VALKMAN
Member
Posts: 79
ValkMan
San Jose CA
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« Reply #40 on: February 13, 2021, 08:07:56 AM » |
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Valk Man Valkyrie Rider and Buell Enthusiast AMA #319125 - http://www.amadirectlink.com/index.asp The biggest problem with the world is that most people can't get out of the way of their own ASS! |
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sixlow
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« Reply #41 on: February 13, 2021, 08:13:36 AM » |
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very saddened about this. I'm sure there isn't a person on here that hasn't heard or experienced what a great guy and asset he was to the Valkyrie community. RIP Bill.
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Flat6Valk
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« Reply #42 on: February 13, 2021, 08:19:16 AM » |
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Bill was a great friend, great man, great mechanic. I’m so sorry for his family to have to lose such a man at this young age. I believe is ears are wide open and is smiling wildly at all that loved and appreciated him. RIP Bill!
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RIDE SAFE-RIDE OFTEN........GO BUCKEYES!!!
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Bigwolf
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« Reply #43 on: February 13, 2021, 08:24:21 AM » |
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This is very sad news! Rest In Peace Bill!
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old2soon
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« Reply #44 on: February 13, 2021, 08:49:31 AM » |
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Met him the first time in Eureka Springs. INTERESTING Man to say the least. R I P Bill.  |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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J.Mencalice
Member
Posts: 1850
"When You're Dead, Your Bank Account Goes to Zero"
Livin' Better Side of The Great Divide
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« Reply #45 on: February 13, 2021, 08:58:55 AM » |
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It is said that anyone can turn a wrench, but a true craftsman strives for perfection in his/her work; when the job is finished he/she can step back from the completed object and know in their heart and soul that there is no one better to have done it. This, it is being said, was such a man and attested to here from those he helped, those he serviced, and those he instructed in the care of their treasured motorcycles. His wanderings around the country brought his skill and expert knowledge to many; kind of like the traveling handymen of generations ago who moved from town to town, fixing broken or worn out machines, to bring them back to life and like new for his customers, leaving as a friend to be welcomed back again and again. His family should be proud that their loved one was respected and admired for his spirit of brotherhood; his willing way with people that knew him well and those that just met him incidentally from time to time. Rest well, sir, in the peace well earned and well deserved of those who have led an exemplary life in service to others. A prayer for Bill. |
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"The truth is, most of us discover where we are headed when we arrive." Bill Watterson
Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance...
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John Schmidt
Member
Posts: 15215
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« Reply #46 on: February 13, 2021, 09:02:52 AM » |
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This is a tough one to handle. Bill was a good friend indeed, not only to me but all of us. I'll never forget the couple days he spent at our place in Florida while doing some minor stuff on my Valk. My Rita was a little gal, weighing near 70 lbs. upon passing. When Bill got ready to leave for his next assignment, he went to her to say good-bye and she gave him a big hug which seemed to really move him. Then Rita said "I just hugged a pet grizzly bear." When I told him what she had said he broke into a big grin....then gave her another hug. The man was talented for sure, he was a fixture at our InZanes and will be missed.  |
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Serk
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« Reply #47 on: February 13, 2021, 09:18:17 AM » |
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What a gut punch... I just had to sit Kali down and tell her the sad news. She's enjoyed practicing her ASL with him at the last few Inzanes, and had been practicing and learning more specifically so she could "chat" with him more in Athens..... A huge loss to all of us. |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away...  IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Mn. Norseman
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« Reply #48 on: February 13, 2021, 09:25:32 AM » |
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prayers from Mn.
