Today

Comments (76)

Wildcat

2017-04-06 10:01:35

Much love.

brownish

2017-04-06 10:06:58

Godspeed Steve. Thank you for the updates Vincent. Be well.

Jim Sully

2017-04-06 10:07:34

Steve,ol pal….Thanx for being. Sully

vtguy

2017-04-06 10:11:09

Thanks, Vincent. I only knew Steve through his blog, but the sense of loss that I feel is profounf. I can only imagine how awful it must be for his family and close friends. I’m thankful that you and Tucker aren’t seriously injured. Please post any information about a memorial service. This is so sad!

Rod Lake

2017-04-06 10:15:19

Thanks so much Vincent for the updates. It’s been so helpful for those of us who feel so helpless. You’re a truly great friend to Steve, Trudi, Kris and everyone involved.

Lopez

2017-04-06 10:15:20

Vincent - We have never met, but I wish you a speedy recovery and peace in the loss of your friend. As a dog lover and owner, I am grateful that Tucker was found and wish him a speedy recovery, too. I never met Steve. The closest meeting taking place years ago in St. Louis at the Gateway Cup when I spotted Steve and Bromont in the parking lot during the Giro della Montagna. I asked Steve if it was okay to pet Bromont. Years later I began following this blog and it became a part of my daily routine which including sharing Steve’s thoughts (and pictures of Bromont, Tucker and all the animals he cared for) with my wife. When I shared the news of Steve’s passing with my wife yesterday she summed up what many of us who never met Steve felt and are feeling; that is, we all feel/felt a tremendous loss for something we “knew,” if only through this blog. Those you mentioned that assisted yesterday, and those that will assist going forward, speak to the impact that Steve made on everyone. He will be truly missed by all. Thoughts and prayers to all.

Matty

2017-04-06 10:17:26

I’m going to give you a call today, Vincent. I just feel compelled to introduce myself.

Bicycles in heaven

2017-04-06 10:21:02

I hope there is “a heaven.” I hope that “heaven” has bicycles!

El Tejan

2017-04-06 10:26:03

Thank you for the admittedly difficult update. It only seems fitting Steve would pass attempting to save somebody or someone. I hope whereever he is, he gets to see Bromont again.

Jay C.

2017-04-06 10:27:29

Vincent, Thank you for the updates. Hugs and prayers for you, Steve’s family and all his friends.

ksb

2017-04-06 10:31:59

Thank you for the updates Vincent. I wish you and all of Steve’s friends and family much healing in the upcoming days, weeks and months. Take care of yourselves and each other. Tucker’s face in the van window tells us everything.

scott

2017-04-06 10:43:33

thank you, in this difficult time for so many.

Mike

2017-04-06 11:08:32

I’ve never felt so gut-punched by the loss of someone I never had the pleasure of officially meeting, or getting to know. I’d seen Steve race in the midwest, and Colorado, read his blog and looked forward to new posts with anticipation. I cannot fathom the feelings of those who knew and loved him. Nor can I grasp why such a great spirit and ambassador for life in general, was taken from this earth. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. In this case, Tucker.. Godspeed Steve.

E Peogh

2017-04-06 11:25:31

Thanks Vincent for carrying this on. I am speechless/thoughless/helpless about this. Best of all to everyone involved in this tragedy. Best to you for recovery, and best to all the Tilly fans worldwide. He will be missed.

In memoriam: Friends, colleagues pay tribute to Steve Tilford | CyclingTips

2017-04-06 11:31:09

[…] Tilford’s friend who was with him Wednesday morning when the highway accident took place, posted Thursday that Tilford died while helping his dog, Tucker, who had been injured in the first of two […]

Robo

2017-04-06 11:42:40

Vincent, thank you for all you’re doing in the wake of this horrific tragedy. Someone posted this yesterday, but it bears repeating: You have just suffered an extraordinary emotional trauma. We sincerely appreciate the updates, but please be sure to take care of yourself. Best wishes to you.

