VALE STEPHEN DEARNLEY

Born in the UK in 1922, Dearnley saw active service in the Royal Navy during World War II before emigrating to Australia with his wife Jo in 1947. An enthusiastic motorcyclist as well as sailor, Dearnley allegedly blew most of his demobilisation pay on an ex-US Army Indian Scout that he regrettably left behind when he made the move down under!

Work and raising a family saw the former submariner drift away from motorcycling until the 1970s, when he got back into two wheels, commuting and touring with renewed passion.
In December, 1983, Dearnley and four others formed what became the Ulysses Club as a social, support and lobby group specifically for older riders. From those humble beginnings, the Ulysses Club has grown to be one of the biggest motorcycle clubs in the country, with 120+ branches and members around the world.

In 1997, the 'Dearnley Medal' was struck in Dearnley's honour, awarded to Ulysses Club branches for outstanding work and activities. Two years later, Dearnley was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his services to both sailing and motorcycling. A more unusual honour came at the 2004 Ulysses AGM in Geelong, when a seaside bollard was created in Dearnley's likeness, including a helmet bearing the "Old Number 1" moniker. At the age of 80, Dearnley rode around Australia and was still a regular rider well into his 80s.

At the 2012 Ulysses Club AGM in Mildura, Victroria, there will be a special memorial service for "Old Number 1" that is expected to attract thousands of members from around the country.

Out of respect for the family's privacy, the Ulysses Club National Committee has asked that all condolences be sent via the club's National Administration Office at PO Box 3242, Narellan, NSW, 2567.

Photos: Andrew Mauderer Studios