We Lost a Friend

[skuehl]

I have thought about this quite a bit. I read the thread top to bottom, every entry and now dont feel well. Having three daughters has made me soft.

Sherri my sincerest condolances.

If a procession of motorcycles is of interest I would sincerely try and make the trip just for that. To pay respects to a fallen brother.

I met him at WFO and he was one of the most memorable people. Seriously unfortunate.

 

[CAJW]

So, so sad! I had been kicking myself for missing the Dual Sport Ride he put together last Sept in the Sierras. Now I'm REALLY sad I missed the opportunity to meet a true giant among men. Sherri, try to take comfort in the fact that although Andrew was a man that many had not met, but yet morn and miss terribly is one of the most poignant tributes anyone can receive.

John

 

[jeremybhm]

Wow. Didn't know him, but read many of his posts. Stay safe and treasure every moment with your family and friends...

 

[Malve]

What a special man...

take note of his personal statement and interests on the forum

Personal Statement:

I have a really fun time riding with a few friends, old or new. I really like to show people that are visiting, or new to the area some of the great rides around here. Feel free to ping me if you'd like a tour, dinner, or place to stay!

Interests:

Guitar, SCUBA, Free Diving, soccer, lacrosse, fishing, other people's interests

...speaks for itself.

Sherri,

I too lost someone special many years ago and am forever thankful for the years that we shared.

 

[GalaxyBlue]

I thought i would share my last conversation with andrew... I still cant come to terms with this whole year...

Rest in Peace, My friend!

Hi Adam,
How ya been?

Andrew

Hey Andrew!

I am doing great!

I am in North Carolina now after unloading at a Walmart distribution center.

Not sure if you heard, But my mother passed away on Aug 28, That time i had out in Reno was filled with some serious up's and down's... Thanks for being there as a great support center for MadMike and myself. It means more to me than you might know.

On a better note,

My good friend Wooley picked up a super clean 04ABS, So we are now a 2-FJR household... :lol:

I am looking forward to seeing you and Sherri again, As i REALLY want the recipe for the Chicken Caesar salad with those AWESOME crouton's :good:

I tried to make then and forgot what the main spice you used, And i tried to call you but you were in a meeting... No biggie, As they still came out good! I improvised and used sourdough bread and tarrogon tossed with olive oil and garlic... It came out very good, Kinda sweet due to the amout of Tarrogon i used, But still... :lol:

Call anytime Andrew!

Adam

Taragon and Garlic is one of my favorite combinations. For the croutons, you got it right. I also threw in some oregano and a few dashes of Cayenne for imperceptable zing.



I am sorry to hear about your mom. I know it has to be rough. My father is nearing the end and it is super hard for me to even think about. He's been my hero my entire life.

Come out anytime, you'd love the spanish flavored penne/chicken dish I have come up with.

I've also been experimenting using the convection feature of my oven...awesome.

I ride bikes too.

 

[teerex51]

I've been gone two weeks on a business trip to China and I just now read the news about Andrew's death.

I'm truly speechless and don't know how to express my sorrow for the passing of a friend and my deepest sympathy for Sherri.

When Larry Winter died last year in similar circumstances I felt the same, like getting sucker-punched in the stomach.

Both he and Andrew were Forum friends I never had the privilege of meeting in person but felt a special kinship to.

R.I.P. Andrew, I hope you suffered no pain and the last thing you felt was that priceless thrill of riding on a mountain road.

In October Andrew posted the following on the subject of the 2008 Tour of the Pyrenees:

I was kinda planning a ride in Italy next summer though...maybe I can do this ride in 2009? Can I get my reservations in now for that ?

Bro, you'll be right there with us next June when we ride the Spanish twisties.

I still don't know how, but I want to dedicate our 2008 Tour to Andrew and I'm sure there's something we can do to really make it his Tour. I'll think of something.

Stef

 

[grahamk]

Hi all,

Andrew was my little brother.

