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WIL BURNS - TRIBUTES PAGE  WIL'S FINAL RESTING PLACE - posted 5 February 2012 Fittingly Wil Burns' ashes will be scattered at the place he loved best, the cycle speedway track at Slater Street, Leicester. Son Kev, a leading light for the Leicester Monarchs, confirmed the arrangements earlier today. "Yes, I will be scattering my Dad's ashes in the flower bed on the car park bend as that was the one he dug out many moons ago. I have also been thinking of getting a memorial tablet sunk into the grass, just in front of the flower beds to honour his memory" Kev told Spokesman. Editor's Note - What a well choosen place to commemorate Wil's life and the outstanding contribution he made to cycle speedway and the Leicester club in particular. There could be no better lasting memorial to a well-loved and much respected man. RIP Wil. Kev Burns and family would like to express their thanks to everyone who attended Wil's funeral, for all their kind words and generous donations to the Leicester club. It is anticipated that a permanent memorial will be place at the stadium. Plans are also in hand to hold a meeting in Wil's name during May. Whilst nothing concrete has been decided, a ladies individual and senior pairs event are being seriously considered.
Back row (left to right) Wil Burns, Steve Cobley, Bruce Heath, Nigel Pethick. MEMORIAL TROPHY WOULD BE A FITTING TRIBUTE - posted 17 January 2012 It was no surprise that so many turned out for Wil’s funeral, a wonderful tribute for a special man. It was a day of mixed emotions. I felt sorry and sadness having to say good bye to a good friend, but proud and privileged to have played a part in his life. It would be fitting to name a trophy with his name, not that a trophy is needed to remember such a good man. Rest in peace Wil. Neil and Gill Mason Family and friends, including scores from the cycle speedway world, gathered at Gilrose Crematorium in Leicester today to bid an emotional farewell to one of the sport's best-loved sons, Wil Burns. Visitors from all over the country crowded shoulder-to-shoulder into the East Chapel for the funeral service. Packed to over-flowing, many in the congregation had to be accommodated in a neighbouring chapel where they watched the service on closed-circuit television. Amongst the long distance visitors were Johan Koudijs and Fred van de Dolder who travelled from their homes in Holland to bid farewell to their friend. Long time friends, Grant Warwick and Ralph Doughty both delivered heart-warming and at times humourous tributes to the popular Leicester team manager who died unexpectedly on on Wednesday 28 December 2011, aged 64 Several of the Leicester girls team simply couldn't hide their pain, as they quietly wept for their friend and mentor. Perhaps the most sight was to see several Leicester club members wearing their distinctive blue tracksuit tops in honour of Wil. Fittingly, as the congregation walked solemly from the chapel, the public address system played the Tina Turner classic 'Simply the Best'. Wil Burns certainly was that. More than once during the ceremony, speakers pointed out that Wil always had time for everyone. How fitting that today, so many from the sport found time to say goodbye to their friend. Wil would have loved that. The funeral of Wil Burns will take place at Gilroes Crematorium, Groby Road, Leicester, LE3 9QG on Monday 16th January at 12 noon. All friends are then invited to the Abbey Sports Club, Slater Street from 1 pm to 4 pm. The family kindly request that any donations are made to Leicester Cycle Speedway Club in lieu of flowers. Kev and family would like to thank everyone for all their kind words and Leicester cycle speedway club would like to place on record their public thanks for all the messages of sympathy and support following the sudden death of Monarchs' team manager Wil Burns. "Please convey my personal thanks and those of the Leicester club to all those people that have sent the club email, phone and text messages via myself, together with all the letters on Spokesman. It really has been a fantastic tribute to Wil and shows what a respected and exceptionally well liked man he was" said club secretary Tim Jarvis. "The Leicester club are having a meeting this evening to discuss the way forward without Wil. There is no doubt that he would want us to be making plans to ensure that the Monarchs move forward and so far I have been encouraged by the number of people volunteering their Just read about the sad loss of Wil. I started riding in 1961 with and against Wil in the Leicester League and later with the Monarchs in the British League. He always gave 100 percent in his riding and that followed on in his management of the club. I feel very proud to have known him all these years, and will miss him greatly when I come down to watch the Monarchs in the future. Baz Peel I was really sorry to hear the sad news of