Beverley Leale

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

"This is sad news, it was a pleasure to have known Bev, she was an inspiration to us all and everyone who met her. Our Prayers and thoughts are with Bev's family and all who are mourning her. RIP Sister Knight". Alan & Jill Morris, Eng VI.

"It's with great sadness that we've just learned of Bev passing away, our thoughts are with her family at this sad time. We have very fond memories of her and greatly admired her strength, courage and determination to continue leading her life as normal as she could. We'll miss her." John & Hazel, England XII.

"We lost a very good friend. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. Ride with Pride in Heaven I". Dave & Marcella, Scotland I.

“The Prayers and condolences of everyone at Wisconsin XI are with Beverley's Family and friends. May she ride with pride in Heaven 1." Clinton Cagle, Pres. BK WI XI.

“Please pass on condolences to the Family of Beverley Leale and the members of England III from the members of Virginia XIII. May she Ride with Pride in Heaven I.” Keith Johnson, President, Blue Knights VA XIII. Danville, VA.

Our thoughts at this time are with Beverley’s family. We have fond memories of spending time with Bev both on rallies and at her home where she knew how to put on smashing bonfire parties. She will be greatly missed, she knew how to party. Lots of love.” Peter and Caron, England XII.

“Please pass on condolences to the Family of Beverley Leale and the members of England III from the members of Wales 1. May she Ride with Pride in Heaven I. Ride With Pride, Reido Y Balchder, Paseo con Orgullo.” Danny Kay, Webmaster, Wales I.

“We knew Beverly from several meeting of the BK’s, and the womens biker club. We will remember her as a very nice lady, and our thoughts will be with her on every future meeting. With our deepest condolences,” Jan & Fabbie (Fabienne), Belgium IX.

From all Blue Knights Australia.

"All England XII members would like to extend our warmest condolences for your very sad loss.
We will remember Beverley with fond memories." Geoff Morris, Secretary, England XII.

"On behalf of our chapter Germany XV, I wish to express our deepest sympathies for your loss. We also wish a great deal of strength to the family and close friends of Beverley." Siggi Schmidt. President, Germany XV. -- In memorial of Micha 24.09.2005.

"I wish all of you strength and force with the loss of Beverley in the name of Blue Knights Belgium IX. See you later in Heaven I." Ludo Vanwelsenaere, President, Belgium IX

"It is with great sadness I learned of the passing of Beverley. Please give our regards to her family and friends and take comfort in knowing she is at peace again in her new Chapter Heaven I. God Bless you kid, you're in some good company up there. "It matters NOT what you Ride, Only THAT you Ride" "RWP". 'Large' Past President, Blue Knights Utah Chapter I.

"Ride on Silver Lady – we will miss you." Nick & Alison Clayton.

"Sorry to hear of this. Thoughts, prayers & condolences from all of us here."
Mike Gratis - Blue Knights LEMC. President, MA VI, Cape Cod & Islands Chapter.

"Ohio XVI also sends the prayers and condolences of our members." Duane Dawson.

"We are thinking of all friends and relatives at this time." Neill and Debbie. Eng V.

"The news about Beverley's death has reached us. She was a friend most of us Swedes in Blue Knights never met, yet she was our sister. Our tears and thoughts are for Beverley. We also want to send our deepest condolences to you, her family and friends. May she rest in peace." Board of Blue Knights Sweden I. Leffe Rundlof . web secr.

"On behalf of England V, and from myself, can I say what sadness has descended on the club with this news. Beverley was a true character, and a true Blue Knight. I am filling up even as I remember the times I danced and laughed with her. Bev was a role model for us all. Always honest and committed, she will be greatly missed. Best wishes to you all." H H Shaw, Vice President, England V.

I first met Bev when my son John and I went to a Belgian rally and met her en route. The warmth and friendliness she showed to us has stayed with us. She was an example of to us all. All my family will miss her." Tom, Julia, Michael, John, and Lizzie Elliott. England V.

"Just wanted to pass on condolences from myself and my wife Jacqui to the family and friends of Beverley. We have recently lost a member of our own family so know how you are feeling at this time. Our thoughts are with you." Graham Buxton. Chairman, Blue Knights UK & Ireland Conference.

"Dear Beverly, it was too early to take the way to Heaven One but .... we don't always have the choice. Don't forget that one day we will meet again!!!! It's with deep sadness that One-One, G.I. & Little Nell hear the bad news and we show our deepest respect and condolences to your family. Don't forget that for me you are still alive because you only die when you are out of our mind. Ride with Pride." One-one, Secretary, Belgium VI.

And from Walworth Castle, the venue for our well-known rally, this message from the owner himself;

"We are very sorry and upset to hear the sad news about Bev. I and all at the Castle send our sincere condolences to all of Bev's family and friends and everyone at The Blue Knights. We will miss her very much". Yours sincerely, Chris Swain.

"I would just like to send condolences to you all for your loss. It is a sad time when friends and family go on to Heaven I but I am sure she is looking down on us all and smiling. Take care to you and hope to see you all at some future events". Roger, Treasurer, England V.

"The board and members from Belgium II send their deepest condolences to the family of Beverley. That she may Ride with Pride forever. Greetings". Marc Trauwkens, President, Belgium II.

"We were on our chapter weekend, when our Vice-President Sammy got a text on his mobile. It was from Heather and Jacqui, with this very, very sad message about Bev. Germany V and its members send the deepest respect and warmest feelings to the family and friends of Beverly. Some of us had the luck to meet her and we are very sad about missing her. Sad greetings from Cologne". George Ernst, President, Germany V.

"With great sadness Inga and I have heard about the death of Beverley. It was in June 2003 when we met her first. It was the rally of England III at Walworth Castle and afterwards we had together with Beverley a sunny week in Oban/ Scotland. We've had a wonderful time with laughter, drinks and dancing. And among us - Beverley - with her joy of life. I don't know if these are the right words to describe her. In the next year I was lucky to see her again at the rally of Scotland I. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and the members of Blue Knights England III. We have enclosed two pictures of Bev". Inga and Huebi, Vice-President, Germany VIII.

"Deepest condolences for loss of Beverly, to the Family and to the Blue Knights Bros of England III, from Italy I". R.W.P. Federico (Ponta), Secretary, Italy I.