NOTICE OF DEATH - PATTY MCLAREN-BRICKETT - 1937-2016

It is with great sadness that we have to notify Members that last Saturday Patty McLaren-Brickett lost her brave battle with cancer.

Patty married Bruce McLaren in 1961 and was by his side through the following decade as Bruce made the transition from being not just one of the top drivers of his time but also the founder in 1963 of Bruce McLaren Motor Racing Ltd when he not only competed at the highest level on both sides of the Atlantic and in the Tasman races but also inspired and developed the McLaren Formula 1 and ultra successful CanAm cars.  In the days before electronic timekeeping Patty was invariably to be seen at Grands Prix in charge of the stop watches or sitting beside Bruce filming as he went for some fast laps in one of the CanAm cars.

When Bruce was killed while testing at Goodwood in June 1970, Patty took his place on the board of Bruce McLaren Motor Racing Ltd and, along with Denny Hulme, inspired the team to carry on in the manner that Bruce would have wished.  It was also at that time that Patty was elected to be an Honorary Member of the BRDC, an honour in which she took great pride, remaining a regular visitor to Silverstone until very recently.

Along with Bette Hill and Eba Grant, Patty was also one of the driving forces behind the Dog House Owners’ Club of which she was Chair for 20 years and of which she remained a Patron at the time of her death.

Although Patty had not been as heavily involved with McLaren for many years as she had been in the early days, she remained passionate about the fortunes of the team which Bruce created and the family involvement continues to this day since their daughter Amanda is Brand Ambassador for McLaren Automotive.  To Amanda and to Patty’s husband Douglas Brickett, the BRDC offers its sincerest condolences.

There will be a private family funeral only.  At her request, any donation to the Princess Alice Hospice, Esher, Suurrey would be most welcome in lieu of card or flowers.