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It is with deep regret that we mourn the passing of Paul Yull.
Paul died doing something we all love, riding his motorcycle. He was a well respected member of Ixion, with many noticable postings and trip reports, as well as the author of an excellent guide to motorcycle touring: Paul's Touring FAQ. Some of his exploits were reported in: Paul and Marvin's Excellent Adventure.
His funeral was held on Friday 29 May 1998 at 10:20. As a gesture of respect, only mail dedicated to the memory of Paul was allowed through Ixion between 10:00 and 14:00. Some of these tributes are reprinted below:
From: Martin Bennett I kept reading for the joke. It didn't appear. This is the first biker I've 'known' who has lost their life doing what they enjoy most. It is not a feeling I wish to repeat. Please pass on my deepest sympathies to all concerned. martin
From: David Lippett Jeff, I'm bitterly and deeply shocked. I only met Paul a couple of times, and he was a good bloke. I know he was good friend of yourself and Marvin and various others on Ixion. Please pass on my deepest condolences and sympathies to his girlfriend, family and friends. If there is anything that can be done to help in some way, please let me know. God's Speed Paul. yours in sadness, Dave Lippett.
From: Hoddyz >I am very sorry to have to tell the list that Paul was killed last night >riding home from Sherburn. What is there to say at a time like this? Us cowards fall back on quotes: "What will be will be, and what is written cannot be erased. But let it also be written that I grieve, too." Hoddy LAM
From: marvin Thanks for 'phoning, Jeff. <meta http-equiv="speechless" content="30-at-least"> The last time I was with Paul was last Thursday, 14th May, 1998. Paul, Jeff and I took a run out of an evening in the newly arrived sunshine. The summer was back and we had a fine blast taking in Ripon, Masham, Leyburn, Hawes, Buckden, Kettlewell and Threshfield. A riproaring time was had by all and, after a fag, Paul followed me back to Leeds to get onto the M62 for home while Jeff made his own way. I last saw him in my mirrors as we waved and went our separate ways at the junction of the A6120 Leeds Ring Road and A65 Skipton Road. If I hadn't done the committee meeting at WYAM I would've been at Sherbert and I'd've had that last chance to take the piss and have the piss taken in return. >From what Jeff says, he died instantly and wouldn't have known very much about it all. I believe he's gone on to better things and will be having a whale of a whale of a time on the great twisties in the sky. So WTF am I crying? I'm feeling sorry for myself because I lost a good mate. I'm feeling sorry for myself because I'll not get the chance to stuff him up the outside on an Alpine hairpin again. I'll never hear those pipes rattle the windows in a French farmhouse and I'll never do so many other things with that man I admired greatly. If anyone's got a copy of "Paul and Marvin's Excellent Adventure" from last summer, would you mail me a copy, please, 'cos that was the cementing of a friendship like few others I will ever know. Needless to say, I'll be at the funeral and if anyone wants crash (oops!) space, you're welcome at my building site. -- marvin
From: Nick Davies I never met Paul, and never corresponded with him either. I read the account of his trip through France, and laughed out loud. It made me forget why I was reading it. Based just on that second- hand acquaintance, I guess Paul was a guy with a lot of life in him. I wish I had known him. My sincere sympathies to his nearest and dearest on their loss. Nick Davies
From: Jeremy Sagar I've broken this sort of bad news to more people than I can remember, but my experience doesn't help one bit when it's someone I know. I can think of nothing to say. Ride free from GATSO's and police Paul.
From: Richard Bowles . . . words fail me, for once. My memories of Paul will always been the sound and sight of the Daytona going around the twisties in Yorkshire and Normandy. A pleasant evening in a little bar in Yvetot. His gruff but warm northern voice. -- Flossie the fluffy sheep .sig suspended. PY. We'll miss you. ... If you know, you're a genius. If you answer, you're awesome.
From: Ben Lovejoy There isn't really anything one can say at a time like this without sound like a cliche, but I really am sorry, mate. Ben
From: Peter Marshall My deepest condolences to his family and friends. I know its a cliche but words really do fail me.
From: Moj As a few others have said, I'm speechless, shocked and deeply saddened by that bit of news. My deepest condolences to all those who were close to him. Like Martin, I spent a minute looking for the joke Jeff, but as it didn't come, then I felt that nasty twisty gut feeling hit me. :0| > Yours in deep sadness... you know the rest. :0(
From: Gary Dickson I never met Paul, however, I read of his tales on this list and it comes as a shock to hear such news. Immediately thoughts spring to how? why? but of course none of this matters. My deepest sympathy to yourself, his family and friends.
