Horace tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident when he was struck from behind while stationary at a red traffic light , on a wet November night in Manurewa , Auckland , last year . A court case is currently pending ; however nothing brings him back . So , we honour him . This is a slightly modified transcript of what was said at his funeral . It is offered to the riding community who knew him as a way of remembering and honouring our friend . Horace Hartnett was my friend . He was a friend to so many motorcyclists - but he was dear to me almost from the minute I met him . And it really meant something if Horace liked you .

His friendship had heft . It had emotional weight and volume – dimension , much like the man himself , in the years before cancer . If you had Horace ’ s respect , it increased one ’ s stature and reinforced your own self-belief , not just as a rider - but as a man , or woman . I knew Horace for less than ten years , but he was an old friend on the day I met him - and every day thereafter . If you knew Horace , you know exactly what I mean . Horace had integrity and mana . He had experience , ability and a passion for Italian bikes . If he said he ’ d meet you , he would meet you , even if he had to ride from Whanganui to Warkworth to get to you , he ’ d meet you .

KIWI RIDER 81

Kiwi Rider March Vol.1 2023 | Page 81

HORACE ( SIMON ALEXANDER ) HARTNETT 31 / 08 / 68 – 21 / 11 / 22