Wha d’Fuq

2017-04-06 11:54:22

Your best friend may or may not be in need of first aid and is dying alone on a cold desert highway and you don’t get out to go check on him for over an hour? What kind of friend are you?

Izak Baker

2017-04-06 12:02:00

Man, what a loss…Much like everyone has said, I didn’t know Steve on a personal level. Though through his postings here you get to where you feel like you know a person just a bit. I swear I don’t understand life. Why some people pass away, way too soon?? Then there are others that should have never even been born in the first place. Just don’t get it. Sorry for your loss Trudi, Vincent, Tucker and all Steve’s friends and family. Much love to you all.

RGT

2017-04-06 12:08:54 In reply to Wha d’Fuq

I see that you’re trolling again, please go away.

Tman

2017-04-06 12:13:22

Thanks for keeping us informed Vincent. Steve meant a lot to many people. A couple of us met and tipped a glass in his honor last night

Wha d’Fuq

2017-04-06 12:20:51 In reply to RGT

One hour is a long time. Think about it. What would you do? Not even once get out to see if he needs help? No sense of duty? Curiosity?

Tom

2017-04-06 12:45:27 In reply to Lopez

So well put. I knew Steve only through his blog, but he felt like a friend. Once when he posted about wanting to help and old friend fix his roof, and mused about putting together an “Amish” style plea for help I imagined how great it would be to pitch in and meet a larger than life but down to earth character. He is pure Americana. Nothing but sadness for his passing. The final picture of Steve, with Tucker’s eyes glowing through the van windows waiting to be saved. That will always stay with me.

krakatoaeastofjava

2017-04-06 12:48:59

It’s amazing. Steve’s life was a literal, massive logistical operation. It involved a lot of friends… and friends of friends. All accomplishing what we all wish our own friendships could accomplish. Steve was obviously the crucial component–and catalyst, and I truly loved watching this “friendship operation” operate. I assumed that Steve had a few dollars socked-away, but even if he didn’t, he certainly didn’t seem to require a lot of money. Steve was the human friendship equivalent of Stone Soup. At some point, he started with an empty pot of water, and was able to get a delicious, healthy stew of hundreds of friends going. Whatever magic ingredient he had within him, I wish I had it. This friendship operation expanded greatly when Steve discovered blogging. While not everyone could get in on his physical presence, they could (in some small way) get to know Steve. I didn’t even know him personally. I just happened to coincidentally be at dozens and dozens of races he happened to also be in (or at). I remember the one time when I was a junior when I was standing next to my car, pumping up tires when the Levis-Raleigh van pulled up and parked next to me, and all of these legendary stars of the sport were there next to me, in real-life. Steve and the rest of the guys were very nice and chatted me up. They were elite cyclists, but they were not “elitist”. From that point onward, the guys always recognized me and encouraged me–and even though we weren’t “hang-out” buddies ( I was 8-9 years younger), I would certainly consider them to be friends. All due to one conversation one day in a parking lot. Our bond? We’d all started racing as juniors, and we all knew how tough it was to get started (and get good). When Steve broke his hip a few years ago, I immediately reached-out with plenty of tips on how to best recover, as I’d suffered from the same injury several years earlier. He’s a busy guy and was probably getting tons of tips. Then, one day, out of the blue, I received this lengthy, awesome email from him, thanking me for all of the advice. Afterwards–usually in response to posts I’d made regarding doping–Steve would sometimes surprise me with a few “off-the-record” thoughts. I truly hope this blog site will continue, as it’s been very important to me since first discovering it about 6-7 years ago. I still need it.

Joel G

2017-04-06 12:49:25

Like many here I did not know Steve personally but came to know of his life through his writings here. And also like many others I have been shocked to hear of his passing which confirms that one should live each day to the fullest as clearly Steve did. It should go without saying that I have great admiration for what he has done and how he has lived and thought. Vincent, thank you so much for everything you are doing here and elsewhere.

steven

2017-04-06 12:49:41

Godspeed to all of you guys during this time.

