AUSSIE VETERAN SPEEDWAY RIDER KEN TAYLOR PASSES

Ken Taylor pictured in the centre amongst speedway pals  Bill Jemison (L) and Allan Quinn during Veteran Speedway Riders Re Union at Banksia in Sydney Oct 1995. Photo courtesy Brian Darby

Tribute By Bill Powell.   (President Australian Speedway Riders Assoc)

 It is with a heavy heart that I solemnly report the sad news of the sudden and unexpected passing of long time ASRA Committee Member and good friend, Ken Taylor.

Ken passed away on Saturday, 11th December, from what appears to have been a heart attack whilst walking back along the beach after his early morning swim at Manyana, NSW. Ken was 77 years of age.

Ken, was a regular and very popular Sydney solo rider during the sixties. He commenced his motorcycle career with the Sydney Eastern Suburbs Motorcycle Club, where he adopted the “Clubman” spirit.

Ken on his restored J.A.P at Mulbring on a Vet’s day out in 1996. Photo courtesy Brian Darby

He was a staunch and passionate supporter of our Association. Ken, known to many as KT, was a hard worker, especially in fund raising for our Association. He was renowned for his enthusiastic raffle ticket sales at our Reunion functions, which earned him his nickname “Mr. Raffles”.

At his time of passing, Ken was still very active in fund raising by seeking advertising support for our Association.

KT always made himself and his beautifully restored solo machines available for display days, along with his speedway memorabilia – thus preserving the history of speedway for the public to enjoy.

I feel privileged to have known Ken for many years and both Val and I feel honoured that he was a very loyal and supportive friend.

Our sympathy and thoughts are with Kay his wife, and family, also his many friends here in Australia, and overseas.

RIP – KT