 Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Oct 2007
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Oct 2007
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Thom
I might be wrong, I sometimes 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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Dear Lord, I don't know what to say. Moe was kind enough to drop me a line today to let me know what happened. I am so sorry. Sorry for John, his family, and the lot here. I really didn't know John very well other than what conversations we had here on the boards in the early days, and the discussions we had as he took over the site, but I can say from what I know he was a great guy, had a ton of friends, and had a heart big enough for everything involved in keeping this site going for everyone, and I know it's a lot. I've informed Moe to let me know what I can do to make sure things keep cooking here, and I'll be happy to do so.
Best Regards, Robert
Thanks Robert, turning the reins over to the Good Friar way back when, will be for ever appreciated,and your help now will be greatly be appreciated as well I'm sure by all.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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Oh what horrible news. RIP John.
06 Speedmaster
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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 |
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I've informed Moe to let me know what I can do to make sure things keep cooking here, and I'll be happy to do so.
Robert, it is so uplifting to hear you say that! I was not around in the early days but I know about you starting things up here and... just look at what you started. One of the most amazing internet communities ever to be known. Between you and John I don't know who to thank the most but this offer to help sure as heck means a lot. Thank you so much for caring like you do!
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,018
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Well damn... See you in the next life ole boy. You will be missed...
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 Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,240
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Posts: 2,240 |
Quote:
Quote:
I've informed Moe to let me know what I can do to make sure things keep cooking here, and I'll be happy to do so.
Robert, it is so uplifting to hear you say that! I was not around in the early days but I know about you starting things up here and... just look at what you started. One of the most amazing internet communities ever to be known. Between you and John I don't know who to thank the most but this offer to help sure as heck means a lot. Thank you so much for caring like you do!
+1
I'll say till I die, that this is a very "active" forum, like it's alive. Always has been. Worldwide. A mighty big family, we all.
Robert, whatever life throws your way, THANK YOU, for making this all happen, and for understanding how important this forum is to so many people. You really created a masterpiece with this one. Bless you, my friend.
Keith
Houston
Ridin'Texas
'04 Speedmaster
AI removed, Pingle, UNI Filter, 1 shim, straight-through slash-cut TORs, Stage 1 DynaJet, 140 mains, 3 turns, 16/42 final drive, 115K
2020 T120 Black
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382 |
Such tragic news... really hard to wrap my head around this one. My thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to all who knew John.
'06 TBA - Black, AI and Snorkel removed, K&N Drop In, Gutted Stock Pipes, 145/42, 2 turns out.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2011
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Quote:
Quote:
I've informed Moe to let me know what I can do to make sure things keep cooking here, and I'll be happy to do so.
Robert, it is so uplifting to hear you say that! I was not around in the early days but I know about you starting things up here and... just look at what you started. One of the most amazing internet communities ever to be known. Between you and John I don't know who to thank the most but this offer to help sure as heck means a lot. Thank you so much for caring like you do!
Robert thank you for the offer to help out, frankly as a sort of recluse my circle of friends is limited, but this group just has that "something" that something that allows members from across the world to feel something for someone they have never even met!! speaks volumes, don't it? if $ are required to help out as others have mentioned, i would chip in best i can for certain.
2007 Speedmaster and miss it!
2013 T-Bird Storm and Luvin it!
Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at 70 mph can double your vocabulary
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,053 Likes: 6
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
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Robert,
Along with the tragic news about the Friar, I was concerned about the continued existence of this site.... John was the heart and soul of the place. He was like a big mother hen always watching out for us chicks (not meant to be disrespectful) and you didn't mess around with this site and it's members with John around.
Appreciate the offer to keep things going. We will support you in any way we can. Just keep us abreast of any needs since John usually kept $$$ needs to himself.
I think we should have a sticky showing all the pictures in one folder of Friar John as a memorial to him.
I noticed Fast Eddy closed shop for a few days out of respect for the Friar. Much appreciated Eddy!
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,511 Likes: 23
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,511 Likes: 23 |
Quote:
Saturday, October 29, 2011
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You can bet your ass I’m going to take that new Rocket III all over the place ... I have two semi-epic rides in mind for next year ...
... I followed him on fb during the AZ portion of his epic ride this year.
After hanging out here for nearly 10 years, it saddens me that we have lost "one of our own".
John always had a strong admiration for what he called "epic" rides.
"Epic" was a word which featured very highly in his "ride" vocabulary (as was the "hammer" in a different context).
It is therefore even more frustrating and ironic that when he finally commenced on his own long-distance rides ... he paid the ultimate price ... thus robbing him of fulfilling his dreams of far-away expeditions.
