The funeral of Eric Rathmell, a leading figure in local motorsport, took place at Bishop Thornton Church today.
The 93-year-old father of Malcolm and Gerald Rathmell died two weeks ago.
Eric Rathmell was a skilled motor engineer, a national class trials rider in his heyday and a brilliant tactician in motorcycle sport. He was Clerk of Course for the legendary Ilkley Grand National Trial at Beamsley for three decades.
He served in the last war in the Royal Signals and was stationed in Iceland and fought Rommel in Africa under Montgomery. He became an accomplished skier during his spell in Iceland.
Mr Rathmell lived at Cherry Tree Cottage at Timble, near Otley, for more than 50 years, before moving to Bishop Thornton.
All the members of Lampkin and Hemingway families attended the service, along with Peggy and Colin Appleyard.
Veteran reporter Malcolm Adams and Yorkshire Centre ACU and treasurer Graham Wilson were present at the interment.
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