Paul G

2017-04-06 12:54:23

I am still without words… why oh why do the good ones go to soon… RIP Steve…

Clifford Allen

2017-04-06 13:05:49

Vincent, thank you for doing the heavy lifting that it must be to keep so many of us updated. I cannot imagine what you went through the other night and I hope you are able to ignore any trolls that come to this site. You’ve certainly experienced a massive amount of trauma from this and it’ll take time to figure out how to proceed. But for now, thank you. I’ve been thinking a lot about the effect Steve, Kris, and the whole bunch had on me coming up as a young person and learning what it meant to be a good person forging one’s own path. The influence has been massive. Take care and if there’s anything we can do from afar, please let us know.

krakatoaeastofjava

2017-04-06 13:16:59 In reply to Tom

Maybe that roof still needs fixing (and a bunch of us can get together and go fix it). That’d be the best memorial service I can think of. Mike, does that roof of yours still need fixing?

Karen G

2017-04-06 14:00:21 In reply to Wha d’Fuq

It’s called shock. It’s actually a very common reaction and besides, what kind of person calls someone out like this at all, much less so soon after a tragedy? You’re the lowest piece of scum to ever troll these comments and it disgusts me that Vincent might see your vile words.

Wha d’Fuq

2017-04-06 14:17:45 In reply to Karen G

Karen. You and dozens of others are missing the point. There is no shock at that time. Only a minor accident. It doesn’t make any sense at all that someone that wasn’t injured in any major way doesn’t go out and see if his friend needs help. How could anyone sit idle for an hour in this situation? I know Steve wouldn’t have. He’d be the 1st person to help a friend. To help a stranger.

Wha d’Fuq

2017-04-06 14:24:36 In reply to RGT

Why is this man grinning when talking about Steve’s death? https://youtu.be/cX7jhPh5l8Y And in the er photo yesterday? Something wrong here.

Mick

2017-04-06 14:38:18

I have lots of things I want to write about Steve, but a quick story of the day I first met him. I had been told that this Hall of Fame Cyclist was in town and he was planning to come by our restaurant in Cable. Sometime late in the afternoon a bunch of cyclists whipped into our back parking lot. Among them was this suntanned lanky dude - all legs, muscle and sinew with a bandana on his head. Still on his bike he unzipped his jersey and pulled out a kitten! Steve had picked up this injured kitten on the side of the road -without dismounting by the way, had finished the ride with the kitten inside his jersey and was just then checking to see it’s condition. Steve said, very unassumingly and almost in a disinterested way - I learned later that was just Steve collecting his thoughts, " I’ve got to get this kitten home, but we’ll be back for dinner"… And he rode away. Truly, just a day in the life of Steve Tilford.

Trevor

2017-04-06 15:01:41 In reply to Mick

Mick, in case you didn’t see this blog post, here’s one about Wink, the one-eyed kitten Steve found out in the country. As you said, he was matter of fact about it. It’s just what you do. I loved how much Steve loved animals and featured his pets and the pets of his friends in his blog. Speaking of small creatures, I remember him telling me once when he stayed at a teammate’s house he played dolls with the teammate’s little sisters. I remember admiring him for it, not too many of my friends play dolls or admit it. http://stevetilford.com/2008/11/19/wink-update/

matty

2017-04-06 15:44:49 In reply to Bicycles in heaven

There most certainly and definitively IS a heaven.

donkybhoy

2017-04-06 16:58:45

Great words by Seth Davidson on Steve. https://pvcycling.wordpress.com/2017/04/06/exit-stage-center/#comments

donkybhoy

2017-04-06 17:00:16

Cheers Vincent for updating us at what must be a heartbreaking time.

mike

2017-04-06 17:22:37

Thoughts and prayers to all of Steve’s family and friends. Thank you Vincent for keeping everyone updated

BoneCrusher

2017-04-06 17:40:00

Through Steve’s blog and untimely passing, I am once again reminded that wealth is not measured by the size of one’s estate at the end of life’s journey, but rather by the splendid memories and moments collected along the way. Without a doubt, Steve was the richest man I knew. You will be missed.

