It’s Been a Rough Couple of Months

We have lost some good members lately. On December 1 Region 7D member Steve Knutson-Porky – passed away from cancer. Steve was very active, not only in ABATE, but in many community organizations. He was the best raffle ticket seller you have ever seen. We could always count on him to make the most of any raffle. Along with his wife Barb, they always kept things fun. He will be missed.

Following that blow to ABATE, on January 5 Bubba-Bob Stanton from Eau Claire left us. In the late 80’s and early 90’s when I was Executive Director, Bubba was Regional Rep in 7B. We worked together a lot and got to be good friends. Bubba could be described as crusty, sometimes crude, rough around the edges, and usually loud. Anyone who got to know him knew that was only on the outside. He had a heart of gold and was a teddy bear. Bubba was instrumental in helping to build ABATE in the Eau Claire area. He was passionate about our freedom. In the years since we both left office, Shawn and I would call him when we were in town to have breakfast. Several years ago, Bubba had a bad bike crash-on his birthday. While in the hospital, he developed an infection that really kicked his butt. Like most things in life he overcame that and went home, but it slowed him down. We will miss him a lot. He was one of a kind. Last Saturday we attended Celebrations of Life for both these guys. There were huge crowds for both. Preacher did a great job officiating Bubba’s service and we got to see a lot of old friends at both events.

Just yesterday, February 6, I lost a good friend and riding buddy from way back in 1970. Harley got out of the Navy that summer that I got out of high school. He bought a new Sportster. We rode to a lot of flat track races and around the back roads. Since the late 70’s he had lived in the Fox Valley but moved back here when he retired. He did not ride anymore, but we picked up where we left off. The day before he died, I sat in the hospital with his wife and daughter to say our goodbyes.

When I got my newsletter, I learned of the passing of long-time member Fat Kat. My condolences go out to his family, friends and regional members.

I guess the point of all of this is that we should live every day to the fullest. Don’t put things off until later that you can do now. Call or visit old friends when you get the chance. Most of all remember that the best part of ABATE is the relationships and friends we pick up along the way. Make sure they know you are thinking of them. The longer we are in this life, the more this will be happening.

Rest in Peace.

Gary Klinker