The motorcycle community has lost a great guy, an active rider, a good mentor and a fine photographer. Bruce Laidlaw was a friend to all that knew him. He had a riotous sense of humor and a big heart and last week he died.
Without dissecting how he died, his friends should reflect on how he lived. Each and everyone of us have had some rocky roads in our existence and Bruce certainly traversed his own, but more importantly he contributed to each of us that knew him, a pat on the back, a good word or his endearing smile.
He was an active member of the Streetmasters crew and served not only as a talented rider, but as their photographer in residence. He shot photos of all the participants as we worked our way around the track our faces filled with determination. 😉
The 2013 Streetmasters Reunion crew.
During the 2013 Streetmasters Reunion, he chose to take a little ride with us girls and what a wonderful day we all had!
He kept us entertained at a store with his shenanigans.
We had a wonderful memory-filled day!
I was fortunate enough to travel with Bruce on a trip to Death Valley a few years back just prior to a gig at Streetmasters. We had a wonderful time exploring many a fun road in the area. We shot photos, shared stories and he supported me as I went through numerous stress-inducing phone calls from my father who was sinking farther into his darkened state of dementia. He helped me sort out the craziness from my father’s actual needs and allowed me to vent my family frustrations.
While riding DV he took a photo of me while I was stopped taking a photo of the valley. It became one of my absolute favorite pic.
Bruce riding Artist’s Loop.
Bruce on the overlook.
Way to smile for that selfie, bro!!
His smile went ear to ear only moments later when a jet buzzed us at least twice saying a very boisterous, “hello!”.
It’s with these and other memories that I choose to keep Bruce special. He was my friend, afterall, and the moments we shared will be mine forever. Godspeed, Bro, you will be missed.
10 responses to “Tribute to a friend…RIP Bruce Laidlaw”
Well said, Donna.
Bruce, I hope you are at peace and carving twisties!
Thanks Nancy for the tribute. His happiest times were on a motorcycle with you guys!
Ian. I was a good friend of Bruce’s and wish I had been closer when he needed a friend. I am sooooo sorry for your loss. He was an awesome person, with some patina, but don’t we all have a bit! He will be greatly missed. I wish you only the best. Cheers, Donna
Awesome tribute, Donna. I will always remember that ride and that weekend at Streetmasters Reunion. I first met Bruce in 2007 when he was living in Lancaster (I think). After taking Shylynn to her first Streetmasters course we were invited to a BBQ at Bruce’s along with Walt and Nancy. He had a way of making you feel welcome right out of the gate. We can all be rough around the edges as we navigate this life to the best of our ability. He was funny. He was a great rider and I loved his photos. We grew our relatedness mostly on FB but I considered him a friend. His passing saddens me so much but I agree with focusing on the good times we had and the sweetness of his soul. RIP Bruce.
What a beautiful tribute. He will definitely be missed. Thank you for sharing these touching words and photos.
I met Bruce thru Walt and Nancy, and Bruce and I were roomies at the Streetmasters reunion in SLO. Bruce was so easy to be around, and we had a lot of laughs. Despite our short acquaintance, Bruce would periodically email me to inquire about the progress I was(or not)making with my post-crash physical therapy.Bruce was good to me, and I too will miss him.
Renate and I have only known Bruce for a couple of years. It was Bruce who not only responded to a posting on Pashnit about where to ride in Southern California, but he lead the charge to show a couple of fellow Canucks how to enjoy riding in the Inland Empire areas.
Who else but Bruce could get a dozen die-hard riders out on the Canadian holiday we call Boxing Day to ride all day. We will not discuss the downpour in Palm springs. Who could have seen that!
We last met up with Bruce on our last visit south in June this year. Again, he and fellow riders welcomed us with open arms.
While we will return many times to Palm Springs, not seeing Bruce will make us sad, we still will ride, and take pictures, and explore new areas around there. And definitely be thinking of Bruce on every turn.
God speed our friend. Renate and I miss you.
Bruce was definitely like family to us and we always enjoyed working w/ Bruce at Streemtasters. He will be so sorely missed by us and the many friends and lives he touched in the motorcycling community.
God’s speed, Bruce!
Like Regina, I too met Bruce at Streetmasters and went to the BBQ she mentioned. Bruce was my first motorcycle friend and I always enjoyed his great personality and sense of humor. He was a skilled rider and great photographer too. I will surely miss him. Godspeed my friend Bruce “Booie Tuckus” Laidlaw.
Thank you so much for capturing the soul of my dear friend. I’m sure if Bruce is looking down on all of us, your tribute would surely bring a smile to his face. Bruce was a great human being. I shall miss his wit, his acts of kindness and his ability to paint vivid pictures with his words. He was a hell of a writer, as well as a photographer.
My respect and affection.