I was given the sad news yesterday that Bob Keeling has died at the age 91, having suffered kidney failure. Bob's name probably will not be known to many, but his work will be known to thousands. After a brief spell working for a tailor when he left school, he started work for Fred Henstock, the founder of Carlton Cycles, in 1935, and remained with the company through the O'Donovan era, and on to the Raleigh take over, finally retiring in 1979.
Bobs great skill was as a lug designer and cutter, and he was also responsible for any special orders that Carltons carried out. He was responsible for the design of the Carlton Jewel, International, Flyer, Capella, Python and many other lug designs, and although some of the more common ones were cut by others, he probably cut all the top of the range ones himself. His work was not confined to Carltons, as he also did work for other frame builders, including the renowned Bill Hurlow. Some of the special frames he built were for such customers as President Eisenhower (where is that one now?), Reg Harris, Lloyd Binch, Tom Simpson, and Jimmy Saville (which Jimmy still has).
One of the stories I have been told of Bob's great work was the impression he left on the T I Raleigh team mechanic Jan Le Grand, who, in the winter of 1973 came over from Holland at the request of the late great Gerald O'Donovan, to help with building of the following seasons team framesets. Jan was to stay for just two weeks, guiding the Carlton team of Bob, Eddie Haslehurst and with Gerald at the helm. At the end of the two weeks Jan placed a 10 pound note in Bob's hand. Bob asked what it was for, and Jan replied that it is for what you have taught me. In the last two weeks I have learned more about frame building than I ever new before I came here. However Bob refused to take the money (which at the time was a couple of days wages), and gave it back to Jan, saying that he was only doing the job for which he was paid.
Bob lived all his life at Carlton in Lindrick, the village from which the Carlton Company derived its name. His other great (and associated) love was wood carving, and examples of his work are in many countries, having been given as gifts on the occasion of International exchange visits. One cyclist in the area particularly treasures a plinth made by Bob, bearing the image of Tom Simpson, and supporting one of Tom's many trophies. Bob leaves a son who is now the guardian of Bob's book of original designs for the many lug patterns he produced, and in due course it is hoped that these can be copied as a treasure for all to enjoy.
Bob's funeral will be held tomorrow, Friday 24th at 1-30 pm at the Church in Carlton in Lindrick
Peter Brown, Lincolnshire, England