 Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,714 Likes: 4
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,714 Likes: 4 |
Quote:
Although I never met the man in person I am saddened I never will.
+1 on that. Just because I never got to shake his hand doesn't make the hurt any less felt
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,152
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,152 |
Quote:
Made it to Riverside around 2-2:30 local time. Leaving way earlier than usual worked out pretty good.
Another run at Mingus and White Spar this morning with virtually no traffic was heaven (and left quite a bit more footboard metal behind as well). Had no idea there were more twisties between Yarnell and Congress. That hairpin descent down the mountain to Congress was sweet. Said goodbye to Ryan (rgoldberg) in Quartzsite around 11am after which Devon and I got thoroughly cooked going across the rest of the desert on I-10. But it was a lovely 82 degrees in Riverside with a nice breeze when we arrived. More of that, please!
Devon went on to LA and tomorrow I'm headed to San Diego for a visit with more friends. He and I will meet up on 395 Thursday morning for the 1300+ mile ride home.
I imagine this is john's last post on the board. *clearly* he was having an excellent trip.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,177 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,177 Likes: 55 |
I was just looking around at some of the things he did and does. Take that little 10n yr anniversary in the banner at the top of the page that he also made. I was just looking at another thread where he had fixed the pictures someone had tried to post and got the address wrong. It got me thinking and in addition to that special place for him that bulldog avatar he loved so much should be incorporated as well. The home page banner has a black area to the far left I think might be a good spot for it if that can be done.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,177 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,177 Likes: 55 |
Quote:
Quote:
Made it to Riverside around 2-2:30 local time. Leaving way earlier than usual worked out pretty good.
Another run at Mingus and White Spar this morning with virtually no traffic was heaven (and left quite a bit more footboard metal behind as well). Had no idea there were more twisties between Yarnell and Congress. That hairpin descent down the mountain to Congress was sweet. Said goodbye to Ryan (rgoldberg) in Quartzsite around 11am after which Devon and I got thoroughly cooked going across the rest of the desert on I-10. But it was a lovely 82 degrees in Riverside with a nice breeze when we arrived. More of that, please!
Devon went on to LA and tomorrow I'm headed to San Diego for a visit with more friends. He and I will meet up on 395 Thursday morning for the 1300+ mile ride home.
I imagine this is john's last post on the board. *clearly* he was having an excellent trip.
There is some comfort in the fact that this post shows he was having a great time, if you are going to go might as well be fast doing something you love.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 203
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 203 |
Damn. Sad day indeed. RIP John. Prayers for the family.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Oh no.
I'm in shock.
I just spent this last weekend at the Southwest Triumph Fest riding and visiting with John.
As has been said; he was the life blood of this site but much more than that, a friend. A pleasure to be around and to ride with.
He will be sorely missed.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1 |
It is a sad day around the world,you are greatly missed John.Rest in peace my friend.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 246
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Posts: 246 |
I could have sworn we took pictures last time we saw him, but I can't find them anywhere. Thank you to everyone who share their pictures here.
You never know when you will see those you care about again. Make it a point to make good memories, and preserve then when you can.
Sad here.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,420
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,420 |
I never met John but I am moved to the point as if I did know him. It's amazing how much we get to know each other on this board and the relationships that happen.
John...you will be missed. I appreciate the time you devoted to us and I appreciate you as a person. God speed, bro.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
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This is terrible news indeed! I will miss ribbing back and forth with him. This not only a great loss for his friends but a great loss for the whole BA.com community as well.I was just PMing back and forth with him not long ago, I am in total shock and almost disbelief.I didn't always see eye to eye with John but that is why I liked him. He kept this place going with fairness and just enough restraint to make this a great place to hang out. John put his time, knowlege and effort into this site for us all and I am sure we all appreciate that. He will be missed by those who knew him weather it be just on here like me or in person like many others.
Ian said it as good as I could have. I'll miss him and his sharp cuts. Huge loss. damn!
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
[quote I will be riding "pegs down" for Friar John as a sign of respect. I dont know if you guys do that in the States but I ask our fellow Aussie riders to do the same. RIP John Bedard
I have never really heard of this Stevie, but the more I think if it the more it sounds like a good idea. It would be like you said, a way for everyone on this site from all countries to show respect and solidarity for our brother, John. I know I only met him once but I felt like I've known him for the almost 10 years I've been on this site. Everyone has their own way of mourning and celebrating the life of someone that has fallen. Tonight for me it was washing my bike with the pegs down and thinking of John. For the rest of the week it will be "pegs down" for FriarJohn. He would have probably called me a chuckle head. 
