I've never lost a fellow rider until yesterday. It was my sad circumstance to be directly behind Rich Merrill and see every horrifying moment of the slide and tumble that led to his death. I was also the first to climb down the slope and discover that my friend was beyond hope. Suffice it to say that the memory of those moments has played back hundreds of times in less than 24 hours, and I didn't sleep well last night.
So I started this thread to deal with some of the survivor 'issues' without taking over the thread dedicated to Rich. Please share your thoughts.
From the other thread:
Duckeater, Sep 4 2006, 05:55 AM Magellan, Thanks for sharing what you saw. I know you will carry this event in your mind forever - such is the fate of the living . My impression is he suffered a big MI or stroke - probably the latter as the chest pain of a heart attack would probably cause him to stop. If his right side motor function went awry he might stomp down on the brake in the manner you had the misfortune to witness. Will there be a medical examination ?
There will be an autopsy, but whether we ever learn the results or not will be up to Rich's adult children, who live in Alaska (not sure how many children. Keith?). I left my card with the sheriff and asked him to convey my info to Rich's kids. I hope they'll call, because I think we can help each other understand what happened.
Rich also leaves behind a girlfriend in Portland (we don't know her name), and we certainly hope the officials involved find a way to reach her.
Duckeater, Sep 4 2006, 05:55 AM Take your time and work through this ,pard . In this world of shitty people it is tough to lose a good one .Make sure YOU can stay focused before your next ride. Please give us any new knowlege that turns up.
Keith, Tim and I took the time to sit and talk about the hard realities of Rich's circumstances before we rode home. There is precious little silver lining to this cloud, but we're happy that Rich didn't have a wife and small children waiting at home. We're happy he didn't suffer and that he died among friends while doing something he loved. Some will inevitably say his death was a foolish waste, but none of us will, and I can only hope that Rich wouldn't either.
Riding down the mountain was really hard at first, but it was probably for the best that we had no choice but to get back in the saddle and think through the techniques and decisions that keep us alive every time we ride. The big problem is, we rode through something like fifty curves where Rich and I (or any of his friends) should have been burning off the chicken strips at 60 mph (faster than Rich was going when he left the road) and smiling ear to ear, corners much tighter than the one where we lost Rich. Instead, I kept thinking, "I could die here, and here, and here." Not a fun way to ride.
It will take a while to love riding again the way I did just a day ago. I tell myself that Rich would have wanted us to go on riding, that he made a choice he knew could lead to his death and loved every minute of it. And while that's true, it doesn't stop the morbid thoughts. I don't ever want my friends to find me the way I found Rich, and I don't ever want to be the one to find another friend that way again.
But that's the reality of our sport. To choose to continue to ride is to face the possibility that something as terrible as yesterday will happen again, and next time it could be me. Do I love riding enough to take take that chance? Would it be better to live to 80 sitting on a sofa and "playing it safe"?
Believe me, I thought I had all this thought through before, but now I know - in a way I never hoped to - how thin the line is between life and death. If you had stood me on the edge of that road and asked me, "If a fully geared rider (yes, Rich had the best gear, and all of it on) was thrown over this edge at 40 mph, do you think he would live?" I would have responded, "More than likely, yes. A few broken bones, maybe, but yes." Well, I'd have been a complete fool.
Right now, I'm pretty sure I want to keep on riding until I'm a little old man or my number is up, but my next few rides will definitely be colored by sadness. I'm also scared that I'll lose concentration, or worse, have flashbacks at all the wrong moments. Of course, I have to assume that time will cause painful memories to be replaced by pleasant new ones. Someone please tell me this is true.
A couple of things I have to say on a practical note: If you care about the people you leave at home, get life insurance. I repeat, GET LIFE INSURANCE.
And if you care about the guys you ride with, carry a contact list on your person in case of an accident. Let your riding buddies know you carry it. If you die they'll be comforted to know that your loved ones will be easily contacted by authorities.
Thanks. That was all very well stated, especially given your proximity to such a tragedy.
I'm just glad I wasn't there myself, as I don't know how I would have coped. Witnessing tragedy involving strangers ( I have) is one thing, but that of a friend (or family) would be something else entirely.
Thanks for sharing your feelings, and I hope you will come through this well, though certainly changed.
