We in the UK have been hearing more about Canada than usual, recently So here’s something else from that part of the world. Vancouver, to be more precise.
‘Trev’ Deeley was the grandson of British ex-pat, Fred Deeley Sr., who emigrated to Canada in 1914 and set up a small bicycle store. A couple of years later he started importing BSA’s and, soon after that, began selling Harley-Davidsons.
The dealership grew and by the 40’s and 50’s, Trev was making a name fo himself as a flat track racer for Harley, becoming the first Canadian to be awarded an expert plate, #22, by the American Motorcycle Association.
In 1953 he joined the family business, becoming the General Manager.
After. a stint as an executive at Yamaha, and the first person to import Hondas in to the English-speaking world, Trev started Deeley Imports, a name well know in Canada and synonymous with Harley-Davidson.
In addition to being a successful racer and businessman, Trev liked to collect motorcycles, many of which are on display at the Deeley Exhibition inside their large flagship store at 1875 Boundary, Vancouver.
Trev was inducted in to the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame in 1995. He died this day in 2002.