Memorial ride to be held in honour of Gladstone’s David McIntosh

A memorial ride has been organised in honour of a popular Gladstone bicycle shop owner described as a talented cyclist and “good old salt of the earth Queenslander”.

Gladstone Bicycle Centre owner David McIntosh. Photo Luka Kauzlaric / The Observer

A memorial ride is being held this weekend in honour of Gladstone’s David McIntosh who has been remembered as a passionate cyclist and “good genuine bloke”.

Sydney “David” McIntosh, 66, passed away unexpected on Thursday, July 11.

David was the adored husband of Sally-Anne, as well as a beloved father, father-in-law and grandfather.

He was also the owner of Gladstone Bicycle Centre and a passionate cyclist himself.

Sally and David McIntosh. Photo: Campbell Gellie / The Observer

A friend of David’s, Simon Perchard, said he had gone out for his usual morning bike ride on July 11 and had a heart attack.

“He got to the cafe we normally meet at, ordered his coffee, sat at the table and fell off the chair before he got a chance to drink the coffee,” Simon said.

Simon first met David about five to six years ago as a customer at his store and would go out on a regular Saturday morning bike ride with him and other cyclists in town.

He said David was well known to the local community.

Gladstone Bicycle Centre owner David McIntosh.

“Everyone knew him,” he said.

“He was the sort of guy that wouldn’t charge you for the little things and he would offer good service and always waved and smiled at everyone he saw on a bike.

“Just your good old salt of the earth Queenslander.

“A good genuine bloke.”

David and Sally McIntosh have owned Gladstone Bicycle Centre for more than 25 years.

Simon has organised a memorial ride on Saturday for people in the community to pay their respects and farewell David.

The memorial ride will be leaving from the Gladstone Bicycle Centre at 7am on Saturday, July 27, ending at Familia Cafe for a coffee at 8am.

Gladstone Mountain Biking Club posted to social media that David was “a true legend in the Gladstone cycling scene”.

“David was an inspiration to many and will be dearly missed,” the post read.

David McIntosh from the Gladstone Bicycle Centre. Photo: Christopher Chan / The Observer

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.”

David was a long time member of the Rockhampton Cycling Club, which posted to social media that he was “remembered as a very competitive time trialist and rider at state and national level”.

“David coached many cyclists over the years who will remember him fondly,” the post read.

“He was a genuine and passionate person who was generous with his experience and knowledge in all matters cycling.”

A funeral service for David will be held at the crematorium chapel at Boyne Tannum Memorial Parklands at 10am on Friday, July 26.

Originally published as Memorial ride to be held in honour of Gladstone’s David McIntosh