The motorcycle community in South Africa is a close-knit community, where everyone knows everyone else, many good times are had, firm friends are made and memories are created.
Mark Roach, who has sadly passed away, was a much-loved member of that community, doing much to forge those good times and memories. He joined Yamaha South Africa in 2014, although he was a valued member of the motorcycling community for much longer than that.
It is not uncommon for egos to get out of hand in any industry but Mark was one of those people who never let his achievements alter his personality one bit, despite the success he worked hard to achieve, and he remained one of those people with whom it was always good to meet, be it at a launch, at a sporting event or simply in a social environment, where his natural warmth and good humour shone through and made everyone’s day that much brighter.
In his role at Yamaha SA, Mark was always approachable and ready to listen to ideas, doing his best to facilitate where he could. He was completely honest and knew the value – or otherwise! – of any idea and was quick to give credit where it was due, but he also never made those who suggested the idea in the first place feel foolish if it was a bad idea. Instead, he would patiently explain why it wasn’t a good idea, and he was able to do that because he had a deep understanding of the industry and total dedication to it.
Enthusiasm is never in short supply among those who work in the motorcycle industry and Mark embodied that enthusiasm, tempered with a ready smile and much kindness.
To his wife and son, his friends and his colleagues at Yamaha South Africa, all of us here at ZA Bikers offer our sincere condolences.
Mark will be sadly missed.