From: steve parker I never got the chance to meet Paul, But now I never will, my condolences to all Stevie P
From: Simes (Simon Atkinson) I only met Paul once. He was a good chap. I too read this message with a deepening sence of horror and realisation as the enormity of the tragedy slowly dawned. I know it will mean little to those suffering deeply at the moment, but please pass on my very sincere condolances and deepest sympathy. I know it sounds trite, but I really mean it. There, but for the grace of God, go all of us. Simon.
From: Jeff Wain Please excuse the general reply, too many very caring Ixies to reply to individually, but marvin, Jane, Richard and I went to see Sheridan yesterday afternoon and passed on the many messages from you all. She is bearing up well in the circumstances but nothing will ever make up for her loss particularly as it now seems that it was the other guys fault and if he recovers the police are looking at prosecuting him went all the picture is pieced together. The funeral is looking still like Friday but it will be midweek before this is confirmed. Sheridan is very happy with the idea of Ixies attending so come if U can/want. marvin will stay here overnight on Thurs as can anyone else who wants so please declare your intentions as soon as poss. It would be better not to attend the actual funeral on a bike or bikegear in deference to his parents. If U come on a bike here marvin & I should have enough car spaces to cover and bring a change of gear. Am intending to visit the actual site this week, feel a strong need to see where he died and touch the place, if U feel the same let me know. Still cannot get this matter out of my mind all the day/night and Jesus I miss him! Jeff
From: Chris Paine
Like everybody else I was stunned when I came in to work on Tuesday and
saw the news about Paul. I'd met Paul a couple of times, at Cadwell and
at the karting do, and he was a really friendly and nice bloke. I'd
have liked to get to know him better, now I'll never have the chance.
My deepest condolences to his girlfriend, family and friends.
Here is something that Paul posted to the list last year:
Re: Crossing White Lines - Legality Question
Chris Paine
From: David Green I've just caught up with my mail... I've never met Paul, but his Ixion banter is very familiar to me and I will miss his contributions and general chat. My condolences to his SO and family. Lets be careful out there people - this sort'a thing is horrible for all concerned. Very saddened, David Green
From: Mike Webster Oh dear, Well if my memory serves me right I owe Paul a lift or two to the pub. Damn, that's one debt I can't repay. Condolences to all who knew him Regards MikeW
From: Ged Martin I didn't believe it, still don't really. So, what can I say? I met Paul a couple of times, and for all the pissing off we did of each other on Ixion, I thought he was an alright bloke. It's ridiculous I know, but it's a strange feeling knowing that someone you've met - and hoped to meet again - is dead. I was going to be trite and say "no longer with us", but the fact is he's dead. I still don't believe it. ... I still don't believe it. RIP Paul. Ged
From: Mike FlemingDee and I are shocked and saddened to hear this. My condolences to Sheridan and his family and friends. Now we'll never get the four Daytona 900s together :( -- Mike Fleming
From: Si My deepest sympathies to Paul's family and friends. Being one who never met him, I enjoyed his comments to the list and know he was a good man. Very saddening to hear.
From: Nick BrutonMy sincere condolences to all. I'm lost for words. Nick
From: Mr. J.S. Greystrong I don't know what to say either. I met Paul twice, once for a very pleasant ride round Yorkshire and secondly at Cadwell. Both times he went out of his way to make me feel very welcome. I now find myself staring out of the window at the bike and wondering if it's worth it. My condolences to all those touched by this. John
From: John W. List what a deep shock. I cant say anything that hasnt already been said. I never met Paul, but like most of us southerners I read his posts, and of his exploits. My condolences to those he left behind. John W. List
From: Richard Moore Dear all I'm back at work and at my PC again; before catching up on the digests I wanted to talk about Paul. Late Friday afternoon I was in the back yard fettling the bike when Jeff rang to say that Paul had been killed on the way back from Sherburn the previous evening. I sort of half took in what he was saying and went back into the yard in a daze. I first met Paul when Ixies started meeting at Sherburn, which would I suppose have been early last year. When the suggestion was made it turned out that we'd been going separately and not actually met. Soon we had a regular Thursday night crew of Paul, marvin, Jeff, Dominic and myself. I'd been a bit sporadic of late; last Thursday was only my second consecutive week back after a gap of a couple of months. A pleasant, warm evening with room to sit outside, as I recall, bikes came and went, Jeff came on the GSX with his odd but effective extra light on the front, Dominic returned on the Bandit, I asked him when he was getting it re- sprayed, he and Paul "criticised" his current employer for whom Paul used to work, Paul looked agape at my matt black paint job and told me I'd double the bike's value by filling it with petrol; I told him his flip up screen made his yellow Daytona look like a duck. I left to go home just before eight. The others hung on for a while then went their separate ways. We just didn't know that one of those ways was about to end. Cheers Paul Richard
