Gerald Cowham
We have just lost a friend.
Gérald joined the club in 2003 and has participated in numerous trips. He has worked for the club for many years as a translator (articles on our website, trip registration forms) and author of the saga of the Parpaillon (compilation of articles published in the magazine from 1970 to 2020 on this legendary mountain pass). This summer, he agreed to take on the role of National Delegate for the United Kingdom and Ireland, replacing Jérémy Chandler, who was experiencing health issues.
He was supposed to take part in the summer holiday in Vaison-la-Romaine, but on 19 August, he told me that he had to give up because his illness had made him so weak that he was unable to make the trip.
A lover of the Ubaye region, he stayed at the Cheval Blanc hotel in Barcelonnette for 25 years and was its most loyal customer. Crossed on 26 June 2025, the Baisse de Péguiéou FR-04-2400a was his last mountain pass.
Paulette Autric, who knew him best, told me: «He was carefree, he didn't see the danger.».
Christophe Badonnel CCC5799
Français
English (UK)
Italiano
Memories in Gilette in 2015 in the room with Kris the Belgian and in 2017 in Ceriale with Michel Portal. With Jeremy the Englishman every evening, it was aperitifs with Lambrusco and Italian charcuterie. He enjoyed it. We will miss his British accent. I last saw him during my stay in Porticcio. We had a long chat.
Gerald rests in peace.
Gérard Depagne
Gerald's passing is a great loss to the Club des Cent Cols. His availability and expertise were a great asset to the Club. Personally, I remember him as a wonderful person, ironic and friendly, and a truly strong cyclist.