Kevin Robertson

20 January 1937 to 15 July 2024

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Kevin Robertson on 15th July 2024 after a short illness and the after effects of radiation treatment. The attendance and eulogies at hisMemorial Service are a testament to Kevin's standing in the community. Amongst the Velocette family, Kevin will always be remembered for his generosity, his humility and quiet competence and his warm and friendly manner. Kevin was a good listener and always gave thoughtful feedback. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his wife Pam, married for 63 years, his sons David, James and Andrew, their spouses Nikki, Jane and Riana and three grandchildren Serena, Victoria and Jonathan. There is no better way to end this message than by including a fitting tribute to Kevin by another Velocette stalwart.

A Tribute to Kevin Robertson - by Roland Nance-Kivell

Kevin grew up in Pretoria where he matriculated from Pretoria Boys High before entering an apprenticeship as Millwright with Iscor Pretoria. He was awarded a bursary and graduated from Wits University with a BScElect.

It was during this time he joined the Olympic Motorcycle Club in Pretoria, the start of his love for motorcycling. He was involved with many of their activities including construction of a dirt track out at Kameeldrif. This was short lived as the locals complained about the noise especially on a Sunday. Then an abandoned ex-army armoured vehicle test track near Cullinan was found to be ideal for club racing and many a pleasant racing weekend took place there. Standing quarter and flying quarter events took place on the main road to Warmbaths near Pienaarsriver just after sunup on a Sunday morning. In those days the road was deserted until about 7am.

About this time Kevin became involved in Speedway racing and did very well. Sadly, a collision on the track resulted in a back injury and he had to give up speedway racing.

Kevin was involved initially with the Iscor Newcastle project, progressing to a senior position in management. During his period there he was very involved in building up the existing golf club where he served as captain several times. He remained a keen golfer and after retiring enjoyed a regular weekly four ball with friends.

It was soon after his stay at Newcastle he was tasked with representing Iscor in the formation of Macsteel, a large organisation involved with local and international supply of rolled steel product. Here he met up with Allan Birch who was the commissioning engineer of the new equipment supplied for the new Macsteel project. They became firm friends, enjoying initially classic car rallies in Kevins MGTC and many classic bike events. Kevin recalled one car rally where they had done very well and Allan was pestered by one or two asking what their magic formula was. He rather bluntly answered you take a pencil and paper and apply common sense.

Kevin was a Velocette enthusiast, his knowledge of the marque was extensive. He was a member of the Velo UK and Australia Owners Clubs. He was secretary of the RSA Velo club as well as the Fellowship of Veteran Motor cyclists. He was never too busy to answer any questions. He was an accomplished rallyist, winning many and always prepared to put back into the sport. He organised the DJ rally four times. He was a fan of the Thousand Bike show and was involved with the Velocette stand at these shows winning best stand a number of times. The annual Velocette Reunion was a super family event enjoyed for many years.

To Pam who supported Kevin so much in all his motorcycling activities and his family we extend our deepest sympathies. The world is poorer for his passing.