THE cycling community was Sunday thrown into a pall of gloom following the news of the passing of one of its icons, past Guyana Cycling Federation president Winston George Humphrey, of the popular Humphrey’s Bakery, located at Ketley and Sussex Streets, Georgetown. He was a major contributor to the sport of cycling.

In addition to carving his name in the baking industry, George Humphrey was known for brightening the faces of children in the Charlestown area during the festive season with his annual Christmas party and gift-distribution exercises.
He was also known, through his bakery, for making numerous donations to several homes for the elderly and shelters throughout Guyana.

Among the weekly recipients of his products are the Dharm Shala and the Palms Geriatric Home. The sport fraternity is also known to have benefited from monetary and other worthwhile contributions.

Humphrey was born on March 1, 1948 to Robert Humphrey and Miriam Allen. He had five siblings, grew up in Middle Road, La Penitence and was schooled at West Ruimveldt Primary School and St Phillip’s Anglican School. The latter was then located on Kettley Street, Charlestown.

Humphrey was the husband of Pauline, his teenage sweetheart. She bore him eight children, namely Trevor, Troy, Shondell, Andrea, Roshell, Melanie, Marlon and Nimrod.

Troy Humphrey, a champion cyclist, died in a motor vehicle accident a few years ago and in honour of his son, Mr Humphrey founded the Roraima Bikers Club (RBC) and served as president for a number of years before retiring.