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Last Saturday, 02 June, 2012 in Sedona: 
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,714 Likes: 4
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,714 Likes: 4 |
Quote:
I will be riding "pegs down" for Friar John as a sign of respect. I dont know if you guys do that in the States but I ask our fellow Aussie riders to do the same.
RIP John Bedard
Quote:
I have never really heard of this Stevie, but the more I think if it the more it sounds like a good idea. It would be like you said, a way for everyone on this site from all countries to show respect and solidarity for our brother, John. I know I only met him once but I felt like I've known him for the almost 10 years I've been on this site. Everyone has their own way of mourning and celebrating the life of someone that has fallen. Tonight for me it was washing my bike with the pegs down and thinking of John. For the rest of the week it will be "pegs down" for FriarJohn. He would have probably called me a chuckle head.
I'm in... Chuckle head, he definitely would have called us that 
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590 |
This has been a shocker of a day for many, many people. John & I took our first road trip to BC in maybe 2004? Passing through Canadian Customs at Eureka the guard motioned to the bike behind and asked me how long I knew that guy. I wanted to say "Him? We just met a crack house in Kalispell last night". Took a lot of road adventures together, rainy BC, sunny BC, the legendary push his bike north across the border to a grinning Gordie trip, Washington North Cascades (maybe the best of the lot), numerous rides to the Nelson Rally (to harass & torment our good friends).
Our last real ride 3 years ago, where my only memory of the so-called "mishap" was what John told me. Truthfully I think the whole thing was harder on him. John said I kept sitting up in the Nelson hospital ER telling the medical staff to call my mom, "but tell her I'm alright" and that if I did it one more time he was going to smack me. My other guardian angel Dr. Rene Louis was there. After that episode was in the books and all the untold things he did for me, I said "I suppose I better start being nice to you".
Nelson's going to be a different deal this year, but there's so many friends that gather there I wouldn't miss it for the world. Take good care people, ba.com is a very special place.
jh
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 14
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 14 |
I don't know what to say. I am stunned!
I am a lurker. I lurk. This tragedy has brought me out of the background to try to express how much I will miss someone I never met. His wit was quick....and sharp....and blunt like a smiting hammer.
To all his friends, you are in my prayers and I ask God to send you comfort.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
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After that episode was in the books and all the untold things he did for me, I said "I suppose I better start being nice to you".
jh
That's so true John. I was thinking of that this afternoon. In spite of all his bluster, sarcasm and put downs,(which I'm guessing was sometimes an act to uphold his site reputation as a smiter) I'm pretty sure he had a big heart and would do anything to help a friend, as you know from first hand experience.
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 537
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Posts: 537 |
Gods Speed Friar John.
You did well in your time with us.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,302
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2006
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I am blown away by this, John was "THE Man" on this sight and fun to keep up with on face book. I am really going to miss the banter and wit. My condolances to His family and close friends. He was too young and had too much going for Him. He will be missed.
remember to ride safe.
mike
2006 neon blue speedmaster
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647 |
I was shocked to hear this terrible news. I, like many of us here, only knew John from our interactions on this site. He was indeed the lifeblood of this worldwide community. Having been active here for the past 6 years, I can say that I considered John a friend, even though I never shook his hand. The number of people he has affected here, and in his personal life, is a testament to the spirit of the man. I don't know what the future holds for this site, I can only hope that it continues as the place that we all love to visit, the place that FriarJohn helped make so great. My deepest sympathies go out to John's family and close friends, here, and around the world. RIP FJ.
06 America 904
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
We've never had a flower fund here but this would be a good time to starte one. Flowers from the BA.com family would be nice.
Good idea. Someone from close to there could maybe start a seperate thread. I'm in.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 338 Likes: 8
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 338 Likes: 8 |
Ok, I need to ask. What does "pegs down" mean? Never mind, I know now. Bummer, I don't have passenger pegs. 
Last edited by AmyLee; 06/07/2012 12:15 AM.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 728 Likes: 1
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 728 Likes: 1 |
John, you will be missed! Reading the posts on this thread is a testament of your touch on all our lives. Thank you John.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 322
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unreal...just unreal...just heard the news from Bob...
