Roger Beedell, who has died suddenly from a heart attack at the age of 55, was a well known figure on the local athletics scene.He was a vice-president of Chiltern Harriers, a popular children’s coach and had served as treasurer of Chesham Harriers. Diabetes stopped him running about five years ago, but until then he enjoyed all running, whether cross-country, track or road.
Chiltern Harriers chairman Trevor Davies said: "Roger was a stalwart at Chesham Harriers, and Chiltern Harriers AC after the club merged in 1997. He was always a competitive and resilient athlete, competing on the track, cross-country and on the road for the club. He also put a lot of effort subsequently in helping others to enjoy the sport, particularly young athletes in our own club and his local schools. He was always willing to organise local races, notably the Herberts Hole and the Chesham Town Centre races."
Roger was a great family man and leaves six children: Simon, 25, Tom, 21, Sophie, 19, Amy, 17, Hugh, 14, and Gus, 11. The four boys have followed in their father’s footsteps as runners, regularly featuring in these pages.
Roger and his wife Cindy moved to Chesham in 1985 from South Ruislip, and he joined Chesham Harriers after it was formed by Caroline Owen-Thomas and Tony Sanders.
"He was great fun, a great team member who turned out for everything," remembered Miss Owen-Thomas. "He showed 100 per cent commitment - he was always there - and everyone liked him. He lived for his running and his family."
Cindy Beedell said it was a huge blow when diabetes stopped Roger running.
He became involved with the Chesham schools cross-country events over the last few years, and started coaching at Hawridge & Cholesbury School in 2003.
She said: "Children always liked him. He did the UK Young Athletes Stage 1 coaching and talked about taking it further."
Roger’s funeral will be on Thursday, May 1, at 11.30am in the Milton Chapel of the Chilterns Crematorium.
If desired, donations in his memory can be made to the British Diabetic Association, c/o Church View Funeral Service, 161 Broad Street, Chesham HP5 3EF.