It took me a long time last night but finally I fell asleep, when I woke up I decided I HAD to ride. It is what Rich would have done. I took a nice easy ride up to Tahoe, down Spooner summit and then up and over Virginia City. Following most of the route we took when everyone was in Reno last year. I had Rich in my head all the time, cant explain it in words to well. I thought about his lines and they way he rode and the way he enjoyed his riding.
I to hope to ride until I am "older man", I even let a Triumph speed tripple lead me along the twisties(That wont happen again!!)
The sun is shining and I know in my heart that if things were different Rich would have been out there with me enjoying the day.
I'm sorry about the whole situation. Would Rich have you, "play it safe?" (Unfortunatly, I never, met). From what I've heared, it seems he would be the type of guy to encourage living to the fullest and enjoying all of the good in this world. One could be on the couch, and something bad happen.
I am fortunate, in the fact that I have not a worry about kids or a significant other. Untill that point, (should it happen, {and even after it may}), I have my friends and family. I am blessed. I can choose my friends, not my family. My family, had I not been a product of them, I would choose to keep company with. Fantastic people.
Life ins. I don't have. As you stated, needs to be. All I have, to this point goes to my brother and friends. They will be straight with divisions. It would be nice to leave some $$ for them, though, too.
Worry not of a, "flashback". If you need some time away to ponder, do so. More easily said than done, (and I've never had the experience that you just had), (and again, I'm sorry), but try to picture the grins and the joy. You may need some time off, I don't know you. BUT if you do, your bike will be there waiting for you. If you don't,.... ride on, clear of mind, friends in your heart. If you give it up all together, your true friends will understand. (Not that they won't push you to stay and enjoy), but they will understand.
I'm sorry. Babble, babble.
Personally, I was scared s#!tless, to get a bike. But, had I not had it under my belt, with lots of cool stories, to take to the next world, I felt, I would never have really lived.
I don't know,.......I hope you can find a balance.
Very well said,. That really got to me, even though I have never met you or Rich. I will be putting a list together of people to be contacted in an unfortunate situation. True note on the life insurance policy, I've got one and always will.
hey loni, tough to share feelings like this online, especially with strangers. seeing something this traumatic may be worth sitting down with a professional and working through the details so you can see the positives.
i mentioned at the PNW meet that i'd had a major wipeout in 2004. one of my friends and riders behind us on the highway witnessed it. needless to say he was quite traumatized as were the folks riding their harleys behind us.
i still ride, albeit at a much, much slower pace and it has turned me from a sport-tourer to a tourer. and everytime i get on the bike i have a ritual of giving thanx for the ability to go out and ride and enjoy the day - and i always make sure to say goodbye to everyone, just in case. as time passes the "little voice" reminding me of the perils of that day gradually diminish, but are just loud enough to remind me to be responsible and enjoy every minute like it was my last.
i guess if you get one positive from rich's situation is that life is extremely valuable and time is short. enjoy all you can.
hope you fellas get through this okay. take care all of you.
Only having met some of our members on this forum, somehow I still feel a bond, I was truely sadened to read about Rich and his premature departure.
I always try to find a bright spot in a tragedy as dificult as it may seem to do.
I made myself get up this morning and go for a ride and in so doing I thought of this accident time and time again. As stated the accident didn't seem to be brought on by dare devil riding, freak accidents happen even at home, work, and play.
I remember one time a hunting partner of mine got bitten by a rattle snake in the back country and couldn't make it out for help.
As I rode this morning I took stock of my priorities, I have made a personal commitment to slow down on the highway and leave the edge burning for the race track---this is the prudent thing to do as tracks are meant for this type of agressive riding.
The bright spot I have found in this tragedy is to try and persuade other riders to follow this lead. Somehow this has realy hit home with me.
Thanks for sharing your perspectives and thoughts pertaining to this horrible event. For all of us who knew Rich in one capacity or another and even for those who had not the pleasure of meeting him, this will cause us all to consider the what-ifs in life. Don't be apprehensive to discuss the event with others who are willing to listen. It will help the healing process and may eventually give you some closure to it.
I also had a real hard time falling asleep last night and have been in a daze today. I can only imagine what you, Keith and Tim must be going through. My thoughts are with all three of you for being there.
