"John Sheardown remained a very humble man, always willing to stay in the shadow of others, and the people of Windsor remain extremely proud of his diplomatic intervention and career accomplishments, " read a proclamation that declared November 10, 2012, "John Sheardown Day" in the city of Windsor, in Ontario, Canada.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

He will be sadly missed by all in the road racing fraternity, but most particularly by his family, and the absence of the 'number 45' will leave a massive void in the paddock and cast a shadow over the forthcoming North West 200 and Isle of Man TT.

BBC: Finnegan tragedy

Almost to a man the shadow cabinet gave him their votes, serenely confident in the knowledge they could not save him.

ECONOMIST: Bagehot

He smoothed the cover, which showed a neat, bearded man with his face in shadow.

NEWYORKER: After the Movie