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Jersey mike
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« Reply #49 on: February 13, 2021, 09:30:01 AM » |
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It is said that anyone can turn a wrench, but a true craftsman strives for perfection in his/her work; when the job is finished he/she can step back from the completed object and know in their heart and soul that there is no one better to have done it. This, it is being said, was such a man and attested to here from those he helped, those he serviced, and those he instructed in the care of their treasured motorcycles. His wanderings around the country brought his skill and expert knowledge to many; kind of like the traveling handymen of generations ago who moved from town to town, fixing broken or worn out machines, to bring them back to life and like new for his customers, leaving as a friend to be welcomed back again and again. His family should be proud that their loved one was respected and admired for his spirit of brotherhood; his willing way with people that knew him well and those that just met him incidentally from time to time. Rest well, sir, in the peace well earned and well deserved of those who have led an exemplary life in service to others. A prayer for Bill. I believe this is a true and accurate depiction and is an excellent sentiment. Well done sir. |
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Dennis from Blythe
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« Reply #50 on: February 13, 2021, 09:44:40 AM » |
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So sorry to hear this. Bill was the nicest guy. My condolences to the family. |
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f6gal
Administrator
Member
Posts: 6882
Surprise, AZ
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« Reply #51 on: February 13, 2021, 10:17:44 AM » |
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From back in the day. This was in 2001.  |
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« Last Edit: February 13, 2021, 10:48:33 AM by f6gal »
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Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10493
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #52 on: February 13, 2021, 11:25:37 AM » |
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From back in the day. This was in 2001. Studly. Do you know where this picture was taken, Connie? |
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby"  |
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f6gal
Administrator
Member
Posts: 6882
Surprise, AZ
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« Reply #53 on: February 13, 2021, 11:48:47 AM » |
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From back in the day. This was in 2001. Studly. Do you know where this picture was taken, Connie? I believe at Roosevelt Lake. |
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Bronxboy
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« Reply #54 on: February 13, 2021, 11:55:12 AM » |
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Sad day as this hits close to home for all of us. BF was a true Patriot and awesome talent on the Machine we all love. I am blessed to have know him over the years and send my heart felt condolences to his family Peace Brother. |
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Ratdog
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« Reply #55 on: February 13, 2021, 01:20:37 PM » |
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R.I.P. Bill. Your dual electric horns have held up well all these years.
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Make yourselves sheep, and the wolves will eat you. - Benjamin Franklin. If it ain't Zesty, it's only a two-tone.  |
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f6gal
Administrator
Member
Posts: 6882
Surprise, AZ
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« Reply #56 on: February 13, 2021, 01:32:35 PM » |
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R.I.P. Bill. Your dual electric horns have held up well all these years.
Do you still have your Valkyrie Ratdog? |
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jim@98valkyrie.com
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« Reply #57 on: February 13, 2021, 01:35:27 PM » |
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Very sad news.... R.I.P. Bill.
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Ron
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« Reply #58 on: February 13, 2021, 02:38:26 PM » |
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Oh my God this is heart breaking news. Bill was a good friend and a great talent. He has help me out a number of different times with my bike and trailer problems. My condolences to the family and rest in peace Bill.
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Ride Safe
Ron
2017 Goldwing / Nav
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matt
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« Reply #59 on: February 13, 2021, 02:40:43 PM » |
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Very sad news, watched Bill work inzane in 2016, he will be missed
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Trynt
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« Reply #60 on: February 13, 2021, 03:20:27 PM » |
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Robert
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« Reply #61 on: February 13, 2021, 03:22:24 PM » |
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A loss for all, I am saddened at the news.
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“Some people see things that are and ask, Why? Some people dream of things that never were and ask, Why not? Some people have to go to work and don’t have time for all that.”
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vanavyman
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« Reply #62 on: February 13, 2021, 03:34:57 PM » |
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RIP Bill, he has worked on our bikes each time we see him. He rebuilt the carbs on my Valk and Trish's 97 Trike. We both have his Quad horns. He was finishing our carbs on Thanksgiving a couple years ago and we had him over for dinner with the family. Just a really nice guy and Valkyrie mechanic. He will be missed.
Dan & Trish
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2015 Red GL1800 Level 4 w/2015 Tailwind Trailer
1999 Valkyrie Custom Interstate w/2006 Bushtec Roadstar Trailer
2000 Valkyrie Interstate Roadsmith Trike (Wife's)
Member Number 33081
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Grn99valk
Member
Posts: 50
Member# 6562
That City South East of Phoenix
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« Reply #63 on: February 13, 2021, 03:39:13 PM » |
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WOW! What a shock to hear this...... I did not know Bill well enough though he worked on my 99IS half a dozen or more times. Enjoyed communicating with him over his infamous yellow pad. A huge loss to his wonderful family and the Valkyrie community. R.I.P. Bill Your time here was too short. Chuck S. |
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Moonshot_1
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« Reply #64 on: February 13, 2021, 04:03:18 PM » |
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I never had the opportunity to meet him. But knew him through the legend of his skills and travels recounted on this board. Anyone who has a Valkyrie was impacted by him, either by him working on a Valkyrie or from things we've learned from his work.
Condolences to his friends and family.
Thankful we knew him and the legend of Big BF.
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Mike Luken
Cherokee, Ia.
Former Iowa Patriot Guard Ride Captain
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FLAVALK
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« Reply #65 on: February 13, 2021, 06:15:49 PM » |
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I’m so sorry to hear this. I didn’t get to meet Bill but was signed up for his upcoming trip to Florida. After all I’ve read and heard about him it’s almost if I knew the guy. I offered him a place to stay while he was in Florida and was looking forward to his visit. So, so sad.
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Live From Sunny Winter Springs Florida via Huntsville Alabama
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RNFWP
Member
Posts: 423
"What color blue is that?"
