Funeral for flyin. Wellington KBers

[Stevo]

Touching words and moving pix of you representatives for the KB community. Would like to have paid my respects the motorbike mad young man.
Nice pix Sensei

Stevo

[sels1]

A very moving Service. Thanks to Sams family for allowing us to be part of it.
Friends/family I was talking to at the function after were amazed and delighted at the effort KBers put in, particularly those that came from out of town. We did Sam proud. I think we did ourselves proud too - well done folks.


PS.Thanks Jazbug for the armbands - what a trooper!

[FROSTY:Me]

Today was a day I will never forget.That so many of you guys were prepared to take the time to remember and celebrate a fellow KBers life is stunning.
I was lucky enough to talk to sams mum and brother and they were both blown away by the respect and careing we showed.
Guys and gals I have never been so proud as today to call myself a KBer
And thandks for the fantastic hospitality you showed a poor dorklander.
attached is a Pm sent to me by the policeman who investigated sams accident

HI TONY
I HAVE BEEN READING SOME OF THE POSTS AND IT APPEARS THERE IS A VERY STRONG COMMUNITY SPIRIT WITHIN THE KIWI BIKER FAMILY.

IT IS ALWAYS A TRAGEDY WHEN AN FATAL ACCIDENT OCCURES PERHAPS EVEN MORE SO WHEN THE ONE KILLED IS SO YOUNG.

I HOPE THE MESSAGE GETS THROUGH TO THE YOUNG RIDERS AND I NEVER HAVE TO ATTEND ANOTHER ACCIDENT SUCH AS THE ONE ON SUNDAY KIND REGARDS

DAVE GALLAGHER
CONSTABLE
ROAD POLICING BRANCH

[StoneChucker]

As the others have said, that was a day I shall never forget. I was amazed at the number of KB'ers who turned up at the Caltex. It completely cemented my admiration and love for everyone on this site. I've never met and been part of such a unified and caring group of individuals. I'm new(ish) to NZ, and until today thought that I didn't really have any friends. I now know this is not the case, as I consider each and everyone one of you my friends.

I was at the funeral, but couldn't sit through the whole service as it all became a bit much for me. Waited outside with a few people until the service ended and we headed over for refreshments accross the road (held by the family). I thank Sam's family and friends from the bottom of my heart, for the acceptance and support they showed to us. I had to leave for work after that (found out later I could have had the rest of the day off if I called in!!) so I didn't make the cemetery.

Sam, I only met you a couple of times, but it's clear the impact you had on everyone who crossed your path. RIP

As much as today has touched my heart, I never want to experience it again. Please think of this evertime you get on your bike

[Quasievil]

Sams funeral was an awesome expression of unity and caring amongst the Kiwibikers, I was really proud to ride with you all yesterday.
I know I travelled a long way to attend, but to witness the bond amongst the Kiwibikers in a sad time like this really made it an event never to forget. I have to admit as we rode together I got a lump in my throat on two occasions , one while riding on the motorway and the other when the family and friends clapped as we lined up behind the motorcade. to all of those that attended well done, I think we demonstrated our sadness and respect for Sam very well and the family were certainly touched by that
Yesterday I learnt a new respect and love for what we all call Kiwibiker but please, Lets not ever do this again.

I have thought a great deal about my own riding behaviour as a result of this tragic circumstance and thought how I can do better on the road to improve my safety, I would like to invite you all to do the same.

Have a safe weekend people

[Uncle B]

The turnout of support for Sam humbled me......
I felt a great pride being a member of KB as we lined up to pay our heart felt respects.

StoneChucker has summed up the awesome community we have.....we are not just a "motorcycle club" but group of people who I am proud to call my friends also.....yesterdays solidarity showed the respect we should all show for each other.

To all those who came from a far.....hope your trip home is a safe one.

[Marknz]

Yep, well I decided the good weather was a sign and decided to go against my previous thoughts and fronted up. Was good to catch up with everyone despite the circumstances.

Ride on and enjoy everyday that you get.

[Stevo]

Today was a day I will never forget.That so many of you guys were prepared to take the time to remember and celebrate a fellow KBers life is stunning.
I was lucky enough to talk to sams mum and brother and they were both blown away by the respect and careing we showed.
Guys and gals I have never been so proud as today to call myself a KBer
And thandks for the fantastic hospitality you showed a poor dorklander.
attached is a Pm sent to me by the policeman who investigated sams accident

HI TONY
I HAVE BEEN READING SOME OF THE POSTS AND IT APPEARS THERE IS A VERY STRONG COMMUNITY SPIRIT WITHIN THE KIWI BIKER FAMILY.

IT IS ALWAYS A TRAGEDY WHEN AN FATAL ACCIDENT OCCURES PERHAPS EVEN MORE SO WHEN THE ONE KILLED IS SO YOUNG.

I HOPE THE MESSAGE GETS THROUGH TO THE YOUNG RIDERS AND I NEVER HAVE TO ATTEND ANOTHER ACCIDENT SUCH AS THE ONE ON SUNDAY KIND REGARDS

DAVE GALLAGHER
CONSTABLE
ROAD POLICING BRANCH

I assume from the way he has worded this that the motorcyclist appears to be the one at fault? And presumably "the message" is speed.

[FROSTY:Me]

Lets leave that one alone at this point in time stevo. Specificly in this case the car driver was 100% blameless.
My take from his comment --and the fairly long phone conversation we had.
was be careful nothing more just BE CAREFUL .

[Ms Piggy]

Good onyas... Well done

Paul N

Now I feel a double prat...

