TRIBUTES have been pouring in for local legend John Wheeler who passed away earlier this week.

We asked readers for their own memories of the 75-year-old retired police officer and 'legendary' driving instructor.

Full story: 'A LEGEND': Hundreds pay tribute to ex-police officer and driving instructor who died in crash

Mr Wheeler was a well-known Kidlington resident and hundreds of people have shared their condolences.

Former Oxford police chief Brendan O'Dowda, who also served as Oxfordshire area commander at Thames Valley Police, described Mr Wheeler as a 'true gentleman.' 

Community answers

Did you know John Wheeler? We want to hear your memories

"Hundreds of people have been paying tribute to the community legend. Did you know John? Did you work alongside him in the force? Were you taught to drive by John? Let us know!"

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Rosalind Stuart

What is your response?John Wheeler used to cross us over the road outside school in 1964,he always had such a lovely smile and cheered us up for the day.Condolences to his family!

From Lindsay Seagrim-Trinder

What is your response?This is dreadful news and my heart goes out to his family. I knew John well when I was part of the team at Banbury Motorcycles, towards the end of the 70s, in Lower Cherwell Street; John and his oppo Bob Nurden would often call in for coffee especially if it was a cold winter's day and they were out on patrol on their motorcycles. We also ran the local RAC/ACU training scheme (predecessor to the Star Rider scheme) and John would often come along to talk to the students, with another young motorcycle policeman Bill Oxley, who sadly lost his life in a motorcycle accident while on duty. John will be very much missed in his community. I've been in Wales for over 25 years now and hadn't seen John for a long time, but he was often in my thoughts as I reminisced over happy times spent in Oxfordshire.

From David Charles

What is your response?Such an incredibly sad loss and our sincerest condolences to his family. My Wife, my brother in law and myself, all obtained our full bike licences thanks to John Wheeler, and on a couple of occasions rode out with him. Later on I went on to become a driving instructor myself and John was always there with friendly advice and help. He also sent some work my way when things were difficult. John Wheeler was one of those people that you only had to meet once and you'd never forget him. Quite possibly the nicest of people. Always in good humour, a true gentleman and a genuinely nice guy, a living legend to anyone that knew him, he will "always" be a legend in the motorcycling and driving instructor world.

From Trevor Langrish

What is your response?When I first arrived in Oxford in 1984 after promotion in my job, John and his wife, Sue, were among the very first people to make me feel most welcome. Like me, they were both members of the congregation at St Michael's, Summertown. Later, after my wife and I moved to Kidlington, I met him again. My wife also had the pleasure of meeting him. We are both shocked and saddened by his sudden, tragic passing. We offer our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to Sue and all the children.

From Sue Charlett-cox

What is your response?Road safety advice being given by John Wheeler in 1977.

Your pictures

Oxford Mail: Road safety advice being given by John Wheeler in 1977.Road safety advice being given by John Wheeler in 1977.

From Dan Preston

What is your response?John was such a gentlemen, and will be missed by so many. John taught myself and both my younger brothers and sister and my wife to ride a motorcycle. Many moons ago I would meet up with John on a Wednesday evening with other motorcyclists to go out for a meal and chat and a good ride around the country roads, I always felt safe when out on the bikes with such an experienced man with some great story’s to tell. You will sadly missed by so many rest in peace John Godbless

From Michael (Sweep) Cooper

What is your response?I first knew John back in the seventies when I was involved with the RAC-ACU motorcycle training scheme that was run by the County Council Road safety team and Ron Spiers was involved with the police and he got John and a few other members of his police motorcycle team along on some of the Sunday morning sessions and from then on John became a firm friend and met regularly through our motorbike club (the Thames Valley motor cycle club) and the functions that we held. He will be very sadly missed and my condolences to Sue and the family.

