|
Posts: 275
Joined: November 2015
|
|
|
Forums35
Topics76,759
Posts787,781
Members12,433
| |
Most Online230
Mar 11th, 2023
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,473 Likes: 720
Life Member
|
OP
Life Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,473 Likes: 720 |
Rest in peace my brother Craig Holder (aka Bonzo on Britbike.com) January 16, 1966 - June 5, 2012 Around this time 2 years ago Craig was downstairs in his shop...packing up Brit bike parts for BritBike.com members. He passed away the next day........we miss you Craig. Your friends at Britbike.com
Last edited by Gordon Gray; 06/04/14 10:30 pm.
Gordon Gray in NC, USA........"Trees are for traction"
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,310 Likes: 154
Britbike forum member
|
Britbike forum member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,310 Likes: 154 |
......... and his Signature phrase, " Todays Lame question......"
Down to ‘69 T120R now a Tr6R tribute bike
‘70 TR6C “happy in the hills”
‘67 A65LA (now single carb)
‘93 K1100RS heavy metal (should be gone, still here…)
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,742 Likes: 378
Britbike forum member
|
|
Britbike forum member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,742 Likes: 378 |
I count myself fortunate to have gotten to meet Bonzo in person. He is one of VERY FEW forum members (from MANY forums I'm on) that made it a point to come visit me. Why is it always the good guys that pass on too soon?
GrandPaul (does not use emoticons)
Author of the book "Old Bikes"
Too many bikes to list, mostly Triumph & Norton, a BSA, & some Japanese
"The Iron in your blood should be Vintage"
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 895
Britbike forum member
|
|
Britbike forum member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 895 |
Gordon is ok to ask how Bonzo passed away?
If not, thats ok, but I never heard what the cause was.
He even traded a few parts with me downunder.
Sounded like a good guy, but of course I never met him.
Mark F.
'52 ZB34 Gold Star.
'65 Lightning Rocket.
'74 Roadster Commando.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 14,911 Likes: 502
Well'ard Rocker
|
|
Well'ard Rocker
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 14,911 Likes: 502 |
Gordon is ok to ask how Bonzo passed away?
If not, thats ok, but I never heard what the cause was.
He even traded a few parts with me downunder.
Sounded like a good guy, but of course I never met him.
Sent you a PM. He was a great guy, and would help anyone out. A few years ago at the summer OVBSAOC rally in Ohio, the club gave him a special award for being the "Go To" guy if anyone ever needed anything BSA, parts, advice, wrenching, whatever. He was amazed - he had no idea that anyone would think that was something to even notice ... Lannis
Patriotism is supporting your country all of the time and your government when it deserves it.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 11,766 Likes: 286
Moto Mojo
|
|
Moto Mojo
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 11,766 Likes: 286 |
I remember his stories about commuting in Detroit, his other stories from around his world, and from the crazy stuff he did back when.
He was an entertaining guy to be around that's for sure. I still look in wonder at pix of him (and Malcolm, too) that are among my f b profile pix (somebody posted them and tagged me so I see these pix periodically).
I am glad to have known Bonzo- even in just a small way.
R.I.P., daddy-o.
Last edited by ricochetrider; 06/05/14 10:52 am.
Lesya Ukrainka:
“He who has not lived through a storm/does not know the price of strength.”
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,473 Likes: 720
Life Member
|
|
OP
Life Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,473 Likes: 720 |
I had know Craig on line for several years before I finally got to meet him face to face. I had him tagged as a 60 year old man.....and was very surprised when he turned out a LOT younger.  Lannis hit it on the head....our Bonzo would help anybody out without even thinking about it. One year he gave me a truck load of B44 stuff....and then freaked out when I gave him a rusted ole RE. Said something like "Who gives somebody a whole bike?" and he completly forgot he had given me MORE over the years. He was rough and tough....wouldn't take any [***] off of anybody but he had a heart....a BIG one and if you were his friend...you could take that to the bank. I miss him....WE miss him. One of Craig Holder's friends at BritBike.com
Gordon Gray in NC, USA........"Trees are for traction"
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,679 Likes: 271
Britbike forum member
|
|
Britbike forum member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,679 Likes: 271 |
I am really glad I got to know him over the years, on line and at the Ohio events .... He will always be missed
How is his family ? They still holding up?
