 Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 56
Member
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Member
Joined: Mar 2009
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I only knew John through his efforts, wit and humor here on BA.com; I'm deeply sorry for the lost to his friends and family and all members here..
Blue Sky Black Death; Rest in Peace, John.
Live in the sunshine, drink the wild air... - Emerson
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,835 Likes: 3
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
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I'm truely saddened to hear this news.My thoughts and prayers go out to all who knew this fine man. It says a lot about a person who can become a friend without ever having met face to face, and who's loss can bring a man to tears. There so much more that runs through my mind right now, but no words seem to fit. God's Speed my friend and may His peace be with you.
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,133 Likes: 52
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,133 Likes: 52 |
Quote:
John was THE life's breath of this website.
I agree and he made it what it is today, I hope it survives his loss as a place I want to hang out and unwind. Ya know John made this place what it is for me all the times I butted heads with him or shared a laugh or discussed some peace of tech with him. I have a hard time thinking of this site without him. It brings a tear to my eye.
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: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
R.I.P. John. You were a great friend.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Quote:
John was THE life's breath of this website.
I agree and he made it what it is today, I hope it survives his loss as a place I want to hang out and unwind.
+1
I'm still struggling to come to terms with the news
Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
I hope all of you that have pictures of John can post them as a tribute to a good friend.
Cambridge, Idaho July 2006
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,056 Likes: 78
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Ga Rally...  
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,466 Likes: 4
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
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Quote:
Gene,
So sad to have to welcome you to the forum under such a dark cloud of despair.... But thanks for the picture of John's life.
I still can't believe this.... When I saw the post I was sure someone was pulling an April fools joke but it's June and with fear and trepidation, opened the post only to be blown away with the reality of it all. It's like I lost one of my best friends, even though I never met him.
We'll miss the Good Friar.
I hope all of you that have pictures of John can post them as a tribute to a good friend.
+1
I'm at a lost for words... I think I'll get some Crown and have a drink for John...
RIP good Frier, and thoughts and prayers to his friends and family
'04' Black America
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 Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
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My Soul aches. I've known John for six years here on BA.com, he was a wise & funny guy; he guarded this little community like a Papa Bear. When I saw this I wanted to think it was a joke. Goodbye John, my friend. Say hello to Gary Nixon & Steve McQueen from all of us. I'm wearing a Black Armband on my Riding Jacket. 
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 251
Adjunct
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I saw a couple of RIP facebook posts in the early hours (uk) and thought it was some sort of wind up...
Can't believe the irony after going through so much effort sorting the bike to get his trip underway...
Still stunned from the news.. His wit and humour will be missed.
My thoughts are with his family at this sad time..
RIP Friar.
Mike.
Veho Liberate
Iustus Paratus Prohibeo Penuriosus Effectus
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 485
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Quote:
Thanks Gene.
Please pass on the best wishes from several thousand bonnevilleamerica.com members
+1 Please send condolences to his family and close friends. I'm just stunned right now; this is terrible news.
Will
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,251 Likes: 13
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,251 Likes: 13 |
Sometimes It's the small things you remember.
I was sitting with Chy at his place @ this years Ga Rally.
I had no idea John was coming, in pulls Moe and behind him pulls FJ on Moe's other bike. My brain was just not computing how the heck FJ from Montana was riding Moe's bike from Florida, Cinnamon Girl in Georgia. John gets off the bike and I walked up to greet him and he says " you had the dumbest look on your face" It was the worst kept secret, you must be the only one who did not know.
haha,That was John, always said what was on his mind.
Miss you big man and I'm glad I got to ride with you in Arizona last year, godspeed !
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,254
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2005
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 Drinking my good Scotch and all the time wishing it was Crown Royal'the look on his face says it all .  getting ready to leave for Nelson  leaving for Nelson. these are the only pics ive got of John from 08 . the last time we met was in Bellingham ,when he rode up to meet me and ride down to the Oyster Run(in the pissin rain i might add). it didnt happen Bollox packed it in and we had to get him a tow to a local HD shop. thats where we left him after about an hour , he didnt want to spoil our ride to the rally .i will lift a glass of that Crown Royal stuff(have a miniture somewhere) to ya John , but it 'll be washed down after with something special.
Last edited by Celt; 06/06/2012 7:01 PM.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 478
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Just a note - John was accompanied on this trip by another friend, Devon Woods, who also lived near John - 90 miles away, but that's Montana for you.
John and Devon split up to see others, John in Riverside and San Diego; Devon in LA. They were to link up for the trip back home.
Anyway, Devon will be making a solo trip back to MT (he and John were to travel the East side of the Sierras to return home). Please keep Devon in your thoughts and prayers.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Still trying to wrap my head around this. I remember John talking about the trip out to CA when he was at the Georgia Rally. I know the Riverside 91, because I use to commute between Riverside and Anaheim on my 1980 Goldwing (Splitting the lanes whenever possible).
So, I guess I can say I knew John more than some, but much less than most. He left an impression on all that he meet, and will be truly missed by all that have known him.
Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome.
Isaac Asimov
US science fiction novelist & scholar (1920 - 1992)
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463
Loquacious
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It's drawn me out the woodwork. John is one of the guys over the pond I would have loved to have met. We shared a natter about Thunderbird Sport wheels and twin disk-ing the front wheel on our Americas ages ago... Probably got to be looking 5 or 6 years ago. Unlike some places I inhabit as a biker, he accepted that although a girl, I kinda knew what I was talking about. Or at least was learning...  Can't help but wondering who's gonna wield the Hammer of Smiting now... 
