Bert Thorn 1923-2013
The funeral of Bert Thorn, former general manager at Comerfords, Thames Ditton, Surrey, takes place at Randalls Park Crematorium, Leatherhead, Surrey, on Friday 6 September at 11am.
Thorn was born less than a mile from Comerfords shop, joining as a 14-year-old cleaning bikes. He moved up the ranks to become general manager, overseeing 100 staff, Comerfords having its own finance and insurance department, cars sales, repairs and stores, as well as bike sales, imports and exports.
In its heyday Comerfords had 1000 bikes in stock. Of the second-hand stock 30 per cent were trials and moto cross, Comerfords being the biggest off-road dealer in the country.
On one Saturday in 1969 Thorn and his sales staff sold 97 bikes! An excellent trials rider, Thorn competed in the Scottish Six days Trial. A widower, he leaves two daughters and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
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