Thank you, guys. The support has been fantastic. Kudos to VFRD for making us all friends, and for introducing us to Rich in the first place.
Rest assured that Keith, Tim and I will be fine. It's a lot to sort through right now, but our pity is with Rich and his family much more than for ourselves.
You meet the nicest people when you ride red. wheel.gif wheel.gif wheel.gif
magellan, Sep 4 2006, 05:31 PM Thank you, guys. The support has been fantastic. Kudos to VFRD for making us all friends, and for introducing us to Rich in the first place.
Rest assured that Keith, Tim and I will be fine. It's a lot to sort through right now, but our pity is with Rich and his family much more than for ourselves.
You meet the nicest people when you ride red yellow.
Loni's right on. Yeah, we'll be fine.
VFRD has been a wonderful place for us to meet good friends, learn more about the bikes we ride, and more about others from all over the world. Rich loved this site. I can remember so many times when he'd call and tell me to go look at something right away. It didn't take much to get him excited, and that was what made him so much fun.
I'm starting to smile as I remember some of the funny things he did while we were together. He SWORE that the $160 titanium brake rotor bolts made a difference in the handling. And after enjoying giving me so much grief about not having a coffee pot in the house, he was flat disappointed when I made him a good cup of coffee. When he first got those glorious-sounding Sato cans on the bike, he was mortified when I said that it sounded like "a damn flatulent Harley". It took all day to convince him I was kidding! And of course, we all had fun with him here ribbing him about the pleasure-palace tent.
Many of you are far away, and might feel as though there's not much you can do. But I think that Rich would give a big thumbs up to contributions made to VFRD in his honor. By helping to keep VFRD going, we can keep Rich alive in our memories as we ensure that we will continue to have a forum where friends old and new can always get together. Follow the links after clicking "My Controls".
Thank You to all of you who have posted with your thoughts these past two days. I wish that Rich could see how much people appreciated him. Maybe up there, he can see VFRD on the little monitors that bikes have on the tank, right by the turbo/nitrous/traction-control/anti-gravity/rocket-start switch....
But I think that Rich would give a big thumbs up to contributions made to VFRD in his honor. By helping to keep VFRD going, we can keep Rich alive in our memories as we ensure that we will continue to have a forum where friends old and new can always get together. Follow the links after clicking "My Controls".
Great idea Keith - I have been meaning to make a donation for a while - I will do it tonight in Rich's honor.
Glad to hear that you and Loni and Tim are coping as best you can.
See you at the 2007 PNW / Rich Merrill Memorial meet!
Loni, Keith & Tim I have to take my hat off to you for being able to put into words so well and share your experience and so soon. Fantastic job, I know you feel hurt, numb, shock, doubt and hundreds of other emotions right now and it will take some time to even rationalize any of it, but it will come and we will all be he for you guys. I had two friends lost while ridding with me over the last 5 years with one being TexasMac in 03. I can relate with you and can feel what your feeling, Bruce was maybe doing 20-25 mph when we lost him. Ray(was in your spot and saw the whole thing) and I just felt so weird pulling away from the spot of Bruces death on the bikes, I had a hard time even hitting the Start button. We stopped at the empty Crossroads of Time parking lot next to each other sitting on our bikes and not even speaking to each other. Just sat there for who knows how long before with gather it together enough to ride back to the hotel. We shared dinner that night or the next, don't really know and we finally talked to each other about it all and what we were feeling. That whole thing hit me extra hard, the guilt and responsibility that came because I was leading ! It was very tuff on me and I can't even begin to imagine what Ray was going through after witnessing it all! It was mostly this site VFRD and it's members that got me through that difficult time, I'm still grateful of that and the support that followed.
All I can say is that I feel for all involved and I'm here for you in any way!
I tried to stay out of the thread about the actual crash but now that Magellan has posted, I can't stop myself. First off, Rich, ride on my unknown friend. VFRD gives you friends you've never met and I'm sure Rich would have been a friend of mine much like the others I've personally met here.
Ironically, I got home from a spirited 120 mile ride when I read this. I was all happy about the ride I had when I read this news. Needless to say, I felt guilty for having a good time.
