I have been in denial ever since I heard the news and probably will be for a while. I fully expect to see Steve out on the road, arms tucked together on his aero bar, a smile on his face, and a pocketful of Tums to be shared with anyone having leg cramps. His witty humor always made those tough mountain climbs just a little less painful. When all the mountain goats had dropped us, Steve and I would be grinding our way together up the climbs and enjoying the view of the mountains he so dearly loved. I rode for many years with Steve during the early MS 150s. It wasn't until I met Bert and Lee several years ago that I really got to know Steve. And I am glad I did. A finer person I have never met. Others who have a better command of our language can write his platitudes. I will quietly mourn for a lost friend. Steve, we will miss you but you will never be far from us. It was my honor to call you friend.
Gary On May 14, 9:56 pm, Hopper <[email protected]> wrote: > I heard the news from Cliff yesterday, stunned me completely. > Unfortunately, I haven't been riding much but I completed 3 of the > last MS 150's in New Bern with Steve and also rode with him in the > Brutal a couple of years ago from West Jefferson where he has a home. > I spent many hours in his company on these occassions along with > Cliff, KV, Gary, Dennis, Scoot, Bert and many other Gyros. > Steve was a real gentleman and so unassuming yet he gave back so much > to his fellow colleagues, I will miss him on the ride and around the > beer tables this coming September. I am certain in some way he will > be with us on the road, that was Steve, he was always there > somewhere and always will be. I wish his family well for the future > and we will for sure ride for Steve in a big way. Derek > > On May 14, 11:40 am, Cliff <[email protected]> wrote: > > > > > Words never work for me in these situations. I found out about > > Steve's death yesterday and have been in stunned disbelief and sorrow > > ever since. Steve was one of the very first friends I made in NC when > > I moved here in 1985. We met because each of us were foolish enough > > to jump into cold water at Optimist Park at 5:30 am every week day, > > and our friendship grew from there. We did outdoor stuff together, > > took kayak rolling classes, and did stuff with our sons who are the > > same age. After I stopped swimming so much I was delighted to be able > > to cycle with Steve, and we did the MS150 together a few times > > including last year. It will be a long time before the hurt of his > > loss fades, and I can't imagine how Jan and Michael must feel. > > > Steve lives on in my memory as a generous, gentle, fun guy. Not being > > able to see him, ride with him, or even say goodbye really hurts. > > Making donations to Steve's MS web site is a great way to celebrate > > Steve's life and ideals. Being able to do it felt good and just > > right. > > > Cliff- Hide quoted text - > > - Show quoted text - --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you foolishly subscribed to the Gyro email group. To post useless drivel to this group, send an email to [email protected] To unsubscribe, send an email to [email protected] We love reading 3000 line messages so please don't bother trimming your replies. -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