Dr Feelgood

2017-04-06 18:14:25

Vincent. Take care of yourself. You’ve had a traumatic injury. Here’s a guide on how to care for a fractured sternum http://standardfirstaidtraining.com/how-to-treat-a-fractured-sternum/

Mikelikebikehike

2017-04-06 18:43:18

I agree with everything said here about Steve. Rest in peace/Remember in prayer. Also, the driver of the 2nd truck. I do wonder just what caused the first two parts of this three-part accident. Was there ice on the road, causing the 1st truck to lose control? Then, as Vincent said he was dozing, was Steve also getting sleepy and dozed-off? It was a late hour, how far had they driven, was he short of rest that night? It does not seem he tried to brake any or alert Vincent, which would indicate he may have dozed-off. Then of course, being on the other side of the wrecked truck, he didn’t realize the 2nd truck was coming until too late. So sad for everyone.😖

William Comer

2017-04-06 18:43:26 In reply to Wha d’Fuq

I have to say, I agree. Horrible story, but my God go check on your friend and his beautiful dog. Appears he went back for his damn backpack?! flame away!!!

matthew williams

2017-04-06 18:48:09

Thanks for linking the Seth Davidson piece, that was well stated. Like a lot of you I never met Steve, but love to ride my bike. Reading his blog was something I looked forward to every day, timing my work to be able not to have to rush through it.

Mary Pelletier

2017-04-06 19:11:28

Thanks for the updates. You have been through a VERY traumatic experience and it will take some time to process it all. You have been and continue to be a good friend to Steve.

Jeff

2017-04-06 20:10:33

The world will sorely miss you. Rest in Peace Steve.

Barb

2017-04-06 21:21:57

This is so sad - no words. R.I.P. Steve. Thank you for all the great posts, and for your inspiration as a human being. Not many like you on the planet, and if there’s a heaven, I know you’re there.

Barb

2017-04-06 21:24:20 In reply to Mikelikebikehike

The driver of the second truck was injured/killed? The whole thing is truly sad - My heart goes out to their families.

WC

2017-04-06 21:42:14 In reply to William Comer

And why is he sleeping while the guy recovering from a TBI drives at midnight?

Seth

2017-04-06 22:42:25 In reply to krakatoaeastofjava

Steve wrote me personal and very nice emails on several occasions but most notably in response to my advice about brain injury after his TBI..a thing I know a little about from a very bad concussion I suffered in a cycling accident. Generous to a fault.

Harry W

2017-04-06 22:48:05

I did not know Steve but he was the Superman of my inbox, uncluttering daily nonsense with loving posts about life and cycling. He was always a reminder that life is really simple when you care for others and for what you’re doing.

Bill Stevenson

2017-04-07 05:39:56 In reply to Karen G

I was shocked when I first saw the news that Steve was dead. And I am still blue. I always thought that he would be there, I always thought that I could go to his blog and see what Tilly had to say today. I think of the fervent emotional outpouring when a beloved celebrity dies and I usually don’t get it. I feel this one.

Passing Through

2017-04-07 07:20:52

I still struggle to process that a guy I only met briefly is causing such feelings of loss with his passing, but this website has become a daily distraction for me and obviously so many others. At first it was his stories of bike racing and how the bounces went his way so often you knew it wasn’t luck, but his stories about the people in his life and how many lives he touched ended up being far more compelling than the races he won. As soon as I saw the news I was reminded of a post he made a couple years ago and searched it out. Seeing that it ended quick and Tucker is safe and sound it is almost like he called his shot. http://stevetilford.com/2015/07/10/dying-with-dignity/

Karen G

2017-04-07 07:36:48 In reply to William Comer

None of y’all were there. Certainly Vincent’s few paragraphs don’t tell the whole story. That you would criticize in this manner and this time sure says a lot about you.

