I received a phone call last week that my father had passed away. His girlfriend/companion of over 30 years called to tell me. You see, he and I were not on speaking terms for many years so I was shocked to hear the news. I really don’t remember what the rift was originally about but it caused us to not speak since.
I really didn’t know the man and he probably wouldn’t have recognized me if I was standing in front of him. But for some reason, there is sadness in my heart. I’m going to share with you a little of what I know about him now.
From his obit:
“Frank graduated from Half Hollow Hills High School in 1964. He was a retired electrician from Southern California Edison, a member of the Utility Workers Union of America Local 246 and a past officer of ABATE of California. He was a member of the Bettsville Cemetery Committee, helping to maintain and improve Bettsville's cemetery and mausoleum. Motorcycling was Frank's lifelong passion. Frank loved being in the wind and rode to all four corners of the country and everywhere in between.”
I do know he was a biker long before it was cool to be one. One story my mother told me was that they took a trip from Long Island NY to the Laconia rally before I was born on the back of his bike. I guess I’ll have to make that rally one day.
I remember him never wearing white socks; always black ones. I asked him about that once and he said that back in the 50’s and early 60’s, greasers and bikers wore black socks. Only the dorky kids and jocks wore white socks and he laughed. He continued with that was the initial reason but it kept his feet cooler while riding because of the thinner socks. Made sense. What I remember about the guy is that everything was for a reason. “Carry your wallet in your right hip pocket.” Why? “Because you can carry a Buck 110 folding knife next to it and no one will know you have it on you. You should ALWAYS carry a knife on you.” I still do everyday.
Is this the legacy the man will leave behind? What legacy will you leave? This is an opportunity for you, as a motorcyclist, to leave a lasting legacy for the riders in the future. There is a great fight for freedom here in Arizona and in Washington. Freedoms for motorcyclists. Freedoms for all Americans. Will you leave a legacy that shows those following that you believed in something bigger than yourself? Or will you even be remembered?
It is my hope and dream that I leave a legacy supporting my love of being in the wind. My father passed in on to me, and I am passing it on to my kids.
Be good to one another.
Mike
