this very sad thread, I find it hard to believe that this is the same guy I saw running around helping out just a few months ago at the Klub Kevlar Show & Shine auction for Noel Clarke.
I don't know if he was aware of his predicament then but I think the lesson for all of us is how quickly things can turn to shite.
I'm sorry I never met him personally and I send my deepest condolences to his family and close friends.
Steve.
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Dagnab it ! You're right Curly, we're all just on loan after all. Coming from a lifetime in roadracing, we're used to losing a few along the way, but nowadays it can be any one from amongst our buddies. Lesson is, enjoy what we've got, while we've got it. Regards to the Magoo clan, from all of us. Thanks to his closest buddies for digging in when it got rough, and thanks Firko for the lovely pics. Gotta be worth a pretty decent Three Cheers at CD7, lads ? Bastard. :'(
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I like many others met bruce through vmx racing
he was hard not to miss always involved in everything
loved the sport with a passion
i am not suprised with the response to this sad news
as he was a popular bloke and a good mate
to me and many others
he will be sadly missed but always remembered
my condolences go to anne ally dan and aimee and the rest of the family
magoo you will always be riding with me and many others R.I.P. bruce (magoo) Mcfarland
russell (rusty) and vicky williamson
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Only met you for a short time at the Qld VMX Nats --what a smile ;D
Go skidding in sideways Magoo.Have a hoot with Ray,Geoff,Andy and the rest of our VMX Clan.
Heart felt sympathy to Ann and children.
Alison & Steven WA
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I only met Bruce a few times, he always seemed a happy sort of guy that enjoyed his Honda’s and the VMX scene.
It seemed like a short fight, hopefully it was short on suffering.
My thoughts are with his family at this time.
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Bruce was one of the first guys to come up and introduce himself at Glenbawn a couple of season ago when I showed up at a Heaven meet. Last race I had against him was at the Crawford River meet last year. We had a ding dong battle on the track then after the race (he flashed by on the last corner, DAM) he high fived me and was very animated back in the pits.
Bruce was a top bloke who was the definition of the true VMX spirit through and through. His enthusiasm is an inspiration to use all and was completely contagious.
My sincere condolences to his wife and family.
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Mate you once told me after I made the trophy for Ray that the crawford river classic was full of trophies for dead guys . well mate Im going to make one for you now. Just a quick story on Magoo's sence of fun .He came limping into the pub when asked what he had done . He launched into a story about running 2nd in the thumper nats and twisted his foot in a corner, found out later he caught his foot on the screen door at home .always good for a good yarn.miss you mate .
thoughts to the family
IAIN & MARGARET CAMERON
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I never got the chance to ride with Bruce but I certainly shared a few beers with him, The storys where always good, his bike's imaculate and most importantly a damn good bloke!
See ya on the other side.
All my best to Anne and the kids.
Speedy. :D
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Sweet is the sleep that ends all pain....RIP Magoo.
Condolences to the McFarland family
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R.I.P Bruce and congratulations on a life well lived.
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R.I.P Bruce and congratulations on a life well lived.
I only ever meet Magoo as part of this forum and hence I feel a bit of an intruder on this thread. However, I like RED's sentiments as expressed above and would like to echo those and offer my condolences to his family and friends.
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Sleep Bruce now peacefully between racing your Hondas above. Tim Derrick
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MAGOOS FAREWELL
Bruce’s funeral will be held at 2:30pm Monday 1st March at Forest Lawn, Leppington NSW
Let's see an old mate out in style.
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from everyone at farleigh castle, we will raise a drink for him in september.
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I remember in my earlydays in the VMX scene the name Bruce McFarland as like a myth or a legend to me .I dont know how many time's his name was mentioned or people asked me if I knew him.In the end I just answered "yer I know him sort of.I never meet him but I know about him" which it seemed I did -alot.By the time I actually met him at CD4 it was like being reunited with an old friend.By that stage we had talked a few times on the phone but never really seen each other in real life .Funny as Doc's earlier post I finally met him in a similar fashion.We walked by each other and took a second look , about the same time that I said Bruce? he said Brent? and then in unison "yer,how ya goin?" shook hands and started raving on for a bit until someone else grabbed his attentions.At CD5 he was first on my little list of people to catch up with (mainly about Hondas and Mugens) but once again our time was too short .I guess when you know just about everyone in the scene like Bruce did then you thats how it is.
