Clem - Rest in Peace

I was out yesterday evening participating in the annual IOM small bore rifle winter league. The match took place at the indoor range at the Sulby Hotel, a venue Clem knew well.
Many of you may know Clem claimed to be a direct descendant of Buffalo Bill, a famed marksman, and we had a long standing friendly, but unresolved dispute over who was the better shot.
With this is mind I dedicated Laxey’s win last night in honour of the UFB, and I was very conscious I had to perform well. I’m glad to say I just about managed to uphold his high standards with the joint top score.
 
I have known Clem for 50 years, he was always helpful and kind to anyone who needed help with their Laverda. We had some good rides together and he was always enjoyable company.
The Laverda world is very small, he was a real stalwart and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. R.I.P my friend.
 
I spoke to him a few times when he was getting my bike a dating certificate. He also came to my house to buy my TS fairing and panels as he had knocked TOG over and needed the blue screen. He was so nice and friendly, sat and had a coffee and chatted about my bikes. He wanted to take my unrestored garage find A65 BSA home with him as he said it would look better in his garage. He also said I would never get it running. Well I did about a year ago, and it was always something that I would get round to sending him a video of it running one day. RIP Clem
 
I’ve had an email from Tom about his dad and he told me he’d been out doing a bit of shopping. He went in the sidecar as the car is still up on jacks following some maintenance that Clem had undertaken. He’d only recently felt fit enough to do this work. It seems that he’d got home, parked up the sidecar and was on his way back into the house with the shopping. Although he can’t be sure, Tom thinks he may have been trying to get his boots off when he fell. He says it could be a bit of a palava with his swollen feet. I’ve witnessed myself his struggles and also I think quite a few of us have seen how unsteady he was on his feet in the last few years, so it may very well have been something as simple as that led to his fatal fall.
If this is what happened, and of course Clem wasn’t able to explain what had happened, it makes the accident even more tragic. However, I think it is probably a salutary lesson for all of us to make damn sure we take more care of ourselves as we get older as something similar could happen to any of us at anytime; especially if we don’t take some simple precautions like sitting down to do certain ‘everyday’ tasks.
I even went out, as result of this explanation, and cleared a load of slippery moss from a couple of paths around the house that I had neglected to do until now. I’ve also moved a few other trip hazards and will seriously think about chucking some dodgy step ladders etc that I have been using in a cavalier fashion for far too long. It’s a dangerous enough world without us creating our own additional hazards. So be careful and we all might live a bit longer!!!
 
We added a Shower handrail for my Mum years ago, guess who now finds it indispensable. I once caught my frail 80-year-old Uncle up a ladder, cleaning out his gutters. We are our own worst enemies. Thanks, Andy, I wondered about Accident but didnt want to ask. It's been a week, and he used to post a lot at a certain time; it's a gaping hole in the forum now.
 
I never met Clem face to face but considered him a friend through interactions on this forum and the occasional PM and email. My impression of him is that he was a true gentleman, always ready to help others. Like so many others on this forum, I'm also saddened by the loss of a good man.
Lately I've been considering another trip to UK and Europe before I get too old and decrepit to enjoy it. Catching up with Clem was something I'd have liked to arrange.
 
Andy J said:
I’ve had an email from Tom about his dad and he told me he’d been out doing a bit of shopping. He went in the sidecar as the car is still up on jacks following some maintenance that Clem had undertaken. He’d only recently felt fit enough to do this work. It seems that he’d got home, parked up the sidecar and was on his way back into the house with the shopping. Although he can’t be sure, Tom thinks he may have been trying to get his boots off when he fell. He says it could be a bit of a palava with his swollen feet. I’ve witnessed myself his struggles and also I think quite a few of us have seen how unsteady he was on his feet in the last few years, so it may very well have been something as simple as that led to his fatal fall.
If this is what happened, and of course Clem wasn’t able to explain what had happened, it makes the accident even more tragic. However, I think it is probably a salutary lesson for all of us to make damn sure we take more care of ourselves as we get older as something similar could happen to any of us at anytime; especially if we don’t take some simple precautions like sitting down to do certain ‘everyday’ tasks.
I even went out, as result of this explanation, and cleared a load of slippery moss from a couple of paths around the house that I had neglected to do until now. I’ve also moved a few other trip hazards and will seriously think about chucking some dodgy step ladders etc that I have been using in a cavalier fashion for far too long. It’s a dangerous enough world without us creating our own additional hazards. So be careful and we all might live a bit longer!!!
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Falls are the leading cause of injuries or death to people over 65 in Canada, so probably every where else as well. I'm 77 and I'm super careful the last few years, especially with the winters we get here in Calgary. Those Panther like reflexes I used to have (I like to think) are long gone. RIP Clem.
 
Oh no! Only saw this now. Terrible news, Clem was an absolute gent! He'll be missed across the Laverda world. Always ready to help anyone, I fondly remember a day out to Duxford and surrounds with him when Chris and I had a spare day between flights through London, as well as catching up at various meetings. RIP...
 
Rest In Considerable Noise from Laverda engines and numbers flying round your head mate!
It won't be Peace I am sure but noise in the nicest way.
You will be missed,

Julian
 
Very sad to hear this news. Like a lot of others here I never met Clem personally but I did know of him through the forum and I do remember seeing him (and hearing him) in person a couple of times at the ILOC AGM.
Rest in peace to a Laverda stalwart.
 
Before his shocking demise, Clem had organised a Ladies night meal on 11 December. This was "to show appreciation of our ladies for the year of helping us enjoy our beloved bikes."
The venue had been booked, 11 couples confirmed attendance, paid for their meal and some booked a local hotel for the overnight stay. It was agreed that the event should go ahead with the added poignancy of it being an opportunity to raise a glass of champagne in Clem's memory.
This was done, along with some words from Nick Davies to mark the occasion. Clem had also organised a wonderful memento for the ladies too. Quite an emotional occasion for us all.

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(photos taken before the arrival of Dave & Yuki - apologies!)
 
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Rob said:
Before his shocking demise, Clem had organised a Ladies night meal on 11 December. This was "to show appreciation of our ladies for the year of helping us enjoy our beloved bikes."
The venue had been booked, 11 couples confirmed attendance, paid for their meal and some booked a local hotel for the overnight stay. It was agreed that the event should go ahead with the added poignancy of it being an opportunity to raise a glass of champagne in Clem's memory.
This was done, along with some words from Nick Davies to mark the occasion. Clem had also organised a wonderful memento for the ladies too. Quite an emotional occasion for us all.

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(photos taken before the arrival of Dave & Yuki - apologies!)
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A fitting tribute to Clem and a pleasure to meet you all.
Paul
 
I first met Clem back in 1979 when I had my first Laverda Montjuic. I didn't know him well, but he was regularly at the ILOC meetings I attended in the 80s, and we first chatted a bit when he helped me find suitable contacts.
I think I have to blame Clem for introducing me to the unique Malcolm Cox. :ROFLMAO:
I really didn't know him well, but I have to say his presence in the world of Laverda is far greater than a few words can convey in a post.
He always seemed to be living life to the full, had plenty of friends, was respected in what he did and always had a smile.
I think in the game of life - that's a significant win.
So long Clem - see you on the other side.
 
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