RIP "Sarge", Gerry Lyons

[Rubone]

I just saw on another site where Gerry has passed on. One of many who dedicated his life to the betterment of the vintage/antique motorcycle world. He was the force behind the 36EL registry as well as a longtime contributor on multiple forums. Sarge and I always had a contentious but mutually respectful relationship. He was a one of a kind sort of guy. All my best to his wife Lisa and all his family!
Robbie

[Peter Cooke]

Just saw it on another site myself. Very sad news indeed. Always a helpful guy.

[pisten-bully]

Thanks for that heads up Robbie and Peter. Sarge was very knowledgable and willing to share what he knew, and he usually did it with some very clever phrasing. I'll miss his participation in our hobby!

[Steve Slocombe]

And he shared his knowledge through our judging system. He will be much missed.

[PanheadFred1]

Sad news indeed. I also knew him from another site and always enjoyed what he he'd to say. Very knowledgeable guy, and I'll iss him.

[ihrescue]

I just saw on another site where Gerry has passed on. One of many who dedicated his life to the betterment of the vintage/antique motorcycle world. He was the force behind the 36EL registry as well as a longtime contributor on multiple forums. Sarge and I always had a contentious but mutually respectful relationship. He was a one of a kind sort of guy. All my best to his wife Lisa and all his family!
Robbie

Robbie - thanks for posting the news of Gerry's passing. I am sorry to hear this news - may Gerry Rest In Peace. I had been in frequent contact with Gerry at the beginning of this past year about the history of the Chesapeake Chapter of AMCA. Gerry sent me a packet of letters, photos and other materials that involved his interest in persuading Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration to adopt a smaller more reasonably sized license plate for motorcycles when he was stationed at Fort George Meade in the 1970s. Written letters and lists I received from Gerry helped me confirm people, times and organizational foundations around the formation of the Chesapeake Chapter. Gerry's presence on the list of a particular meeting of regional antique motorcycle hobbyists that came together ,documented he and up to thirty others as charter members of the Chapter. In preparing to approach state officials Gerry mailed and recorded replies from people that wanted to be counted as supporting the license plate issue and he had compiled a list of what antique motorcycles the respondents had at the time. I am grateful to Gerry for sharing these and lending his perseverance (which Robbie Knight alluded to in his post) to his rallying antique motorcycle enthusiasts around this central issue - it may have been the catalyst and motivation to formalize the local group to join the National AMCA as a Chapter. Yes the group, including founding members Mort Wood, David Panella, Billy Potter and Ken Watson among others already considered themselves the Chesapeake Antique Motorcycle Club, and yes the club was most likely going to apply to the AMCA but I think the license plate project pushed the point for formalizing the local club and forming their relationship with the AMCA. Before either the license plate project or Chapter acceptance were realized Gerry had already been deployed elsewhere in his Army career. Chesapeake Chapter co-founder Ken Watson picked up and completed the project, handling details, logistics and negotiations with Maryland MVA administrators. The license plate project was something Gerry had done in other areas as well and had even been involved in Chapter formations in other states. The one thing I regret is not getting beyond the point of an idea to acknowledge charter members of the Chesapeake Chapter - something that can mean a lot to someone that had that tie to the club. My guess is that throughout all of Gerry's life and Army career he was one of those folks that causes things to happen - in my mind no finer legacy.

Mike Love

[droptopford]

R.I.P. Sarge.
American Flag.jpg

[scott379usa]

R.I.P Sarge thanks for the knowledge you shared!!!!

[D.A.Bagin]

I also only knew Gerry from the Caimag site and this site. Never had any personal interaction with him but saw him pass his knowledge on in a unique way. When he was in New Jersey he was instrumental in having the state issue antique plates for motorcycles and had the first plate issued, #Q-1. So anyone riding in N.J. on an antique plate can thank him for that and remember him when you look at your plate.

R.I.P Gerry

[55tmm]

I knew him from CAIM site and glad we got to meet in person on the Blue Ridge Road Run in 2016
R.I.P Sarge

[Sargehere]

Thank you, Robbie. Gerry loved contributing, and sometimes arguing politics, with all of you.
Lisa

[Sargehere]

Thank you, Peter.
Lisa

[Sargehere]

Thank you.
Lisa

[Sargehere]

Thank you, Harry.
Lisa

[Sargehere]

Thank you, Scott.
Lisa