I met Jeff in the mid 90’s through Scouting with our boys. Jeff had just lost his wife (and mother of his son) to cancer. I think that I entered his life for a reason. Our friendship blossomed and we quickly found we shared a fondness for anything on two wheels - be it human or internal combustion powered. Mountain biking was our thing back then, and I can recall several wonderful adventures. We made several camping forays to spend weekends exploring the trails in the mountains of NC at Tsali or bringing the families together to enjoy the Virginia Creeper.
Jeff was the guy that first let me know that wrenching was within my grasp. “Don’t be afraid to poke around” he would tell me. Initially the 4 cables on my mountain bike were a mystery, but under his tutelage I became proficient at understanding the rather simple system(s). That led me back to motorcycles (following a surprise heart issue and subsequent stent) that I had ventured away from following the birth of my daughter. His initial prodding and showing me the ropes of wrenching stays with me today.
A huge part of the US Desmo Ducati and Porsche scenes, he was always the leader (self proclaimed or otherwise), trip planner, route leader. He knew virtually every road within a 500-mile radius of our NC home. Jeff did everything full bore, never just dipped his toe in the water. Track days on two and four wheels was commonplace and he was talented beyond my mediocre skill set.
Jeff was in route to a US Desmo gathering at the NC/VA border on Thursday when something went horribly wrong. A dump truck, a head on collision, the result of which was overwhelming. Although details are still very sketchy, he had the presence of mind, still wearing his Bluetooth helmet, to call his wife Chrissanne from the evac helicopter. It was then that the damage was too much to bear, and he succumbed to his injuries.
Stunned by the news of his passing and thru a relatively sleepless night, I rose Friday morning wondering how Jeff would like to see me honor his life. Much to the chagrin of my loved ones, I rolled my Hawk from the garage and did a 100-mile loop of some of my favorite roads in his honor. I hope he was looking down and smiling at the small, albeit insignificant, gesture.
I wish to send all our love to Chrisanne, son Jay, his brothers, extended family and friends. He left us far too soon and though we were somewhat separated by ‘life’, I never felt we lost mutual respect, admiration and friendship.
Rest In Peace my friend, until our paths cross again…
Jeff was the guy that first let me know that wrenching was within my grasp. “Don’t be afraid to poke around” he would tell me. Initially the 4 cables on my mountain bike were a mystery, but under his tutelage I became proficient at understanding the rather simple system(s). That led me back to motorcycles (following a surprise heart issue and subsequent stent) that I had ventured away from following the birth of my daughter. His initial prodding and showing me the ropes of wrenching stays with me today.
A huge part of the US Desmo Ducati and Porsche scenes, he was always the leader (self proclaimed or otherwise), trip planner, route leader. He knew virtually every road within a 500-mile radius of our NC home. Jeff did everything full bore, never just dipped his toe in the water. Track days on two and four wheels was commonplace and he was talented beyond my mediocre skill set.
Jeff was in route to a US Desmo gathering at the NC/VA border on Thursday when something went horribly wrong. A dump truck, a head on collision, the result of which was overwhelming. Although details are still very sketchy, he had the presence of mind, still wearing his Bluetooth helmet, to call his wife Chrissanne from the evac helicopter. It was then that the damage was too much to bear, and he succumbed to his injuries.
Stunned by the news of his passing and thru a relatively sleepless night, I rose Friday morning wondering how Jeff would like to see me honor his life. Much to the chagrin of my loved ones, I rolled my Hawk from the garage and did a 100-mile loop of some of my favorite roads in his honor. I hope he was looking down and smiling at the small, albeit insignificant, gesture.
I wish to send all our love to Chrisanne, son Jay, his brothers, extended family and friends. He left us far too soon and though we were somewhat separated by ‘life’, I never felt we lost mutual respect, admiration and friendship.
Rest In Peace my friend, until our paths cross again…
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