Rod

Obituary from The Courier 24.1.05 One of the best known figures in cycling circle, Rod Johnston, died suddenly.

Mr Johnston, who was in his early 50's, took ill on Saturday and was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary but died in the early hours of Sunday morning. Born and Raised in Dundee, Mr Johnston was educated at St Michaels Secondary School, where he was in the same year as Brian Cox.

After leaving school he spent 10 years working as a radar technician in the Royal Navy before leaving the armed forces in 1973.

During his time with the Royal Navy he was a member of their gun team and took part in the Royal Tournament.

His career helped to inspire three of his daughters - Audrey, Catherine and Angela - who all joined the Royal navy reserve together at the beginning of last year. Latterly, Mr Johnston had been working for telecommunications company Telewest. A keen rugby player, he was a long time member of Harris Academy FPs. Mr Johnston also took up cycling and became a prominent member of the Thistle Cycle Club and a very popular member of the Saturday morning group.

Club President Ali Chisholm said yesterday that everybody associated with the club had been left stunned by his sudden death. "It's a terrible shock" he said "Obviously, all of our thoughts are with his wife and family at this time".

Mr Johnston, whose home was in the west end of the city, is survived by his wife Rose, son Andrew and daughters Audrey, Catherine, Angela and Rosalind.