Greenville, SC
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« Reply #66 on: February 13, 2021, 09:07:37 PM » |
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A shock, and so so sad. InZane last year, bought some parts and chatted via his pad and text messages. Let me look around in his camper/work space. Very helpful and friendly.
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"My dog is one of my favorite people"
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hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16781
upstate
South Carolina
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« Reply #67 on: February 14, 2021, 05:15:30 AM » |
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I thought about BigBF yesterday as I read through the posts here on the board. I remember meeting him for the first time around 2008 at the Johnson City Inzane... I was looking at all the stuff he had for sale, in particular a fancy chrome shifter. He noticed me looking at it and held it up and made a big smiling gesture indicating how awesome it would look on my bike  ... I remember him standing there at the last InZane in Asheville near his new awesome windowed workshop-on-wheels with a big smile on his face... I remember the youtube video of him feigning frustration about the part that wouldn't wear out on his truck... I think it was a ford vs chevy joke... So, I guess I'll mostly just remember him smiling and joking... -Mike |
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« Last Edit: February 14, 2021, 06:25:10 PM by hubcapsc »
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TJ
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« Reply #68 on: February 14, 2021, 05:50:20 AM » |
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RIP Bill... You will be missed by all...... |
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Oss
Member
Posts: 12597
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #69 on: February 14, 2021, 06:01:33 AM » |
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When I rode out to Beverly Hills on my way to the GOTF back in 2014 Bill let me have a new Exedra get shipped to his place in Phoenix. I followed Psycho out there and dropped off the Valk. Bill spent a whole day rebuilding a leaking fork seal, a crapped out rear left bearing I didnt even know about., changing that tire and rear end service and the air cleaner which had been filled by dust storms I had ridden thru. But what was really cool is he reached out to people I had never met or only seen once like MikeK, Westernbiker, Kendall and BigTom and we all got to meet and tell stories at his place.
Just a really great person with a terrific sense of humor and good heart. count me in on whatever it is to help his family
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« Last Edit: February 14, 2021, 06:33:49 AM by Oss »
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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Duffy
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« Reply #70 on: February 14, 2021, 11:04:29 AM » |
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Chrome Dome let me know this terrible news, so sad to hear he is gone. I have been on his "list" for repairs for a while now. I was looking forward to his visit and getting to know him a little better. What a nice guy he was. I only met him in person once, in Spearfish, SD. My thoghts and prayer for his family. RIP Bill. |
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Stanley Steamer
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« Reply #71 on: February 14, 2021, 05:39:02 PM » |
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Absolutely heartbreaking... ....he worked on my bike at a couple of the Inzanes.....at Asheville this past year, he gave me the grand tour of his new work trailer......he was so proud of it and with good right to be.....He and I busted each other's chops on FB a whole lot of times.....I'd tease him about having to bring my RAM to pull that trailer for him if the FORD ever broke down....and for the LIFE of me, I can't figure out why he wouldn't let my Cousin Cletus meet his daughter??......   .... I have a set of his horns he installed for me and every time I blow them from here on out.....I'll think of his smiling face!!.....Rest in Peace Big Guy....the Valkers who have gone on before just got a Hell of a mechanic back!!...... |
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Stanley "Steamer" "Ride Hard or Stay Home" ![](http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetempbig/language/www/US/GA/Athens.gif" alt="Click for Athens, Georgia Forecast" border="0" height="40" width="467") |
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Dave Ritsema
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« Reply #72 on: February 15, 2021, 04:55:03 AM » |
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I really can't add to what is said but certainly can echo it. I remember him always smiling, his sense of humor and of course his amazing Valkyrie skills. One particular moment that comes to me was at IZ2 in Zanesville and I was driving Crash around in a golf cart and he had a megaphone up to his mouth and was giving announcements about the upcoming evenings activities. As we passed Bill he looked at me with a smile on his face and cupped his ear and mouthed "What?" A funny guy who didn't let his communication challenges slow him down one bit and always the hardest working guy at any InZane event. Rest In Peace big guy, you will be missed.
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VRCC 2879
Lake City Honda Warsaw IN
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GiG
Member
Posts: 2832
"That's just like, your OPINION, Man!"
NEAR the "In 'n' Out Burger"
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« Reply #73 on: February 15, 2021, 05:42:29 AM » |
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The first InZane was when I met Bill. Bought a set of his horns and installed them in the parking lot.
Always made a point to stop and say "HI" whenever he was around.
Bill came to stay at my place in 2016. He had a bunch of work lined up from riders all over Michigan. Told him he could stay as long as he liked and he was able to tap into the 220vac for his equipment. We weren't sure how Grizwald would like another dog in his territory - Griz and Aussie got along fine, although Griz was a little puzzled by Aussie going into the bathroom with Bill to take a shower... I have some photos of Bill working in my pole barn full of motorcycles. After about a week he still had more work to do (a VERY profitable week!), but we needed to hit the road for a ride to VA - "Meet in the Middle", and left Bill at the house. We told folks about leaving Bill at home, but he had so much work to do on others' bikes...
