Just Do It!
16 Apr 2004, 12:53
It is with much sadness that we learn of the passing of one of the best ever all-round Grand Prix talent's mother's passing.
Ma (Ruth Leigh) McLaren, aged 97, passed away on April 12, 2004 at Kensington Rest Home in Auckland, New Zealand.
Ma, as she was affectionately known, is the mother of fallen New Zealander, Bruce McLaren - the founder of McLaren, the Formula One team.
The reason for posting this is because Bruce raced at a time when the Tasman Series was alive and well, and I felt that there could be people who visit or follow these forums who used to come down as part of that racing series.
Back then, motorsport was quite a social function, and no doubt someone somewhere will have a story or two to tell.
Ma McLaren will be missed by many who came in contact with her, including myself, for her kindness, friendliness, and her welcoming way of caring for all.
I only met her once, and spent about half an hour talking about Bruce and his racing endeavours, and her memories of early race meetings.
We had quite a chuckle when she passed the comment that when she met Bruce's wife-to-be, a young Patricia or Patty as she became known, she said that you lads of today would have called her a real babe. And she was right too!
She spoke of Bruce's first car, and his dream to be a racing driver, as well as the support of herself and her late husband, Les, or Leslie, McLaren.
It was a humbling experience with a lady whose own son achieved international fame wherever he raced, but was so much more than just a race driver.
Any of you who wish to can send tributes to:
P.O. Box 109050,
Newmarket,
Auckland,
New Zealand
Ma's passing is the end of an era for the McLaren's, who must also notch up one of the rarest milestones for a family. Ma McLaren was a great-great-Nana of two.
Thanks for some memories from a humble mother's perspective on an endearing, and so prematurely taken son.
Ma (Ruth Leigh) McLaren, aged 97, passed away on April 12, 2004 at Kensington Rest Home in Auckland, New Zealand.
Ma, as she was affectionately known, is the mother of fallen New Zealander, Bruce McLaren - the founder of McLaren, the Formula One team.
The reason for posting this is because Bruce raced at a time when the Tasman Series was alive and well, and I felt that there could be people who visit or follow these forums who used to come down as part of that racing series.
Back then, motorsport was quite a social function, and no doubt someone somewhere will have a story or two to tell.
Ma McLaren will be missed by many who came in contact with her, including myself, for her kindness, friendliness, and her welcoming way of caring for all.
I only met her once, and spent about half an hour talking about Bruce and his racing endeavours, and her memories of early race meetings.
We had quite a chuckle when she passed the comment that when she met Bruce's wife-to-be, a young Patricia or Patty as she became known, she said that you lads of today would have called her a real babe. And she was right too!
She spoke of Bruce's first car, and his dream to be a racing driver, as well as the support of herself and her late husband, Les, or Leslie, McLaren.
It was a humbling experience with a lady whose own son achieved international fame wherever he raced, but was so much more than just a race driver.
Any of you who wish to can send tributes to:
P.O. Box 109050,
Newmarket,
Auckland,
New Zealand
Ma's passing is the end of an era for the McLaren's, who must also notch up one of the rarest milestones for a family. Ma McLaren was a great-great-Nana of two.
Thanks for some memories from a humble mother's perspective on an endearing, and so prematurely taken son.