From Darren Mills

What is your response?RIP John , Gone never forgotten. Xxc

From Philip Tissot

What is your response?John was my mother's cousin. Such a kind and gentle man, he held the family together. By that I mean that he kept in contact with everyone, ensuring that all branches of the family were kept informed of news and he enbodied family spirit in everything he did. But he was so much more. A friend to all. We already miss him. But never to be forgotten. RIP my second cousin xx

From Community contributor

What is your response?John was a special person. We use to have our horse round the corner from John's house, and I always use to stop for a chat when we walked the horse past John's house. John was friendly and always had time for everyone. He loved his Motorbikes, he will be sadly missed that smile and his stories. John a true gent and a 'legend'

From Rachael Turner

What is your response?So sad to hear that John has died, he was such a lovely, funny,kind and genuine man. John taught me to drive and when I passed my test he said “jammy cow” loved his sense of humour he will be sadly missed by everyone that knew him. Sending love & condolences to his family xxx

From Community contributor

What is your response?John taught me to drive when I was a student at Oxford. Such a patient, gentle man! I am grateful I had the privilege to meet him. Sending my condolences to his family from America.

From Hayley Collins

What is your response?John wheeler was a very close friend of my dad, sister and uncle. They would go on regular motorbike trips and I had the pleasure of meeting him once. We reminisced about our former police careers and he was an incredibly kind and thoroughly interesting man whom I could easily spent the entire night talking to. A brief half an hour left a huge impression and I want to thank him for all the laughs and good times he gave my family. He is and will always be sorely missed, and after what sounds like a wonderful life, I know he will be at peace. Rest easy and carry on biking John xx

From Ian Brown

What is your response?John was my Inspector when I joined Cowley Traffic in the early 90’s. I knew John before this as I too lived in Kidlington. Being a keen Biker John said that after my initial Traffic law/driving courses he would put me through an advance motorcycle course. As soon as my course dates were known John then gave me one 2 one tuition, we rode miles around the Oxfordshire villages. It was during this training session I realised how good John could ride a bike, it was like looking at a ballerina, and he made it look so easy. As I was just about to leave for the 3-week motorcycle course John said, ‘Get a first class ticket and the day you finish your course you become a full-time motorcyclist’. The next working day at Cowley I was off to Aylesbury to get my kit ☺ When the Traffic Department moved to Bicester John made it very clear I was to continue biking. I remember the day he asked me to hold out my hand as he dropped the keys to a brand new BMW K100 in my hand. I occasionally helped out with Johns CBT’s at Edward Field School. He also put our son through his CBT. As a Motorcyclist, John is the best by far (and I have ridden with many bikers) the person I aspire to. As a person a gentleman, we the Brown family miss him. Ian Brown TC71

From Graham Quigley

What is your response?Got me through my bike test and formed a friendship to last , loved to reminisce about the police days when he was stationed in Abingdon he knew all the rogues from the 70s we laughed so much , tragically taken to soon RIP John you were a wonderful man

From Community contributor

What is your response?just heard the tragic news John was my inspector when i was on traffic in the police a true gentleman and one of the best police motor cycle riders thames valley police ever had rest in peace John my thoughts are with his family Rob bolton ex north west traffic thames valley police

From Richard French

What is your response?So sorry to hear the sad news regarding John Wheeler. He was a well regarded contemporary at Southfield School in the fifties when he was affectionately known as “Ginger Wheeler”

From Community contributor

What is your response?John taught me to drive many years ago, he was a jovial,kind and caring man, whom will be missed by so so many. I could not have asked for a better instructor whom always became your friend. A true gent and a beautiful soul. Xxx

From Connor Slamon

What is your response?I completed the BMF motorcycle course with John in 1992 .. the little sayings he taught me ‘ man with van ‘ ( always expect a man to walk out from a van beside road ) .. ‘ look through the bus ‘ ( you can see stop sign illuminate inside bus - advanced warning ) .. & more ... I use everyday in the roads .... John was a knowledgable, giving & amusing .. Legend

From Karen Keene

What is your response?John taught most of my family to drive and was a good friend to our family. John was funny, thoughtful, kind and a true gentleman. Love to Sue and all the family.

From David Margetts

What is your response?I'm sad and shocked to hear this news. John put me through my motorcycle training in 1981. I remember John as a caring instructor. He went beyond what was required of him as a 'Star Rider' instructor because he would take his students around the test route a few days before their test date long after their training course was over. My sympathies to his family. RIP John.

From Ally Jones

What is your response?John was such a nice guy and top class Gent he taught me how to ride a motorbike back in the 80's and took me out for a extra lesson in his own free time the night before taking the 2nd part of the test to help me pass first time. He was always happy to give advice in later years when I was buying new bikes etc, Thank you so much Mr Wheeler..... My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. ...RIP John!