I can't think of too many who are as invovled in our VMX scene as Bruce was , seemed like he was everywhere all the time.Involved in organising, competing , restoring, in business with his website,on the forum and just having a good time with the Boys (and Girls).
I had hoped to line up against him at Broadford but he's gone and jumped the gate , taken the holeshot and reached the chequered flag way too early.God speed Bruce.
Condolences to his wife,daughters and extended family.
I hope the VMX community will support the "Magoo Fund" with as much enthusiasm as he supported VMX.
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I Met Bruce only once at Conondale,but what a great bloke.You will be missed by all.RIP mate.
Tony & Tanya
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…but he's gone and jumped the gate , taken the holeshot and reached the chequered flag way too early.God speed Bruce.
Brent, that really sums it up!!!
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Like as has been said, he's jumped the gate and got the cheqered flag too soon. I knew the first time i spoke to him as a fellow committee member [classic dirt] that he was a keen knowledgeable bloke who would be a good mate to all around him, i'm saddened to to realise that friendship was cut short. R.I.P. magoo. My sympathy to his loved ones. wally.
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Here's a few photos of my mate Bruce, "the Honda loving nancy boy"... - its going to be a bit lonely on my birthday this year... (we shared the same birthday).
(http://www.red-devil-racing.com/images/2005-02-05-77.jpg)
(http://www.red-devil-racing.com/images/de_coster_27.jpg)
(http://www.red-devil-racing.com/images/act_017.jpg)
(http://www.red-devil-racing.com/images/cd4_17.jpg)
(http://www.red-devil-racing.com/images/cr500_002.jpg)
(http://www.red-devil-racing.com/images/de_coster_45.jpg)
(http://www.red-devil-racing.com/images/jack_hogg_35.jpg)
Godspeed Brucie.
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Stunned
RIP Bruce
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i like many others only met Bruce a few times and spoke over the Phone a few other times. when i first met him in a Pub for a counter attack down here in vicco, i immediately sensed his spirit, passion and humour. we sat next to each other after a quick chat and spoke like old friends. Bruce was like that, a very easy going likeable Aussie character.
like many others have related he simply was a person who made you at ease and you warmed to straight away. he was a very likeable person and i know he had many friends. i just wish (like many others) that i had the chance to share more time with him and envy those that did.
The Photo's Firko and Auscobul have posted up show the man as we all remember him full of life and fun
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he was a cheeky bastard - I remember (being open and nieve like I am) and asking about where you could buy kidney belts for those of us more generously proportioned................................what do you think Magoos answer was (never one to let a chance go by)...........................................buy two and stitch them together!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bugger!!!!!
;D
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Farewell Magoo , it was a privillage to have met you and shared a few cold ones :)
Mate you truly encompassed the spirit of VMX and your premature departure has left a huge hole .
Your memory and the legacy of Magoo will live on for generations of VMXers
Condolences to Bruces family and close friends , as we say over here he truly was a GOOD Bastard .
Bill and Valeria
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No doubt your old boy got everything ready for you up there Magoo, plenty of love, strapped two wheels on to everything that wouldn’t roll, dipped it in red and tanked it up with a gold wing on each side. Ring a ding dang Bruce, thanks for the entertainment, the kind deeds and the privilege.
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Here's a few photos of my mate Bruce, "the Honda loving nancy boy"... - its going to be a bit lonely on my birthday this year... (we shared the same birthday).
(http://www.red-devil-racing.com/images/2005-02-05-77.jpg)
Spotted this lots of so called Honda Nancy Boys in VMX Mag.. ;D
Could someone put names to faces ...thanks
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Left to right:
1. Mark Austin
2. John Cant
3. Sorry boys - forgotten for now (too many sherberts for tonight...)
4. Sorry boys - forgotten for now (too many sherberts for tonight...)
5. Bruce McFarland
6. Col Willis
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Today marks the Ist anniversary of our dear mate Bruce "Magoo" McFarland clocking off.
I miss the bastard :'(
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1062154/magoo-tony.jpg)
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Yes, same here Firko.
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Cant bring myself to delete his number from my phone, dont think I will.
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(http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/58012_1744593176063_1275773142_31991929_7031569_n.jpg)
Same here guys.