Haven seen Karen since the last Mid Ohio event
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,023 Likes: 246
Britbike forum member
|
|
Britbike forum member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,023 Likes: 246 |
The ranks are thinning......
God bless and Keep Craig "Bonzo" Holder, 'till we all meet again.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,473 Likes: 720
Life Member
|
|
OP
Life Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,473 Likes: 720 |
"Ains a year.. say a prayer faur me..close yir een an remember me"
Wade I think the family is doing fine...they just miss him like we do. I sort of lost touch with Karen too...she doesn't do the internet and I'm really bad at using the phone.
Craig had some demons...like a lot of us. They ended up winning out in the end.
One of Craig's friends on BritBike.com
Last edited by Gordon Gray; 06/05/14 4:45 pm.
Gordon Gray in NC, USA........"Trees are for traction"
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,473 Likes: 720
Life Member
|
|
OP
Life Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,473 Likes: 720 |
Okay....somebody asked (PM) so:
"Once a year, say a prayer for me, close your eyes and remember me."
Today was for remembering my friend Craig "Bonzo" Holder
Gordon Gray in NC, USA........"Trees are for traction"
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,241 Likes: 9
Life member
|
|
Life member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,241 Likes: 9 |
Okay....somebody asked (PM) so:
"Once a year, say a prayer for me, close your eyes and remember me."
Today was for remembering my friend Craig "Bonzo" Holder Amen, may he rest in peace. Don in Nipomo
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 9,043 Likes: 314
Britbike forum member
|
|
Britbike forum member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 9,043 Likes: 314 |
Right on Don, he was a good guy. Never met him in the flesh but he was always there for any of is that needed him.
RIP my friend.
Life is stressful enough without getting upset over the little things...
Now lets all have a beer!
68’ A65 Lightning “clubman”
71’ A65 823 Thunderbolt (now rebuilt)
67’ D10 sportsman (undergoing restoration)
68’ D14 trials (undergoing transformation)
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,895 Likes: 125
Ride safe today!
|
|
Ride safe today!
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,895 Likes: 125 |
![[Linked Image]](https://www.britbike.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/download/Number/11791/filename/bonzo180x150.gif) BritBike HQ 2003 Mid-Ohio ![[Linked Image]](https://www.britbike.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/download/Number/11792/filename/P1010026.JPG) 2006 BSA internationally Rally Brimfield MASS ![[Linked Image]](https://www.britbike.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/download/Number/11793/filename/DSCF0052.JPG) 2009 Mid-Ohio at the Ashland dirttrack races ![[Linked Image]](https://www.britbike.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/download/Number/11794/filename/DSCF0306.JPG)
Last edited by Morgan aka admin; 06/09/21 1:10 pm.
|
|
1 member likes this:
Gordon Gray |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,473 Likes: 720
Life Member
|
|
OP
Life Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,473 Likes: 720 |
BritBike HQ 2003 Mid-Ohio 2006 BSA internationally Rally Brimfield MASS 2009 Mid-Ohio at the Ashland dirttrack races I had to leave those photos on top.......thank you Morgan. People would go to the swap meet and spend hours looking around.........come back to the campsite empty handed and grumble how little Brit Bike stuff was out there...........15 mins later Craig (aka Bonzo) would come walking in with both arms FULL.......and if Karen was with him she'd be holding too...........that man was a hoot to be around. I miss him but I'm lucky enough to have a few things around the shop to remind me of him. Ride on Deadstiffcatt..........good to see you haven't used all 9 up yet. Gordon
Last edited by Gordon Gray; 02/03/23 6:02 pm.
Gordon Gray in NC, USA........"Trees are for traction"
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,473 Likes: 720
Life Member
|
|
OP
Life Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,473 Likes: 720 |
Couple of the interesting things I found out at his funeral was…..Bonzo was a nickname he only used on this site…..his family had never heard of it.
