Having met Simon only recently in Uganda it was a shock to all of us to hear of his passing - he inspired and excited the kids in the International schools in Kampala as he shared his journey - around the world, and also in the spiritual dimension. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends

We will never forget you!

MAG OÖ

It is with great sadness that we have learned the passing away of Simon Milward, former FEMA Secretary General from 1992 to 1999. Simon Milward was a passionate motorcyclist, pioneer in the riders' rights movement and a fervent humanitarian. The motorcyclist community has lost a friend and a great supporter.

On behalf of the FIM, and in particular the President, the undersigned and the FIM Commission for Mobility, Transport, Road Safety and Public Policy, we extend to your Federation, his family and friends, our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences.

Your sincerely,
Guy Maître, Chief Executive Officer

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Because FEMA was most active in the European Union institutions, I rarely saw Simon in action. However, I was in constant contact with the same administration delegates and, as time went by, I could see a clear shift in their attitudes; from slightly amused tolerance to respect and appreciation, as Simon dealt with one difficult issue after another on behalf of FEMA.

Simon had the key characteristics of a good lobbyist; rational thinking, political sensitivity, persistence and humour. However, in his case, these were all linked together by a generosity of spirit which won him many friends, even among those whose views he was opposing. It is this which we will miss most.

It is sadly ironic that one who spent so much of his time fighting for road safety, health provision in under-privileged countries and the welfare of riders in general, should apparently be killed in a road accident, while riding his motorcycle.

It is our loss that we will no longer see that cheeky grin and feel the humorous barb strike home, as Simon launches yet another line of argument. In time we will come to accept his passing and yet feel that somehow he is right beside us. For now, we share the sadness of his family, we offer them our sincerest sympathy and we remember a great defender of the right to ride.

Nick Rogers
Secretary General
On behalf of the world's motorcycle manufacturers

It was with very great sadness that we learnt of Simon Milward's untimely death. Although he had been on his round-the-world trip for so many years, his constant stream of reports kept him firmly at the forefront of our minds.

On behalf of the world's motorcycle manufacturers, I am writing to express our condolences to Simon's family and to record our appreciation for all that he achieved while he was involved in the work of FEMA.

At a critical juncture in the development of legislation that could affect the shape of motorcycling in the future, Simon recognised the need for riders to act together at the newly significant level of the European Union.

Through his determination and persuasion, he built up FEMA, overcoming the inevitable teething problems with a mixture of charm, humour and carefully applied pressure. As a result, the industry gained a respected counterpart on behalf of the riders and a strong ally for those issues on which riders and industry wished to act together.

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Hey Simon,Hope you will still get this.I know i have really missed a person that we have always shared our date of birth and month and i will always remember you always when that day, and the month comes.I just cant help it when i last saw you and we had a meal together ohh!!Do you remember when you where really on my nerves for me to go with you,you even had to look for the helmet and the shoes,and the last pic with the chain,I will keep that for the rest of my life.Hope also you had a lovely tour on the mountain. Your dearly missed whenever you are just know that.
I would like also to offer my sympathy to the family.
With love
Lucy

I met Simon during his time in Brussels and we rode out together several times. We had dinner the night he and his Buell came to grief when, as we parted, the infamous Belgian "priorité a droite" saw a car hit him breaking his collarbone. For a horrible moment I thought he was dead.
I remember him talking for hours about his plans for the Millenium Ride and building the bike for the trip. His enthusiasm was infectious.
I can't believe he is gone but I miss him. We have all lost a great friend and man.
Ride on Simon, ride free.

I travelled without a tent to a noise demo in Brussels a few years ago and Dave Robinson introduced me to Simon who let me sleep in his tent even though he didn't know me from Adam. Even one meeting with you touched my life - cheers Simon, long may you ride in your particular heaven and at least you went while fulfilling your dream.
Mike Wilkinson

I met Simon on Pemba island last August, while learning to scuba dive at Swahili Divers. I just heard the very sad news and all my sympathies go with him.

Toute mes condoléances à la familles et aux amis.