Eddie Crooks dies, aged 78

TT legend and the UK's first official Suzuki dealer passes away on the Isle of Man

A FORMER Isle of Man TT racing star and Cumbrian motorcycle dealer has died, aged 78.

Eddie Crooks, founder of Crooks Suzuki, died on Friday, following a nine-year battle with prostate cancer.

Known affectionately as ‘Mr Suzuki’, Crooks was a regular podium finisher in the Manx Grand Prix for many years, won the 1959 senior race achieving lap and race records in the process.

In 1963, Crooks Suzuki became one of the first authorised Suzuki dealers in the UK. The shop is now run by his son, Martin, who said of his father's death:

“It’s a sad loss, but he packed a lot into his life. He lived life to the full, and he enjoyed life to the full. The Crooks Suzuki name is world famous because of him.”

Mr Crooks’ funeral is on Friday at St Mary’s RC Church, in Douglas, Isle of Man, at 2pm.