Finke race legend remembered after fatal motorbike crash near Jamestown

A beloved motorbike racer who died in a horror crash has been remembered as a ‘larrikin and legend’ as family and friends prepare to farewell him this week.

A beloved motorbike racer who died in a horror crash has been remembered as a ‘larrikin and legend’ as family and friends prepare to farewell him this week.

Deane ‘Feathers’ Boston died on October 3 in a road crash near Jamestown.

The 76-year-old was riding on the Wilkins Hwy when his motorcycle left the road and crashed.

In an online post, family and friends paid tribute to the beloved brother, father, grandfather and husband of Liz, who he shared 46 years with.

“You excelled at anything you attempted. Your earthly journey has ended but your legendary reputation will never die,” the post said.

Malcolm Axford, left, with Deane ‘Feathers’ Boston visiting the Tatts Finke Desert Race in 2023. Both travelled together from SA to compete in the enduro event 47 years earlier. Photo: Finke Desert Race/Facebook

“We can’t believe you are gone but you will always be with us, in our hearts, our minds and our lives, forever.”

Organisers of the iconic Finke Desert Race – an annual off-road motorsport event near Alice Springs – also paid tribute to the motorbike rider who was one of the original competitors of the event when it started in 1976.

He went on to compete in three other events including the 10th and 20th events.

In 2015 he returned to Alice Springs to celebrate the 40th Finke race and took part in the Legend’s Prologue on his original bike.

Deane ‘Feathers’ Boston competing in the There and Back race from Alice Springs to Finke and return in 1976. Picture: Facebook

Feathers in Alice Springs for the 40th Finke celebrations in 2015 on his original bike. Picture: Facebook

“The Finke Desert Race is saddened to hear that one of the original ‘76ers’ competitors died as the result of a motorcycle accident,” the post said.

“Feathers loved riding motorbikes with one guiding principle; they had to go fast and he was pretty good at making that happen.

“It’s hard to believe we’ve lost him, but he’ll always be part of the Finke family. Our condolences to the Boston extended family.”

Family and friends of Mr Boston are invited to attend a Memorial Service at Maple and Pine, Bundaleer Forest, Jamestown on Friday, October 18 from 1pm.