From robert owen

What is your response?John Wheeler was Indeed a Lovely Man, he helped me through my Star Rider Course at Gosford School Kidlington 1988, friendly Instructor, but with a firm emphasis on road safety, who helped me overcome my fear of the Test.

From Steve Butler

What is your response?I did my bronze & silver star rider awards with John in Kidlington nearly 40 years ago, I also did some car advanced driving with John many years later. John was an absolutle gent and incredible instructor on both 2 or 4 wheels. I went on to become an Ambulance Service driving instructor for Oxfordshire Ambulance Service and am quite sure this would not have happened without Johns influence and earlier training.

From Nick Harverson

What is your response?I knew John Wheeler through work for a number of years as a throughly professional and decent man. When it came to train for my full bike licence some 25 years ago he made it a fun learning process. Always there for his friends, we were always chatting bikes which, together with his family, were his passion. You never knew just how much your friends valued you, John. The world is a poorer place

From Community contributor

What is your response?John taught me to drive just over 20 years ago. He also taught many friends and family. I believe there was quite a waiting list at times. He was the best. Years later John would still stop and chat. Never forgot a face. I second everything everyone is saying. True true gentleman.

From Richard Ponting

What is your response?I've known John for as long as I can remember. He has always been a great friend to me and my family. One of the nicest people that anyone could wish to know. A brilliant friend and always a gentleman too. With a fantastic sense of humour. Words are not enough to describe what a loss this is! He will be greatly missed by all of us. Richard.

From Community contributor

What is your response?John was a true gent. And taught me to ride as he did my son as well. Always bumped into him around oxford and he would always give you the time of day. A true gent and legend

From Paul Sullivan

What is your response?John was one of the very best people you could ever meet. A true gentleman. Took me through my car test and took many friends through their bike and car tests. He will be missed by many and his death is sending shock waves through the motorcycling community. I wish the deepest sympathy to Johns family and friends.

From Laurie Smith

What is your response?I first met John when he had the monumentous task of teaching me to drive. He had a great sense of humour...especially when I was the first person to scuff the wheel trims of his relatively new learner car. It was lovely to bump into John a few weeks ago, at the doctors, and we stopped to chat. It transpired that he wasn’t there for himself but to support a neighbour, who spoke little English, and needed to see a doctor. As we continued to chat, he explained how the family were living with a number of housing problems, during a particularly cold winter, and that he was helping them to resolve those problems with housing and the landlord. It struck me how passionate he was about supporting others and that he genuinely thrived on making other people’s lives better in any way he could. He always had a smile on his face and liked to make a laugh and a joke, mostly at the expense of my driving, but it always made me smile. The world has lost a wonderful man, friend, husband, father and grandfather. Rest in peace John, you will be greatly missed! Love and best wishes

From Community contributor

What is your response?Condolences to the Wheeler family, John was a great bloke, always ready to stop and chat. Told some great stories about his time in the police. Sadly missed, a great loss to the community. Best Wishes to the Family. Mick White

From Community contributor

What is your response?John taught me to ride 30 years ago, he was a brilliant rider and a lovely man, very sad to hear this news :(

From Carol Faruku

What is your response?Mr Wheeler taught myself, my best friend and my husband to drive. He was amazing and very funny, he gave me the confidence that I didn’t think I had when it came to driving. He would say little phrases to help like “where there a van, there’s a man”. When I passed he was just as excited as I was. Thank you John you’re a legend.

From Community contributor

What is your response?We personally knew John Wheeler as he came to the Cowley St. John Club on a Sunday (in Marston Street Oxford). He used to come on his motorbike. He was a lovely, lovely person and will be sadly missed by all who came across him.

From Sarah Calow

What is your response?I knew John for many many years. I passed my driving test first time thanks to him. I always remember him saying to me my god Sarah if you drive like this on your test your definitely going to fail and laughed that was the day before my test and I passed the next day with only one minor fault . He then went on to teach me to ride a motorbike and was such a genuine lovely funny caring guy and will be so greatly missed by many . Kidlington really has lost a true legend . R.I.P John xxx

From David Rees

What is your response?Very sad news only saw and spoke to John last week retaking a CBT test in Abingdon my thoughts are will his family a true gentleman