Wil passing away recently. My late husband Steve Cobley rode with him in the early days, keeping Chris, Sam and Nick Cobley VIEWS OF WIL SO COMFORTING - posted 3 January 2012 Reading the tributes to Wil, I find it amazing and somewhat comforting that everyone's view the man is consistent, as consistent as Wil himself! After I stopped racing, Wilson and Harry Glover spoke to me once about joining the Leicester club, I was extremely flattered and honoured to be asked to become part of such a great club. I took it as validation of my achievements as a referee & administrator. I won't share my reasons for declining their offer, except to say that both Harry and Wil totally respected and completely supported my decision. The fact that 2 Both will be greatly missed and remembered with fond affection. As a great team manager surely it would be a fitting tribute to re-name Jez Hughes GOLDEN RECOLLECTIONS OF WIL - posted 3 January 2012 Very saddened to hear the news about Wil Burns. My first recollection of Wil was when I rode for Tottenham Kangaroos. It was a Gold Cup match and the manager Nobby Dunn pulled me to one side a said "If we keep Wil Burns, Grant Warwick or John Knock quiet we can win this!" Well easier said than done! Condolences to the family at this time. RIP Wil. Vic Haines KNEW WIL FOR OVER 40 YEARS - posted 3 January 2012 Only just heard the news about Wil. Knew him as a rider and as a manager for over 40 years. Am still in shock and will miss him around the tracks. Dave Tulloch It is truly a sad day when family, friends and cycle speedway lose such a nice guy. It was a pleasure to of known Will and I'll look back on our travels around the world together, chats at track side, in the bar with happiness. My condolences to the Burns family. RIP Will Burns. I'll be raising a glass in Will's honour to celebrate the pleasure he brought to the world. Andre Cross IT DOESN'T SEEM REAL - posted 3 January 2012 I sit here today and I still can't come to terms you have gone. It doesn't seem real. You're one of them people who I thought would be around forever. I would like to say thank you in making Leicester CSC what it is. I'm heart broken to know i'll never see your face again, but I promise you our club will make you proud not in just 2012 but in all the years too come.I just wish you could see us all perform one last time at our best. The Leicester ladies will do you proud on home turf this year. Just Sleep tight Wil. You will always be forever in our heart. xxx. I'll personally will look after your flower beds for you. RIP - You will never be forgot and you will always be in our hearts. Lucy Whitehead WIL ALWAYS THERE WHEN THE CHIPS WERE DOWN - posted 3 January 2012 Wil was my team manager for many years. When the chips were down he was the one that could not only pick up a rider, but also the whole team. We went to many away matches in the team bus, which Wil often drove too. We had great fun on the journey, but as soon as we arrived we were all deadly serious and we all had a belief installed in us that we could win. A great manager for me and for the team. Condolences to Kev and all the family. Roy Skinner We first met Wil Burns at Manchester in the company of Harry Glover, Dave Baxter and Neil Mason during the 1987 Australian Tour of Britain. Strong friendships formed immediately and all of us have kept in contact over the years. HG tried many times and ways to encourage Wil to travel to Australia. All to no avail. It was our loss. Having recently received a Christmas card from Wil and family, we were saddened and shocked to hear of his sudden passing. Our condolences and love to Karen, Kevin, Samantha and families. Leicester has lost another legend. The Fraser family So sad to read of the passing of Wil Burns. I recall him as a youngster alongsideHarry Glover and he was one of the few people in the sport that I never had harsh words with. In his time a great rider and motivator. Wil, my old friend, RIP. Bill Gill We at Bury cycle speedway club express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Wil and that they can take some comfort in the knowledge that he made a major contribution to many people in the sport. A GREAT MAN, A GREAT TEAM MANAGER, A GREAT FRIEND - posted 1 January 2012 I started racing cycle speedway in 1972 but the talk was always about the 1960s when Leicester Monarchs were very successful. Some of the older guys were still racing - Harry Glover, Grant Warwick, Bruce Ward, Steve Cobley and Ken Adams. I was only very young then The name of Wil Burns had cropped up from time to time when they talked about the old glory days. I had not met him as yet. That came in 1980. I had just returned from three years in the Army. We were not a very successsful team at that time. When I became aware of this new bloke who all the older riders knew, it seemed like he knew what he was talking about. He soon became team manager, not an easy job With Wil as