Through out the two years I've been on here there have been deaths. It's a side effect of what we do. All we can do is take it as an example of what can happen for absolutely no reason. . . the results are what matter. Think about it before you go balls out into the next corner. . . .
FWIW, I kiss my family every time I go for a ride. They know I love it. I've actually told my wife if I die on my bike she can know I was having the time of my life when it happened. From what I've read Rich fits the same category. It, at least, gives them closure of some sort.
Lastly, Magellan, I can't possibly imagine what this must be like for you. Having crashed myself and seeing the look on the good samaritan's face that was behind me, and having survived without a scratch, I totally feel for you. In case you're wondering, the board doesn't need details. . . Hang in there brother.
With the Gap ride coming up in about a week, let's all keep this in the back of our minds. It doesn't take much to bring it all to an end, especially down there. Love you guys, theoxmole.
baileyrock, Sep 4 2006, 06:54 PM Loni, Keith & Tim, I just felt so weird pulling away from the spot of Bruces death on the bikes, I had a hard time even hitting the Start button. We stopped at the empty Crossroads of Time parking lot next to each other sitting on our bikes and not even speaking to each other. Just sat there for who knows how long before with gather it together enough to ride back to the hotel.
Yeah, that's a lot like what we went through yesterday.
I went down the hill after Loni. Tim had the good sense to take off and get into cell phone range. I still hadn't fully accepted that Rich had really crashed until I got down there. After all the training and drills and actual emergencies, I was unbelievably frustrated knowing that all I could do was sit there with Rich for a little bit. I wanted to straighten things up, but I vaguely realized an investigation would happen. I just sat there and shook for a few minutes.
After we'd climbed back up onto the road, a couple came by on two cruisers. The woman said nothing, just came up to me and put her arms around me in a warm embrace and held me for a long time. I hope she did the same for Loni and Tim. The man offered to say a prayer. We all bowed our heads, and his words made all of us feel much better. I don't quite remember their names, but they will live in my gratitude forever.
The emergency crews arrived, and after they had talked with us for a while, the sheriff urged us to go on home. We wanted to stay, but he was right, of course.
We got on the bikes, and I just pushed off and coasted down the hill. After a distance, I fired the bike, and we rode off down the way we'd come. I kept looking back to see if everyone was following okay, but I could only see two headlights. It was just all wrong.
We stopped in the little town of Alsea, bought some Gatorades and sat on the store's porch bench for a while. We talked, I don't really remember what was said, in fits and spurts. One of the volunteer firemen that was up on the scene came by and asked how we were doing. Everyone on the emergency crews was so polite and respectful of us all. I'm very thankful to them for everything they did.
After a while, we moved toward the bikes to go home. Loni and Tim headed up I-5 toward Vancouver, I rode west for Newport. I took the route we had all ridden two weeks earlier, only backwards this time out to the coast and home. It was a good ride, and I thought of many things. I rode easy, and found myself trying to carve nice smooth arcs.
After resting a bit, I dragged myself over to the computer and wrote the notice on VFRD. That was hard. But it sure helped me come to terms with what had happened that day, and I was able to get some sleep after that.
Some of my VFRD friends have called me several times just to check up on me. That's a wonderful feeling, knowing that people out there, some a long ways away, care. Thanks so much for your calls, and thank you to everyone who has contacted me or posted. Loni, Tim, and I will always be grateful.
You have shown wisdom and caring to post up about this horrible time and to help the rest of us share not only the sadness, but the wisdom to be gained from this aspect of our chosen sport.
With respect to your judgement, what were the nature of the fatal injuries? Would there have been gear alternatives that may have helped? As you observed, I have been on goat trails and thought "if things went south here far from help, would my gear protect me" and naturally thought on the optimistic side.
Would, for example, a stronger back protector or chest guard have helped? sad.gif
I went on a group ride in the boonies Saturday with a 30+ rider pack. There were 5 lowsides - and this from an older, experienced bunch. Simple gravel corners and road surface conditions were the root causes across the board, but with help at *least* an hour away we were lucky. Thankfully I've never had to mourn a close friend and I pray I never do, each loss of even online riding buddies has hit mne hard.
The last words out of my mouth when I leave to ride are "I love you" to my wife. You never know.
