FIRST PERSON/OPINION: Via e-mail: Tom Beesley 1945 – 2007 Many in Southern California will remember Tom Beesley as the editor of Motorcycle Weekly and later Popular Cycling in the 1970s. Tom passed away on September 28th as a result of a track day motorcycle accident at Oak Hill Raceway, near Dallas, Texas. He was 61. Tom was a very active motorcyclist throughout his life, and had recently purchased a new bike, which he was “testing” at Oak Hill when the accident happened. Tom was always the essence of professional journalism and most recently was a newspaper editor and chief photographer for the Star Group of newspapers based in Crowley Texas. He had a shrewd but quiet demeanor, which belied his intense support and enthusiasm for all aspects of motorcycle sport. He was a quiet Texan who wrote about and photographed some of the most remembered incidents of the early years of motorcycle journalism. Among his many memorable pieces was the insightful coverage of Kenny Roberts winning the 1975 Indy Mile on the four-cylinder TZ750 dirt tracker. Gavin Trippe, the publisher of Motorcycle Weekly said “Tom did much to establish style and integrity during his sojourn at Motorcycle Weekly” Tom leaves Sylvia, his wife of 40 years, and his son Jared. Letters of remembrance can be sent to Jared and Sylvia at [email protected]