From: Steven Birring I never got to meet Paul, but would like to offer my deepest sympathies to Family and Friends Steven B
From: Hoddyz >Bearing in mind earlier comments about the language of our initial >expressions of shock, perhaps we might ensure we phrase all Friday's >messages in a form suitable for consumption by his family? Too fuckin' right! ;-) Do you remember Graham Chapman's (ISTR) funeral - the one from Python? When Eric Idle closed it with "I'd like to be the last one to say 'cunt' at this service?". That's the way I'd like to be remembered - loadsalaffs - but tastes do vary. H
From: Tony Keane I don't post much these days but paul deserves a special mention. Like most people on Ixion, I 'met' Paul by way of an 'argument'. We soon had an off list banter going though and I knew he was a good bloke, especially after Cadwell where we met with big smiles and a handshake. Both he and Marvin were a good laugh at karting and it's a shame we won't now see him at Cadwell. In a selfish way, at least now we're friends and he can watch out for me at Oulton Park this weekend :-) Jeff/Marvin, I know it's extra pressure and don't feel obliged but myself and I dare say others that knew him would be happy to donate anything for a wreath or some tribute. BonzoDog
From: Graham Arnold I don't really know what to say. I only met Paul the once, at karting last year. His loss is tragic and my thoughts go out to his family and friends. Graham A.
From: James Gillespie
I talked to Jeff on Friday and I thought I was coming to terms
with it over the weekend, but coming back to the list this morning I'm
sitting here crying into my keyboard :-( I knew Paul fairly well and I
liked him. He was very helpful to me and I'm sure I still owe him a
beer or two.
...
Jim
From: Paul M Hounslow > I cant say anything that hasnt already been said. > I never met Paul, but like most of us southerners I read his posts, > and of his exploits. My condolences to those he left behind. Well, I've been sitting here for a while trying to work out what to say (if anything), and John has just posted it. Much better than I could too... -- Paul Hounslow
From: David Campion I just got the news of Paul Yull's death. Even though I'd never met the man, I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of his death. My condolences to all his family, girlfriend and friends.
From: Jane Turner I know it's all been said before, but you know.... Like everyone else, I'm deeply saddened by the news about Paul. My sympathy goes out to Paul's family and to Sheridan - what she's going through doesn't bear thinking about. I don't know what happens after we're done here, but I think we can safely say that wherever Paul is now, he's still a loud, jovial, irreverent piss-taking git; and we wouldn't have had him any other way. I'll remember him best sitting in Squires one damp afternoon, downing endless cups of tea, trading tall stories and insults, and laughing a lot. Ride free, Paul - you will not be forgotten. Jane
From: Diane L Brown Darren Irvine said: >I don't really know what to say, since I never met Paul. However - even >knowing someone through as tentative a medium as this mailing list is >enough for their death to induce a deep general feeling of shittiness. I'm a lot behind with my digests and was very saddened to read about Paul's death and concurr entirely with Darren's sentiment. My condolences to his family and friends. Diane
From: Bruce G. A. Grove Having been digesting lately I was just catching up when I read this, having spoken to Paul a few times I was looking forward to actually meeting him one day, I guess that's not going to happen now. I have a kind of sick feeling inside right now and I suspect this is going to fuck my whole day up. My condolences to his friends and family. Bruce
From: Rob Bartlett I've just been catching up on the digests due to complete overload at work last week, so I only just picked up on this depressing piece of news. I met Paul just the once at Cadwell last year, but have had a number of dialoges with him via the list and would like to add my name to the list of those expressing condolences. ... Regrets, Rob
From: Crispin Driver I was just settling down to catch up with the latest postings, and was completely knocked flat by the tragic news about Paul. What can I say? Like so many on the list, I felt that I knew Paul well, although I only had the good fortune to meet him once, and then briefly. The sense of shock, emptiness and "why?" always seems acute when someone you feel you know well dies in such tragic circumstances, especially one so full of life as Paul. Jeff, please pass on my deepest condolences to his family and girlfriend.
