Farewell Les Sim

4th Quarter 2017 News & events

With the recent passing of Les Sim, two of his good friends pay tribute to him: his motorcycling friend, Ian Holmes and Axiom Hydraulics managing director, Neill Simpson.

Simpson says that his first encounter with Les was when he joined the hydraulics department of the well-known engineering company, Reunert & Lenz. They soon became friends and have remained so ever since. Les then moved to Plasser Rail, a company in the business of maintaining railway tracks. He was able to improve their systems and was recognised for his talents. “Les always enjoyed doing turnkey projects and when he made the leap and started his own company, Turnkey Hydraulics, it was named accordingly. He enjoyed taking a project all the way from the drawing board stage to installation on site, and was probably the best in the industry. I have always had a high regard for his abilities and his integrity, as well as enjoying his friendship,” he says.

Holmes adds that Les was a great friend and a giant of a man. His passion for motorcycling stayed with him throughout his life and he was a familiar figure at any rally involving motorcycles. As recently as 2016 he completed the DJ Run, a classic motorcycle rally from Durban to Johannesburg, on his beloved Triumph – with an oxygen generator in tow. His love of the outdoors was also a major part of his life and that is where he relaxed with family and friends, away from the challenges of running a successful but demanding business in a tough environment. Our condolences and best wishes go to his wife Pam, their children Angela, Craig and Sean, and their families.

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