Rob walker

2017-04-07 07:52:18 In reply to Passing Through

“I think I’m going to aspire to die without an IV tube in me. I’m going to try to not die in a hospital. I would like to die somewhere beautiful doing something that I love to do. I guess this sort of implies I’d like to die through an accident. I haven’t thought it through that good, but I’m not against dying accidentally. It is more appealing to me than laying around and wasting away from disease.” We will miss you, Steve.

FSonicSmith

2017-04-07 08:27:53 In reply to Mike

Yes, that is it exactly! In my 57 years I have never felt such a punch to the gut over the death of someone I have never met. A lot of roofs will now go without repair due to this tragic loss.

Sandra Mathews

2017-04-07 09:02:07

I’m so sorry that you were hurt, but I’m so glad you are there to help Tucker. . . from what I read, Tucker and Trudi meant the world to him. Thank you for loving. Hugs to everyone whom I do not know, but with whom I mourn today.

William Comer

2017-04-07 09:03:06 In reply to William Comer

Karen, Of course I wasn’t there!!! Neither were you!!! But, there are questions that should and frankly can be raised. You damn snowflakes get up in arms if anyone questions anything. Timing? Vincent posted his story, so the timing is fine. Every concern was towards Steve and Tucker. My Marine brother and I rescued a guy that went over Bridal Veil Falls in Dupont, it was tramatic to witness. If we’d waited an hour there would’ve been a completely different outcome. He wasn’t to traumatized or in a state of shock that he was prevented from retrieving his backpack. I just hope that if I am involved in a situation like that my friends wouldn’t leave me there for an hour without at the very least checking on me. Even if he couldn’t have saved Steve, maybe he could’ve given some comfort at the end for a friend. I don’t know and we never will because he hung out in a pickup of a stranger. Also, there is no way in hell I would’ve left that area without Tucker. I would’ve done that for Steve. Disclosure, Steve and I were total opposites politically. He emailed me recently and we discussed some things in very respectful way. It kills me that he was out there alone while his friend was in a warm pickup and his beautiful dog was running free scared shitless. So you can be critical of my take on this, I don’t give a shit, live in your snowflake world.

JS

2017-04-07 09:15:10 In reply to Wha d’Fuq

No, it doesn’t seem to make sense that Vincent didn’t go back there to check on Steve. It’s easy to say what we would have done but we weren’t there and we don’t know the full context. I think it’s best to give Vincent the benefit of the doubt even though that may be difficult for some. Because we don’t know..

Ron Colavolpe

2017-04-07 09:24:09

You are a great friend Vincent - thank you for sharing what you can. I am another who only knew Steve through his blog, visiting this site every day for years. I am gutted and feel like I have lost a good friend. I can’t imagine what you are going through, but my thoughts and prayers are with you, his closest friends, his loved ones, and anyone else who had the pleasure of welcoming Steve into their lives.

Lance Livestrong

2017-04-07 09:27:14

A broken sternum is very painful. Check out my blog for advice. http://www.livestrong.com/article/28691-symptoms-broken-sternum/

Tom

2017-04-07 09:41:14 In reply to JS

who’s to say that there weren’t already people attending to Steve? It wasn’t a novel that Vincent wrote, it was a brief description that people can read into or not. Mr. Snowflake calling idiot can toss names around all he wants but what good is he doing with his bullshit story about saving someone in a totally different scenario? Wow, true hero. Keep your fucking bullshit to yourself and stop jumping to conclusions. I don’t know the full scenario and neither does anyone else reading the brief descriptions of this tragedy. People don’t know how to critically think, and understand they don’t know the full story. We are so used to hearing soundbites and then forming our opinions (and then name calling). If you don’t know the whole story, keep your fucking criticisms to yourselves.

JCS

2017-04-07 10:05:23

Vincent, You are a great friend for continuing Steve’s blog going. Thank you. My prayers are with you, your family, Trudi, Kris, the Lawrence bike gang, and Steve’s blog community. Peace -JCS

matty

2017-04-07 10:19:31

This is just such a tragedy. I am definitely praying for his family and close friends. Does anyone know if Steve was a believer?