I am sure that my fellow brethren on here who indulge in long-distance expeditions will agree that John's demise can serve as a strong reminder to us all, both newbies and veterans, of an important set of simple rules ...
Rule 1 - The most important part of an epic ride is to GET BACK and remember it.
Rule 2 - NEVER forget rule 1.
So ... John, sooner or later when I get to where you are ... I'll nudge you to continue some epic rides together.
I think we have unfinished business.
R.I.P.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 129
Adjunct
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Joined: Apr 2011
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Somehow I haven't heard anything about this until just now. I'm in shock... and very sad. I didn't know John all that well, but I did appreciate his humor, his passion, and, of course, the dedication he had to this place. I'm sorry I'll not have the chance to ride with him (at least, not in this world) and my heart goes out to those of you he was close to.
Rest in peace, John Bedard. You are missed.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 457
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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oh my god. i last spoke to him on Steam not two weeks ago. this breaks my heart.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,457
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
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Life is fragile, isn't it? I have interacted with John many times on this site over the years. After he inherited the admin duties from Robert, this became his baby. He must have done a good job-we're still here after 10 years! I'm not here so often anymore, but I still get to see some of you from time to time. I am deeply saddened by his death as I was with Larry and Don.
You'll be missed John, RIP...
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 231
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I never met John in person, but I have enjoyed his postings on this site. And I appreciate all he did to keep ba.com going.
Happy trails John, I'll catch up later.
Ted
Send lawyers, guns and money, cause the sh*t has hit the fan!
-W. Zevon
2020 Bud Ekins T100
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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:
Robert,
Along with the tragic news about the Friar, I was concerned about the continued existence of this site.... John was the heart and soul of the place. He was like a big mother hen always watching out for us chicks (not meant to be disrespectful) and you didn't mess around with this site and it's members with John around.
Appreciate the offer to keep things going. We will support you in any way we can. Just keep us abreast of any needs since John usually kept $$$ needs to himself.
I think we should have a sticky showing all the pictures in one folder of Friar John as a memorial to him.
I noticed Fast Eddy closed shop for a few days out of respect for the Friar. Much appreciated Eddy!
+1
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: 23,133 Likes: 52
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,133 Likes: 52 |
Quote:
Life is fragile, isn't it? I have interacted with John many times on this site over the years. After he inherited the admin duties from Robert, this became his baby. He must have done a good job-we're still here after 10 years! I'm not here so often anymore, but I still get to see some of you from time to time. I am deeply saddened by his death as I was with Larry and Don.
You'll be missed John, RIP...
One correction and not to take away from John but Phil was Admin between Robert and John. John inherited the job from Phil.
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 2006
Posts: 7,666 Likes: 16
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,666 Likes: 16 |
Just had a chance to sign on.
Oh my! Don't know what to say. Just horrible.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,457
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,457 |
Quote:
Quote:
Life is fragile, isn't it? I have interacted with John many times on this site over the years. After he inherited the admin duties from Robert, this became his baby. He must have done a good job-we're still here after 10 years! I'm not here so often anymore, but I still get to see some of you from time to time. I am deeply saddened by his death as I was with Larry and Don.
You'll be missed John, RIP...
One correction and not to take away from John but Phil was Admin between Robert and John. John inherited the job from Phil.
Oops, forgot about Phil. Met him at the first Nor'east rally I went to.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Feb 2005
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this isn't real.. this cannot be real... 
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 619
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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I have been on the road for a while so have just heard the sad news. Am just shocked and saddened that this has happened. John was a straight forward sort of guy in all the dealings I had with him. I enjoyed his wit and appreciated his effort on this site. RIP Friar John.
Long time observer of the human condition.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I saw a posting on Facebook and thought it cant be true. So i came into my lounge and oh dear. It's real.
What a terrible shock. RIP John. Your spirit will live on for ever in this lounge.
Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able
Seller of fine automobiles.
Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga
423-424-4000
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: May 2011
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I returned just this morning to see this sad news. I knew very little of John, but found his postings usually warm and ingratiating. RIP.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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This is what I'm doing till we can get a patch: 
"Big" Jack Wilson
Mishawaka,IN.
2010 Thunderbird
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Haven’t been on the site in a while and just saw the news about John. I never met him but we did correspond a couple of times. My condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed….
Gene
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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:
This is what I'm doing till we can get a patch:
Good idea.
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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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Posts: 338 Likes: 8 |
We, our motorcycle ministry group, put the black ribbon on our handlebars.