From: Graeme Brown What a time to come back to Ixion. I only knew Paul through email, but he felt like a friend to me. >I now find myself staring out of the window at the bike and wondering >if it's worth it. I know what you mean - I didn't want to take the bike to work today, but I did, because otherwise I might never have got on one again. I had the same thing 3 months ago, when a friend had an accident and his pillion was killed. But, I've been rallying for 10 years, and I've always said to Anna and my family - I don't want to die, but if I do doing this, at least I went doing something I loved. I have a similar attitude to bikes, and maybe Paul felt the same. Sorry for rambling - my head's fucked up just now, between excitement at getting my Fazer tomorrow (my first brand new bike) and shock at Paul's death. The two emotions just don't go well together. Graeme
From: Michael Wilkes Just got back after the bank holiday, and spending yesterday on the track. On an emotional high. See the mail from Marvin about a Paul Yull Fund, and think to self, 'Do I know this person?' A few more seconds of thought, and I realise that I do indirectly. I had exchanged some email with him in making arrangements for Ixie does France. I was really looking forward to meeting him, and spending a wild week in France, but obviously I will not have that opportunity now. My sincerest condolences to family and friends.
From: Dave I never met Paul or any other ixies (knowingly), and have only been lurking for a short while. However, for what it's worth may I add my heartfelt condolences to all who are suffering at present, I know how it feels, and even as a complete stranger it was shocking to hear the news. Dave
From: Buzz Not a lot to add, I never met Paul in real life but his presence on the list will be missed, condolences to his family and friends. -- Buzz
From: E W Merrygold I like many others on the list only new Paul through the list and from Ixion@Cadwell and in true monty python style I'd just like to say, fuck. I can't make it to the funeral due to a crash of my own, but I will think of him and hold a minutes silence on Friday. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Fellow Ixies Be very careful out there this summer, I don't like to see posts like that. I've noticed accidents happening with alarming regularity to people on the list, myself, Nigel, Doc Sarah and many more. .... Sorry about the wibble and swearing, I've just had too many friends have serious accidents this year and life doesn't seem quite fair this year. Good bye Paul and say hi to Amanda from me and Nigel!
From: Gene R. Rankin Never met Paul except via this medium, but he was a man of wit & intelligence. I think he would have appreciated that the lights went out in Yorkshire with his passing. -Gene
From: Garry Higgins I only knew Paul through his incisive postings on Ixion. I cannot find words adequate to express my deepest sympathies to his family and close friends who will remember him in their own way.
From: Daniel Quick Just re-read the "Excellent Adventures" Brought a tear to the eye :-( My thought's are with you, and Pauls family, for a mate lost. Safe Riding Daniel Quick
From: Roger Dunham I've been trying to think of something to say about this tragic accident. I'd never met Paul, and have only recently joined the list so I barely new him via email. Nonetheless, the news of his death saddened me greatly. Please send my condolences to his family and friends. Roger -- Roger Dunham
From: Peter A Robinson Oh no. I've been off Ixion for a while. I've just resubscribed, and found out about Paul's death. I didn't know him very well - I'd only been out for a ride with him once or twice - but I'm deeply saddened by the news. peter
From: Ian Ellison I am very sorry to hear that; my condolences to all touched by this tragedy. Ian Ellison
From: Craig Newman Hi All, I read the digest and was gobsmacked to read that Paul was no more, although I never met him I'm sure that sooner or later, living in the same part of the world I would have done, although fate in the way of punctures etc managed to contrive that I never did make it to a do where he was. There really isn't much I can say that hasn't already been said, I'm at something of a loss as to what to say.
From: Darren Irvine I don't really know what to say, since I never met Paul. However - even knowing someone through as tentative a medium as this mailing list is enough for their death to induce a deep general feeling of shittiness.
From: Floyd >I don't really know what to say, since I never met Paul. However - even >knowing someone through as tentative a medium as this mailing list is >enough for their death to induce a deep general feeling of shittiness. Cheers Darren, I never met Paul either, and didn't really know what to type, but your comments seemed the most apt.........
From: Andy Bryant I've just got back from a week-long trip on the bike ... I was just about to say how good it felt to have ridden all around England and Wales, to have bumped into Simon Batey by chance at his local bike shop (cheers mate, for showing me the excellent roads down there), and so on Then I read the news about Paul. I'm stunned, don't know what to say. I wasn't exactly a close friend but each time we met we had a good laugh and a chat. On my way past Goole, to and from Cadwell or wherever, I would call in to say hi. Cannot say any more ... I have just sat here thinking, gobsmacked, until the screensaver cut in and reminded me there's little point in typing any more - I'm spending more time thinking sad sorry thoughts than typing. Deepest sympathy to Sheridan and Paul's family. Andy B Aberdeen
From: S.C.Rogers Hi, Just read the digest - what an awful, unexpected, shitty thing to happen. Like some other ixies, I'd never met Paul but it's sickening all the same. My heart goes out to Sheridan and his family who have got a hard period of adjustment. They will probably need a lot of support, not just now or in the next month, but over the next few years too. Life can certainly deal some unexpected and shit hands of cards sometimes. ... Best wishes, Sue
From: Mike Banks I was a close friend of Paul's for 14 years, but had a "falling out" 18 months ago and had not seen him during that time. On Saturday the 16th of May I was in Hull buying a new leather jacket. Paul came in while I was still there and we talked for quite a while and promised to get back in touch. He gave me his email address and details of Ixion. As I now live in London and don't go to Hull very often, so I thank fate that I met him again before that awful day. I will be at the funeral on Friday with my brother and will hope to meet some of you who have posted messages about Paul. At this moment I am too upset to write much about him but will try to do some writing about him in the near future (complete with pictures from some of our tours together). Mike Banks.