Jared

2017-04-07 10:20:03 In reply to William Comer

William Comer: -“You snowflakes” -“my Marine brother and I rescued a guy” -“I don’t give a shit, live in your snowflake world” OK, tough guy - now you going to tell us your penis size and what you bench press? And why did you need your Marine brother to help you rescue that guy? Not manly enough to do it alone? What branch of the service did you see front-line action in, Blowflake? Everyone else is exactly right in saying none of us were there or know the full extent of the situation, including the shock of having just driven THROUGH the bottom of an overturned trailer. So best to STFU. So really, you don’t know anything - you’re the guy who sits at the end of the bar crowing about how you know better - and calling everybody the newest word you learned, “Snowflake.” You really flex those manly muscles and run that know-it-all mouth sitting behind your “nice warm” keyboard!

matty

2017-04-07 10:22:55 In reply to Barb

There is DEFINITELY a heaven…a place all of us should aspire to make it into.

Wildcat

2017-04-07 10:23:26

I keep coming back here at the same time each day @ 10am. It’s part of my routine that I’ve had since 2009. I still cannot believe this happened. No doubt, every day for the rest of my life @ 10am, I’ll think about my friend Steve.

KrakatoaEastofJava

2017-04-07 10:40:28 In reply to BoneCrusher

“To my brother, Steve, the richest man in town!”

• It’s a Wonderful Life

KrakatoaEastofJava

2017-04-07 10:47:36 In reply to Barb

Yes, he was a 70-year old truck driver from Grand Junction. He was hauling the U.S. Mail. His truck jackknifed in such a manner that it crushed the cab, killing him instantly. His brother posted a reply to the Salt Lake news story, saying he had 45 years of driving experience, and was an extremely pro driver. I don’t think there’s any blame to be thrown around this horrible event, and thank our lucky stars for that. Today, for once, I can do without the hatred.

KrakatoaEastofJava

2017-04-07 10:52:33 In reply to Wildcat

Me too. It’s been an essential part of my morning for several years now.

RGT

2017-04-07 10:56:59 In reply to Wildcat

Same here Wildcat.

Tilford fan

2017-04-07 11:10:33 In reply to William Comer

Hey WC–what does politics have to do with this? Also, if you are going to bring in politics all you right wing folks just come off as friendless flaming fucking assholes (why not fffa for short). Snowflake my ass–I bet you are a coward and most of the so-called “liberals” on this board could beat the living shit out of you if push came to shove. You are a piece of shit.

RGTR

2017-04-07 11:34:26 In reply to Passing Through

I got goosebumps just reading that post.

Karen G

2017-04-07 12:35:39 In reply to William Comer

William Comer, You don’t anything about me. so namecalling just makes you look like an idiot. All I’m saying is this isn’t the time or place for your criticism. My grandfather received the Silver Star in WW2 and was a truly humble man. He would call you what you are, a jerk looking for attention. Apologies to the people here who just wanted to say/read something nice about Steve and his friends and family, VIncent included, and have to wade through this egotistical bullshit from people like William Comer.

