It is with great sadness I write to tell you that our very special MDBiker, a man who was winning his battle with alcoholism, lost his life last week. He was returning home from an AA meeting Thursday evening and was killed by someone who was allegedly driving drunk.
I have spoken with Bear’s wife, a remarkable woman of tremendous faith. They were married 33 years and she buried him on their anniversary. She says she believes some good can come of this devastating loss…that others can learn from this horrible event. That she hopes it will serve as a critical reminder to everyone here to never, ever get behind the wheel of an automobile when drinking.
“Bearlady”, who will post shortly, told me today that MWO was hugely important in her husband’s life and the community had a profound effect on him. I know it’s certainly true that he had the same impact on us.
Like all of you, I cannot believe he is gone. On a personal level, Bear is someone with whom I communicated regularly. I watched him struggle, gain strength, overcome his addiction, and provide endless support to others in need of help. His friendship and generosity meant the world to me. As I told his wife, he represented the best of who we are and what we do at MWO.
Our most cuddly member is no longer with us. But I know his spirit will live on always. Please, honor his memory by continuing his important work in becoming a healthy and vibrant individual, in loving others unconditionally, and in never risking a life because of a disastrous decision to drink and drive.
Bear’s wife says you may read the article about the accident here.
With a heavy heart,
RJ
Attached files [img]/converted_files/20043=3367-attachment.jpg[/img] [img]/converted_files/20043=3368-attachment.jpg[/img]
I have spoken with Bear’s wife, a remarkable woman of tremendous faith. They were married 33 years and she buried him on their anniversary. She says she believes some good can come of this devastating loss…that others can learn from this horrible event. That she hopes it will serve as a critical reminder to everyone here to never, ever get behind the wheel of an automobile when drinking.
“Bearlady”, who will post shortly, told me today that MWO was hugely important in her husband’s life and the community had a profound effect on him. I know it’s certainly true that he had the same impact on us.
Like all of you, I cannot believe he is gone. On a personal level, Bear is someone with whom I communicated regularly. I watched him struggle, gain strength, overcome his addiction, and provide endless support to others in need of help. His friendship and generosity meant the world to me. As I told his wife, he represented the best of who we are and what we do at MWO.
Our most cuddly member is no longer with us. But I know his spirit will live on always. Please, honor his memory by continuing his important work in becoming a healthy and vibrant individual, in loving others unconditionally, and in never risking a life because of a disastrous decision to drink and drive.
Bear’s wife says you may read the article about the accident here.
With a heavy heart,
RJ
Attached files [img]/converted_files/20043=3367-attachment.jpg[/img] [img]/converted_files/20043=3368-attachment.jpg[/img]
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