Mike Banks also wrote Paul Yull : Some highlights of a Friendship.
From: Simon Oliver Driving back from a vist to my parents in Durham last night, I passed the sign for Sherbun from the A1. I smiled at the thought that there are people I know in an area of the country I rarely visit. I thought about Paul and the other Ixies in the Sherbun area last night whilst driving the A1. It was a brief thought, and accompanied with a smile. I've met Paul several times ... Seeing the message header amongst 200 messages from the list I opened up the thread first. The rest you know because we've all felt it. It's enough for me that I smiled last night on my way home. It's indicative of the camaraderie and companionship this list offers. A testament to the memory of a fine bloke that I'll hold with me each and everytime I pass that sign on the A1. In the interim forgive me while the smiles are mixed with tears.
From: Graham Arnold Sol said : > > Driving back from a vist to my parents in Durham last night, I passed the > sign for Sherbun from the A1. I smiled at the thought that there are > people I know in an area of the country I rarely visit. > I thought about Paul and the other Ixies in the Sherbun area last night > whilst driving the A1. It was a brief thought, and accompanied with a smile. > I felt the same on Thursday evening. We were driving up to Harrogate to see the SO's parents for the weekend when I too saw the Sherburn sign and thought I know some ixies who meet there. Then on Sunday we were out mountain biking in the North York Moors and stopped on the way home at Helmsley to find the market square is the Box hill of the North, only better. 60 or so Motorcyclists sat out in the sun, catching the rays, drinking tea and eating fish and chips. And the route from Easingwold to Helmsley looked the perfect road - twisty enough, wide enough and a decent surface. Graham A.
From: Adam Curtin I, and I'm sure other ixies, have had the experience of riding along, closing your eyes to blink ... and opening your eyes to find the road replaced by hospital ceiling. Where did the road go? What happened in those five minutes which I'll never remember? I don't have any spiritual beliefs, but at times like this I hope I'm wrong, and that Paul has just done one of those "long blinks". Who can imagine the scene before him when he opens his eyes? The experience of being knocked out has reassured me that, should I go that way, I won't know anything about it. But it has also changed my perspective, so that now I ride safe not for myself, but to spare those who care about me the suffering which I know Paul's friends and family are now enduring. We should be consoled that Paul died riding, and without suffering. A dozen people die every day on our roads - I keep checking the news headlines, but they never mention it. All that matters, all that remains of these lost souls is the bereavement, the grief, and the happy memories living on in friends and family. The grief will fade in time and the happy memories will remain, and that's the way it should be. The members of Ixion, even those like myself who didn't know Paul well, are genuinely upset by this tragic event, because he was one of us. The cameraderie of motorcyclists is as important to me as the riding itself, and I'm proud to be 'one of us' too. It's at times like this that friends really matter, and I hope it's some small comfort to Paul's family to know that Paul had a lot of friends who will all miss him. Paul's friends and family are now suffering the most terrible pain of all. We can all imagine the loss of a loved one: the imagined loss is painful enough, yet I'm sure the reality is far worse still. I can only extend my deepest sympathy at this awful time. Everyone deals with grief in their own way, and my way is to indulge in long, rambling and incoherent introspection. I hope no-one minds too much. Rest in peace Paul, Adam.
