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Alex Milledge was an Aussie motorcycling stalwart

Obit Alex Milledge

The Australian motorcycle industry has lost a stalwart with the passing of Alexander Milledge, OAM, on 6 September 2019, aged 89, says industry veteran Stuart Strickland.

He credits Alex with recognising the rise of Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, becoming Yamaha’s first overseas distributor and supporting many motorcycle champions. 

Eulogy

Speaking at his funeral service at St John’s Anglican Church, Toorak, Stuart said Alex had led the Milledge Brothers to success as the nation’s largest motorcycle business and had “invested heavily over countless years supporting all forms of motorcycle sport”.

Stuart began his 40+ years in the industry at Milledge Brothers, the first motorcycle shop in Elizabeth St, Melbourne. He was parts and general manager from 1971 to ’81 and, like Alex, he also was awarded an OAM for service to the industry.

Obit Alex Milledge
Milledge Brothers store

“Milledge Brothers was an enjoyable company to work for because its leader was a man of action, never standing still,” Stuart said.

“Alex possessed fantastic business acumen and was a great mentor. I, like many, built careers from foundations learnt whilst at Milledge Brothers.”

Stuart said many motorcycle dealers around Australia benefited financially through Milledge Brothers’ success.

He also acknowledged Alex’s “exceptional” ability to “gain, build and maintain relationships with manufacturers across world markets”.

“I think his greatest achievement was chasing distribution rights for Honda, being unsuccessful, but through perseverance landing distribution rights for both Yamaha and Suzuki.

“His premonition that British domination of the market would cease through the rise of Japanese manufacturers was accurate, leading to many very successful years for the company.

“Alex broke new ground with Yamaha Motor, becoming their first overseas distributor. He held an exalted position with Yamaha’s hierarchy throughout his life,” he says.

Alex Milledge

Obit Alex Milledge
Alex and Sue

Alex was born on 5 August 1930, the only child of Alexander and Mary Ellen.

He lived nearly his entire life in Birdwood Ave, Elwood; was educated at Melbourne Grammar; and worked in the family business, becoming general manager in 1956 at the young age of 26.

In 1988, the Yamaha franchise was sold and Alex became semi-retired.

He is survived by his wife Sue, three children – Jane, Sarah and Libby – eight grandchildren and one grandchild. Sadly, his son Tom died in 2002.

  1. My name is Frank Bayliss ! My business was in Mildura Victoria & consisted of both Franchises for Suzuki & Yamaha Motorcycles for many years ! The Melbourne Importer was Alex Milledge based in South Melbourne ! Our business was in Mildura on the Fabulous Goldcoast of the Murray River ! We sold thousands of m/c’s of both brands ! All wonderful reliable & amazing performers in every way! I was the fastest man on two wheels on the track events for both motor cross & etc ! For many years ! I fondly remember the wonderful fellow competitors in those days for all events! Lovely young men all ! We respected each other in every way & shared the unbelievable excitement & thrills of our chosen sport ! I send you all my best wishes & would love to hear from anyone who finds this site! I am now 75 yrs old ! As fit as a fiddle & would love to hear from anyone who discovers this site ! I send you all my best wishes & would love to hear from anyone who reads this and remembers those great days in Sunraysia ! Cheers FB

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