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Snowy - I am like you - I haven't deleted his personal messages off this forum yet - keeps reminding me of his "atrocious" sense of humour.
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Gone, but never forgotten.
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I got an email from Ann this morning and she's doing remarkably well considering the circumstances. A few of us are getting together with her and the kids sometime in the next few weeks which I'm sure will be one of those happy/sad occasions.
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great to hear you guys are keeping in touch, and yes for some, great friends never leave ones thoughts.
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Ill have a beer for the big guy tonight :)
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personally if think the whole vmx community has lost a great man.
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Just had a stiff single malt toast to our mate Magoo,and my fallen Christchurch brothers.RIP all.
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yep funny how you cant quite take out of your email contacts, a beer for the big fella is in order,
RIP sweet cheeks
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I've still got two messages from Bruce on my answering machine, one in particular with him asking if I want to go for our regular 'good 'ol boys' beer at the Narellan pub. There's also a message from my American mate Vegas Bob Neilson who died just before Christmas. I know I'll eventually have to erase them as life goes on....but it's hard.
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Man hug to you Uncle Firko.Hang in there sweetheart.
See you next week.
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Already. What a great bloke....and an evo cheatin' bastard. :D
RIP big fella.
Mark Austin has got one on all of us. Magoo is on his mobile phone greeting, telling you to leave a message. Very cool.
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I still have my last messages from him on this site... and the texts on my mobile. The RM motor he helped me rebuild (and promise not to tell anyone) is still sitting on my bench, not brining myself to complete the job because we were doing together. I miss him.
Maybe its time to convene a board meeting and have a chat.
Man love to you Firko.
Rudy
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Last night, after devouring a tasty Marlborough Sauvugnon Blanc I finally bit the bullet and removed Bruces messages from my answering machine . I figured that listening to his ghost every time I checked my calls was more upsetting than comforting. We have to move on, if we don't these things will surely eat us up. 8)
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firko you say you removed bruces messages from your answering machine but you can`t remove him from your heart and mind!
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firko you say you removed bruces messages from your answering machine but you can`t remove him from your heart and mind!
Yeah Mick it'll be pretty near impossible to forget the bugger, that's for sure.
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Re-opening this thread was enough to render me a mess for about 5 minutes or so. :'(
Can't believe it's a year already.
R.I.P. Magoo.
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To true AJ there are to many of us going . I still miss the silly bugger and his tall tails .
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Ladies and Gents - urgently need a high res photo of Magoo - such as these here - for inclusion in a printed document - can anyone please help?
please PM or email address is [email protected]
thank you in advance.
Rossco
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Ross, happy to provide a photo. Have emailed you. ;)
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Its hard to believe its been two years since Magoo"s passing.
Gone but never forgotten.
(http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu317/suzuki43/CD4PhotosfromScottsCamera077.jpg)
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I will have beer tonight for the big guy , God speed Magoo .
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with you Bill - he is never far from the memories so shall have an ale or two with him in thought tonight
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I will go hunting for a VB in his honor tomorrow!
Seems like yesterday that I took that photo of Magoo and his nemesis bike, RM250E, at CD Broadford!!!
RIP.
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[quote ]
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n208/hemiy09/magoos250rd1.jpg)
[/quote]
Remembering Red !!
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Time goes quick but memories last forever.
God speed good mate
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(http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/58012_1744593176063_1275773142_31991929_7031569_n.jpg)
Jeez, you can see the wheels turning with these two can't you? Plotting more bloody childish mischief no doubt... ;D
There should be more of it...
RIP Mr Magoo, you old bastard!!! ;)
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Three years ago yesterday still miss the bloody boofhead ;D
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Jeez time flies. I do miss out Thursday evening Brains Trust drink/meetings at the Narellan Hotel.
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will have a beer for "sweet cheeks" gone but not forgotten
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what a scout he was 8) another Mr Cool 8)
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Firko - "brains trust" meetings - with Magoo!!!!! Yep - still miss the old bugga - big time.
Firko - how are Ann and kids travelling?
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Ross, I haven't rang Ann in yonks I must do it in the not too distant future.
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You know what a good bloke he was when he is spoken about long after passing. What a character he was...
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Another cool bugger , tall stories and all . miss you ya bugger . Iain