Paul Broomfield did not lose a battle, never for a single minute may you consider him a person who could lose. Instead he has left this earth to fight bigger battles, battles that require a man his strength and valor to lead.

I will never believe for one moment Paul lost at anything, and for those that know him as well as I do, if not better, you will surely agree – Paul only knew how to succeed. His only shortcoming was his tenacity and desires to do it alone. He would not ask others to help him succeed at something he desired, he went after it himself and he always succeeded. To risk nothing is to fail, to risk everything in an effort to succeed is to never fail.

The Paul I knew was an amazing man, larger than life. He sheltered the weak, inspired greatness and settled for nothing less than your best.

Racing Paul was always hard, he never liked losing and his sheer strength and fight willed his many victories, we had some great battles racing our DR-Z400s in the Thumper Nationals….nearly all of them had me distantly following his wide arse across the finish line. He was as tall as he was wide, his broad shoulders always felt as though they were as wide as the track you were racing on. You wouldn’t dare try and pass Paul. Like I said, he didn’t do losing well.

I also knew a different side to Paul. A true friend accepts us as we are yet helps us be what we should; he was one of the most trusting friends I will ever have. There aren’t many people that truly know me, I am a private person, but Paul is one man that I let in and he never took advantage of our unique friendship.

I may have founded Honda Smart, but it’s important to note that Paul Broomfield is the reason it went from strength to strength nationally. He staked his name, reputation and above all – his unequalled coaching ability to it. He always had my back, always, in a brotherly way. I know on more occasions than he would ever mention he stuck up for me amongst his peers and for that I will always be indebted to him. I could not have asked for a greater friend.

Last year in June I wrote to Paul, asking for his help, I wanted to race the vet nationals, and I wanted him to help me. We were both down a little on life for various reasons, and I asked him to come to Melbourne. He texted me “Mate I’m here for you whenever, whatever you want mate, I’m here”. He sent me a few more text messages and emails following our brief chat. He was so happy for me on many levels. Without hesitation or question he flew down and helped me and I went on to finish second. This was the man that he was. He really was a man of selflessness – he always put the people he loved before himself.

I can’t remember where we first met, I do remember the times spent together and I will always live with the knowledge he passed down…

Paul Broomfield you touched my soul, held out your hand to help me and reached my heart. Heroes fade eventually but legends never die…