PorradaVFR, Sep 4 2006, 09:43 PM With respect to your judgement, what were the nature of the fatal injuries? Would there have been gear alternatives that may have helped? Would, for example, a stronger back protector or chest guard have helped?
I would rather not describe the condition of Rich's body. There's an ugly aspect of human nature that enjoys a train wreck, and out of respect for Rich I just can't gratify anyone's need to know the anatomical details.
On the other hand, I understand and appreciate your reason for asking the above questions (and I'm not applying that last statement to you!). A stronger back protector or chest guard would not have helped. Rich was wearing thick racing-grade leathers and Alpinestars boots, and I believe his helmet was a brand new Arai.
Suffice it to say that our poor friend hit a few too many trees on the way down, and nothing short of a CF survival cell would have protected him sufficiently. The things a human body can endure are astounding, but it's equally unbelievable how fragile we are under just the wrong circumstances.
I know that's small comfort. I wish there was gear we could wear to make what Rich went through survivable, but some things just have to be avoided, not geared up for.
PorradaVFR, Sep 5 2006, 06:43 AM Would, for example, a stronger back protector or chest guard have helped? sad.gif
That road leads to buying a car with 20 airbags or sit on the couch.
From all accounts, Rich loved his bike and was prepared to invest in his passion. Wearing full gear (incl backprotector) did nothing to stop 8 of my ribs fracturing in a low speed, low side accident. That lamppost was in the way and didnot move. It saved my skull though.... The best gear is gear you actually wear and control over your right wrist. The rest is fate.
Like previous posters, I kiss my wife and boy goodbye everytime I leave. Life is precious, I learned that during the 80 days my newborn spend on an IC ward.
As I rode of this morning, I gave a thought of Rich. Ride on.
Thanks for the reply. There are some things that no gear can protect from, but I expect most of us compromise in some degrees for convenience and/or comfort. In my case, I have solely the back pad in my leathers - it's protective, but not as much as one of the "turtle shell" designs. There is little aside from leather on my chest, but I know some folks use off-road or added chest protection.
On the rare occasions that I ride to work these days, I generally wear jeans despite knowing firsthand how little abrasion resistence they offer.
There are risks and decisions we make affect them and somewhere in there is a roll of the dice that today will not be your day. It's a shame that something we love can also be a source of such profound sadness, but I guess that holds for a lot of things in life.
We shared the road for a day this June and the fate of your friend could have been any of us that day, too. We ride because we choose to and anyone that doesn't acknowledge the risks we take even while riding conservatively is fooling themselves. After returning from Mount St Helen's, the very next day, my wife and I were almost killed when a driver jumped a stop sign. If I had been on a bike, this missive would not have been written. But to ponder on the future and whether or not ones number is up isn't what I have chosen. Riding is a passion for me and my wife knows if I don't make it home one day she should celebrate I left this world doing something I loved to do. I still have a challenge or 2 to overcome (a CT scan as a result of the accident shows I have an aneurism on my aorta, surgery tomorrow), but I will be riding as soon as I can.
Celebrate Rich's life and don't second guess your abilities. He wouldn't want you to have carry that baggage.
magellan, Sep 4 2006, 01:26 PMOf course, I have to assume that time will cause painful memories to be replaced by pleasant new ones. Someone please tell me this is true.
Yea, of course it is.
As agonizing as this thing was to read I can't even imagine having to write it. Without getting into religious beliefs too much - if it's any consolation I sincerely believe that what you found wasn't Rich at all but the shell that Rich lived in for a while. Rich is still around, you can see him in these posts.
From your description of the events I'd say they will find he had some type of major internal event just prior to going down. Seizure, heart attack, stroke...who knows? The autopsy will prolly show it, but whether we'll ever know here is anybody's guess. My gramma lived as a vegetable for a while after suffering a major stroke - given a choice between that and Rich's fate, I'll take the latter every time. Just something to think about.
My advice, if you need any - park the bike for a while. Spend some time with your family. Just hang out, man. You've seen more than anybody deserves to have to see, give it a while for the burn to heal. The bike will keep.
Raced go karts, race cars for years. Lost 1 friend (he & I were 12 at the time) to kart racing. 4 to car racing. No need for details. Just want to say to everyone hurting...it will heal, each in your own way. All of us here have chosen this path of life for reasons of our own. We live and survive in our sport together. I know the hurt well...can't really help but can be here.
