1943-2023
Well-known and respected dealer, Alan Stoole died on 31 January, aged 80, following a long career in the motorcycle trade.
Alan was born in Dublin in 1943 and moved to London in 1962. He worked for Coburn and Hughes Motorcycles in Luton until 1976 and, in 1977, set up Corby Kawasaki in partnership with Corby Motors. In 1981 he and business partner Brian Pack purchased the entire business from Corby Motors. This business partnership lasted nearly 20 years, and although Alan left the company in 1996, he was still very much involved and was always ready to lend a hand when needed. Motorcycles were in his blood, and he was always passionate about anything on two wheels. His business partner Brian remains at the helm of Corby Kawasaki.
After leaving Corby Kawasaki, Alan set about a new venture, Phoenix Motorcycle Hire (PMH), operated from the same building as Corby Kawasaki. He ran PMH between 1997 and 2006 when he closed the business to retire and spend more time riding his Kawasaki Versys 1000.
Alan went to see his daughter in Australia in May 2022 and was taken ill weeks later. Sadly, he was unable to return home due to the intense treatment he was having. Alan fought hard and kept his sense of humour until the end.
The funeral was held at Kettering Crematorium on 27 March, where Alan arrived by a motorcycle hearse.