Gareth "Gruff" Jones a revered Artist sadly passed away on the 6th March

2012 after a three-year courageous battle with grade four brain cancer, after

competing in the Manx Grandprix races in the eighties and taking a fine 5th

place in the Newcomers Manx Race, Gruff took to painting after breaking both

of his ankles after a crash on a friends motorcycle on the mountain course

and being confined to a wheelchair.

Making a success of his new found talent Gruff went on to establish himself

as one of the great artist of the day, and of course creating a successful

business with his artwork, his artwork was sought after by many fans and

top riders of the modern and past eras encompassing riders such as Valentino

Rossi, John McGuinness, Ian Hutchinson, James Toseland, Chris Walker,

Michael Rutter, Troy Bayliss, John Reynolds, Steve Hislop and Joey Dunlop

the list is endless, there's so many that his talented hands painted in his

lifetime

But what of the man himself, a realist and very funny with a wicked sense of

humour along with a vast knowledge of the history of motorcycle racing of

every series BSB, WSB, Moto GP and road races throughout, he could recall

races of past times with great clarity and of course many funny stories to

go alongside of them.

His feathers rarely got ruffled but when they did it was time to take a step

backwards, rarely would he lose his temper and before long this likeable man

would be handing over a piece of his artwork that you would have purchased

from him.

John McGuinness handed Gruff one of his own medals during a past NEC

Exhibition which Gruff was extremely proud of, such was the likeable nature

and character that Gruff was.

A familiar face sitting outside of his trade stand at all race meetings

whether it be WSBK MotoGP or BSB here in the UK, rolling a cigarette and

conversing with racers and fans alike was a familiar sight, his presence

will be greatly missed at meetings yet another taken way before his time

R.I.P Gruff.

Thoughts are with his wife Hollie, Daughter Carolyne, Son Richard and many of his friends and family at this time.

Gruff's funeral will take place on Friday 16th March at 2pm at Pentrebychan

Crematorium Wrexham Clwyd North Wales LL14 4EP.