It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bernard Joseph Heath who was one of the founding members of Huddersfield Star Wheelers.
Born in Huddersfield on 31st March 1922, Bernard was a great enthusiast for cycling and other outdoor sports.
In 1953, Bernard and several other keen cyclists formed the Huddersfield Star Wheelers. Known as “Beef” to his cycling friends, he made a major contribution to the Club’s development over 15 years acting in various official positions. In recognition of his contribution, he was made a Life member. He led many Club runs and one person said ‘every run was an adventure and it always involved some riding on rough tracks’.
Bernard dabbled in time trailing and in 1963 recorded 224 miles in a 12-hour event and he also participated in some cyclo-cross events, but his heart was in club and leisure cycling.
In 1958 Bernard was a key member of a group of four cyclists who crossed the interior of Iceland by bike to become the first to do this, a memorable achievement. This was followed by a further solo three and a half month tours to Scandinavia and in 1963 a long European trip taking in Germany, Austria, Greece, Yugoslavia, Italy and France.
Everyone who knew him had great respect for his enthusiasm, hard work, dedication, and modesty.
A more comprehensive obituary, written by Adrian Hinchcliffe can be found here.
For those of you who wish to pay their respects, Bernard’s funeral will be held at 12:30 pm on Tuesday 26th April at St Nicholas Parish Church, Prestwick, KA9 1NW with the burial taking place at Troon Cemetery KA10 7AP at 1.30pm.
Our thoughts are with Bernard’s family and friends at this difficult time.
Bernard Joseph Heath: 22nd March 1928 – 31st March 2022