Death of Derrick Clarke
By John Watson on 30th Oct 14
Motocross
Derrick Clarke left his role as managing director in the Electrical Engineering Company in Darlington and started Clarke's Motorcycles in 1976 and over the years built the business into one of the best and most respected dealers in the country, acquiring main dealerships for Cimati, KTM, Harley Davidson, Wassell, SWM, Aprilia, Fantic, Yamaha, Gas Gas and JCM.
DerrickDerrick Clarke of Clarkes Motorcycles, Yarm, died suddenly in the early hours of Monday, October 27. He was 83-years old.
Derrick (Clarkes Motorcycles) provided great support to many young – and old – riders over the years. To Jack Galloway in the 1979 Scott on a 200cc Fantic and also in the SSDT when Jack was part of the Fantic team with Spaniard Jamie Subira, and locally, Great Ayton's Richard Brown graced the East Yorks trials scene for many fruitful years under the Clarkes Motorcycle banner.
Always a great believer in the genuine, family run firm, in the mid-eighties, they gave Fantic full SSDT back up and eldest son Peter – now living in New Zealand – rode a Majesty in the Scott around that time.
Over the years, Derrick, and wife Connie, advised and encouraged many young riders at the beginning – and sometimes through – their trials careers, giving major support to the YMSA.
In 1989 Derrick sold the business to his younger trials riding son, David, and took to flying remote control aircraft in what was to be his final few years.
Very well known and respected through the biking scene and beyond, Derrick will be greatly missed by everyone. Above all, Derrick was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Our thoughts and sympathies go to wife Connie, sons Peter and David and also to grandchildren and great grandchildren.
No flowers by request, but donations in lieu to the Great North Air Ambulance.
A funeral service is scheduled for Monday (November 3) at 3.50pm at St Bedes Chapel, Middlesbrough Crematorium.
A funeral was scheduled for Monday (November 3) at 3.50pm at St Bedes Chapel, Middlesbrough Crematorium. Clarke of Clarkes Motorcycles, Yarm, died suddenly in the early hours of Monday, October 27. He was 83-years old.
Derrick left his managing director role in the Electrical Engineering Company in Darlington and started Clarkes Motorcycles in 1976 and over the years built the business into one of the best and most respected dealers in the country, acquiring main dealership's for Cimati, KTM, Harley Davidson, Wassell, SWM, Aprilia, Fantic, Yamaha, Gas Gas and JCM.
Derrick (Clarkes Motorcycles) provided great support to many young – and old – riders over the years. To Jack Galloway in the 1979 Scott on a 200cc Fantic and also in the SSDT when part of the Fantic team with Jamie Subira, and locally, Great Ayton's Richard Brown would grace the East Yorks trials scene for many fruitful years under the Clarkes Motorcycle banner.
Always a great believer in the genuine, family run firm, in the mid-eighties, they gave Fantic full SSDT back up and eldest son Peter – now living in New Zealand – rode a Majesty in the Scott around that time.
Over the years, Derrick, and wife Connie, advised and encouraged many young riders at the beginning – and sometimes through – their trials careers, giving major support to the Junior YMSA Six Day.
In 1989 Derrick sold the business to his younger trials riding son, David, and took to flying remote control aircraft in what was to be his final few years.
Very well known and respected through the biking scene and beyond, Derrick will be greatly missed by everyone. Above all, Derrick was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Our thoughts and sympathies go to wife Connie, sons Peter and David and also to grandchildren and great grandchildren.
No flowers by request, but donations in liew to the Great North Air Ambulance.
A funeral was scheduled for Monday (November 3) at 3.50pm at St Bedes Chapel, Middlesbrough Crematorium.
