Helmut Busack

Helmut “Ham” Busack passed away December 2, 2014. On that day the world got a little darker. He was born on February 12, 1942 in Berlin, Germany, Ham was a motorcycle racer, collector, builder and innovator. He was well known and respected in the vintage motorcycle community for his knowledge and German ingenuity. In 1956 Ham made history when he built his first motorcycle using a Volkswagen  car engine  mounted on a two wheel bike frame, something unheard of at the time. As an innovator, Ham was the first person to incorporate the use of Disc Brakes and electric starters for motorcycles.

He was a U. S Army veteran of eight years and served in Vietnam.  Everyone he came in contact with left a lasting impression. He moved to Inverness five years ago from Belmont, NH.

Ham was a trusted, loving and giving friend to many. He was a boss, mentor, and teacher, as well as a father figure to Kyle Chandler and Katie Franklin. Ham adored his stepdad, Edgar Kelb, and took him in to live with him and Sheila after his mother’s death.

He loved all God’s creatures, and good clean water, and his beer. That’s the kind of man the world will miss.

Ham leaves behind many wonderful friends from all over the world, but the one missing him the most is his sweetheart of eight years, Sheila Ranger.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Ham on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at 2:00 PM at Ham’s Cycle, 304 N Pine, Inverness, FL.

Heinz Funeral Home & Cremation, Inverness, FL.