A CHAMPION racing cyclist known for his dedication to the oldest velodrome in the country has died aged 82.

Semi-professional competitor Ron Beck has been remembered for his passion to the sport.

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, and national contests.

When a major accident brought his career to a halt early, he turned his attention to organising cycling events, founding and sponsoring the Brighton Town Centre cycle races in the 1980s alongside the Evening Argus.

Born and brought up in Brighton, he was also well-known as a businessman and turned his hand to everything from a vegetable round from the back of a van in Moulsecoomb and Whitehawk, to selling strawberries in lay-bys, running the building company RA Beck and Daughters and launching Brighton Stone, which is still run by the family.

He spent all his life in the area, and during his final years settled in Southwick after moving from his home in Argyle Road.

The father-of-four daughters; Juliet, Karen, Nicole and Christianne, he was married four times, to Margaret, Heather, Sue and Tracy. He also leaves behind five grandchildren.

Juliet Sullivan, one of two daughters from his first marriage, said he was committed to his business, working almost right up until his death on Tuesday, May 3, despite battling cancer.

She moved back to the UK from Canada to care for her father and has since taken charge of the Newhaven-based company.

The 50-year-old said: "He was such 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, 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.

She added: "He was passionate about his business and cycling. If he wanted something he would go and get it."

  • A service in his memory takes place on Thursday, May 19, at the Woodvale Crematorium from 2pm. Contact Simon Jefferies Funeral Directors on 01273 411662 for information.

quote

"He was such a character. He was loud, brash, over the top, eccentric. Everyone knew him, he was that kind of person 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." - Juliet Sullivan, daughter of racing cyclist Ron Beck