July 8/02 1:08 am - Maurice Johnson Dies as Result of Cycling Accident

Posted by Editoress on 07/8/02
 

Maurice Johnson

We received news that a long time member of the Edmonton cycling community passed away on Friday as the result of being involved in a car/bike collision at the end of June.

The following is part of an e-mail that was sent to members of the Juventus cycling club:



Maurice Johnson, passed away at 2:30pm Friday. He was 82 years of age.

Maurice had been hit by a car while out on a training ride on June 29th and was recuperating at the Grandview Hospital after having surgery to repair a broken pelvic bone and hip.

For those who do not know the legend of Maurice it is suffice to say there has never been a better cyclist in these parts of any age group. He rode for New Zealand before the war on both the road and track and would have represented New Zealand at the Olympics if World War two had not stopped the games. At one time he held the New Zealand hour record. When he was 75 years old he was still doing the 40km individual time trial under the hour and last year at the age of 82 he managed a one hour, one minute and 12 second fourty kilometer time trial.

For everything Maurice was on the bike he was so much more off it. He was a gentleman; kind and considerate never complaining and never boasting his accomplishments (they are many). He personified the reason we ride a bike.

Maurice will be missed.