Farewell to Off-Road Icons Malcolm Smith and Mary McGee

November 27, 2024 -- We received word today that two pioneering icons of the off-road industry, Malcolm Smith and Mary McGee, have passed away.  Malcolm was a member of the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame inaugural Class of 1978, and Mary was inducted into the Off-Road Motorsport Hall of Fame in 2023. While both Malcolm and Mary competed in four-wheel classes, it was on two-wheels that they each made their respective marks and rode into the off-road history books.

Mary McGee and Malcolm Smith

In addition to being an Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee, Malcolm was recognized with one of ORMHOF's most prestigious honors; In 2017 he received the Louis Unser Never Give Up Award, presented to an individual who possesses a relentless attitude, indomitable spirit, and perseverance.

A surprised and delighted Malcolm Smith heads to the stage when the announcement is made that he has received the Louis Unser Never Give Up Award at the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame Induction & Awards Gala in 2017.

A statement from Malcolm Smith Motorsports released today shared that Malcolm passed away at his home yesterday:

Malcolm Smith (1941 – 2024), who many consider to be America’s most-renowned and best-loved motorcyclist, has died from complications of Parkinson’s disease, which he battled for more than two decades. He was 83.

Smith passed away at home in Riverside, Calif., on November 26, peacefully and surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife Joyce, daughters Louise and Ashley, sons Joel and Alexander, granddaughters Evie, Adeline, Amelie, Miley and Claire, and grandsons Ethan, Malcolm and Conrad.

In his final year he welcomed his newest grandchildren, Malcolm, Conrad and Claire, and was thrilled to watch his granddaughters learn to ride motorcycles.

During his 83 years, Smith did it all: Rider. Racer. ISDT gold medalist. Shop tech. Service manager. Repair shop owner. Aftermarket distributor. Retail store owner. Actor. Sponsor. Philanthropist. Pro-motorcycling advocate. Father. Grandfather. Friend. And much more.

But over and above all that, Malcolm Smith was everyman’s motorcyclist, an enthusiastic, fun-loving, driven and talented example of what motorcycling could do and be for the everyday enthusiast, and how the sport could affect our lives in unimaginable ways.

Funeral and memorial services are pending. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Malcolm’s favorite charity, the Malcolm Smith Motorsports Foundation, which supports the children of Baja.

More than decade ago. Malcolm Smith wrote these words for the final chapter of his acclaimed 2015 autobiography: “It all started for me on March 9, 1941, in a small rural hospital in the village of Ganges, on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada… “Where it will end, no one knows. But you can be sure I’m going to enjoy every minute I have left, with a smile on my face, and my family nearby. Can’t ask for more than that.”

You can’t, and he didn’t…and the world’s motorcycling fans are better for it.

Godspeed, Malcolm.

Malcolm Smith
March 9, 1941 - November 26, 2024
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"Motorcycle Mary" McGee was born in Juneau, Alaska, on December 12, 1936. Mary was a true pioneer in the sport of off-road, breaking down many barriers for female racers. During her Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame induction speech in 2023, Mary said, "I am very, very happy to be a member of this Hall of Fame. I am a very lucky woman...and I want to tell you, get out and ride!"

 Mary's family posted the following message on social media announcing her passing:

Dear friends, Mary Bernice McGee (nee Connor) better known as Motorcycle Mary, passed away on November 27 at her home in Gardnerville, Nevada surrounded by family and friends. We would like to take a moment to extend a thank you to the healthcare providers, caregivers, friends, and family members who made Mary's transition peaceful. However you may have come to know her, Mary embodied resilience, grace, and optimism. She was a historic athlete and a motorsports pioneer who embraced life's challenges, cared deeply for others, and made time to brighten the lives of those around her. While we are deeply saddened by this loss, we are comforted knowing that her light will continue to shine in everyone she touched. She particularly enjoyed the last few months meeting those who learned her story through the documentary, Motorcycle Mary. We welcome you to share your memories so that Mary's great spirit continues to resonate as we celebrate the extraordinary life she lived.

Mary McGee
December 12, 1936 - November 27, 2024
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About the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame

The Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame was established in 1978 by racing promoter and NORRA founder Ed Pearlman to recognize and honor those individuals and organizations whose lifelong contributions to off-road motorsports have set a standard for others to follow. In 1995, legendary off-road racer Rod Hall became ORMHOF chairman, a position he held for more than twenty years, before selecting current chairman Mark McMillin as his successor.

The mission of the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame is to educate and inspire present and future generations of the off-road community by celebrating the achievements of those who came before.  Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame inductees represent excellence and achievement in many areas of off-road, including advocacy, journalism, industry, rock sports, desert racing, short course, and rally.  

ORMHOF maintains a collection of vintage off-road vehicles that are displayed at museums around the country, as well as an extensive online archive of print, images, audio, and videos, with more content added as funds become available.  The Hall of Fame Off-Road Registry invites clubs, organizations, events, businesses, and individuals with fifty years or more of history in off-road to apply for Hall of Fame heritage status in the official archives of the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame. 

The Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame is funded through donations, individual memberships, and industry partners. A 501c non-profit organization, ORMHOF has earned a GuideStar Non-Profit Gold Seal of Transparency for 2024.

ORMHOF is guided by an all-volunteer board of leaders in the off-road community, including chairman Mark McMillin and board members Frank ‘Butch’ Arciero Jr, Jim Bramham, Frank DeAngelo, Bud Feldkamp, Jeff Furrier, Josh Hall, Bob Ham, Gary Haugley, Nate Hunt, Rich Klein, Emily Miller, Rafael Navarro III, Fardad Niknam, Bonnie Vessels, and Rory Ward.

We invite you to browse the ORMHOF online collections of print, images, audio, and video, and to learn more about how to join, partner, or donate. It's all online at ormhof.org.

The Hall of Fame of the Off-Road Industry. Legends Live at ormhof.org.