Component innovator dies at 68

LH 'Ronnie' Thomson, president and founder of the eponymous bicycle component manufacturer LH Thomson passed away suddenly on January 12, 2008, less than a week before his 69th birthday. According to The Bicycle Retailer, Thomson had recently recovered from bladder cancer, but his untimely death was unrelated to the illness.

Thomson, a well respected manufacturer of high quality seat posts and stems, was an engineer by trade, and made his career first manufacturing parts for the airline industry. He began the LH Thomson company in 1981, and began making bicycle components in 1995. Through his high quality products and generous sponsorship of area events, teams and causes, Thomson quickly endeared himself to the cycling community.

The parts became so popular amongst the off-road riders that Macon area riders hosted an annual Ronnie Thomson Appreciation day, which is scheduled for this weekend. The event will now include a moment of silence and memorial service.

The Thomson company's website posted a brief message of support, saying "It is the families wish that the festival continue, and it will. Thomson is no longer just a brand, it is a legacy. Ronnie brought so much to cycling as he looked at everything with a different perspective."

"Ronnie was always like a father figure," LH Thomson account manager Karen Glass told The Bicycle Retailer, but added the company would continue. "I know this will be a rough road for the entire Thomson family. The L.H. Thomson company will overcome this. We will continue what you started."

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (www.bcan.org).