| |
|
|
| Home | | | Calendar | | | Members | | | Event Pictures | | | Ride Stories | | | Links |
| Memorial | | | For Sale | | | Safety Tips | | | Newsletters | | | History |
A FRIEND ALWAYS 8/27/30 - 12/3/07
It is with a sad heart that I report the passing of a long time friend and mentor while at the same time celebrate the times we shared together. On Dec. 3rd, 2007 Beryl "Van" Vanderpool passed away.
I first met Van in August 2001 at the Wing Nut bike shop in Fairfield, CA. and he invited me to join GWTA Chapter P, Concord, CA. where Judy and I received a fantastic welcome. Every member in the Chapter took the time to walk up and introduce themselves and to welcome us.
I have ridden small motorcycles most of my life but had just purchased a 1985 LTD Gold Wing and knew absolutely nothing about them but with Van as my mentor I learned fast. At first I used to dread him coming over to my house because the first thing he would do is inspect my bike and usually find something that needed attention even if just a light bulb. He knew where my tools were and immediately started taking my bike apart to repair it. I didn’t like him to do that because I didn’t know how to put it back together and wasn’t sure that he did. I soon learned that he knew a lot more than I thought he did. I also learned that Van was a ex-race car driver and a pilot of small aircraft. At the end of each day while on an extended ride Van would be under his bike doing a full pre-flight inspection. When finished he would make the rounds and inspect the rest of the bikes in the group.
Van preached maintenance knowing that it was a great part of safety. Every pilot knows that you do a pre-flight inspection before takeoff. Our pre-flight check-off list is the T-Clock.
Van was the Asst. Chapter Director for several years and very instrumental in holding the Chapter together. Van may be gone in body but a part of him will live on in the knowledge gained by every Chapter member. I have something very personal of Van’s that can never be taken away and that is his friendship throughout our times together. I’m proud to say that he was my mentor and I can only hope to continue to live up to his expectations and carry on with his spirit. Van found humor in everyone and never had a bad thing to say about anyone. I hope that when my time comes that I can pass on the warmth and friendship I’ve learned from Van. He would be proud to know that the church was overflowing with friends during the service and the pastor said that he wished he could get that kind of turnout on Sundays.
Van may be gone but he’ll always be remembered with the greatest admiration.
Don Coons, GWTA Oregon State Safety Director
To read the obituary,