Tragedy Close To Home

[Rocky]

In 2007 one of our club members was killed when he crashed his motorcycle into the side of a van that had turned left in front of him.
It was at a relatively slow speed in the city and he would likely have survived the crash, but a broken rib pierced his heart and that was what killed him.
His name was Gary and was about 50 years old. He had a loving wife, two sons and a great career.
He was generous with his spare time and gave back by coaching sports and other community activities. His sudden loss was a terrible shock to all of us.

Last Wednesday evening, his oldest son Ryan was killed while riding his motorcycle in the city under similar circumstances involving another vehicle.
The crash occurred near the home of one of our club members who heard the crash. It wasn't until later that he found out who it was. I didn't learn about the incident until last evening.
Although he wasn't a club member, and we hadn't seen him for several years, many of us knew Ryan who was 30 years old.
Gary's wife had to suffer through the loss of her husband nine years ago and now must suffer through the loss of a son. How tragic that must be. I can only imagine what she must be going through.
Such a tragedy!

 

[Mad On Triumphs]

That's terrible, I don't really know what to say. Maybe some of your club members will somehow be able to give Gary's wife some much needed support and comfort at a terrible time in her and her family's life. So sad.

 

[harper6t]

How terribly sad, words fail me, I only hope the family can find strength to carry on.

 

[Rocky]

Interestingly, Gary's memory lives on to a degree in the form of a 1968 BSA 441cc Shooting Star.
The bike was in boxes in Gary's shed, but mostly all there.
A few years after Gary's death his wife contacted me and said she and her sons had finally gotten around to cleaning out his shed which had many vintage motorcycle items that she wanted to get rid of - including the old BSA. The sons were more into later model Japanese bikes so she invited our club members to come over and buy anything they wanted.
Ironically, the BSA was purchased and is still owned by the club member who heard the crash on Wednesday that killed Ryan.
This is the bike after it was restored and put back on the road in 2013. Since then It has undergone a slow transformation into a café racer, but I don't have a current picture.

 

[Baldeagle]

Rocky,
I just picked up on this,what can one say except a terrible,terrible tragedy.
Always sad to hear of a fallen brother,but to loose two from one family is awful.

 

[DaveM]

Wow what a very sad affair for all involved

 

[shanered6]

what a terrible tragedy

 

[Qship]

Can't imagine the pain and anguish the family must be suffering right now.
Thoughts and prayers for them.

 

[keystiger]

That is a very sad story
Prayers and condolences to the family.

 

[hemibee]

Words escape me, what a sad tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

 

[triumph david]

This is a very sad thing to happen to a family our prayers go out to everyone.

 

[ChuckB]

Sad thing for the family, something they will never get over. RIP Ryan and Gary.