manager and Norman Venson as captain, we went on to have great success indoors and out. Even when we lost we always shook hands with the other teams. Never losing his temper, Wil would analyse why we lost, often saying the better team won. He was a very sporting person but gave everything to win the match. Many riders over the years rode for him - my brothers Dave and Roy, Mark Knights, Chris Harrison, Shaun Hines, Neil Mason, Ray Oliver, Dave Hemsley, Geoff Burrell, Dave Frith and many more. They all said the same, the best team manager ever and very fair bloke. Wil was the man who also helped me in my racing career. He managed to do what no one had done, calm me down on a cycle speedway bike and get me to complete all my races. All my British individual finals apperances and my two veterans titles were down to Wil. I still hear him telling the Leicester youngsters "Don't ride like Skinner used to!" He's so respected by everyone young and old. I will miss our chats on the phone and after matches as even last season he always asked what I thought. A great man, great team manager and great My thoughts are with Karen, Kev, Samantha and all his family and friends. Rest in peace Wil. Also remembering Harry Glover, Bruce Ward and Steve Cobley. Mick Skinner A KEY FIGURE - posted 1 January 2012 We would like to offer our sincere condolences to Wil's family and all at Debbie, Mark ,Tom Reed and all at Exeter CSC TOTAL SHOCK AND UTTER SADNESS - posted 01 January 2012 Total shock and utter sadness can only describe how Gill and I felt when we heard of Wil’s passing. Our thoughts are with Kevin and his family at this very difficult time. Only recently we commented on what a true friend Wilson was. We had just opened his Christmas card, this some fifteen years on after I had finished with Leicester cycle speedway. Wil was a completely honest person and you always new is welcoming smile was genuine. He would greet you by saying "how are you doing my son". You sensed he really cared about you. During the Eighties and Nineties, we had some memorable times together, some good and some not so. Chasing that elusive first British Team Championship I remember back in 1993 at Thurrock how he had to console me after the close defeat to Poole and then the following year how we shared the emotions of Leicester’s first title, a 90-84 victory over Ipswich at Sandwell. These are memories I will never forget. Prior to mutual friend Harry Glover passing away in 2005, both Will and I were regular visitors to his bedside. When Harry died, Wil expressed to me his concerns over the Leicester clubs future. It now seems he had no reason to worry. Club members rallied round, Wil himself took on more responsibility and the club maintained its strengths. Now I wish Leicester CSC every success in having to do the same again. Please pass on my condolences on to Kevin, his family and those close to Wil who have been affected by his passing. Wilson you were a special kind and will never be forgotten. Rest in peace alongside HG. Neil Mason WIL WAS A GREAT FRIEND TO ME - posted 31 December 2011 What a, shock to hear that Wil had suddenly passed away. I only heard of the sad news when my son Chris sent me a text saying he had seen it on facebook. Wil was a truly smashing bloke who always went out of his way to talk to you and made you very welcome anytime that I visited Leicester Wil will be sadly missed, not only at Leicester CSC but in cycle speedway in general. My condolences go out to Kevin and all his family and all his friends at the club. Wil was a great friend to me. Rest-in-peace Wil. Brian Eaton On behalf of everyone at Sheffield Cycle Speedway, may we pass on our sincerest condolences to Wil's family and friends at this very sad time. We are all deeply shocked to learn of Wil's sudden passing, especially as we believed he was on the mend after his operation before Christmas. I will personally remember Wil for his friendliness, his kindness and his fantastic sportsmanship he offered every single opponent. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He was a tactical genius and an expert in grinding out a victory, which brought so much success to the club. However, he always offered words of encouragement to soften the blow of defeat and it is his words of encouragement that I am truly saddened to hear the news and cycle speedway is certainly poorer for his passing. God bless Wil Burns. Ian Brown FLOWERBEDS A PERMANENT REMINDER - posted 31 December 2011 I am greatly saddened to hear the news of the passing of Wil Burns. Wil was my team manager in the 80's and I have always had the utmost respect for him. I remember being annoyed at the time when Wil made me dig out one of the flower beds in the centre green while he dug out the other! I migrated to Australia in 1986 but returned to Leicester in May 2011. On this visit we had a great chat about how we each dug out the flower beds in the centre green. Mine