I have been struggling for a week to write this post. I’m sad beyond words for the loss of my dear friend, Eddie. He was killed in a tragic motorcycle accident on September 10, 2011. He was always full of energy and had a love for life and everyone and everything around him. He will be sorely missed.

My last communication with him was on August 22nd, just a few days after he got his motorcycle license and his new bike. He sent these pictures that day, and was excited and scared going to work on it for the first time. I plead with him to be careful – I told him that I had seen a young man killed just in front of me on his motorcycle as I was on my bike less than a block behind him. That same day I drove my street bike to a used car dealer who gave me some trade-in value for a car, and I’ve never been on a street bike since. Eddie promised me he would be careful.

His roommate didn’t contact me until last Monday to tell me Eddie had been killed. It hit hard and has been a tough week. The last time we saw Eddie was the last weekend in June, 2011 when he came to help us bottle the 2008 Merlot, and spend some fun time in the vineyards. He also joined us for 3 days in May when we went to Point Arena, CA. I’m glad that every time we were together we had lots of fun.

I’m writing this post for 2 reasons. The first is to pay tribute to a person who touched my life profoundly, and share my gratitude for having known him. He was caring, kind, fun-loving, adventurous and a sense of humor that kept me in stitches often. The second reason is the hope that everyone reading this will understand how dangerous a street bike is. The facts about his accident are mostly unknown. He was found by a passer-by ejected from his bike on the side of the road. No skid marks, and no evidence of being hit. He was wearing a helmet and protective gear, but was still killed by the impact with the guard rail and the ground.

Having a street bike was one of Eddie’s dreams. I will be the last to stand in the way of anyone’s dreams, no matter how dangerous. I am glad he was happy with his life, and excited with his bike. I’m just sorry it took him away from those of us who loved him so deeply.

Good-bye my sweet Eddie! I will love you forever.

Accident Report

Obituary