Remembrances of Wally
(Please scroll down to view all the content and click on the message to view the full content of the longer thoughts.)
We all wish we could tell Wally one more time - THANKS FOR THE RIDE!
MS Tribute to Wally by Jack Burke
________________________Dad - By Kasey Rose
First and foremost, on behalf of my entire family, I would like to thank all of the bike club members and other friends for all of their support and kindness during this very difficult time. Words cannot express how much what everyone has done and continues to do means to us. It was amazing the number --- (Click to read the full text.)
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From the Mother of His Children
Some of you may have though it odd that being Wally’s ex-wife I was so much in the picture during this difficult time. Wally and I spent 15 great years together and God blessed us with two wonderful and amazing kids. We were still friends even after our divorce. We shared all decisions concerning Kasey and Jamie; they knew if Mom said “No” so would Dad and visa versa. We knew that we would always share the needs and concerns for our kids no matter what our differences were. We were always family.
I remember we were at John Adams Jr. High ---- (click to view full content)
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To Wally - my neighbor for life and friend forever -- (click for full content).
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"I had the privilege of riding with Wally only once. I was new and inexperienced. and as I labored to keep up, it seemed as if Wally materialized at my side a hundred times. Each time, he had a word of encouragement or advice." "You're doing' okay, Harry." "You're gonna make it." "Save a little energy. The hill ahead is steep." He was clearly determined to see that I, a stranger, enjoyed the ride.
Is it possible to miss somebody whom you only knew briefly? In Wally's case, an emphatic Yes!"
- Harry A.
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Growing up in the big town of Alum Creek I have known Wally all my life. As kids and teenagers we often played together. If there was a game, baseball, - - - (click to view full text.)
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This is some advice Wally gave me as we rode one day. I was whining about sore legs, slow climbing, etc. because I hadn't been riding for a while:
"You never lose it. It just hurts more when you do it!"
AND
"No whining, keep climbing!"
He was always encouraging and I feel very lucky to have known Wally.
- Brandi Peterson
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Over the years Wally and I had developed a joyful greeting with each other,it kind of became our stand red on our rides.We would wave and greet each other with a firm handshake and I would say" Wally,my man !!!!" He would give me that easy smile and say " No Ron, you are the man !!!!!" then it would continue with a combine "How are you?" it was always a pleasure.
Wally had a kind spirit and he was always a gentlemen. I had the utmost respect for him. Ride well Wally, I will miss you. Ron
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Wally, I remember you not only for the love we feel for you, but also for the love you had for so many things...
...You loved your home, but mostly you loved - - - - (click for the complete text.)
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Wally's "Endeavor to Persevere" applies in too many ways.
Just as we climb that insurmountable hill, we press on without someone who has meant so much to so many. It won't be easy and it won't be soon, but you have already helped us get there. Thank you, Wally. Geane Helfrich
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Though Wally and I were long time club members, it was only the past couple of years and especially this Summer riding with Wally on Sunday mornings, that I felt I got to know him. I feel very fortunate for that opportunity and regret that I did not get to know him better at a much earlier date. That is certainly my loss. Like other people who knew him well, you always looked forward to seeing him and his smiling face and encouraging messages. - Dale Porter
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Wally was always so easy going and kind. I will miss his warm and friendly smile. I'm so glad I got to attend his last Pool Party. I remember he walked Jeannie and me out the gate when we were leaving and said good-bye. He was a gracious host.
Jeanne Fisher (Jeanne 2)
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Memories of you will grow richer with the passing of time. Wally Baby.....My heart belongs to you. Kim
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What I learned about the Wheelers
The network of Wheelers Cyclists are very responsive to the needs their members and their families. They are loving - - - - - - - Click to view the full text.
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My Hero
Ten Thousand Miles of Memories
I have ten thousand miles of memories of Wally. When I first started riding - - - - (Click to see the full text.)
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Thoughts and a Peom --
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 - - - click to view full text.
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Message to Clearon Employees - As most of you know by now --- (click for full message)
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WALLY WALLY
The sky is dark
The hour, it is late
I’m having trouble accepting
My good friends fate
I know not where to begin --- (click to read the full poem.)
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Do not stand by my grave and weep
I am not there.
I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am a diamond glint of snow.
I am the sunlight on riped grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awoke in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starshine at night.
Do not stand by my grave and cry.
I am not there.....
I did not die.
(Submitted by Mary Shultz)