The family of a 71-year-old cyclist who died following an incident in East Meon have released a heartfelt tribute. Mike Garner from Liss suffered serious injuries after coming off his bike and died four days later.
Officers responded to reports at 12.50pm on Sunday, 11 May, of a cyclist who had fallen from his bicycle on Oxenbourne Lane, close to the Harvesting Lane junction.
Mr Garner sustained severe injuries in the incident and was transported to hospital, where he passed away on 15 May.
Police continue to appeal for anyone with information regarding this incident to call 101, quoting reference 44250204715. Information can also be provided online at: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/
Mr Garner’s family have now shared the following tribute:
Mike is survived by his wife Carla, children Alex and Dani, and stepdaughter Alexa, who together have four children with a fifth expected.
Born in Stretford, Greater Manchester in 1953, Mike relocated with his family to Petersfield in 1958 when his parents took over Herne Farm Dairy alongside Mike’s grandparents and relatives. He began his education at Churcher’s College in 1964, with both Alex and Dani later following in his footsteps at the same school.
Mike dedicated 53 years to the petrol retail sector, launching his first venture, Rails Lane Garage (Jet), in 1972 on Hayling Island. Working with his brother Tim, Mike operated up to eight filling stations at the peak of Garner Group Holdings’ success, including the original northbound and southbound A3 sites at Liphook. The brothers achieved Forecourt Trader of the Year honours on two occasions throughout their joint careers.
Within the industry, Mike became a member of the Petrol Retail Association’s Wetstock Committee in 1993, continuing with the Technical Committee (renamed in 2010) until his death. He also served on the Jet Dealer Council from 1990 to 2008, including several years as Chairman.
Following the sale of their final two businesses in September 2023, Mike devoted his time to a house renovation with son Alex and a major construction project with Tim, whilst maximising time with his grandchildren, with whom he maintained an exceptionally strong relationship.
Fitness and physical wellbeing were central to Mike’s lifestyle. A member of Petersfield Rugby Club since 1970, he captained the 2nd XV on multiple occasions and even played alongside son Alex in a veterans’ match. Mike trained at Body Conditioning in South Harting for more than 22 years, and to mark his 70th birthday, completed 70 unassisted chin-ups within one hour. He regularly competed in time trials with local group a3crg and, beyond weekly social rides, cycled frequently with Petersfield Triathlon Club.