was the one at the canal end and Wil's was the one at the car park end. Wil, I will be very saddened on my next visit when I look at the centre Dave Skinner Still can't believe Wil's gone!! He'll be sadly missed. Wil was not only a great Leicester manager and clubman but also a very special person and friend, I felt privileged to have been closely associated with him during my time at Leicester. I've always been made to feel at home racing at Slater Street by all the riders, officials but especially by Wil and I am honoured to have known him a real gentleman and true friend. Leicester's success is not only down to good team sprit and great management but friendship, Wil brought the best of this to the club. The last two years have been a pleasure to have ridden under him. In the dressing room after the match Kev and the boys would wind me up as Wil would go through the riders telling them how they could do better but not me I couldn't do wrong!! Wil would call me at least twice a week to see if me and family were okay and share his plans for the team - even a text on Christmas Day wishing me all the best. I spoke to Wil two days before Christmas while I was in Lincoln with my family. He spoke about the changes to the track and the new season ahead plus what possible new riders and plans he had for the new Elite League. He couldn't wait. I had planned to pop over for a cuppa tea on Christmas Eve and catch up but his family were taking him Christmas shopping so he said we would catch up at the Mercury awards in January where Leicester were up for best team. He said "I will enjoy this." His son Kevin is a chip off the old block, always there for you like his old man and a true leader and captain. Wil was so proud of him on and off the track, driving the club through the highs and lows. My thoughts are with Kev and his family at this difficult time. May he rest in peace. Jason Ashford and Family FRIENDLY AND SUPPORTIVE - posted 30 December 2011 We are all very sad to hear about Wil. He had been so friendly and supportive to us in our short time with the Monarchs. What a big man The Barratts (Team Scraptoft) A VERY DECENT BLOKE - posted 30 December 2011 Just wanted to pass on my condolences to the family and friends of Wil. Really saddened to hear the news. My main memories of Wil are of him being extremely kind, warm and friendly to opposing teams, yet still remaining competitive, fair and very proud of his Leicester team. Not arrogant, just a very decent bloke with an enviable attitude towards Dean Webb I have not had a chance to visit Spokesman since I sent a 'Get Well' message yo Wil, so I was totally shocked and devastated to see the headlines this morning. Please pass on our heartfelt condolences to Wil's family. Gerry and Diane Escott A FINE MAN - posted 30 December 2011 I would like to send my condolences to the Burns family at this sad time, Wil was one of the true fine men in our sport, always keen to talk to new people around the circuits, a fine team manager and person. Colin Simmons SHOCKING NEWS - posted 30 December 2011 We received the shocking news about the death of Wil Burns. I think it was in 1964 when we met for the first time when Leicester Cycle Speedway Club came over to Holland, with manager Jock McPate and including riders Harry Glover and Grant Warwick. We have been friends ever since. What a loss for his family, Leicester CSC and British cycle speedway! What a fantastic rider he was, what a great manager and organiser, but especially what a good friend, sportsman and gentleman! Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and we wish them all the strength they will need to overcome this terrible loss. R.I.P. Wil. You will sadly be missed. Johan Koudijs I first met Wil in 1963 when I joined Leicester "Monarchs". His ambition then was to race in the British League, which of course he did with a great deal of success. Ever since that time he has always set targets for himself and the club which have made Leicester one of the sport's all time greats. In that first British League season of 1964 Wil and I were a pairing. Being roughly the same age there was a great rivalry between us, but we always remained firm friends. Thanks to the leadership of Harry Glover we managed to channel the aggression in a positive way to aid the team. When I think of Leicester Cycle Speedway, I immediately think of Wil Burns and Harry Glover. Following Harry's death Wil stepped up to the plate, taking on more responsibility and pushing ahead with his vision of making the Leicester facility the finest in the country. He even persuaded me to become chairman for a while. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends on this sad occasion. We won't forget you Wil. Grant Warwick GENEROUS IN VICTORY - GRACIOUS IN DEFEAT - posted 30 December 2011 Like everyone else, I am shocked and saddened by the death of Wil Burns. I first met Wil some 47 years ago in 1964. In those days Wil was one of the stars of the Leicester team that had recently joined the BCSF, the British Cycle Speedway Federation, an organisation that promoted good values of fair competition, camaraderie and dedication. Wil never lost those values throughout his career. He was the best Like everyone, our thoughts must be with the Leicester club and Wil's family at this sad time. He will be sadly missed and is completely irreplaceable. Paul Bodley GOOD FRIEND AND MENTOR - posted 30 December 2011