I've enjoyed Johns wisdom and wit over the past few years on the site and finally was able to meet him this past weekend in Sedona. I enjoyed riding and talking with John Saturday and Sunday... What a loss.
My thoughts will be with Devon as he journeys 1300 miles home.
R.I.P Friar
"stupid's in the water these days, they're gonna drink it anyways, until they don't know right from wrong..."
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647 |
Quote:
Quote:
We've never had a flower fund here but this would be a good time to starte one. Flowers from the BA.com family would be nice.
Good idea. Someone from close to there could maybe start a seperate thread. I'm in.
I'm in for that. Maybe someone could set it up through paypal or something.
06 America 904
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 175
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RIP John! Some day we will ride!!!!
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,160
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,160 |
Saw this on face book while at work and just throw my whole night off. I never meet him but between the forum and face book I feel like did. I was planing on doing a coast to coast ride in the next few years and john's place was high on my must stop list. He will be missed.
Life need a little Triumph!
2008 Triumph Speedmaster, Single baffle drag pipes, lots of black powder coatin,K&N pods, AI removed, TBS needles and a procom cdi.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2008
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Knowing that John would be telling us to quit whining and get on our bikes, I saddled up Bellevedere and took a little sunset jaunt along Lake Michigan here by my home with the pegs down. The flowers smelled wonderful and the sunset was spectacular. It gave me a little time to reflect on a guy that I never met, yet helped me along on my continuing journey on 2 wheels through this site. He was a good honest guy that told it like he saw it. I wish there were more out there like him. I'll miss his witty comments on my facebook page. He was always good for one.
Smooth roads ahead, Friar!! Godspeed.
2003 TBA Thunderbike pipes / floorboards / and the most uncomfortable seat known to man....
Barry aka: 8-Ball
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 17
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
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Posts: 17 |
Hello again all. Thanks again for all of you comments. I wanted to touch base with what I have thus far. After talking with John's mom they will be making his final arangements tomorrow in California. I am to understand that there will not be a service there but there will be one here in Montana. There probably will not be much more to say until early next week as to exactly when or where. Again if anything changes I will put up a post.
Take care and ride safe!
Geno
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 48
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
Joined: Apr 2009
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Terrible news...
Hard to believe that John is gone...
Life is too short"
RIP Friar John.
1087cc's- 115RWHP-81.5RWTQ.Nuff Said
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 436
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I found this on the web after doing a search. I'm still trying to wrap my head around what happened. I wasn't even personally close to John and it still affects me greatly. So, i can only imagine how many of you feel who were. http://www.ocregister.com/news/old-357590-year-motorcycle.html
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Been fighting tears all day while reading every post here and also going through pictures of events I attended with John. Interestingly I seem to have a lot of pictures either of John or including John. Here I share a couple but will post more later on. Ba.com members attending the Nelson RAT Raid last year.  There's another side to John. Pictured are Karen, myself and John overlooked a wondrous view near my home. Dang, I wish John was here for a witty comeback about his "better side" or something. 
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 422
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Attempting to get Dwight to listen.  Three caballeros     FJ had a smile for everyone  I'm not good at this crap.I liked John a lot, funny, acerbic, and smart with a questionable taste in whiskey. A highly valued member of the Fart,Snort and Hack philharmonic Loft orchestra. Fair winds and following seas Friar, I will miss you. Say hello to Derek and LarryShep for us
Morituri Nolumus Mori
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 340
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UNBELIEVALE!!! He was a good man and good friend. I'm speachless. R.I.P. John 
I'm speeding because I have to get there before I forget where I was going.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 575
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I did not get to meet John but he will be missed
Ride on Mate
What goes round comes round
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 237
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Tragic!!! Life can be ****** at times and this is one of em!! Sincere condolences to all of you, his close friends and family.
I'd rather ride it than clean it!!!!
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,124 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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OP
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,124 Likes: 13 |
Well I poured two drinks last night. John's Crown Royal. Upon awakening, the reality hit again, then I noticed John's glass untouched on the table...
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 117
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I've only been on the boards for a short while, but from my short time here and longer time lurking before that, I could tell that John was one of those guys who was larger than life. He will be missed. R.I.P.
2005 Green America
Fishtail Exhaust, Whitewalls, ISO Grips, Light bar with Relo Turnsignals
"...To them, I'm just a screaming ball of noise."
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,264 Likes: 14
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,382
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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John was the heart and soul of our forum.
Rest in Peace Friar.
Tony G
'03 America
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