He had left, probably on Monday, by the time we returned (probably on Tuesday).
I'll always remember Bill staying at my place in 2016. He was in his element, smiling and cheerful, working on a slew of Valkyries lined up inside and outside the barn while Aussie ran all over the place.
Rest well, my friend.
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Nothing is Everything.
When you come to a fork in the road - TAKE IT!
(Then be sure to send it to OSS... C.O.D.)
This isn’t Rocket Surgery
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16212
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #74 on: February 15, 2021, 05:47:41 AM » |
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The first InZane was when I met Bill. Bought a set of his horns and installed them in the parking lot.
Always made a point to stop and say "HI" whenever he was around.
Bill came to stay at my place in 2016. He had a bunch of work lined up from riders all over Michigan. Told him he could stay as long as he liked and he was able to tap into the 220vac for his equipment. We weren't sure how Grizwald would like another dog in his territory - Griz and Aussie got along fine, although Griz was a little puzzled by Aussie going into the bathroom with Bill to take a shower... I have some photos of Bill working in my pole barn full of motorcycles. After about a week he still had more work to do (a VERY profitable week!), but we needed to hit the road for a ride to VA - "Meet in the Middle", and left Bill at the house. We told folks about leaving Bill at home, but he had so much work to do on others' bikes...
He had left, probably on Monday, by the time we returned (probably on Tuesday).
I'll always remember Bill staying at my place in 2016. He was in his element, smiling and cheerful, working on a slew of Valkyries lined up inside and outside the barn while Aussie ran all over the place.
Rest well, my friend.
Cool story! A very similar story when he came to KY and worked out of my shop. IIRC, he worked on about 15 bikes. Bill was a lot like a keystone of an arch, he kept us as a community all good. He is and will be missed. Rams |
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10493
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #75 on: February 15, 2021, 05:54:22 AM » |
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Griz and Aussie got along fine, although Griz was a little puzzled by Aussie going into the bathroom with Bill to take a shower...
 Thanks for the reminder! I remember Aussie sharing private time in the watercloset with Bill when he showered up at our place. That dog stuck to him like glue. |
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby" |
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henry 008
Member
Posts: 1529
BRP
willard, oh
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« Reply #76 on: February 15, 2021, 07:00:13 AM » |
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so sad to hear this... RIP Bill
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Safe Winds... Brother  |
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GiG
Member
Posts: 2832
"That's just like, your OPINION, Man!"
NEAR the "In 'n' Out Burger"
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« Reply #77 on: February 15, 2021, 07:12:17 AM » |
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Griz and Aussie got along fine, although Griz was a little puzzled by Aussie going into the bathroom with Bill to take a shower...
Thanks for the reminder! I remember Aussie sharing private time in the watercloset with Bill when he showered up at our place. That dog stuck to him like glue. Yes, Aussie did not like to have Bill out of his sight. I'm sure he misses Bill and is probably confused. This type of support dog often do not adjust well in these circumstances... |
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Nothing is Everything.
When you come to a fork in the road - TAKE IT!
(Then be sure to send it to OSS... C.O.D.)
This isn’t Rocket Surgery
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Fazer
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« Reply #78 on: February 15, 2021, 07:41:15 AM » |
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Such a shock. Lost a good one here. Met for the first time when he set up shop at Rams place a few years ago, then always made it a priority to say "Hey" at Inzane. I have a set of his horns. Great guy, RIP, Big Bill Ferguson.
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Nothing in moderation...
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RainMaker
Member
Posts: 6626
VRCC#24130 - VRCCDS#0117 - IBA#48473
Arlington, TX
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« Reply #79 on: February 15, 2021, 09:30:37 AM » |
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Griz and Aussie got along fine, although Griz was a little puzzled by Aussie going into the bathroom with Bill to take a shower...
Thanks for the reminder! I remember Aussie sharing private time in the watercloset with Bill when he showered up at our place. That dog stuck to him like glue. Yes, Aussie did not like to have Bill out of his sight. I'm sure he misses Bill and is probably confused. This type of support dog often do not adjust well in these circumstances... Aussie was not with him on this trip, at least in Duncanville. He told me that Aussie was getting too old to travel so had left him at home. Missed seeing that dog - he was a good partner to Bill. |
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 2005 BMW R1200 GS 2000 Valkyrie Interstate 1998 Valkyrie Tourer 1981 GL1100I GoldWing 1972 CB500K1 |
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