Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Tim Francis RIP


It still seems incredibly difficult to believe that Tim won’t be around at SE Qld races anymore.  Most CQ members would be aware by now that he was killed tragically in a motorvehicle accident on Sunday April 22nd.  His wife Robyn was travelling with him at the time, and remains in hospital recovering in ICU. 
I didn’t know Tim very well, but like many others who met him, Tim instantly gave me the impression of someone with a great passion for the sport of cycling, with a great sense of humor.  Tim was always very respectful to everyone, and seemed to give everyone the time of day, no matter how well he knew them; even if he had just met them.  I first met Tim at the 2008 New Year’s Day criterium at Nerang, where he was actively involved in promoting the event to help raise money for the Daniel Bennett Memorial Fund.  Tim would regularly take photos at these events to help raise money towards this great cause. 
Over the years, I often ran into Tim again at other events in SE Qld, where he was either competing, or taking photos, or commissaring.  I particularly remember taking photos (with Tim’s awesome camera) of Tim and Robyn when they raced the Avanti Classic in 2009.  I think Tim was quite happy to be racing for once that day, rather than behind the camera lens, or behind a commissaire’s clipboard! 
 Tim has been a President of the Goldstars Cycling Club (on the Gold Coast), as well as commissaired at the TDU, and the UCI world track champs.  We saw him recently at the Crestmead Summer Series criteriums (once again he was there to take photos), and asked about what it was like to be part of the motorcycle commissaire “brigade” at the TDU.   Tim couldn’t wipe the smile of his face and said “mate, it was absolutely awesome”.  I am glad Tim got to do the things he was passionate about in life.  We will miss you lots and lots Tim.
http://goldstarscyclingclub.com/2012/04/tim-robyn/

3 comments:

ronniereego said...

Hi Nat,

Thank you for your tribute to Tim Francis (RIP) he was someone I called my mate for over 23 years and we spent many hours riding together.

I find it hard to believe he will never greet me on the road with his typical "G'Day" as he did so often. It is as the autumn gives dawn to winter I recall numerous pre-dawn greetings on the road where it was perhaps the commitment made over the phone the night before that ensured we hit the crisp chill that met us as we rolled out. It was knowing that neither of us wanted to the one who reneged that showed us you never regret a ride with a mate.

We have lost a generous, committed, and willing ambassador to the sport of cycling & life, a man of integrity who was known as a loving husband.

May he always now Ride in Peace.

Ron R.

nat said...

Thanks Ron. Sincerely, Nat

ronniereego said...

Tim will be honoured today with a service at 12:00pm Dream Centre, Broadbeach-Nereng Road Carrara. A celebration of the life & times of a man of integrity.