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel...
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel...
09 America - It's very blue....
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 395
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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.
Last edited by bigjack; 06/06/2012 7:31 PM.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 140
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I saw Fast Eddy's post on FB, and had to come here...... I havent been here in awhile, but I am also shocked......
He will be missed...... loved by many, never to be forgotten.
RIP
Troy
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Sad to here this, he was a big part of this site.
Larry
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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
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boy, I'm at a loss. It's trite but at least he died with his boots on. I honestly think that's what I'd want - but not just yet.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,399 Likes: 6
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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"You can't believe everything you read on the internet" : William Shakespeare
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I'm glad I got to meet him & shake his hand @ the '12 GA. Rally. We didn't get to talk much, as I'm NOT much of a conversationalist, the number of NEW faces was a little overwhelming to me, most were conversing with old friends, and I needed to get back to the motel to check up on my sick son. I was in the process of making him one of my fuel filters. He had a few ideas, and after batting around about a dozen ideas on that thread, THIS is what he came up with.  He sent me this little Bull Dog pin and I was to try & bend it to fit a fuel filter for him a couple weeks before the rally. I didn't get it till last week, and told him I would send him a pic of it on a square glass filter, since it probably wouldn't "bend" well. I told him last weekend that, here in the south, things move a little slower, so it would probably be this weekend before I could take the pic. This was his response @ 10:02 PM, 6/1 ----- Thanks, buddy. No rush on this end. This pin WILL be on that filter, and IF anyone in his family would like it, LET ME KNOW. I'm kinda babbling, and I'm at a loss for words, so I'll stop. R.I.P. Friar !
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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I was advised this morning of what has occurred by my good friend Keith. I am in a state of shock and it is through tears I write this. John will be sorely missed in the motorcycle world in all corners of the world. I no I am no longer a participater in this Forum but John did his best to try and make me stay and now I wish I had as I would have not missed so much of his life. He was a man with a great sense of humour and he ran this Forum like the true proffessional he is. He was fair but firm. I respect him even though I did not always see eye to eye.
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.
Condolences to John's family and friends and all of BA.com
RIP John Bedard
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Absolutely heartbreaking, Godspeed John!
Strangler
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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: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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Wow, just heard the bad news. It's a tremendous loss and he will be missed. Makes my heart sink to hear we've lost another brother. Ride safe all.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
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Just stunned. While I never met John face to face I certainly felt like I knew him.
Damn.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Adjunct
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God bless you Friar. Ride in peace.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,707 Likes: 3
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,707 Likes: 3 |
I read about this first on facebook from fasteddy's post then came right here. I am crushed and in tears. I feel like John was one of my good friends I haven't met yet, and now won't. This is a very sad day for us all... RIP FJ
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: Sep 2008
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Like many here, I never met John in person but came to know of him through BA.com and his posts & interactions with this community. Strange to feel such a sense of loss for someone i never met but I think that is a tribute to the impact he made on all of us through this communtiy.
We are all truly lessened with his passing.
Rich
ArGee
14 Thunderbird LT
Wasn't sure if Red or Black was faster, so I got a Red & Black one...
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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:
Sometimes It's the small things you remember.
I was sitting with Chy at his place @ this years Ga Rally.
I had no idea John was coming, in pulls Moe and behind him pulls FJ on Moe's other bike. My brain was just not computing how the heck FJ from Montana was riding Moe's bike from Florida, Cinnamon Girl in Georgia. John gets off the bike and I walked up to greet him and he says " you had the dumbest look on your face" It was the worst kept secret, you must be the only one who did not know.
haha,That was John, always said what was on his mind.
Miss you big man and I'm glad I got to ride with you in Arizona last year, godspeed !
Yes he did say what was on his mind. Last year at the SWTF we were getting ready for the Saturday ride and people were standing around the Harley he got for the ride since his America was out of commission. I said "did you rent that Softail?" without blinking an eye he said "No I stole it". I thought,yep that's the FJ I know and love from the site. 
Thanks to all, for the great pictures of John, friends and the sport he loved. Keep them coming. It helps ease the pain 
"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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Justin Calkins - Iowa Falls, Iowa USA
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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I saw the title of the thread and wondered what the joke was...if only it was.
Everything I start to write just seems so trite. I wish I had met him, even though we never met I'll miss him.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Speechless. Godspeed my friend.
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: Jun 2009
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I have no words.I'm shocked and numb.
R.I.P. Friar John.
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Last edited by moe; 06/07/2012 11:30 AM.
AmyLee
'02 America, Cardinal Red,
2018 Speedmaster
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,485
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Posts: 1,485 |
"Despite all the amputation, you could dance to a rock 'n roll station..."
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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
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 August 2008 in Helena, outside the pub where john bought me dinner.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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RIP Friar John. God Bless. GodSpeed.
Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain
If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and will never be.----Thomas Jefferson
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,133 Likes: 52
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,133 Likes: 52 |
John just used that pic Amy posted with his bike packed in the thread about touring on a BA. Yes I keep popping back in to see what others have said. Although I never met the man in person I am saddened I never will.
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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