John Conacher has died

Lynda Barrow received the news that John Conacher passed away on Saturday, 29 July.   John, who lived in Banstead, had been in the Merchant Navy for many years and rode with the Easy Riders until around 2016.   His wife became poorly and they both moved into a retirement home, the Royal Alfred Seafarers Society in Woodmansterne in 2019.   His wife passed away shortly after they moved there, and he continued to keep in touch with the Wayfarers through the blog and Sou'Wester Shorts.

Lynda visited John, together with Rob and Ruth Maskell, in 2020, when this photo was taken. 

John's son Richard says

Cycling was a big part of Dads later life. I suppose it really began when following his work in the Merchant Navy and then later as a cargo surveyor he began to work for Legal and General in Kingswood. This would be 1985 or 1986. Living in Banstead he decided that cycling the few miles would be his best bet and I think it was at this point that he bought his first bike (other than his childhood bikes of course). 

Cycling to and from work along a mainly rural route started and finished his working day just right! 

I’m not sure when he joined the Wayfarers but as William said he told us all about the rides and we were amazed at how far he was going.  I did join Dad for one Wayfarers ride although I can’t recall the details. Reading through the blog has given me a lot of pleasure as it’s a great record of several days out that were clearly one of the highlights of that particular week for Dad. 

Dad continued to cycle till almost the end, as William says he switched to an electric bike a couple of years ago as the hills were too much for a gentleman of his age and suitably powered up he continued to ride up to Epsom Downs till maybe a year ago. 

I know Dad was very fond of the Wayfarers and he asked me in particular just a few days ago to get in touch with Lynda upon his passing. 

We will be in touch shortly with funeral arrangements. 

Rest in peace, John, and thanks for your company.