A sad day indeed……….
Thursday 3rd November 2016
It is with great sadness that we must announce the passing of a club member and friend to many during our club race this week.
Alan Keesing has been an active member of the club for the last 5 or so years, regularly racing summer and winter series and taking part in our social rides. He’s also been a generous and active contributor to the maintenance of the Pukete Farm Park, often seen riding around with hedge clippers in past years, and putting in a huge effort at working bees. Most of you will remember him as the little old guy with a big grin, usually with dirt on knees or shoulder having binned it somewhere going 110%. A guy with a thirst for adventure and enthusiasm living every day to it’s maximum.
We as a club and community, offer our thoughts and sympathy to Alan’s family – his kind, generous spirit and cheeky grin will be sorely missed by many. He touched many within our club and the wider MTB community – a mate, a riding buddy, a bloody good bloke, a gentleman and a story teller extraordinaire! We’ll miss you Alan!
The Club Committee would also like to thank those members who provided assistance and care to Alan. You did all you could, and no one could have asked more of you!
Today, a blessing was organized and performed at the place where Alan passed in accordance with custom by a Kaumatua of the Hamilton City Council, with representatives of the council, our club, friends and family.
We will be organizing some kind of event in Alan’s memory soon when the time is appropriate. Support is available for any of you feel you need it, and we are aware that some junior riders may have observed the incident and may require a bit of parental guidance. Please don’t hesitate to contact us, or public services such as Victim Support (ph 0800 842 846) *please note – They advise that they require parental permission before they are able to speak with anyone under the age of 17
with deepest sympathy – Hamilton Mountain Bike Club.