It's tremendous to read all the posts here about Andrew and what a truly wonderful man he was. Particularly the pictures. Please keep posting them. I've been looking at pictures of Andrew all night and I just can never remember him without a smile on his face and it kills me that he's gone. Thank you all for all you've said about Andrew. I can't believe that he is gone.

I read in another thread that there aren't funds for his memorial. This really isn't the case. Please contribute if you like, but there is no need.

I hate to see people speculate about what happened to Andrew. If you want details please e-mail me. I will say that Andrew was 100% dedicated to safety at all times. He lost his focus for reasons that were not entirely his fault.

Please be good to each other, it's all Andrew wanted.

Graham

[email protected]

 

[Ari Rankum]

Graham -

Friends of such a brother have lost dearly, but the brother of such a brother loses limitlessly. You have my deep sympathy.

I did not know Andrew well. Nonetheless, I am on the list of those who received messages from Andrew, seemingly out of nowhere. There is power to what Andrew is that persists.

Saturday, I got up to run some errands. I didn't understand it at the time, but I pulled my WFO-5 shirt from the drawer and put it on. I've never, ever worn this shirt. I went out to the car and noticed that I had put on my motorcycle boots, even though I had no intention of taking the bike. I wrote all of this off as just not paying attention. Sunday, I read the news. Reno is where I met Andrew. The very first picture I saw in this thread was a picture of Andrew wearing that very same shirt. I think these are the kinds of ripples that occur in the fabric when someone like Andrew is removed from it.

I wish you peace.

 

[FJRSTAR]

So sorry Graham. He was a wonderful person that I never got to meet but knew him from here.

May you find comfort somehow....this is not easy for me to read about.

Scott Kilbourn

Lake Jackson, Tx.

 

[worldbound4now]

If only I could put the sorrow that I feel into words. I only met Andrew through online posts and PM's. I am amazed at the online support and enjoyment that he provided to us. He will be truly missed. My heart is heavy with tears.

 

[radman]

I loved how Andrew was playful with his camera at WFO6. Thanks for making me smile, I'll miss you sir.

Best pic of him by far-graces my desktop now.

 

[NightShine]

Cafe in Markleeville, CA - June 24, 2006

 

[DaveT]

Very sad indeed. Was reading this on the pashnit site also. Enjoy life everyone -- every day is precious!

 

[FJRMGM]

I did not know this man or his wife but I can see from the pictures their love of life, for each other and their zest for life.

A person of these qualities has many friends and right now we all are hurting.

He was a brother rider and it always hurts when a brother is gone.

My deepest condolences to everyone who knew him.

 

[artistic rider]

I never met him but after reading all your post I wish I had. My sympathies to his family at home and his family/friends here.

 

[kaitsdad]

Graham,

My heart goes out to you. I'm very sorry for your loss.

Andrew was loved and respected by many.

God Bless

 

[Cdogman]

Graham.

I am very sorry... My heart hurts at your loss. I cannot imagine how you feel... And how Sherri feels, His children, eveything.

So sad

 

[rangerk9]

Andrew and his family are in my families' prayers now. God Speed to all of them.

Rex

 

[yellowmagnaman]

I live far away in Connecticut, and never met Andrew. Reading all the

posting by fellow riders I feel I know him much better now. He was a

person who was full of life, who impressed all who met him. I hope

his family the best in this sad time!

 

[rogdeb]

I hope the WFO staff members and forum members that live near and ride with Andrew and Sherri regularly are hanging in there today. I know Sherri is surrounded by her family right now, but I want you guys to know that you are too. I hope you know that we are thinking of you too as you grieve the loss your special friend.
We are all in motorcycling for many reasons, but for me its all about community. The twisty roads are fun and the bike is very cool but the people are the best part. And this community is the best. period.

Well said, and thank you Fjrchick. This hits way too close to home for Deb and I.