Hey Paul,
Please don't beat yourself up over not being able to attend. I'd say the "prat" is whoever it was at your place of work organised for you to do a last minute presentation! I know I'm not fully aware of all the details but it seems to me there are some pretty dense & prat like types at your place of work if they can't remember that: a) You were really crook b) In Akld all week c) Had a funeral that day that you wished to attend.

We all know you wanted to be there, so please don't feel bad.

[StoneChucker]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul in NZ
Good onyas... Well done
Paul N
Now I feel a double prat...

Paul, you were there. Every KB'er was there, in mind and spirit. Some of us were there in person, but thats only because we were able to juggle things to make it. I had to leave before the cemetery convoy I guarantee that noone thinks you're a prat. But, I can understand how you feel, I was really upset I missed the last convoy, especially since my manager said I could've had the rest of the day off........... AFTER I got back to work...

Hope you're feeling better, and if you are might catch you on Sunday.
Dave.

[BNZ]

Today was a day I will never forget.That so many of you guys were prepared to take the time to remember and celebrate a fellow KBers life is stunning.
I was lucky enough to talk to sams mum and brother and they were both blown away by the respect and careing we showed.
Guys and gals I have never been so proud as today to call myself a KBer
And thandks for the fantastic hospitality you showed a poor dorklander.

Glad to hear you got home safe mate. It meant a lot to me, and im sure other wellington KBer's to see the likes of yourself, Quasi, Sensei and all of those who travelled a great distance for our community.

Oh yeah, good luck for sunday!

[jimbo600]

I assume from the way he has worded this that the motorcyclist appears to be the one at fault? And presumably "the message" is speed.

Stevo, I have spoken to Dave Gallagher and rest assured his comments are sincere.

What a humbling day Sam's funeral was. It's not often that I am without words, however Friday was a day for reflection, sadness, celebration, compassion, and ultimately silence.

Again thanks to all of Sam's family for leting us pay our respects in our own unique way.

Thanks Frosty for your organisational input and thanks for all who travelled from afar to attend.

Finally thanks Sam for your all too brief company.

[Ghost Lemur]

Glad to hear everything went so well.

[flyin's m8]

Thank you guys, all of you - what an admirable, impressive, community - Sam put on an amazing day for us all.

The honour that the people from Kiwibiker - Girls and Boys alike (you too Andy) - showed for Sam is something that will remain with Friends and Family, and all those from this forum, for as long as the memory of a harsh lesson lasts... for most, that is, forever.

I must say, I had unbelievably strong pangs of emotion (trying to be strong myself) all the way to Caltex, having travelled the very same steches of road with Sam most every day for the past four months - however, my heart sat in my throat for minutes as we arrived at the petrol station and I felt the energy of all those who had taken the time, and felt the need, to express their emotion and respect to a very close friend of mine, and someone whom I loved and respected deeply myself.

Many of you had the opportunity yesterday to get to know Sam in a way that would never have been possible, had it not been for this tragedy, and I am glad that this has been the case. All to often people get to know a single facet of a persons life, someone whom they consider a mate, friend, pal, buddy, and this is enough, for we are not a people to be overly intimate, and live in each others pockets.

Here, we have experienced a unique situation where people who experience a bond through a single similar interest, also experience the grief and happiness of hundreds who know a single friend of theirs. There was a lot in the church, and the memory of the feeling I believe is stronger than any words. I love the fact that many of you were able to take time off work and out of your own lives to experience Sam's world, albeit under the most unfortunate circumstances, he will appreciate that his message is still spreading and that the reason is real.


The turnout of Bikes was fantastic and the behaviour impeccable, I am most impressed and felt, myself, honoured to be amongst such a powerful force.

I could feel all of you during the service, you presence and awareness, and cannot find words to express the feeling when we walked, following Sam's coffin, to the hearse and I met you again, you're an amazing group of people, I honestly cannot find words to describe the strength that filled that small space... there is silence, comfortable, strong, with reason..... I will keep trying to find a word or three for that moment. For now - Thank you

I have heard that the procession was an extraordinary sight, Sam and I know the owner of the dairy (his sons were present at the ceremonies) who was standing on the footpath in Paremata/Mana- "Awesome". Unfortunately for Ben and I, we were off doing what Sam would have been doing when the Hearse started to leave and we missed the cheering, however, I was not surprised to read of it....

We raced back to the church... and caught the bikes up at the rear, rode at the back for a little while and I must admit that the sight and sound was impressive from that perspective, however (against instructions - we are both very sorry) I asked Ben to pass all of you so that I could be at the head, and so I could see the hearse - I waved to you as we passed ... and waved ... ... and waved and waved..... I felt like I was waving for a kilometre.... This was when I realised what a diverse range of people had come, and how many were riding, in formation..... slowly, respectfully, most regally, For Sam.

From the front of the convoy I could hear and feel the vibration - maybe it was the SP1 - but I doubt it... it was a guttural, resonant vibration that electrifyed my entire being, I thank all of you for the opportunity to ride along side you and for being present with me, in my times of realisation also.

Ben asked me to thank you for letting him lead... we had special relationships with Sam and it was a great honour to, not only ride alongside your community, but also be able to be a part of an enormous visual, audible, and truly moving tribute to our friend.

Kiwibikers, you DEFINATELY did YOURSELVES proud, and you have impressed Sam, although, he would say he knew you were like that anyway. I can't speak his words, but he did speak highly of you all, often. It was an amazing tribute to a fantastic guy, and I'll say it again THANK YOU.... All of you, including those who were there in Spirit, we felt you, like Sam. Thank you.