Respect, Love and Gratitude. We will never forget you Wil. PS - "Don't worry! I will fix the slate on the club house roof." Condolences to Kev and all the family from Leo, Lisa, Lauren and Liam Davies (Leicester CSC) On behalf of the Australian Cycle Speedway Council, our sincere sympathy to Wil's family and the Leicester club. He was a thorough gentleman and a pleasure to have a chat with him. He will be sadly missed by the Cycle Speedway fraternity. Mick Harley Polish Cycle Speedway Federation would like to offer their condolences to the family of Wilson Burns, former Scotland manager, and Leicester Cycle Speedway manager. It is a sad day to international cycle speedway world and we are saddened at this respected man's death. Maciej Laskowski BLACKLEY THOUGHTS - posted 29 December 2011 Our deepest sympathies and condolences to all of Wil's family and all at "WELL DONE" WIL - posted 29 December 2011 Many kind words have already been written, and more will doubtless follow. For my part, there are two words I will always associate with Wil - "well done". Over the years, our respective clubs have had many great tussles on the track - some won, some lost - but whatever the result the same two words were uttered by Wil directly after the match. No excuses in defeat, no gloating after a win, just plain, old-fashioned sportsmanship and, of course, a "well done". A GREAT TEAM MANAGER - posted 29 December 2011
We go back 50 years, a long time when we were just kids. I aways remember back in 1965 Midland youth championship at Perry Barr Birmingham. Wil was one of the best young riders around at the time and was one of the front runners that day. He was up for it to win. I just came out on top with Wil a very close second. On behalf of myself, Roger and Cindy Ellis, and everybody from the Wednesfield cycle speedway club, I offer our heartfelt condolences to Kevin and the family at this very sad time. Wil, you will be sadly missed by all. A great loss to Leicester cycle speedway club and the cycle speedway world. God Bless Wil. Rest in Peace. Roger and Cindy Ellis and all at Wednesfield CSC I'm very saddened to hear this news. I've known Wil for a great many years and this is a great shock. Sincere condolences to Wil's family and Leicester. Josh Gleave WIL AND HARRY - A GREAT DOUBLE ACT - posted 29 December 2011 I first got to know Wil in the 60s, as we were both wrapped around the back straight fence at Leicester, neither prepared to give way. Over the years Wil became part of the Leicester double-act with Harry Glover. The loss of Harry and then Bruce Ward hit Wil badly but he always came back and packed so much into making Leicester the club it is today. Please pass on my sincere condolences to Wil's family and to all at Leicester Cycle Speedway Club. John Whiting A RARE DIAMOND - posted 29 December 2011 This is a real shock and a very sad time indeed. I looked forward especially to competing with Wil when I was team manager. No quarter asked - no quarter given. Yet he gave respect, enjoyment and courtesy to opponents which brought the best out of everyone. A rare diamond of immeasurable value - he will be missed by everyone. I am sure I speak for all of us at Hethersett who have visited Leicester Our thoughts are with his family at this time but also with all at Leicester - someone like Wil is impossible to replace and it will be really hard-felt come March. OLD SCHOOL LEGENDS - posted 29 December 2011 RIP to Wil Burns, reunited with Harry Glover and Bruce Ward, Leicester's old school legends!! Cannot actually believe you have gone after being told you were at home recovering. Leicester ladies will do you proud riding around Glover Park this September. Sending all my love to Kev and family. Rest in peace. Heros reunited SUCH A SHOCK - posted 29 December 2011 How very sad to hear of the passing of Mr Will Burns. I spoke with him only last Thursday and he said he was feeling fine and looking forward to the new season. Such a shock. My condolences go to his family, the Leicester club and to the world of cycle speedway. We have lost one of the good guys. Rest in peace Wil, you will not be forgotten. Bob Prince I'm still shocked by the news of my manager's death. Wil was the main reason why me and my wife decided to come to Leicester. He was a very warm and kind man. For us he was a true British old fashioned gentleman, which you don't come across very often these days. He had helped us a