From: Moj My sympathies go humbly to Paul's closest. Paul is really the first biker I've known to any extent to loose his life doing what he loved and the news really shocked me. John Greystrong's comment about wondering if it's really worth it strikes a cord right now. Maybe we all get complacent about the risks we take but none so much as a newbie I guess. :0/ For my part I will miss Paul's sarcastic comments and comic attempts to worry me about both our sexuality's! I'll also miss his bounding enthusiasm for biking and touring, had I had a clue what part of the world I'd be in this summer, I'd have been touring with Paul and Marvin too. :0) His presence will be missed in this strange new world, where geography, status and a lot of other things that society deems essential, don't matter and where intelligence, wit and good humour are all. I do hope we go on to bigger and better things, I'd love to think Paul is riding round free and happy now, in the sun with all of 'em gaggin' for it! I guess I'll only know when I join him one day. :0) Until then, farewell Paul! Hoping you're riding free! Moj
From: keewei I've only met Paul a handful of times, Ixion@Cadwell97 was the first time I met Paul and was immediately struck by the warmth of the person under that gruff Northern Ferret Fancier exterior. I have many memories of Paul, either from talking in person or by exchange of emails, but two main events stand out in my mind. He and Jeff kept us all in stitches at IxionDoesMadTrax where they were at it hammer and tongs on the track, Paul winning the award for TheMostObviousFalseStarts of the day. Jeff had to resort to pushing him off the track to win. It was all in good fun and Paul was always in the centre of things, goading, taking the mickey, just having a laugh...enjoying life. The other main memory I have of Paul is at the IxiDoesKarting event where the Soft Southerners took on the Rufty-tufty Northerners. Jeff had volunteered him into the NFF team without him knowing, but it didn't take much pursuasion for him to come down to London to show us southerners a thing or two. 'cos I was organising, I didn't spent much socialising, but Paul took time out thoughout the evening to pass the time of day with me, so I didn't feel too left out. :-) Oh yes, he was also a contender for TheMostObviousFalseStart of the day there too ! The Northerners won that event, but he was magnanimous in victory...NOT! But that was just part of the gentle ribbing that always accompanied him wherever he went. I'd repeat what he said about the Southern Ixi team, but this is a swear-free digest today :-) I never made any EuroTours with him, but I read the reports avidly, with a great grin on my face, envious of Paul and marvin's adventures in foreign climes. I could almost have been there. That's why so many of us on Ixion who have never met him, or only met him a few times, feel we have lost a close member of our community. We all share our experiences to such an extent, that even though physically absent, we are there in spirit, sharing those mountain twisties. Ixion will continue without Paul, but his spirit will remain with Ixion. Every time we did meet in the flesh however, we've had a reet good laugh. Which I guess, is the best epitaph anyone can wish for. Bye Paul. I know you're enjoying yerself on a bike which'll never run out of petrol. Pity it's a two-stroke ;-) Kee Wei Turnbull P.S. Live your life to the full, people, you only have one and only *you* can live it. The past few days have made me realise that life is too short to be miserable. Paul I'm sure, would approve of these sentiments.
From: Jason Hearn I've said this before, and I'll say it again. Sorry to hear about the sad death of Paul. Though I never (knowingly) met him, he was one of the Spirits of Ixion with his stories and his banter, and its not pleasant to hear about such tragedies. My heart also goes out to those who did know him; family and friends alike. They are the ones who really have to cope with this loss. Small solice, but at least he died doing what he enjoyed. Paul, I hope that the roads are better and emptier on the Other Side. JaseDaRace
From: Amanda Curtin At the weekend, my granny received the news that her best friend for the past 51 years had died. I couldn't find any appropriate words then either. When I visited Sarah in hospital recently, it stunned me for days that what takes a moment to do can have consequences that will last, in Sarah's case, for many months. In Paul's case, the consequences will last an eternity. I love to ride and to drive, but the fear that someone could fail to spot me or Adam as they glance at their map or fumble with their radio to hear the traffic news, is never far away. I used to ride without fear, but when I realised how easy it would be to be robbed of my life or my happiness, I stopped riding for years. But not to ride is to rob oneself of life and happiness. I hope Paul's family can understand. I'm glad to have known Paul, even slightly - he always made me laugh. I'm sorry I won't now be able to know him better. Amanda
From: Mick Whittingham I only met Paul once, but got to know him well though his contributions to IXION. Only some one who follows a group such as IXION would know what I mean. It was with great sadness I read of his death and wish to pass on my condolences to his family and friends. - -- Mick Whittingham
From: Ben Lovejoy
I never met Paul, so only knew him through his messages in here. And
although he was one of those people who you felt you knew, just by
reading his messages, I'll let others who knew him better talk about him.
But if there are any of his family and friends who find themselves
wishing he hadn't ridden a bike, perhaps an article I wrote after a close
call of my own might say something of relevance.
I wasn't sure whether to post it, as you don't know how it might be
interpreted by those who are suffering the anguish of such a senseless
loss. But, having lost someone very close to me some years ago, I think I
would have wanted to read it.
**********
Life, Death and Motorcycles
I was knocked off my bike a year ago. At the time, it seemed a minor
accident: a week or so on crutches and that would be that. This turned
out not to be the case.
Unbeknown to me (and to the consultant supposedly treating me -- but
that's another story), I developed a condition known as a DVT:
blood-clots forming in the main veins. Left untreated, these clots tend
to break up and make their way to the lungs, producing a pulmonary
embolism. Pulmonary embolisms are usually fatal.