The news of Rich has been a shock and heartbreak for Claudia and I and we only just met Rich, so I can only imagine what this must be like for you, Tim, and Kieth. I have been present for some awful accidents, and motorcycle fatalities. I know there is no shortcut to healing, but it does happen. What we take away makes us more than we were, and we have a chance to honor the memory of those who have left us, each new day. It should be a comfort to all that Rich left this world doing the thing he loved, on a nearly perfect road, on a nearly perfect day, with a group of great guys who were his friends, but it's not as important to think about the way that he died, as it is to celebrate the way that he lived.
Having recently witnessed a fellow rider go down and pass away I understand 100% the thoughts and feelings that have been written here. Just two weeks ago I was passing 5-6 Harley riders on my way back to Phoenix and witnessed something I hope I never have to again in my life. As I was waving the last rider in the group on a trike somehow lost control and veered off the road and into a two foot dirt ramp. Needless to say the ending wasn't pretty. I saw the first part of the accident and thankfully missed the rest. Coming onto the scene was personally the worst experience of my life. Many sleepness nights have passed since then and I'm still haunted by the experience. I didn't know the rider and the passenger which happened to be husband and wife but I'm not sure how you couldn't be moved by such an experience.
While I didn't know Rich I'm moved by what happened this weekend. I'm moved by Drumjack losing his life back in July. You also throw in the accident Mr Pheer recently had and holy cow does this make me think. I question wether I should still ride or not. I question my ability to ride and handle the various situations that come my way everyday while I'm on the bike. I haven't stopped riding since I saw the accident in hopes that things will get better, I know they will but it sure hurts in the mean time.
I realize that my ramblings won't help much but at least know someone else is going through the same thing and dealing with it the best way I can...lots of drinking. Kidding of course!
Godspeed to Rich, DrumJack, Chris and his wife Salle wheel.gif
Today was the first I was aware of Rich's passing. I was away all weekend for the holliday. And like most on this forum had not met Rich yet. He was going to stop in last year on his way down to Reno. I was going to try and make the meet in Aug. We communicated through this forum and on this damn computer we made freinds.
I like all of you who met Rich have lost a friend.
I would like to thank you Loni, Keith and Tim for being a true friend and sharing his last moments with him.
Fonsey ride on in Heaven and we can meet there some day.
I recieved a call from Judi this morning, Rich's girlfriend in Portland. She shared some stories and thoughts with me, and I sent her to the VFRD site so she could see how many friends Rich had made there. Her thoughts follow, from an email she sent after we talked:
"I am so glad we talked. Either Mike or I will let you know about services so you can get the word out. It was hard to look at the pictures and read the kind words without crying another river, but I will still treasure everyone's thoughts and wishes and I know his girls will, too."
Later:
"I have read on and I just want to thank you for the way you have handled those inquisitive minds who want to know (all the useless details). It's not going to help them be better riders or more prepared for what's around the bend. Rich had ridden since he was a practically out of diapers and was a damned good rider and as I said today, I am sure this was brought on by a medical condition. I also don't mind if you post this as I want you to let your fellow riders know how much the condolences are appreciated by me and will certainly be cherished by his daughters. He was good man who loved people and, when he met someone, had an uncanny way of knowing what was in their hearts almost instantly.
"He and I were high-school sweethearts and he found me on the internet through classmates.com at the time of our 30-year class reunion. You probably already knew that. He loved to tell the story to anyone, even strangers on the street (much to my embarrassment!). It's hard to believe in miracles, but he was mine and I can't tell you how much he is missed. Loni and Tim, thanks for everything and I am so sorry that you had to go through this. You are all in my thoughts."
I also learned today that there won't be an autopsy, and so we will never truly know what happened. Apparently this was a decision made by the detectives investigating. I'll post here when I have firm information on when and where a service will be held. Right now, I only know that there will likely be one locally on Friday at Demoss Durdan Funeral Home in Corvallis, Oregon. For those of you that might wish to make a donation to the family for Rich, you can contact Demoss Durdan Funeral Home, (541) 754-6255.
