The obituary notice of Kenneth James (Ken) O'SHEA

I met Ken O'Shea at the age of 19 and he was at a Dance in Plymouth Guildhall with many of his cycling friends. We became friends first, and I knew he was almost a confirmed bachelor. Having a short courtship we married eventually at St. Barnabas Church on 3rd April, 1964. As a love of sport, I followed him on his rides of the road, in the Plymouth Cycling Club's van with the spare bikes on top, just like they do in all road races. His Manager was Jack Phillips and he knew when "Ken was doing a ride" by the persperation falling from his nose. This might seem over the top to say, but it made him the best and strongest time trialist in the West Country let alone Plymouth. He travelled miles to cycle in British races and always wore his Plymouth Colours (Green and Black). It never ceased to surprise me how exciting it was sitting in that van and cheering him on. Lastly I will always remember him saying you have to aspire to things when you are young (as I did as a classically trained singer). We had fun, and built houses, gave birth to a daughter, Adele O'Shea, and as Grandfather to Victoria Greenaway. The loss of him leaves a void in the cycling world, but read his biographical book that fame brought him. Its quite a read for any young aspirant who wants to be in the sport. Ken gave up after his veteran cycling days, retiring to concentrate on his model trains. He was a very strong man in life, and I hope in the stars above, he is at peace now. Fond remembrances from former wife, Joan O'Shea (now Joan Tremeer). RIP Ken and ride the range. xxx

In Loving Memory of Ken O'Shea

I will remember my Uncle Ken with great fondness and gratitude. During my adolescence, he was a mentor, advocate and a lasting source of encouragement.

Ken had many interests, including trains and cycling, but it was his history and passion for cycling that sparked a love of the sport in me that would last a lifetime. When I finally saved up enough money to buy my first racing bike, Ken took to me to a well known bike shop Barretto’s in Plymstock and helped me choose my trusty steed; a red and white Clements SPX with drop handlebars and 10 gears. It was a thing of beauty and a far cry from my 5 speed pink Raleigh girls bike I had been riding. I still remember him saying, "10 gears is all you really need".

With Ken's guidance and encouragement, I joined a local cycling club and spent many happy years building my confidence and ability on two wheels including taking part in time trials, an event he was legendary at and won many races and medals. He followed my cycling adventures with pride, from London to Brighton and Ride London 100 to my charity ride from London to Paris for Comic Relief in partnership with British Airways.

Ken never lost his passion for the sport. When I eventually swapped my racing bikes for an electric bike because of aging arthritic knees, he simply scoffed, "That's not real cycling...that's cheating!"

It is thanks to Ken that cycling became such an important and enjoyable part of my life. His enthusiasm, support and belief in me will never be forgotten.

May the roads ahead be smooth, the skies clear, the wind at your back and the miles endless. Thank you for everything, Uncle Ken. King of the Time Trials. Love from your niece Karen Dunnett

Kenneth James O'Shea (Ken). Ken was our Brother in Law and Uncle to our daughter Karen. In fact you were a great guiding light for Karen when as a novice she wanted to purchase her first racing bike.
History remembers you as a prominent West Country Time Triallist representing the Plymouth Corinthian Cycling Club, Plymouth Cycling Club and St. Budeaux Cycling Club.
Not only did you win the prestigious South West of England All Rounder (SW Bar) twice in 1957 and 1958 you held the course record for the 25-mile Time Trial on the Mid Devon Great Copplestone Course, the first rider to go under 1 hour putting out a performance that became a long standing benchmark for local riders for years to come. A breath-taking feat. You proudly wore the colours of the Corinthians and your legacy in Time Trials will be remembered in Regional West Country Cycling circles and throughout the UK.
We thought you quite brave when at the age of 44 you emigrated to Western Australia not knowing anybody and merging into a country and landscape which was largely 'bush country' for over 12 years before returning to Plymouth. You had this ability to be self sufficient throughout most of your life until ill health in the 80's and 90's. As a family we carry with us respect for your many talents and an appreciation of your directness and humour. Although you have slipped the bonds of earth - we see you riding the high hills; wheels out in front and riding with such grace and effortless motion into the vast blue yonder. The sun is shining for you. Sue and David Behenna and Karen