Andy Holbrook....Rest In Peace.

[MALco56]

It is with huge sadness that I have to inform forum members that Andy lost his fight for life last night, 20th August.

I have known Andy and his wife Benny for many years, and besides being a good customer, I am proud to say they
were both good friends.
They both had their hearts in the Laverda marque, and I admired Andy and his Laverda restorations and his eye for
detail, he was as good as any pro I know.
As a couple they did so much to represent the marque in the UK and across Europe, and were always regulars at
UK events and Breganze celebrations, and are highly respected and liked by many across the UK and Europe.
They were always at the Stafford show, and great fun to be around....Benny's coffee is legendary.!!!

Andy asked me to put the previous posts on here about his health, and I know he read all the comments from everyone, and they
were both very touched by the kind messages of encouragement.....

Benny did not ask me to post this, but as good friends I have taken upon myself to announce the very sad news, and to allow her
the time to grieve and deal with all the overwhelmng arrangements she will have to make in the coming weeks.

When I find out funeral arrangements, which I and Richard Slater intend to attend, I will add to this post.

In the meantime, full respect to my late friend, and may you rest in peace Andy..... Malcolm.

 

[Sir Sidney Ruffdiamond]

Very sad day. - top couple - our thoughts are with Bennie and their family at this sad time - ride on Andy

 

[Schurminater]

My thoughts and condolences to all his family and friends at this difficult time...........Sad news indeed.....R.I.P Andy.

Thank you for sharing Malcolm

 

[rocketonarail]

Very sorry to hear this ....... Am I right in thinking he was responsible for restoring the ex Dave Minton GTL ? .........

 

[MALco56]

Very sorry to hear this ....... Am I right in thinking he was responsible for restoring the ex Dave Minton GTL ? .........

Yes you are correct, I helped him with all the rechroming and a full exhaust system I manufacture, but it was his skills which restored the bike to a lovely condition it is now......

 

[ozijotati]

Sad to hear of Andy’s passing. I spent a month in sharing a house with them in Breganze in 22and 23, so many funny times and obviously a few alcoholic beverages were consumed. Lovely guy , as noted very knowledgeable on the subject of laverda. My condolences to Benny and there respective families, he will be missed
Tom

 

[Robin Webster]

I only met Andy twice but immediately thought of him as a friend.
First time on set up day at the Stafford show a random guy walked up to us and said he had a 3C for sale. We walked the show ground until we found him and Andy bought it on the spot. Second time at Cadwell when I was racing the 500 and lost my oil dip stick somewhere out on track. He happily donated the one out of his bike for the next race whilst Phill popped home to make me another!

God speed.

 

[Haggis]

Sad news. RIP Andy

 

[alan james]

I knew him well a great guy to be around. R.I.P. Andy.

 

[Andy J]

Really sorry to hear Andy has passed away. He and Benny were due to be on the IOM now at the MGP, which they regularly attended, and they are sadly missed as I could always rely on them for support at any Laverda events being held during the fortnight.
Here are a couple of photos from happier times, the 70th celebration in 2019 at Jurby Day, with the pair of them only to pleased to engage with the public on the delights of Laverda ownership.
Ride on Andy, and hope some day to meet up again in another dimension.

 

[Laverdalothar]

I don't think I ever met him, but my thoughts go out to his wife and family. Very sad, indeed.

 

[78jotadave]

We are such a rare group I feel any Laverda rider has a kinship with me. RIP Andy, my condolences to his wife, family, and friends.

 

[breganzane]

Sad news, didn't know him well but obviously an enthusiast and top bloke. RIP and sympathies to his family and close friends.

 

[piranha-bro2]

Always sad to lose a friend or affiliate. We're all Laverda affiliates here, so my condolences to family and friends. Clearly a top human and will be much missed.

 

[Mel]

Very nice chap , we chatted about my GTL and the time it took to get his GTL sorted

 

[MALco56]

Very nice chap , we chatted about my GTL and the time it took to get his GTL sorted

I well remember doing all the chrome plating for his GTL, re enamelling the badges, and manufacturing his exhaust system....
I had to make sure it was perfect to pass his very keen eye for detail......

 

[Andy J]

Although a sad day, weather wise and for the obvious reason of saying good bye to a genuine Laverda enthusiast and all round good guy, I’m pleased to report Andy got the send off he deserved. I’m sure he would have been humbled at the number of family and friends that turned out to help celebrate a life well lived. Andy certainly didn’t do things at half-cock and it came through loud and clear from the words spoken and the photo memories taken over many years.
Some of Andy’s bikes took pride of place in the cavalcade that followed the hearse and it is an utter shame his life was cut short and he won’t be around to ride and enjoy them.
Benny has promised to continue as part of the Laverda community, which I’m sure is something Andy would have wanted, but undoubtedly there’s is going to be a massive void in her life that will be hard to fill.
However, with the continuing support of family and friends I’m sure she will some how manage to carry on enjoying life.

 

[Sir Sidney Ruffdiamond]

Sombre day and wet - good send off and part of it was the pictures of Andy and Bennie in their element - I found it cathartic that Andy’s Motodd was popping and banging like a goodun all the way to
The chapel particularly with Phil riding the 750 in front - May he rest in peace

 

[Andy J]

And said Motodd, which hadn't been ridden for awhile, and was no doubt already missing the attentions of its owner, ended up going back home in the 'van of shame'.

 

[MALco56]

Funeral Post as requested by Benny, Andy's wife....
As expected there was a full turnout for our late friend Andy, Benny had arranged an incredible send off for Andy.
The hearse was followed by 4 of Andy's Laverdas, including Phil Todd on Andy's 750...The Laverda world and ILOC being
represented by Phil Todd, Rob Bradbury, Keith Prentice, Ted Aves, Alan Rollo, Adam Sheriff, Andy Bartlett, Andy Jessopp and Glyn Reese and myself, and approx 50-60 bikes and 150+ people.
Such is the popularity of Andy, the chapel was over full, and with others standing outside and even the celebrant was close to tears on
a few occasions with the words spoken about Andy.
Benny arranged one of the most fitting and appropriate funerals to bid farewell to her husband, who will be missed by the Laverda World.....