I recieved a call from Judi this morning, Rich's girlfriend in Portland. She shared some stories and thoughts with me, and I sent her to the VFRD site so she could see how many friends Rich had made there. Her thoughts follow, from an email she sent after we talked:
"I am so glad we talked. Either Mike or I will let you know about services so you can get the word out. It was hard to look at the pictures and read the kind words without crying another river, but I will still treasure everyone's thoughts and wishes and I know his girls will, too."
Later:
"I have read on and I just want to thank you for the way you have handled those inquisitive minds who want to know (all the useless details). It's not going to help them be better riders or more prepared for what's around the bend. Rich had ridden since he was a practically out of diapers and was a damned good rider and as I said today, I am sure this was brought on by a medical condition. I also don't mind if you post this as I want you to let your fellow riders know how much the condolences are appreciated by me and will certainly be cherished by his daughters. He was good man who loved people and, when he met someone, had an uncanny way of knowing what was in their hearts almost instantly.
"He and I were high-school sweethearts and he found me on the internet through classmates.com at the time of our 30-year class reunion. You probably already knew that. He loved to tell the story to anyone, even strangers on the street (much to my embarrassment!). It's hard to believe in miracles, but he was mine and I can't tell you how much he is missed. Loni and Tim, thanks for everything and I am so sorry that you had to go through this. You are all in my thoughts."
I also learned today that there won't be an autopsy, and so we will never truly know what happened. Apparently this was a decision made by the detectives investigating. I'll post here when I have information on when and where a service will be held. It sounds like there will be one locally. For those of you that might wish to make a donation to the family for Rich, you can contact Demoss Durdan Funeral Home in Corvallis, Oregon, (541) 754-6255.
Keith
I would like to go please keep me informed. George
An informal service will be held at Rich's house at 6 pm this Friday, Sept. 6 at 6 pm. I would suggest that those that wish to go meet up at the Chevron just off the Corvallis/Lebanon exit at about 5:30 pm, and ride north to Rich's house.
Please, come join me there for stories and memories of Rich. If you can print out pictures from some of our meets and rides together, the family would love to see them and have copies. They have told me that the VFRD site has been very helpful to them also.
The house is just a couple of blocks west of I-5 in Albany, Oregon. Take the exit where the big Home Depot is located (is that the Hwy 20 exit?), go west to Chestnut, and turn south. The house is (I think) the 4th on the right.
Silver#788, Sep 6 2006, 07:37 PM I would like to go please keep me informed. George
This is Judi (Rich's girl) and I just want to express my thanks for all your responses. These posting are my life-line today. I didn't get to say good bye to my lover and best friend. Although we had spent time together before I had to leave the country on business, I had only returned the Friday before the accident and hadn't yet seen him last weekend. Was planning a visit for Sunday or Monday, called all day Sunday, but of course, I had no idea Rich was already gone. It wasn't like him to not pick up a call immediately or call back within a hour and of course , because there was no response, I worried all day and finally gave up at about 10:30 pm. and went to bed. Got the news in the wee hours of the morning. Not a call you want to get.
When we first got back together (after a 30 year hiatus), the first thing he did was send me an email with a photograph of his then Harley sportster with a single red long-stemed rose laying on the seat. I got that email at work and said outloud "what the hell does this mean?" A co-worker came over, took a look at the picture and slapped me upside the head. "What the hell do you think it means????" she said. Listen up guys; that was a pretty darned romantic little photo, but it just took me a few minutes to believe that the man was still interested after all those years. Several weeks of phone calls later and he was on a plane heading down from Seward Alaska to Corvallis Oregon. The rest is history. He packed up everything he owned and moved here a few months later. The first hike he ever took was up Mary's Peak. He was thrilled with his find. He climbed up from the north side and when he got to the top, was shocked to find a parking lot up there! He laughed and laughed about that. Guess he told that story to Lonnie and Keith and Tim last Sunday. He had great stories. But he loved Oregon and was thrilled that you could grow more than just turnips and potatoes here. Was amazed at the trees dripping with fruit and berries. Loved my marion berry pie. Was obsessed with growing corn. Started making a name for himself here in his construction trade and making friends through his work and with his guitar playing. Didn't have a judgemental bone in his body. Hated drama and chaos. He was a peaceful man, grown but still growing. Worked hard this past year on taking care of his personal business and broadening his horizons with the bike groups and making new friends. Loved nature, loved seeing it from the bike. Was just wowed by beautiful horizons and perfect roads in Oregon and yes, Mary's Peak. He loved riding with all of you and sent me pictures from the meets and rallys and told me about all of you. I am sorry I didn't get to meet most of you. I am sorry knowing what you had to go through that day, but have found great comfort in the words on the forum of those who were there in that horrible time and knowing that you sat with him while waiting for the medics. I'll be honest with you - Sometimes I am angry. Not that it makes any sense, not that there is anything in particular to be angry about, except that freaking why why why. I gotta work through that and it's going to take time. A couple of things I need to say to those of you who love to ride.... write a will, damnit. You can do it on line these days and it's cheap. Do it. Please. And always say goodbye and "I love you" before you go.
