In Memory of Al Tigchelaar

[dunvilsteev]

I worked with Al for 30+ years and having both recently retired together we had become regular riding buddies. His latest restoration was a 1977 Suzuki GT500, that he had spent many hours bringing back to shape. Not 2 miles from home today on the 'Uki he was t-boned by a 91 year old coming out of a stop sign onto a 50 mph highway. Al was truly "one of the good ones", I don't think I had ever seen him upset, just an easy going guy. He will be sorely missed. A sad, sad time!

Edited August 31, 2010 by dunvilsteev

[Dano]

So sorry to hear of that, too many have been taken from us this way. Just this weekend and last week, we've had too many taken. The 13 year old at the support race for the MotoGP, a 15 year old at a local dirt bike race and a few from the community due to either unfortunate circumstances or age. Really kinda sad myself this week.

 

Dan

[Kregerdoodle]

sorry to hear of the loss of your freind, its never easy to loose a freind like that, prayers sent his family and to you.

[MikeWa]

This is very sad. Condolences for the loss of your friend.

Mike

[painterman67]

asd to hear......prayers sent for oyu and your friends family

 

hope you all heal well

 

emotional scars run deep

 

David

[Yammer Dan]

In our prayers.

[dunvilsteev]

Thank you, one and all.

[sarges46]

We are saddened to hear of the loss of your friend. It sounds like you have many memories to help you keep him close.

[Monty]

My condolences on the loss of such a good friend.

[relic]

So sorry to here this Steve. I know what it is like to lose a good friend this way.

Our prayers go out to you and Al's family at this terrible time.

[dunvilsteev]

Ode for Al

 

Let me tell you a short story about my friend Al,

A real nice guy, proud to call him a pal.

 

We met back in the 70’s, two dirt biking males,

Out riding the west Hamilton Mountain trails.

 

Al on a CanAm, and a Honda for me,

Soon traded bikes, a test ride for free.

 

After our rides we said our good bye,

Riding home I thought, "What a nice guy."

 

Then at Stelco one day, while at the gate,

Who do I see, but my "CanAm mate".

 

Years go by on the mill, oily & dirty,

Its time to retire, our years equal thirty.

 

Al bought a Harley, it was a Venture for me,

We were in the wind, cruising, and feeling free.

 

Then one day, while riding alone,

Al was barely a mile from home.

 

He was in an accident that took his life,

We tried our best to console his wife.

 

It broke our hearts saying good bye to "Titch",

I remember him smiling, after riding "*****".

 

Although Al’s story is very sad and true,

Here’s a thought so you are not so blue.

 

When thinking of Al, remember this my friends,

He now rides on my shoulder .... still loves the bends!!

 

　

　

S. Hoedt

Sept 2010

[etcswjoe]

I am truly sorry for the loss of your friend, our prayers go out to you, his friends and family.

[Brake Pad]

My prayers going out to you and his family

[Marcarl]

It always hard to loose a good friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ride on my friend.

[skydoc_17]

Prayers Sent from both Jean and I.

Earl and Jean

[dunvilsteev]

AGAIN, thanks everyone. A tough one for sure.

[Zane]

A true friend he had in you, Condolences to you and his family.