Bill was greatly looking forward to his induction into the Greater Vancouver Motorsport Pioneers. Un-fortunately, Bill is not with us this after-noon as he passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2001.

In the old days, Bill rode a Harley Davidson with a sidecar. He was an avid motorcyclist. While he was young and still in school, he worked at Dupont Hardware; from there he worked at

BILL GRANATH - Inducted 2001

Supporter - Motorcycling

Excerpt from Memorial by Doreen Brookshaw at the GVMPS 2001 Induction Ceremony

“Easy Going Bill,” describes Bill Granath, one of the nicest, most know-ledgeable motorcyclists in the Pacific Northwest. Bill was born in Saskatchewan in 1928 and moved to Vancouver in the mid ‘40’s. He quit school in grade 9, and after a short stint working in a junkyard and then a hard-ware store, Bill discovered motorcycles. Bill spent some time in the early years driving a motorcycle sidecar for Ryan’s Delivery.

Bill worked in many of the local motorcycle shops: British Motorcycles, Deeleys, Pittson’s, Richmond Honda

By Jim Greenwood, 2004:

Ryan’s Carriers where he used his side-car to make deliveries. He then went to work for British Motorcycles and then on to Trev Deeley's. Over the years Bill swapped back and forth between British Motorcycles and Trev Deeley's. He then moved on to Tonka Motorcycles, Richmond Honda and Modern Motorcycles.

Bill's vehicles included a 1957 Ford Sedan with an automatic and he

changed it to a stick shift. Boy, would it go fast. There was also a red and white 1960 Ford with an aerial in the centre of the trunk.

Mostly, Bill will be remembered as the announcer at Digney Speedway. His contribution to the motorsport industry has not been forgotten.

Bill Granath

and Modern Motorcycles. Bill was the one that many riders turned to when they needed special parts. His know-ledge of motorcycles was unsurpassed. In his spare time Bill helped work on the Hannigan Race Track in Bellingham, Washington.

For years, Bill did not drive a car (he did not have an automobile license) but he was a real motorcyclist. After breaking his back in a car accident and spending 91 days in the hospital, Bill got his automobile drivers license.

Bill was the “voice of the races” at many of the motorcycle races in the

area. Bill announced all Aldergrove Motocross Track, Cloverdale Speedway, Chilliwack Fair Grounds and the Agridome Motorcycle races. All who knew him well called him “Gramophone”.

Bill’s first love was motorcycles but he was a regular at Digney Speedway and Skagit Speedway. He was also the pit boss at Langley Speedway for many years.