TimD (Tim Dudley) former moderator at 10 Tenths

[Craig]

It is with great personal sadness that I learned yesterday of the recent sudden death of former 10 Tenths moderator, TimD. He sadly passed away around a month ago due to complications with his Diabetes.

I first met Tim many years ago - I think at a snowy early season Silverstone event... the exact location does not matter - and it was immediately apparent that he was one of life's good ones. A quiet, humble character, he came alive when the subject got round to pre-war Bentleys and the history of the sport in general. Eventually, after some coaxing, he was persuaded that he was indeed 'up to the job' of moderating the Historic Racing section here on 10 Tenths. That he was doubtful that he should be 'trusted with the keys' (his words) says everything you need to know about Tim. He was the perfect candidate and did the site proud for many years.

Tim was responsible for my own interest in Le Mans and even volunteered to take me down a couple of times when I had no other way to get there. Okay, I confess that the character of the trip was somewhat different from my other (rather more beer and bbq based) visits, but it was probably better for it. I learned more about the history and the character of the race those weekends than I have done before or since. Really enjoyable.

I am sad to say that I lost touch with Tim a few years ago as both of our respective paths diverged and latterly Tim was found behind the counter of his own bookstore that he had established in the Peak District. For someone who filled his home full of books and magazines relating to all aspects of the sport that he loved, this was fitting and I am pleased that he found happiness in what happened to be the latter years of his life.

I am saddened because he was an all-round good man, a decent man and a friend to me. I am saddened because we lost touch and I somehow always presumed that our paths would one-day cross once more. I am, however, delighted to have know him and spent time with him. One of life's characters, as I say, but no-one I ever met had anything but good words to say about him. He will be missed.