I could be way behind the news here, but I have checked the forum and can’t find any mention of this.
But I’ve just heard that Kieran Shorthall who ran War Department (1936 – 1948 Harley-Davidsons) has died aged 55. He passed away on 30th May 2014.
I spoke to his wife, Sandra, to confirm the news and will post a small obituary on Sump. But Sump never mentions the cause of death (it’s always a personal thing, I think). Suffice to say that Kieran had been ill for a while and died of natural causes. It was expected.
Some of you guys knew Kieran who was a very easy-going person to talk to and easy to deal with. It’s not clear what will happen to the business. It’s still too soon.
If you have any information to add about Kieran, I’d appreciate it. But please DON’T post anything very personal out of respect for Sandra’s wishes.
I met Kieran only a few times and spoke to him a few times over the phone. Certainly, however, he was likeable and approachable.
So sad ,I first met Kieran when he fist entered our scene on a trip to Bethune with Imps many years ago he camped next to Richard and myself and after a very heavy night in a polish restaurant drinking cheap vodka he administered water and sympathy I liked Kieran , he will be remembered and missed, andrew
What a shame! I used to walk round Stafford show with him looking for military bike parts. He will be sorely missed. I must get in touch with his wife as I still have some engines of his that he wanted me to rebuild. I thought it was odd that he hadn't contacted me for a while but I didn't contact him because one of his customers told me he had been ill. I liked Kieran as he seemed to have exactly the same interests as me.
I spoke to his son Lee, the business is being wound up, the parts are being sold off, you can still use the email and phone number on the website to contact Lee. I think it is ok to contact them about the parts as I think they are over the initial grief. If it's 45 parts you need I have engine parts. If you need them, all used genuine parts.
