Southern 100 Racing are saddened to learn of the passing of one of its stalwarts and friend of the races for sixty-five years, Des Evans who left us on 12th December 2024, after battling with illness over the last few months.
Des raced at the Southern 100 between 1959 and 1967, before taking up Travelling Marshal duties in 1971, which he continued through to the end of 2002, when he vacated the bike saddle for a Steward’s seat (2003), which he occupied until the end of 2022. Des was also Riders Liaison and Welfare Officer between 1984 and 2000.
Away from the ‘friendly races’ Des Evans was involved with the Manx Motor Cycle Club as a senior official at the ‘Manx’ and the TT, as well as a previous competitor.
Always cheerful and smiling Des was always willing to chat and pass on his experiences and advice, when asked, his presence at Billown will be sorely missed by the vacuum left, but the fond memories will remain in our hearts and minds for ever.
With his wife Wyn, they were an inseparable team for nearly sixty years, looking after the welfare of competitors, and officials at Billown, the Snaefell Mountain Course and Jurby Road and Aerodrome for which all involved with the Southern 100 are extremely indebted. Rest in Peace Des, thank you for your friendship and kindness over the six decades and more.
May the compassion shown by Des and Wyn over their years of service to road racing in the Isle of Man and further afield be returned to Wyn and family at this incredibly sad time.