Melissa

2017-04-07 13:01:15

You know I didn’t know Steve the cyclists. I knew Steve the good guy he was . I didn’t read his blog everyday but a lot of the time . The bike stuff went right over my head , but I enjoyed all the stories of his friends all the pictures of all the beautiful places we went . I know him through a good friend of his Sue ( which many of you knew) I took care of her mom for the last 6 years . So I guess I have know Steve about 6 more or less years . Liz Sue’s mom would have him stop in when ever he might be passing through going to some bike thing and help fix something . She had (still there) this gas lamp out back . She loved that old gas lamp , but it was always acting up and no one really knew how to fix it . Ther was a gas smell so of course the gas co. Was called out . Gas was cut off ect . She was told the whole yard yard need torn up replace all the he pipes ect . It was going to cost her a few thousand dollars to fix this problem . That wasn’t the problem . There wasn’t a gas “leak” yes gas was leaking but it was that lamp . There is a valve that needed to be closed . No one understood this so I had to get Steves number and called him . He walked the guy through how to turn off that valve . Guess what no leak !!! Gas co. Back out and the gas was turned back on . If Steve had not been called liz’s whole yard would have been torn up and the cost of I think was about $3500 fir a valve that needed to be closed . This is just one memory of Steve I have . I now want to address the f- n people who keep ragging on Vincent his buddy . I don’t know Vincent but I know of him . Steve talked about him a lot . How they worked on his house and their rides together ect . I understand the question about why didn’t he go check on Steve when he was run down by a semi truck . Really ???? That would have been a memory he would NEVER get out of his head . I can’t . I have worked for the M.E. For a few years . That’s Medical Examiner in Texas . Trust me , Steve didn’t feel anything and Steve wasn’t back there dying .as soon as he was hit it was over . He didn’t feel anything so Vincent going back ther would have only left a horrible memory of Steve in his thoughts forever ! You haters please stop the stupidness !!! Steve was a good guy and loved by so many , so many people that never even met him . That says a lot ! I never met Trudy but I know of her . What I’m about say will make some people thing this is crazy , maybe so , but being in the medical field and doing home health I have had a lot of patients die of just old age ect . Mt point is I have made several different memory items for the families . I have a thought for Steve’s ashes (I hope this isn’t too soon to suggest this if so I am sorry) . One of the families all wanted some of his ashes so I had sm bags made up and each family member got a table spoon of his ashes to keep with them . My thinking here is ,Steve travelers ALL over the world and so many friends he made . Knowing Steve I believe he would think this is a cool idea . I don’t think I have time to make up cute little bags but even a zip lock bag with Tilly written on it would be ok . I think making up bags of his ashes say two tablespoon in each bag . Let all his friends who attend his memorial take a part of him back with them . Each person knows what his favorite place was , where he liked to ride in their town . He went all over the world and knew folks all over so why not spread a part of him in all of his favorite places . There will still be a lot left for Trudy to keep with her to do what she feels is right . I think Steve would like this ! I know like I said I’m sure there are gonna be people that think this is crazy or what ever , but I know he would enjoy being everywhere near all his friends !! Vincent , also thank you for keeping everyone up to date as to what is going on . I know this is hard for you . I know it really hasn’t even hit ya as to what has happen . Please take care of your self and know everyone really appreciates all your up dates . I hope my suggestion isn’t too soon to put out ther but you know Steve probably better than most . He would want to be everywhere and near all his good friends . Again this is so wrong . He left this earth way too soon ! I told Sue maybe God wanted him in heaven to help with her mom who just passed this Januaryand of course his dog and all his buddies who left this earth way too soon also ! I still can’t believe this ! I know he is in heaven looking down amazed at all the people whom he touched and who loved him . You are most definitely missed !

Mike W

2017-04-07 13:58:57 In reply to Melissa

You’re wrong. For the hour that Vincent stayed in that car Steves conditon was unknowable. There was no shock or post trauma from the 1st wreck. You’re liooking at it with 20/20 hindsight. It is incomprehensible that a friend wouldn’t go look to see if his friend needed help. I hope that strangers treat me (and you) better than this. Most do.

