The following is the Eulogy written and read by Streak today at Saaz's service......
Good Morning Ladies and Gentleman, family and friends.
I have been asked to speak on behalf of OzSTOC To those of you who don’t know is the Australian Honda ST owners Club, which John, Saaz as we called him was a long term member, and an integral part of evolution and brickwork that held it together.
When I was asked to speak my plan was to gather quotes and comments from his riding friends, showing how popular and loved by all of us.
It dawned on me when I started writing this, the photos I looked at, the major and minor events within our riding group over the years, John was always there. Usually not in the front of the photo but there on one side, always there.
John had many challenges in his life, but you would never have known it, he was always ready to listen your problems or issues over speaking about his own.
He was always there when someone had a glitch with a bike, it was very common to turn up at an event on the other side of the country and see John with his head in a bike helping someone out.
(To quote a friend “a normal problem fixed with one hand, a serious bike problem drink handed off and two hands used)
He would always put himself out for anyone who needs something without hesitating
He took in a wayward traveller who was a week early turning up for a motorcycle event…
He was there when my great friend Dave aka Diesel and I needed help building our riding group, on the end of the phone, giving subtle gentle advice, or firmer advice when we’re getting carried away with an idea, and when we asked him to be part of the team he didn’t even blink he just said yes.
He was there when I got married, lending a calming word to a young bride and a rather nervous groom.
If you talk to anyone in motorcycling who knew John, they were and still are quick to say “what a great bloke, and did you know what he helped me with”
John was never much for the spotlight, but the crowd always seemed to be around him, he was generous in so many ways, I think many will never know the full extent of his generosity
With all the help and time I have spoken of and about, John’s payment terms consisted of “thank you” and he was happy (although he was very quick to be at the table when my wife cooked a pork roast)
So many of us in this room have been sitting at a table far too late, or far too early in the morning, and John was always there. to me these where some of my favourite times with him, I am sure Terry, Barry, Lionel, Diesel, and many others would agree, the glass is a little emptier without Johns sense of humour around to make us laugh
The world is a poorer place without John SAAZ Nagle, I considered him a true gentlemen, and I am proud like all of us in this room to have known him.
I am hoping you have a good bottle of red, and a good road that never ends, if you have time, say hello to Whizz, Brad, & Hendo for us.
Rest easy old friend.