John Wardell, Peveril MC&LCC chairman between 1984 and 1986, died on August 14 at the age of 72, following a brave fight with illness.

His first involvement with motorbikes was at around the age of nine in the late 1950s when he was the pint-sized mascot for the Peveril Aces display team, mounted on a hand-built mini bike.

John’s first event was less than one month after his 16th birthday in a scramble at Ballacallin (between Patrick and Glen Maye) where he finished all three heats on an experimental Triumph twin.

He rode trials on a Tiger Cub while working as an apprentice diesel engineer in Staffordshire. He had his own and brother Peter’s bikes in the UK, riding a trial most weekends.

The death of his father, Stanley (Peveril chairman 1960-1962) in December 1964 prompted John’s return to the island. He then rode scrambles at Ballacallin, Braaid and Knock Froy on a green Bultaco Metisse with considerable success for a few years.

He returned to trials on a Bultaco in the mid-70s, tackling the solo Manx Two-Day between 1976 and 1980, then on a sidecar with Haydn Glaister in 1983. He then observed every edition until last year.

John also remained involved through his sons Kez, Lee and Wayne, all of whom he taught to ride trials.

He had a hand in all four international trials (world rounds and Trial des Nations) hosted by Peveril MCC, acting as clerk of the works for the 1999 world round.

His last competitive event was the 100-mile trial of July 2012, which he finished.

John was a keen golfer in his late 40s, early 50s mostly at a social level with workmates, on the Pulrose course.

Always pleasant company, John enjoyed his trips to motorcycle trials throughout the British Isles with a close group of friends, but especially Portugal in 2002 when the GB team (Steve Colley and Dougie Lampkin included) won the Trial des Nations.

John and his party celebrated with the team, got showered in Champagne and were handed the trophy by Martin Lampkin.

He leaves a wife Ann, their three sons and six grandchildren. His funeral takes place today (Thursday) at Douglas Crematorium, 2.45pm.