We are sorry to announce that our friend and longstanding Willesden member Ray Kelly has died at the age of 80 following a long illness. Ray passed away at home with his family, while watching cycling on television.
Ray acted as Equipment Officer and Road Race Secretary for many years – many people will have a jersey that emerged from the suitcase he brought to club evenings. He organised club races at National B level as well as on the Black Park circuit.
Ray was an excellent coach and was alongside others responsible for the creation of the Hillingdon Cycle Circuit and the Hillingdon Slipstreamers, after the unfinished Hayes by-pass had been used for evening racing.
Initially at the circuit, Ray encouraged youngsters who won races by giving them a quid out of his own pocket, but he had the ability to work with others and secure resources from other clubs and organisations. After ‘retiring’ Ray worked for British Cycling running Go Ride events in schools, using his ability to talk to kids at their level to get them into the sport.
Ray loved cycling and was an experienced and respected Audax rider. He completed the famous Paris-Brest-Paris 1200km ride on six separate occasions. Ray came close to finishing two more editions but was forced to abandon due first to a mechanical issue and then after falling ill. He last completed the event at the age of 70.
In May 2023, Ray was presented with the British Cycling Regional Badge of Honour, in recognition of his contributions to cycle sport.
Ray’s contribution to Willesden Cycling Club cannot be overstated, and he will be very sadly missed by many.
Details about Ray’s funeral will be published in due course.
If you would like to say a few words about Ray, please go to this facebook post.