There are a number of things one shouldn't do if one wishes to avoid a
DVT developing into a pulmonary embolism. Top of the list are lots of
activity, and exposing yourself to the reduced pressure of a plane. I had
no idea I had a DVT; I was keen to get off the crutches asap; and I was
in the middle of a five-country project at work. I was thus extremely
active, and went ahead with business trips to Germany and Singapore --
the latter a 13-hour flight each way.
In short, I should have died.
Several visitors to my hospital bed asked me if I was going to continue
riding bikes after so close a call. It was a question I'd asked myself on
the first day I found myself lying in a hospital bed with a hi-tech drip
plugged into my arm. Weren't the risks too great? Didn't it make sense to
protect oneself inside a concoon of steel? The risks *are* high. Biking
is dangerous, and we must never forget it. If we want the safest way of
getting from A-B, then the steel cage wins every time.
But having a close encounter of the grim reaper kind makes you stop and
think. In particular, it makes you think about whether you would have had
any regrets had your life ended at that point. Are you living the life
you want to? Have you got your priorities right? Do you appreciate what's
important in life and what's not?
To people who don't ride, the idea that biking can be one of the
important things in life sounds odd. But it is. It's important because it
cuts down on the amount of my life I waste sitting in traffic jams. It's
important because chucking a bike around the lanes on a Sunday afternoon
gives me a great deal of pleasure. But mostly it's important because
riding a motorcycle -- like rock-climbing, or parachuting, or sailing or
doing anything we love -- is *living*.
Helen Keller said that 'life is either a daring adventure or nothing.'
What does this mean? Live for today and damn the consequences? Not to me:
creating the kind of future we want for ourselves and for others is one
of the most fulfilling adventures available. But it does mean that we
need to decide what it is we want from life, and take action to get it.
Is this a licence to look after number one, to say 'sod everyone else,
I'm taking what I want'? Only if what we want in life is to be the kind
of person who lives like that.
Does it mean I'm going to jump on my bike and do 140mph down my favourite
country lane? No, because I want to ride again tomorrow, and because
there's no satisfaction in riding stupidly: the satisfaction comes from
being in control of the bike, not merely holding onto it.
But it does mean that I'm not going to give up biking. That first time
back in the saddle after a gap of two months was pretty frightening. But
not nearly as frightening as failing to *live*.
**********
Ben
From: E W Merrygold To Friends and Family of Paul I didn't really know Paul that well, except through our collective interest and love for motorbikes. Words can't express the sorrow of losing such a buoyant member of our little group of riders. He will be missed. My sincerest condolencies to you all.
From: Ian Ellison Like many other Ixies, I didn't meet Paul in the flesh but had several exchanges with him through the list. His premature death brings home to all of us how quickly and unexpectedly these things can hit us. There are 2 consoling aspects to this; firstly the fact that most of us live in blissful ignorance of how long we have to go, and continue living life to the full to the end. Secondly, from personal experience, in a near death situation when the realisation hits you that this may be your last day on earth the prospect is not all that bad - I experienced a sense of massive calm once I thought there was nothing else I could do. The worst thing and what pulled me through was the thought of how it would affect my wife and family. I hope that there is life after death, and in it you get whatever you desire - and if that's true, then I'm sure Paul is having a great time now roaring round empty twisty roads on a big Triumph! RIP Paul Ian Ellison
From: jmh1 Dear All, Just caught up with my mail @ work to find a week's worth of condolences and wish to add mine. Paul was one of the first Ixies I ever met (on a Scarboro' trip last year) and was one of those I most admired - not just for his skill and experience but for his humour and for the way he made me feel a part of a group of people I'd only just met. Paul, wherever you are, the world is a smaller and duller place without you. Jim.
From: Robin Maytum
So long...
and thanks for all the fish !!!
I'm sure that Douglas Adams wouldn't understand, but am equally sure that
most Ixies will :)
Paul is greatly missed by myself and all. It is perhaps a reflection on the
community of the list that this sad event has effected us all so much.
Dr. Robin Maytum - Team Wobblin' Mayhem Racing - Dortmund !
From: Stewart Santer My condolances to Paul's friends and family. As some have already said, he seem to have passed from us whilst doing something he enjoyed, small comfort but something to bear in mind. Stewart.
