A Tribute to Wally Rose
1955-2007

By Jack Burke
09//08/07
*****

Fifteen years ago, almost to the day, is when I first met Wally Rose on my first MS150 ride. It’s been an outstanding 15 years.

Wally passed away on July 21st, following a heart attach while on a Wednesday night bike ride in Charleston. His sudden passing has left a VOID in all who knew him. His home in Alum Creek was the site for bike rides and social events for the Wheelers Bike Club for many years. His home, as well as himself, was always open to the Club, his neighbors and many friends.

This year’s MS150 ride would have been Wally’s 16th consecutive year of riding this event. He championed the purpose of the MS150: To raise money to help find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis, which, each of you participating in this weekend share.

Wally served on the Bike Planning Committee for over 12 years. He was instrumental in returning the ride to Snowshoe after a 3-year change of location. He and others felt that we would hopefully bring back many previous riders, retain our current riders, and recruit new riders and volunteers.

All of you here this weekend, volunteers and riders, share the same passion, which is to find a cure. In addition to that endeavor, the WV Division provides services to over 3,000 MS patients and families in our region. By your participation, we are collectively reaching out our hand to help another human being. We do so, as did Wally, by being a visible advocate to others, both here and in your communities, of this devastating disease and the need for research. Together, we do great things!

Wally was looking forward to this weekend. I can see that by the attendance he would be very pleased. So, may I offer a simple toast? God bless.

Note: Above comments delivered during the Saturday evening events of the MS150 Tribute to Wally Rose.