I'll keep Keith posted on the services as I find out more.
To the love of my life: you were more than I ever imagined possible and yet the possibilities never ended. I don't know what I am going to do without you.
richmerrill, Sep 6 2006, 11:15 PM This is Judi (Rich's girl) and I just want to express my thanks for all your responses. These posting are my life-line today. I didn't get to say good bye to my lover and best friend. Although we had spent time together before I had to leave the country on business, I had only returned the Friday before the accident and hadn't yet seen him last weekend. Was planning a visit for Sunday or Monday, called all day Sunday, but of course, I had no idea Rich was already gone. It wasn't like him to not pick up a call immediately or call back within a hour and of course , because there was no response, I worried all day and finally gave up at about 10:30 pm. and went to bed. Got the news in the wee hours of the morning. Not a call you want to get.
When we first got back together (after a 30 year hiatus), the first thing he did was send me an email with a photograph of his then Harley sportster with a single red long-stemed rose laying on the seat. I got that email at work and said outloud "what the hell does this mean?" A co-worker came over, took a look at the picture and slapped me upside the head. "What the hell do you think it means????" she said. Listen up guys; that was a pretty darned romantic little photo, but it just took me a few minutes to believe that the man was still interested after all those years. Several weeks of phone calls later and he was on a plane heading down from Seward Alaska to Corvallis Oregon. The rest is history. He packed up everything he owned and moved here a few months later. The first hike he ever took was up Mary's Peak. He was thrilled with his find. He climbed up from the north side and when he got to the top, was shocked to find a parking lot up there! He laughed and laughed about that. Guess he told that story to Lonnie and Keith and Tim last Sunday. He had great stories. But he loved Oregon and was thrilled that you could grow more than just turnips and potatoes here. Was amazed at the trees dripping with fruit and berries. Loved my marion berry pie. Was obsessed with growing corn. Started making a name for himself here in his construction trade and making friends through his work and with his guitar playing. Didn't have a judgemental bone in his body. Hated drama and chaos. He was a peaceful man, grown but still growing. Worked hard this past year on taking care of his personal business and broadening his horizons with the bike groups and making new friends. Loved nature, loved seeing it from the bike. Was just wowed by beautiful horizons and perfect roads in Oregon and yes, Mary's Peak. He loved riding with all of you and sent me pictures from the meets and rallys and told me about all of you. I am sorry I didn't get to meet most of you. I am sorry knowing what you had to go through that day, but have found great comfort in the words on the forum of those who were there in that horrible time and knowing that you sat with him while waiting for the medics. I'll be honest with you - Sometimes I am angry. Not that it makes any sense, not that there is anything in particular to be angry about, except that freaking why why why. I gotta work through that and it's going to take time. A couple of things I need to say to those of you who love to ride.... write a will, damnit. You can do it on line these days and it's cheap. Do it. Please. And always say goodbye and "I love you" before you go.
I'll keep Keith posted on the services as I find out more.
To the love of my life: you were more than I ever imagined possible and yet the possibilities never ended. I don't know what I am going to do without you.
Love, Judi
My heart feels so much for you in this time. I am always here to listen to you at anytime 24/7 day or night. About any topic or even if you just need to yell at or cry to someone. Keith has my number and I also sent it to this account through PM system [Top right corner says "New Messages"] just click on it. Best wishes and prayer to you. George
End of thread · 30 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 19 Oct 2006