Family's tribute to Hastings cyclist, Ken

The family of a keen cyclist who died following a suspected heart attack while pedalling along a main road have this week paid tribute to him.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Oct 2016, 18:49 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 00:08 BST

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Kenneth Cotman with his wife LynneKenneth Cotman with his wife Lynne
Kenneth Cotman with his wife Lynne

Kenneth Cotman, 71, of Harold Road, was on his way to Cooden, near Bexhill, to take part in a bike ride there on Sunday, October 2 when police said he suffered a ‘medical episode’.

Emergency services were called to the A259 at Eversfield Place, St Leonards at about 8.45am.

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Police closed the road in both directions from the Warrior Square junction and the Schwerte Way junction following the incident.

Mr Cotman was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton but sadly died in hospital on last Thursday (October 6).

Mr Cotman’s son, Alan, said: “He loved his grandchildren and took them on holidays to Spain. He lived for his grandkids.

“Dad also took them on many caravan holidays. He leaves eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

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“He was a loving father, husband and granddad, as well as great-granddad.”

Mr Cotman’s wife, Lynne, said her late husband of 49 years belonged to Hastings and Rother Cycle Group, taking part in bike rides every Sunday.

Mr Cotman took part in the Tour of Britain cycle event in 1965, coming 14th.

His wife also said he was shortlisted for the British cycle team in the Olympics in the 1960s.

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Mr Cotman’s wife added: “Ken also loved to play badminton, as well as going on walks and gardening.”

The couple married in 1967 in London.

Mr Cotman was facilities manager in charge of maintenance and ventilation for Citibank.

His main office was in Hammersmith in London.

He retired when he was 54 and he and his wife bought the King’s Head pub in Five Oak Green, near Tonbridge in Kent following his retirement.

They sold it earlier this year.

Police said Mr Cotman’s death resulted from natural causes and there will be no further police investigation nor coroner’s enquiry.

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Mr Cotman is survived by his wife, Lynne, sons Alan and Mark, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A date for his funeral has yet to be announced.

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Related topics:HastingsBexhill