Funeral of international cyclist Peter Ward

Tributes paid at funeral of international cyclist Peter Ward

The co-creator of Preston’s Guild Wheel was led on his final journey to the city’s Minster by 40 riders from the club he helped to found.

A police outrider was at the head of the funeral cortege as it made its way up Church Street for a service of thanks for what Canon Timothy Lipscomb called “an exemplary life”.

Members of Ribble Valley Cycling and Racing Club
Members of Ribble Valley Cycling and Racing Club

Civic dignitaries, magistrates, trade union officials and even more cyclists packed the church to pay their final respects to a man who, everyone agreed, had made such a difference during his 83 years as a proud Prestonian.

Two-by-two the riders led the funeral parade and then lined up either side of the steps as the wicker coffin was carried in to the sound of birdsong filling the church.

Members of Ribble Valley Cycling and Racing Club made a guard of honour to welcome the coffin
Ribble Valley Cycling & Racing Club members made a guard of honour to welcome the coffin

Ian Hodges, in a eulogy on behalf of Ribble Valley Cycling and Racing Club, said: “Pete always had a vision for improving everything cycling.

“He always had time for everyone.  He was a true gentleman, a great organiser and also a good delegator. But he just wanted the best for everyone, not himself, but everyone.

“It’s up to us to keep Pete’s memory alive.  Every club needs a Pete Ward, every organisation needs a Pete Ward, and we needed a Pete Ward.

“Rest in peace, hero.”

 

Taken from the LEP.  Read more at:

http://www.lep.co.uk/news/tributes-paid-at-funeral-of-international-cyclist-peter-ward-1-8750602