Don Howlett, former director of Comerford’s Ltd of Thames Ditton, the Bultaco importers and multi-franchise motorcycle dealers has passed away, aged 91 years of age.

Howlett was a major player in the importation to the UK of the Spanish brand of off-road motorcycles from 1972 until 1984.

Don was a keen scrambles rider and also rode in trials. He competed in the 1963 Scottish Six Days on a Greeves. Comerford’s motto was ‘Ride them on Sunday, sell them on Monday’ which reflected the sporting involvement by most of the employees.

After the demise of Comerfords as a motorcycle and car dealer, he formed ‘CI Sport’ with Stuart Miller, this business was the importation division of Comerfords, originally called Comerfords International, hence the ‘CI’.

Don Howlett had been ill for some time, his funeral took place on Tuesday 3rd December at St. John’s Church, Old Malden, Kingston Upon Thames.

He leaves a widow Chris, son Paul and daughter, Louise.