Gerry Ward 11/2/1928-20/1/2021 - Potterers Cycling Club
The Potterers Cycling Club
Pottering in Kent for 50 years !
The Potterers Cycling Club
Pottering in Kent since 1971
Words > Obituaries
Gerry was born in Romford in 1928. Like many children at the outbreak of war, he was evacuated, in his case to Ipswich. On leaving school, he worked in a stockbroker's office, and in 1946 he was called up for National Service, doing his time in the Fleet Air Arm, servicing the planes.
On his return to civvy street he joined the TSB bank working his way up to branch manager in several places, all in Essex until his last move brought him to Canterbury.
After leaving the military he joined the Hainault RC and took part in many time trials, starting a love a cycling that lasted throughout his life.
In 1956 he married Pat, who sadly died in 2009. Together they had two children, Stephen and Susannah. Gerry also had a passion for small sailing craft, and spent many happy hours sailing in and around the Thames Estuary.
On retirement Gerry was able to
further indulge his love of cycling, and he joined the Potterers. His children
told me that he was so glad to have been a member, and really enjoyed the meets
he attended. Unfortunately, age took its toll, as with so many of us, and
although he was still able to ride a bicycle, Gerry's walking became seriously
affected by worn hips. He admitted that he should have had new joints but left
it too long. Eventually he became unable to ride even his electric bicycle, and
for a while got around on a mobility scooter. His last months were not happy
ones, especially with the Covid lockdown, and although he managed to avoid the
dreadful virus, he became ill and died on 20th January this year.
His funeral was on 24th February,
attended by his close family. Dave Rodd and Norman Maple represented the club.
Numbers were, of course, restricted by Covid regulations.
He will be sadly missed by all.
Dave Rodd