lot in the early days and we tried our best not to disappoint him. I only spoke to Wil last Wednesday just to make sure he was OK after What striked me the most, was Wil's approach to people visiting our facilities. Any Polish riders were very welcomed and he always made sure they were OK and he always asked for their opinion on the track and the Glover Park. Any new members were looked after by him and he took great pride in making sure people were having a good time. He will be always in our hearts, and we hope his legacy will go on. Our Lukasz and Magda Nowacki ONE-CLUB RARITY - posted 29 December 2011 I would like to add my own tribute to the many already submitted about Wil Burns whom it was my pleasure to have known for nearly 50 years. During his youth he was a very fine rider in his own right. After giving up racing, he devoted most of his leisure time towards encouraging as many youngsters as possible to enjoy the sport he always enjoyed. As an administrator he was excellent and as a motivator he had no equal. Throughout his years of involvement with cycle speedway, he remained the rarity of being a one-club man. At Leicester’s home matches he was always welcoming and as a visitor he was always greeted as a friend. He was fair-minded, genuine and honest I send my condolences to his family in what must be their darkest hour. May he rest in the peace of the Lord. Brian Buck So sad to wake up this morning to the news of Wil Burns passing. He was a great help to me when I took over as Scotland team manager and he was always happy to give up his time to talk to me about cycle speedway. He was an extremely friendly, knowledgeable man and I know I speak for the entire Scotland cycle speedway team when I say that Wil be sorely missed. My thoughts are with Kevin and the rest of his family at this sad time. Gavin Kennedy FONDLY REMEMBERED - posted 29 December 2011 Just want to add my condolences regarding Wil. Wil Burns will be remembered fondly by all the riders from East London who accompanied the Leicester squad and others on the first couple of bus trip outings to Almere in Holland in the early Nineties. Wil was always a friendly fixture at Slater Street, Frog Island when we raced there, either as a team or more recently riding in Vets events. Steve Harvie WIL STRIVED FOR A BETTER FUTURE - posted 29 December 2011 The news today came as a massive shock. Wil only spoke to my wife Jenny in the morning and said he would call again later when I was at home. Unfortunately that call never came. Jenny, Carl and myself have been left speechless at the events of today, totally unexpected. I knew Wil Burns for thirteen years. Compared to many within the sport I realise that’s a very short period, however during that time we became very good friends. I have seen at first hand the many hours of work Wil has put in to try and make Leicester a top class venue, the untold hours, the work behind the scenes and personal contributions that went unnoticed by most but have been vital for the survival of the club. His contribution cannot be underestimated. I have already received numerous email, text and phone messages expressing condolences to Wil's family and I certainly echo those sentiments. He will be sorely missed by his friends at Slater Street and throughout the sport. Tim Jarvis and all at Leicester cycle speedway club A VERY SPECIAL PERSON - posted 29 December 2011 I was so saddened to hear the news about Wil today. He was not only a great Leicester clubman but also a very special person that I feel privileged to have been closely associated with during my many years at Leicester. During the mid 80's he put faith in me to get the very best out of a Wil was a true professional when it came to Leicester CSC, with many Finally, there is one saying that I will always remember him by, which A true gentleman, professional, and rider that I and Leicester CSC He WIL be sadly missed. Chris Harrison A TRUE GENT - posted 29 December 2011 I was very saddened to hear of Wil's passing today. A true gent who always stopped for a chat and made you welcome. Thought's and prayers with the rest of the Burns family. Calum Slight LOYAL, HARDWORKING AND FRIENDLY - posted 29 December 2011 Very saddened to learn of the death of Wil. He was always a loyal, hard My sincerest condolences go to all his family and friends within the Mike Hack AMAZING GUY - posted 29 December 2011 So shocked and sorry to Wils son Kev, family and the Leicester club. Wil was a true gent. He always made us feel welcome while our son Adam was racing with them. He would find time for a chat and a handshake no matter how busy he was. Amazing guy! The Stephenson Family (Hull) REST IN PEACE WIL - posted 29 December 2011 Rest in peace Wil Burns. The sport has lost a true stalwart to cycle speedway. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Wil's family and all of Leicester Cycle Speedway at this very sad time. You are a legend throughout the world of Cycle Speedway and will be sadly missed by many. John, Kim, Lee and Matthew Smith A GREAT LOSS TO CYCLE SPEEDWAY - posted 29 December 2011 Having just been informed of Wil Burns sudden death today, I am completely lost for words to describe my own personal feelings. A gentleman of the sport in every sense of the meaning. His administrative and technical attributes left many of us in his wake. He will of course leave a void within the management of the Leicester Cycle Speedway Club, especially bearing in mind the sudden departure of Harry Glover not so many years ago. Most will remember him as an official at Leicester, but his riding ability was awesome, both for the Leicester Allstars and Leicester Monarchs. The Monarchs were one of the 60s top teams, and toppled the South London Rangers five years unbeaten home record, with an impressive 45-51 away win. The team on that day, together with their scores were: John Knock 12, Wil Burns 11, Grant Warwick 10, Colin Warren 5, Bruce Ward 4, Steve Cobley 4, Harry Glover 3, Bruce Heath 2. In 1967 Wilson “Wil” Burns won the Minors Derby on the Monarchs' track, beating into second place a certain John Watchman, which was certainly no mean achievement. In third place was Ivor Walsh, with Ken Taylor and Vic Haines equal fourth, showing the quality of the field on the day. To the Leicester club, Wil's immediate family and many friends, may I offer my heart-felt condolences at this very sad loss. Wil's loss is heaven's gain, and the strength of the Cycle Speedway team awaiting our own arrival will certainly be the stronger for Wilson's presence. God Bless you Wil. Dave Hunting We were saddened to hear the news earlier today of Wil Burns's passing. We always found Wil to be a fair and friendy person, even during the heat of many Horspath v Leicester battles! We offer our condolences to all Wil's family. The Osbornes (Michael, Lewis and Chris) Like everyone else, I'm shocked and saddened to learn that we've lost a valued and much loved member of the cycle speedway family with the passing of Wil Burns. I will fondly remember him as a wonderfully warm, knowledgeable and enthusiastic personality within our sport, who loved to talk about cycle speedway. As someone who always seemed genuinely interested in other people and what they were doing, he will be greatly missed by everyone who visits Leicester in the future. My condolences to his son Kev and the whole Burns family. Dave Murphy GLOVER PARK WILL NOT BE THE SAME - posted 28 December 2011 When I heard earlier today that Wil had passed I was shocked and stunned. We would like to send our sincere condolences to Kev and his family at this very sad time. Wil always encouraged my children Dec and Amy which we will be ever grateful. Wil you will be sadly missed. Glover Park will not be the same. SO SORRY - posted 28 December 2011 I was stunned and so sorry to hear the terrible news earlier today. Wil was a true gentleman who will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this awful time. Terry Ashford and all at Great Blakenham NOTHING BUT ADMIRATION - posted 28 December 2011 Absolutely shocked to hear the sad news about Wil. Chatting with my brother and dad, we only have admiration for Wil who was always pleasant to talk to, not just because he talked commonsense but it was easy to chat to Wil. He always began our conversations about inquiring how me and my family was first. I'm just dumbfounded about the news and my thoughts are with Kevin and the rest Wil's family and friends. Lee Aris Upon logging in earlier today (Wednesday), what dreadful news was awaiting. The death of Wil Burns is a passing of a honourable man and a wonderful, and great, servant to our sport. We had all hoped that Will was on the mend after his recent stay in hospital. Both Coventry CSC, and I, send our heartfelt condolences to Wil`s family, particularly his son Kevin, and all his many friends in Leicester. How very sad to hear of the sad loss Wil Burns today. Wil was one of the good guys. Not only was he a supreme tactician but he was a very genuine and nice guy! Wil always took time to talk whenever he saw me. He was never too busy to say hello. He was a straight talker and told it like it was. It was an extremely endearing quality. Wil was incredibly supportive of Coventry when we were resurrecting the club and even offered to loan us several of his riders in order to ensure we made a return to the track. Wil is going to be very sorely missed. I offer my heartfelt condolences to Wil's family on this very saddest of occasions. Jez Hughes BREFORD SADDENED - posted 28 December 2011Bretford cycle speedway club are saddened to hear of the death of Will Burns. He will be greatly missed by us all in cycle speedway. We send our condolences to his family and friends. From Bretford cycle speedway club and Bernie, Graham, Joe and Lee Kemp. |
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