A WOMAN who came back to Sussex from Canada to support her sick father has stayed on to run the business now that he has died

Ron Beck was a champion racing cyclist known for his dedication to the sport who died earlier this year aged 82.

Renowned for his association with Brighton’s Preston Park velodrome, he made his name as a prolific racer – winning scores of regional competitions including eight pursuits at the city’s track, as well as national contests.

He also owned and ran a company – Brighton Stone in Avis Way, Newhaven, – for more than 20 years.

When he became ill with prostate cancer last year, Juliet Sullivan, one of two daughters from his first marriage, moved back to the UK from Canada to care for her father and has since taken charge of the business.

She said he was committed to his trade, working almost right up until his death in May, despite battling cancer.

Now Juliet has decided to stay here – at least for the time being – and has relaunched Brighton Rock and Reclamation.

Newhaven Mayor Steve Saunders performed the official opening.

She said: “I want to carry on the legacy that my dad created.

“He cared so much about the company and his customers.

“He said many years ago that there was a gap in the market when it came to rockery so he opened a business sourcing stone.

“He used to travel around the quarries.

“He was still trying to run the business when he became unwell. I had previously worked for him in the business so it seemed a natural thing to do to take over the company.

“I have a business partner, Rob Coleman, and together we have relaunched.

“We have changed the name because we want to emphasise that we do reclamation work as well.

“The site was somewhat antiquated so we have brought it into the 21st century, and we are now very excited and determined to do well,” she added.

“I am focusing on marketing the business and bringing it up to date.”

Juliet said her dad was a character.

“Everyone will remember him that way.

“He was prolific at the velodrome and was heavily involved with it before I was born. When I was old enough he would tell me stories.

“He had this massive book of press cuttings but unfortunately it has gone missing so this is a way of remembering how successful he was.

“After having four daughters he gave up waiting for a son and decided to call his building company RA Beck and Daughters.

“Lots of people knew the business and the van from around town.

“I think they thought it was quite unusual.”

Mrs Sullivan said he loved spending time on his boat, water skiing and deep sea diving and always kept active.

“He was very fit up until about a year ago when he had a fall and was then diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“But he still kept working.He was such a character. He was loud, brash, over the top, eccentric.

“Everyone knew him. He, he was that kind of person. He he didn’t care what people thought, he was just himself.

“He lived without compromise – everything he did was without compromise.

“He was so passionate about cycling and his business.

“He loved Brighton, he thought it was a great place and lived here all his life.”