Joe

2017-04-07 13:59:26 In reply to matty

Based on Steve’s writings and this quote from “George” his April 24, 2013 post “The closest I get to religion is when a pet dies” he was not a believer. I am…and I refuse to believe that Steve is not in a special place now. Even though I did not agree with many of the things Steve wrote I chose come back to his blog, day after day because he made me think (a little differently than I ever would have on my own) I loved how much he cared about people and especially animals. He created things with his hands and used his God Given Talent to best of its natural ability. Most of of all, he stood up for what he believed in and asked for no favors in doing so. He was a better man than I….. The following story is where believe Steve is now being true to the end: (with George and Bromont and on a bicycle no doubt) A man and his dog were walking down a hot, dusty road lined with a beautiful white fence on both sides. As they walked along, the man and his dog became very thirsty and tired. Soon, they came to a gate in the fence where, on the other side, they saw a nice grassy, wooded area surrounding a cool clear pool of fresh water. “Just where a thirsty ‘huntin’ dog and a man would like to rest!” thought the man. But there was a sign over the gate that read “No Dogs” so they walked on. Further on, they came upon a man in flowing white robes standing just inside a strong iron gate across a path that led to a beautiful, sunny meadow with a cool clear stream running through it. “‘Scuse me Sir,” said the man, “My dog and I have been on this road all day. Mind if we come in and sit in the shade for awhile?” “Of course!” The man said. “Come on in and rest. You look thirsty and tired.” The man said, “We sure are!” and started through the gate with his dog. The gatekeeper stopped him. “Sorry, you can come in but your dog can’t come with you. “You see, this is Heaven, and dogs aren’t allowed here. He has to stay out here on the road.” “What kind of Heaven won’t allow dogs?” said the man. “Well, if he can’t come in, then I’ll stay out here on the road with him. He’s been my faithful companion all his life and I won’t desert him now.” “Suit yourself,” said the gatekeeper, “but I have to warn you, the Devil’s on this road and he’ll try to sweet talk you into his place. He’ll promise you anything, but dogs can’t go there either. If you won’t leave that dog on the road, you’ll spend all Eternity on the road with him. Better if you stay here.” “Well, I’m stayin’ with my dog,” replied the man and he and the dog walked on. Gradually, the fence became more and more faded and rundown until they finally reached a spot where the boards fell away completely leaving a gap. Another man dressed in old, ragged clothes sat just inside the broken fence under a shady tree. “‘Scuse me Sir,” said the man, “My dog and I have been on this road all day. Mind if we come in and sit in the shade for awhile?” “Of course!” The man said. “Come on in and rest. There’s some cold water here under the tree. Make yourself comfortable.” The old man paused, “but what about my dog? Can he can come in, too? The man up the road said dogs weren’t allowed here, and they had to stay on the road.” The other man answered, “Well, you look pretty tired and thirsty. Would you come in here and rest if you had to leave that dog?” “No sir!” the old man replied, “A glass of cold water and some shade would be mighty fine right about now but I won’t come in if my buddy here can’t come too. I didn’t go to Heaven because my dog couldn’t come with me, so I sure as how ain’t about to go to Hell without him neither.” The man smiled and said, “Welcome to Heaven, and bring your dog!” The man exclaimed, “You mean this is Heaven? And my dog can come with me? Then why did that fellow down the road say they weren’t allowed in Heaven?” The man replied, “That was the Devil and he gets all the souls who are willing to give up a life-long companion for small comfort because they think it will make their lives a little easier.” The man continued, “They soon find out their mistake, but, then it’s too late. The dogs come here, the fickle people stay there. God wouldn’t allow dogs to be banned from Heaven. After all, He created them to be man’s companions in life, why would he separate them in death?”

• Story is based on an episode of The Twilight Zone by Rod Serling

krakatoaeastofjava

2017-04-07 15:00:54 In reply to Mike W

Dude. STFU. All you’ve heard about that scene is what Vince has written. And that’s precisely TWO things. There are all kinds of unknown variables that can (and likely DO) exist in between what Vincent has written here, and what you know and think. Variables such as OTHER people who may have stopped (and seen everything). Variables such as already knowing who was standing where, and what changed. Variables such as “Hey Dude, you’re hurt and in shock. Stay here and I’ll go check things out.” It doesn’t really matter, as you have no idea. Neither do I. But I do know that there exist so many possibilities that fully (and adequately) explain things, that you most certainly have no right to intrude and demand such nonsense. Of course, those are things we can all trot-out if Vincent actually owed anonymous “you” anything. I can assure you, he does not. One day, a long time ago, my own mother died. They asked me if I wanted to see her body. I didn’t. I didn’t need to see it. I knew. I trusted and believed them. Other people insist on going to the morgue. I’m not one of those people. In the years that have passed, some people have asked me why I didn’t want to see her one final time. My answer? “I already HAVE seen her one final time.” And to borrow a phrase that my mother taught me: “M Y O B”