Norman Sargisson died earlier this year, a few months before his 81st birthday, after a short stay in Warwick Hospital. His funeral was held at Oakley Woods Crematorium, attended by a large number of his family and friends, not only from the cycling world, but also friends from the Red Cross, where he helped repair wheelchairs. Angie Morgan read her tribute to Norm, which she has kindly allowed to be reproduced here. Fred Dale’s tribute appeared in the Birmingham & Midlands VTTA Standard Times newsletter.

"Sarge" 1923- 2004: As read by Angie Morgan at his funeral

Norm, or Sarge as some of you may have known him, was a generous, kind and fun-loving person. He may at times have appeared slightly eccentric to those who didn't know him. He was fiercely independent, living in Cubbington for over 35 years and was well-known both on and off the bike in and around the village.

One of his greatest gifts was his ability to communicate with people of all ages and to be supportive of everybody's efforts. He was forever young in his outlook and views. The level-headed advice and support he gave to me, 20 years ago, when I was teenager just starting out in the world of cycling, helped me achieve my best as a youngster. He often referred to me as Young 'Un and was like a kindly uncle.

Norm's love of food and particularly cake was legendary. If homemade cake and coffee was on offer when he called at one of his many friends, he was often heard to say "I'm glad I came". There was a time when he rode the Oldbury 12 when he exhausted his feed rations and ended up being given dry cream crackers with ham - which he was none too pleased about. He was determined not to let Freddy Dale catch him. Norm continued to race until his late 60's. His life revolved around cycling - it was everything to him and gave him enormous pleasure.

There are many of us who have walked through the door of 30 New Street to be greeted by the aroma of TCP in the kitchen, in search of some help or advice on various biking matters. Norm gladly shared his knowledge and experience to help you on your way.

He toured widely on his bike and regularly stayed at Mrs Parsons' B&B at Bronllys near Brecon in Wales. There he, Fred (Dale) & Nev (Gregg) used to do odd jobs for Mrs Parsons during their stay. On one occasion, Norm overheard Mrs Parsons telling a guest with a dog that "Dogs were no more trouble than cyclists" to which Norm piped up "But the dog won't cut the grass for you". He often reminded us ladies "What a man wants is an intelligent dog and a dumb wife!".

During his working life as a machine fitter, Norm was very partial to threatening machinery with a big hammer when it mis-behaved, and was renowned for doing a "quickie" so he could be away on his bike. In later life, he helped Martin Hackley at Victor frames - where he was branded "a genius with a file". Later he spent several years working at Saracen's where he relished answering the phone saying "I'm sorry I'm just the labourer - I'll go & get the brains for you" if anyone asked him a question.

Norm never really grew old although he often claimed "I'm just a poor old thing" - "My legs don't go like they used to". He was a true friend and a unique character who lived life to the full.

Life and cycling will never be the same without Norm. We will miss him. The cycling world has lost a true classic and friend. It was a privilege to have known you, Old 'Un!

And Fred Dale writes:

The Last of the Summer wine is fading fast with the death of Norman Sargisson, Sarge to me and many others, and to his friend, the late Nev Gregg, the "Big Fella". Sarge died on the 18th of February, at the age of eighty.

Sarge was a well-known figure throughout the Midlands and Wales, not only as a rider, but also as a marshal, and was described as "the best pusher-off in the business". Strong as a lion, but cuddly as a koala bear, so I'm told.

His club riding started with the Coventry Meteor, but he worked at Herberts' and we who worked there strong-armed him into joining Leamington C&AC! He earned Life membership there, and last year was awarded a similar honour in the "Vets". He was a long time member of the CTC. His racing career started in the war, and he was a leading rider in the Birmingham League and in Open events. He once won the Bristol South 50 in 2 hours 9 minutes after riding the 80 miles to the event the previous afternoon.

He rode Vets events at all distances up to 12 hours and was a regular member of the Leamington team. My memories include riding Vets' events in the Isle of Man, and competing in the Vets' National 100 in Scotland, where dreams of winning the Team faded when we were all outside 5 hours.

One of the highlights of his career was taking part in the TV show "Heart of The Country" (this is where the reference to "Summer Wine" comes from - Ed). He was in the Home Guard (Dads' Army), but he hated playing soldiers. His two years of National Service were served in the Far East.

His retirement years were spent helping in the cycle trade, including "Odd-Bod" at Saracen Cycles. He was known by one frame builder as a genius with a file, I knew him as a genius with a big hammer! He finished his working days as a volunteer with the Red Cross, and mowing the grass in the local churchyard.

Our condolences to his brother and sister, and to his long-time friend, Jean, who cared for him on many occasions and was a tower of strength during his recent illness, well done Jean!

I can only repeat what someone said of him, "He was a lovely guy"!