Bill Sharpless, 73

Larry Tate

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

The Canadian motorcycle community lost a champion last weekend with the death of Bill (William Herbert) Sharpless, 73.

Sharpless, who died quietly at his home, was one of the finest motorcycle racers Canada ever produced, entering in every possible discipline, although off-road and enduro riding was always first in his heart.

He was a recipient of the White Trophy – the Canadian Motorcycle Association's highest competition award – each year from 1958 through 1961, after starting his racing career in 1953. He won numerous provincial and national championships in virtually every discipline during that era.

In addition to competing, he was also one of the most effective organizers of events from the time he started until his health began failing – a period covering five decades.

In recognition of his achievements, he was inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame in 2002.

Even more of a living memorial are his three children Blair, Toni and Todd, all of whom have excelled in motorcycle racing since the time they were able to straddle a motorcycle. All have raced with success internationally and have served as ambassadors of the sport.

Bill Sharpless is also survived by his mother Jean and sister Linda, and grandchildren Emma, Riley and Megan.

Sharpless was one of the earliest members of the Canadian Motorcycle Association – he held the badge of "life member 11" – and was a tireless promoter of the association, its members, and its activities.

While he competed in all kinds of motorcycle sport, his first love was enduro riding – something like a car rally through the woods.

His skill at time-keeping was legendary.

"He seemed to have a calculator in his head," says Warren Thaxter, another top Canadian enduro rider. "Even if things went wrong he somehow managed to keep the distances and times perfect, long before we had anything even as fancy as tripmeters that you could turn backwards to adjust distances.

"In fact, I remember him taking apart a Smith's mechanical odometer and modifying it so he could make it run backwards. He was always looking forward."

Another competitor, Joel Schraven, remembers him best for his friendly and encouraging manner as an organizer and official.

"When we came through his check, Bill made us all feel like we were the greatest rider he had ever seen. If you were a minute late, you `just missed it,' if you were close to houring out, he said `you've had a tough day; but you've done good' and if you had houred out, he would say `well, you look like you had fun!'"

Early in his racing career he studied mechanical and aeronautical engineering at the University of Toronto, and spent those summers taking pilot training in the RCAF.

After a short military career and an aeronautical engineering job at DeHavilland, he ended up teaming up with friend and fellow competitor John DeGruchy to open Sonic Motorcycles in Scarborough, which in the late '60s and early '70s was one of the few "places to be" in the Toronto area if you were a serious competitor.

A celebration of his life will take place today from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, 1083 Pape Ave., Toronto. His son Blair says it will be a time for those who knew Sharpless to get together, have a beer and remember the good times.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame at: 2100 Bloor St. West, Suite 6-126, Toronto, M6S 5A5 or online at: http://www.motorcycling.ca/cmhfm.html.

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