For those of you who would like to send their condolences to FriarJohn's family, I have his Mother and Fathers addresses. Permission was given by both.
His Mother:
Verna Stewart
911 Logan
Helena, MT 59601
His Father:
Charles Bedard
3700 Buchanan #98
Riverside, CA 92503
AmyLee
'02 America, Cardinal Red,
2018 Speedmaster
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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 |
I'll be posting a card to each in the next day or 2.
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: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,012
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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strange distorted blades of grass
strange distorted trees
strange distorted tulips on their knees
Langston Hughes
allhailthefrenchpress
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 282
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Just saw the news. Never met him, but felt I knew a bit of him through this website and his interactions with forum members. Just got back from Rolling Thunder and the Vietnam Wall to find this, what a shock. I felt the void open as soon as I read the lines. Life is quick sometimes, something for us all to remember. He will be missed.
Pacific Blue/White 2009 America in the TX Hill Country
Not all that glitters is gold. Tolkien. Hmm Must've seen the chrome on my TA coming down the road.
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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:
I'll be posting a card to each in the next day or 2.
+1
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 325
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Just learned of this. Very sad.
I enjoyed his posts and way of handling things here.
RIP
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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
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 17 |
I saw the post for Verna's address and that is a physical address but her mail goes to;
Verna Stewart
P.O.Box 119
Helena, MT. 59624
Thanks,
Gene
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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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Thanks Gene, Patricia gave me the other address.
AmyLee
'02 America, Cardinal Red,
2018 Speedmaster
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 125
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Posts: 125 |
Wow.... I don't know what to say. I'm totally in shock, sad, angry, and if I wasn't at work I'd probably be in tears and a down a couple of bottles of beer.
FriarJohn was someone I always looked up to since I joined this forum. I knew I could always count on him for straight answers. He was one of the many reasons I love this forum.
I'll never forget the day he made my bike a featured bike when I was still new to the forum. It may be small in the grand scheme of things in life but it was big to me and I felt extremely honored.
I can't count how many times my dad (capt_lou) and myself would be chatting away about things to do with our bikes and FriarJohn would come up constantly. He never knew it, but he was a good friend to my dad and me.
You will truely be missed John!!!!
2003 Caspian Blue America: Rush Exhaust, FREAK Kit, Almost Chrome Everything, 150/80/15 and 120/90/18 WWW, 18T and 42T Gears, Speedy Tach.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 125
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Posts: 125 |
I'll be doing a black ribbon on my bars or mirrors as soon as I can find something.
--edited: wrong place--
Last edited by QuantumSchema; 06/12/2012 10:38 PM.
2003 Caspian Blue America: Rush Exhaust, FREAK Kit, Almost Chrome Everything, 150/80/15 and 120/90/18 WWW, 18T and 42T Gears, Speedy Tach.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,122 Likes: 11
Should be Riding
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OP
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,122 Likes: 11 |
The Good Friar, once wrote me, Quote:
I can't decide what's greater, your insanity or my jealousy.
Today I rode Prudence for the first time since John and rode back together from the GA Rally. The Rally was just one of many rides that allayed what he jovially referred to as his jealously. John had come to know well the open road since he wrote that to me September 1, 2010 and in that I rejoice. He also knew our insanity remained intact as he wrestled CG to the shoulder of a lonely GA highway one sunny Sunday in May. We'll always have GA, and I, thanks to John, an insane appetite for adventure.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883 |
~Brent
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"Nothing you can be is more terrible than what I am." ~ 2007 Black Speedmaster!!
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 517
Adjunct
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Posts: 517 |
Oh my gosh. This is so bad. I spoke with him three weks ago-seems so unimportant now. R.I.P. John.
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Re: John Bedard R.I.P.
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 21
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 21 |
Quote:
For those that had ever met Friar ... you know what he'd saying right now. He'd be telling us to stop being pansies (he would have used different worlds of course) and get out and ride. Heck, he'd be geared, saddled, the bike would be started and heading out while we were left talking.
Never got the chance to meet him in person, but it doesn't change knowing that you are right. I got out on my America today and felt his presence - I feel like I have two fellow rider souls watching out for me now... my friend, Patty, who was hit on her bike by a truck last May, and now John.
Hurts to lose anyone like this, but they will always be on my mind, in my heart, and keeping an eye out over us every time we ride.
RIP John.
~*JaydeRaven*~
Proud rider of a 2003 Triumph America (April 2011) and a 1990 Kawasaki Vulcan (October 2009)
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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 |
Those are some great pics Brent. Thanks for posting them!
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