From: Daniel Quick All my thought and condolences are with Paul's family and with Sheridan today. A very hard thing to lose a son, a freind a lover. I was never fortunate enought to meet Paul in person - but through this medium, thought of him as a friend. As a musician, practising this morning, I played a lament for him, as a motorcyclists, I went out for a whizz around in his memory. All I can say is he died doing what he loved best, the world is a poorer place for his passing. Safe Riding Daniel Quick
From: Hoddyz "Any man's death diminishes me, for I am of mankind. Therefore, send not to ask for whom the bell tolls: it tolls for thee." [John Donne] Donne was right. But we're closer to some bits of mankind than others. We're all motorcyclists, and we're all Ixies. That bell is tolling for us. Pause, reflect and then get on with life. But don't forget. There ought to be an upbeat note at the end here. Hardly know what to put. At least it's a good day to lay a motorcyclist to rest: I think I'll go out and worry the Michelin men on the edge of the tread. Hoddy
From: Adam Curtin Subject: Paul II (not the Pope) No, I can't sleep. Thanks for posting PAMEA and Paul's research into the IAM. It's one of the best things I've read on Ixion, and I now remember it caused my longest conversation with him: I emailed him with "Excellent! :-)" and he mailed back with "Thanks!" (or word to that effect). Amanda went through her mail folders and found a conversation she'd had with him too. I'd forgotten how witty he was. I think it's weird, and a very special aspect of the list, that Paul's postings and messages are still in Ixion archives and mail folders on dozens of discs around the country. Reminds me a bit of a short story I read where a telepathic community didn't get sad when people died because the group consciousness took on the good bits of the departed personality. Some darker thoughts ... I think it was a bit Diana-oid last week, with everyone rushing to mail "I didn't know him but I'm sad too" messages, like politicians not wanting to seem callous and uncaring but instead sounding impersonal and insincere. The postings in #1168 were good though. Hey - I thought it was No Swearing Day? Was it only me who wondered about the reaction if it'd been me instead of Paul? Who would've been sad; what would've been said; what old posts would've been regurgitated; who would've come to the funeral? Was it only me who felt cheated that it wasn't a dozy car driver pulling out in front of him? Someone who we could've got properly angry with and had a good blame-fest? A.
People started to gather at Wain Manor on Thursday. I think Jeremy Sagar was first to arrive, sometime in the afternoon, followed in some order by marvin, Flossie, Mike and Dee Fleming, and lastly Mik and Mel Reed and myself at just about midnight, as estimated in spite of setting off an hour late (which was apparently Mik's fault, but we won't go into that). Mike F had sacrificially dropped his bike (the Daytona 900) before our arrival, to appease Ixion. Our journey up was uneventful, having missed most of the traffic...
Everyone piled out of the house to help the three of us squeeze our bikes into the last crevices of Jeff's capacious garage, and then we settled down with several bottles of wine and beer before going to bed at various hours (Dee, marvin and I went to our (separate) beds at about 0430, just as Sol was getting out of his).
Mel woke me with a cup of tea at 0730 and I slowly started to crawl out of my pit as Richard the Gerald the Moore, Jane, Simes Atkinson, and Sol arrived. Dominic ?Klein? also showed up at some point, and after less than the usual amount of fiddling we all set off in convoy except for Flossie, who set off in his borrowed Volvo. After a petrol stop the journey to Hull was quiet except for one tailgater and trying to find the crematorium; Jeff managed to fit in the traditional U-turn and then we stood outside the wrong chapel for a few minutes until someone realised the mistake and we hastily recovered our kit from Flossie's car (except one or two die-hard anti-helmet types) and moved next door to the larger chapel.
There was a large turnout, about sixty of Paul's family and thirty or so friends including the Ixies. I was doing alright until I saw the hearse with Paul's coffin. I think it was then that I realised that he was in that wooden box and that I'd never see him again; never watch him vanish effortlessly into the distance as I struggled to keep up; never have him stop unexpectedly for a fag or a cup of tea.
The service concentrated mainly on Paul's love of life, family and friends, bikes, football and animals - there was supposed to be a collection afterwards for the RSPCA but nobody seemed to be collecting. It was quite a short service, with one hymn, "Thine Be The Glory". I wondered if whoever chose it noticed the phrase "sing a hymn of triumph"; the reference made me smile on one of the most miserable days I can remember. I don't know about the others, but I felt that the service made me feel a bit better; it gave a sort of official end to the whole thing.
After the service we weren't sure if a horde of bikers would be appreciated at Paul's parents' house, but apparently his father practically insisted on us going and we followed someone to the house. By the time we arrived the morning drizzle was completely gone and the sun was coming out. And Veggie Dave had appeared from somewhere, having spent the last couple of hours exploring Humberside.
Beer, tea and soft drinks were distributed, and Paul's mother (I think) encouraged us to eat the food she'd prepared. We talked of this and that before taking our leave and going our separate ways, most of which came straight back here to Wain Manor to collect our luggage and Jeff commissioned me (for a glass of Ribena) to write this report.
Cheers Paul, wherever you are.
Jim