The other thing was……his father was from the Deep South something I would have never guessed. The man had lived in Michigan for decades but still had a deep Southern drawl. Craig or none of his siblings had that drawl.
Craig was a good man……a man with a demon on his back. I can relate (others on here too?) because I have the same demon haunting me. I’m one of the lucky ones who (so far) have the demon at bay and have for over 30 years. But for those of you that know alcoholism……you know the struggle never ends.
In the end Craig choose to end his own life…..the demon won. The night he did that he had been packing up Brit Bike parts to mail out to site members…..he was our friend right to the end.
Last edited by Gordon Gray; 02/03/23 1:54 pm.
Gordon Gray in NC, USA........"Trees are for traction"
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,765 Likes: 314
Life member
|
|
Life member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,765 Likes: 314 |
In the end Craig choose to end his own life…..the demon won. I still remember the numbing feeling when I got the call from the late great Mr Ben
BeezaBryan
He knows not where he's going,
For the ocean will decide,
Its not the destination,
It's the glory of the ride
(Edward Monkton, Zen Dog)
|
|
1 member likes this:
Gordon Gray |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 495 Likes: 107
Britbike forum member
|
|
Britbike forum member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 495 Likes: 107 |
I probably only got to hang out with Bonzo in the real world a dozen or so times. Without fail he was friendly, helpful and encouraging. We shared many laughs around campfires and while poking around swap meets. I will forever have the image of him laughing hysterically at my perplexed reaction when some random doofus felt obligated to get up and stumble 20 yards across the muddy Cable Creek campground to hassle me about my earrings.)
It is not infrequent that he pops into my head (EVERY time I pump diesel) and he is always laughing while kicking over a BSA.
Absonotly.
|
|
1 member likes this:
Gordon Gray |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 14,911 Likes: 502
Well'ard Rocker
|
|
Well'ard Rocker
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 14,911 Likes: 502 |
Bonzo was a one of a kind..
In a real-life situation, there was nobody that I'd rather have watching my back than Bonzo.
My shop has Bonzo memorabilia all over it. Nobody more generous than he was.
How I wish he could have beaten that addiction and still be with us. ......
Lannis
Patriotism is supporting your country all of the time and your government when it deserves it.
|
|
2 members like this:
PINEMONKEY, Gordon Gray |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,473 Likes: 720
Life Member
|
|
OP
Life Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,473 Likes: 720 |
Bonzo was a one of a kind..
In a real-life situation, there was nobody that I'd rather have watching my back than Bonzo. Lannis Lannis I agree 100%. Craig was the kinda guy that if a grenade rolled into the fox hole…….he’d be the first to grab the [***] we all hated and put him on top of it. Of course we’d all say the guy was a hero…..but we’d all know who the real hero was.
Gordon Gray in NC, USA........"Trees are for traction"
|
|
1 member likes this:
PINEMONKEY |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,099 Likes: 6
Britbike forum member
|
|
Britbike forum member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,099 Likes: 6 |
Ride on Deadstiffcatt..........go to see you haven't used all 9 up yet.
Gordon
did we miss something here?
Jeff
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,473 Likes: 720
Life Member
|
|
OP
Life Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,473 Likes: 720 |
Ride on Deadstiffcatt..........go to see you haven't used all 9 up yet.
Gordon
did we miss something here?
Jeff Someone who actually reads a whole thread???? Dang…. Don’t know for sure Jeff…..probably cross posting. I “think” DSC had a close call and I was remarking on it???? But who knows…..the late 60s early 70s took its toll on me. That post was made a couple of years back…..I‘m lucky if I remember what happened yesterday!!!!
Last edited by Gordon Gray; 02/03/23 6:07 pm.
Gordon Gray in NC, USA........"Trees are for traction"
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,160 Likes: 24
Britbike forum member
|
|
Britbike forum member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,160 Likes: 24 |
we are all fortunate to be survivors.. . god bless you all.
the 70's were wild times.
all i know about Bonzo was his helpful ways.
again, RIP.
|
|
1 member likes this:
Gordon Gray |
|
|
|
|
or 
![[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]](https://i.postimg.cc/bJMXsBP5/willeysmall.jpg)
