Erroll Cowan, multiple former South African roadracing champion and International GP rider in the 350 and 500 class during the 60’s and 70’s passed away at home in Johannesburg, South Africa yesterday [December 2] afternoon. He had fought a long and brave battle with a brain tumour, and was 69 yrs old. Errol was one of the best known young South AfricanS who went to Britain and Europe in the shadow of Jim Redman and Paddy Driver, both of whom mentored him and Gary Hocking when they joined the GP circus. During his overseas career Errol raced not only on the GP circuit, but on the Isle of Man where he competed twice in the Senior TT. He also spent some time in New Zealand racing a G50 Matchless. In South Africa he raced the then new 4 cylinder Honda in the official Honda Castrol team. He was the consumate racer, and also competed in Enduro’s and in the South African National Speedway Championship. When not racing Errol ran a succession of succesful Honda and Yamaha dealerships in Johannesburg. For the past few years he was a very enthusiastic member of the “Historic Motorcycle Group” riding in many classic racing bike parades along with riders like Paddy Driver and Jim Redman. His last ride was at the historic Zwartkops Raceway earlier this year in their annual “Day of the Champion” along with an English group brought out by TT winner Mick Grant and over 25 past South African Champions. He leaves his wife Celeste and two daughters.