Just a little poem that is one of my favorites and seems appropriate.
I didn't know Wally as well as many of the Wheelers. The first time I got a real sense of who he was occurred in Salisbury 2005. The weather couldn't have been much worse, but many of us who made the trek felt it would be a waste not to ride. So, we embarked. I was the only one in the group doing the metric, so I rode most of the ride alone, except a few people I met along the way.
So many people in the club had given me so much encouragement and support...I didn't think Wally really knew who I was, besides being Matthew's wife. But when we all got together at that little Mexican restaurant after the ride, Wally approached me, hugged me and told me how proud he was that I made it. He said he knew I could do it, and never had any doubts. I thought it was awesome for someone who barely knew me to realize what an accomlishment that was for me. After that, I got to know him better through the pool and Christmas parties, and on trips like River Cities.
Those of us who didn't know him as well will miss him greatly because we do know how wonderful and caring he was...and we wish we had a little more time to get to know him better! This club is like a family and we are truly going to miss our brother.
Success
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed
social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson
Thank you for all the good times and memories, Wally.
Julie Guidry
Emphasis placed by Julie.