A book of condolence opened for Peter Smith
The Holme Valley Wheelers are very sad to announce the tragic death of our well respected member, Peter Smith (54) who was killed while out doing what he loved best, riding his bike. Ironically, at the time of the accident, Peter was measuring a time trial course for Cycling Time Trial’s North Midlands division, freely helping the sport he loved so much.
Peter devoted a great deal of his time to both riding time trials, but also as a hard working committee member. He was a member of Cycling Time Trial’s national committee, and Yorkshire District Secretary where he made many friends and a great deal of respect for the way he managed this work on top of his demanding career as a teacher.
He was a committed all rounder in his participation in the sport and involved himself in track, time trialling and Audaxes over many years. Peter won the Holme Valley Wheelers Best All Rounder Competition many times and was due to receive the Veterans Best All Rounder Trophy at the Club’s dinner and prize presentation on December the 1st. He will be sadly missed for his genuinely warm personality, combined with a wry/dry Yorkshire sense of humour - a true gentle giant.
Peter McGrath, chairman of the CTT, said: “Peter was a great guy - one of those who had participated in the sport and was prepared to put something back into it. He was a super person, well liked by everyone who knew him, and was always prepared to help people out - which is exactly what he was doing when he was killed. He was a really nice man, and was participating in all the things we’re doing to try and modernise our sport. He will be very much missed.”
Our thoughts and condolences go out to his wife Kay and his family in this time of shock, sadness and bereavement.
Heather and I were shocked to hear of Peter’s death yesterday. Over the last couple of decades I have competed in literally hundreds of events that Peter had supported, ridden in, measured or officiated at. He was always happy to help, especially when Heather started promoting events. He will be sadly missed and we wish him peace.
Steve Smales & Heather Thomson
A tragedy for Peter’s family, Yorkshire District and cycling as a whole. Many cyclists owe Peter a huge debt for what he has put into the sport. Our thoughts are with Peter’s family and club mates at this very difficult time.
Doug Hart
Club Secretary, Yorkshire Velo
We are absolutely devastated by the news of Peter’s death at the weekend. He had begun to make his mark in so many ways and although his club the Holme Valley Whs is in Yorkshire District his presence in the North Midlands had made his appear to “one of our own”.
Frank & Christine Minto
We were shocked to learn of the death of your clubmate Peter Smith and of the tragic circumstances. Our thoughts are, of course, with his family but also with you, his club. May the strength and support of a club united by grief guide you through this difficult time.
From everyone at The Port Talbot Wheelers Cycling Club.
Peter and I joined the CTT National Committee together 3 years ago. Although I knew him by sight before that, it’s only since sharing his company at many CTT meetings and events since then that I’ve grown to know him as a genuinely kind and generous enthusiast for our sport. We shared a preference for distance time-trialling and though I’ve never tried Audax, Peter was very keen to help me appreciate its pleasures. During some quite heated exchanges round the committee table, Peter has always seemed to be a calming and measured contributor. I will miss him dreadfully and I pass my condolences to Kay, his family and and Holme Valley Wheelers.
Mike Westmorland
I was deeply saddened to hear the devastating news of Peter’s death. Whenever i spoke to or met Peter i always found him to be very friendly and helpful. Peter devoted a lot of his own time to help others in the cycling world,he will be sadly missed. My thoughts go out to his family.
Blair Buss
I didn’t know Peter personally, but as a fellow cyclist, I would like to send my deepest sympathies and condolences to the loved ones he has left behind.
Sharon Wright (MI Racing)
Peter’s cheery smile and encouragement will be sadly missed at events next year. Always quick to downplay his own achievements but ever-willing to take time to hear of other’s cycling exploits; a very generous bloke. A great loss to cycling and the wider community.
Chris Lea
Peter was great bloke in every sense of the word. A good friend, he was always offering help and encouragement and could of see positives in any situation, however difficult it seemed. He went out of his way to help me in my three 24-hour rides where his dedication and sense of humour shone through even the darkest hours. Peter was totally selfless and although he gave so much, his untimely death has denied so many people and the sport, of so much more he wanted to give. We offer our sincere condolences to Kay and everyone touched by this tragic loss.
Neil and Lynne Skellern
This is from a group of friends from Peter (Brent)’s distant past. We are all deeply saddened by this tragedy and would like to pass our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to his family. We knew him as ‘Brent’ and have very fond and affectionate memories of him. He was one of our gang and although we lost contact we have often thought of him over the years. We have very happy memories of Brent.
Gaz, Pilch, Joz and Mick (and wives)
May my wife and I pass on our deepest sympathies to Kay and Peter’s family. Peter was one of the nicest guy’s you could ever wish to meet.
He always had a smile and his feet planted firmly on the ground. We will miss you deeply. Rest in Peace Peter.
Yvonne & John Lancaster (Huddersfield Star Wheelers)
Sorry Kay to hear of your sad loss. Please accept our condolences.
June and Peter Walshaw
Please pass my condolences to Peter Smith’s family. Shocked and sad to hear of his untimely death. Hoped Id got a wrong message when I heard this. Sadly that was not the case.
Val Rushworth
Heart felt condolences to Kay & Family on their sad loss. Peter was a great guy and fantastic friend. We shall sorely miss him.
Keith & Maggs Lightfoot (Ravensthorpe CC)
It was with shock and disbelief that I received the news of Peter being killed. Cycling and life will miss a true gentleman.
Chris Haslehurst (Edison Cycles)
East Bradford Cycle Club wish to express our great sadness at the tragic death of Peter. Please pass on our sympathies to all his family and friends.
Sue Gaffney, Secretary - East Bradford Cycle Club
YCF and friends send their condolences to Pete’s family at this sad time, they want the family to know friends across Yorkshire ‘from the cycling world’ will miss him. Pete was very much appreciated as a good worker for cycling in Yorkshire. A sad loss and most unexpected.
Brian Peel