Beverley Leale, 1949 - 2005;

The following excerpts were taken from the "News" and "Heaven I" pages of this site following the death of Beverley Leale on 30th September 2005.

News;

It is with great sadness that we have to inform you of the death of our Sister, Beverley Leale.

Beverley had been in hospital for the past few weeks but came home on Wednesday (28th September) to spend her remaining time in the comfort of her own home, being cared for by her family and closest friends.  She passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday 30th September.   

Beverley has been a loyal member of the Blue Knights for many years.  A staunch supporter of England 3 she has worked tirelessly, and with the utmost devotion, for the organisation.  Despite having battled with illness for a long time Beverley insisted on maintaining a "hands-on" role in chapter business, taking on the role of Editor of the newsletter in April 2004 and, more recently, with her work on the Recruitment and Marketing Committee.

The thoughts and prayers of every member of England III are with Beverley’s family at this sad time.

Bev’s chapter e-mail address will remain active in order that your messages of condolence can be passed directly to her family.  Please send your messages to this address - beverley@bkengland3.co.uk  

In the meantime here's a reminder of how Beverley loved to enjoy life to the full.  She is seen here showing Al Goold how to "Trip the Light Fantastic" (instead of tripping over his own feet) at Walworth in 2004.

Funeral Arrangements;

The funeral will take place at the Holy Trinity Church, Tunstall (near Richmond) at 11 am on Friday 7th October.  The funeral procession will leave Beverley's house at 10.45 and travel the short distance to the church (less than 1/4 mile) at walking pace.  Beverley's family have suggested that it would be a fitting tribute for some Blue Knight riders to escort the hearse.

After the ceremony there is to be a celebration of Beverley's life in the form of a party at her home.  There is likely to be a marquee, and food will be provided.  Space is available for pitching tents if any visitor wishes to stay over.

It has been requested that donations, in lieu of flowers, be made to either the Herriot Hospice Homecare charity or the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD).  Both of these organisations were close to Beverley's heart.

If you have any queries please contact Jim Gardiner at the following address:  webmaster@bkengland3.co.uk.

Heaven I;

England 3 mourn the loss of our sister, Beverley Leale, who transferred to Heaven I on 30th September, 2005, aged 55 years.

President's Address;

I have tried to think of a fitting tribute to Beverley; about how to sum up what she meant to each of us; about how she worked tirelessly for the Chapter; how she touched the lives of everyone she met.  In the end I realised the only way to illustrate Beverley's personality was to let Bev show you herself, and here's how;

In April 2004 Beverley took over the duties of Editor of the England III newsletter.  By this time she was already aware that she was fighting a long and bitter struggle against cancer.

The following text is a direct quote from Beverley's opening address from that newsletter.  In this brief passage all that Beverley was, and stood for, shines through as an example to us all;

"Hello out there;  This, my first editorial (in fact my first attempt at editing anything), shows that Stu is not a control freak.  As you can see, he has delegated the role of Editor to me, (well, Maureen did twist his arm until he agreed to let go!)  I only hope I can do as good a job as him.

For those of you who don't know me, I've been a member of England III for about 8 or 9 years now, having, B.C., (before children) been a member of Durham Constabulary.  I learnt to ride a bike at about the same time, and wished I had listened to Heather and done it sooner.

Being a member of the Blue Knights has been a wonderful experience for me.  I have made many wonderful friends from all over the world.  Have travelled in Europe, on my bike, to places not usually to be found in any travel brochure.  I have partied with members from America, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Scotland and Sweden, as well as with all the other English chapters.

For those of you who have just  joined, or are thinking of doing so, put yourselves about, get involved and if, after attending at least 2 International rallies, you haven't made new friends, enjoyed yourself, got some great tales to tell (or not tell!) then I will personally refund your years subscription.

THERE, I am THAT convinced of how great this club is!

Ride With Pride,

Beverley."

The above clearly illustrates Beverley's sense of humour and also her willingness to put others first, despite her own difficulties.

Beverley Leale was a remarkable woman and a true ambassador for the Blue Knights.  My fellow knights and I feel proud that she was our "Sister".  Her passing is a tremendous loss not only to England III but to the entire organisation.

The thoughts and prayers of each and every one of us in the chapter are with Beverley's family at this time:-  To her father, Robbie; and sister Sharon; to her son Alex, daughter Victoria and granddaughter Seren, we send our deepest condolences and heart-felt sympathy.

Beverley's memory lives on in the hearts and minds of the many people who have been blessed with knowing her.  This Heaven I page concludes with a selection of the many tributes paid to Beverley from around the world which illustrate, more than my mere words could ever do, the effect she had on so many people.

For one who lived life to the full until the very end; for one who was loved the world over; for one who "Rode With Pride", we dedicate this page with love to our "Sister", Beverley Leale. Andy Redhead, President, England III.

Blue Knights Tributes;