August 30 2013.
Bert Thorn, well known for his many years as sales director of Comerfords, Thames Ditton, sadly passed away on Sunday 25th August 2013 after a short illness - just shy of his 90th birthday. Bert started working for Comerfords as a 14 year-old and continued through to his retirement at 63. Other than two years national service in the Fleet Air Arm, Comerfords was his only employment and he lived just a mile away with his late wife Iris and two daughters Angela and Linda. He was always ready for the everyday challenge of selling motorcycles. On one Saturday Bert and his team sold just fewer than 100 bikes in one day - how things have changed!
He enjoyed a good bit of banter with top trade people like Eric Sulley from Honda, Peter Agg and Maurice Knight at Lambretta and then when they were with Suzuki. On most Sundays he would ride in local trials on a variety of bikes and for many years in the 50's and 60's he rode the Scottish Six Days Trial, finishing each time.
When Comerfords became sole importers of Bultaco, Bert and Iris covered many miles supporting riders like Malcolm Rathmell, Martin Lampkin and Bernie Schreiber in the trials team and Vic Allan and Ivan Miller on the motocross side.
After retirement he stayed involved in the motorcycle fraternity, still going to Fort William every May for the SSDT.
After Iris passed away in 1999 Bert spent many hours working on his allotment and as much time as possible with his four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Bert will be sadly missed by many.
A cremation will take place at Randalls Park Crematorium, Randalls Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 0AG at 11.00am on Friday the 6th of September 2013.
All are welcome to the service and to join the family for refreshment at Imber Court Sports Club, Ember Lane, East Molesey, KT8 0BT
For more information, call Roger or Angela Davy on 02083986947 or Linda Beamish on 02083986277.
Pictured: Two rows of R-reg Suzukis. (L-R) Bert with salesmen Bob Prendergast and Stuart Miller - now CI Sport MD