We'll miss you dearly Rich (Phaedrus) - UPDATED 7-02 PM!!

[Reddog787]

  I just got back today from a motorcycle trip over the weekend.  I feel like I've been living under a rock because of so many posts and so much outpouring of emotion.

What do you say?  ~  What now?  ~  Why?  ~  It could have been me or any of us.

My personal apology to Kim.  I am so very sorry.  Our decision to ride is selfish.  It makes no logical sense to risk our lives and hurt our friends and loved ones.  However, It's what we love.  It's who we are.  It's our spirit.

To all of his many friends- may his memory and spirit always be with you.


Godspeed Phaedrus

[sanjay]

I just got back from my first ride in a month, excited about my working bike, and ... wow, that hit me like a ton of bricks.  I've been working with Rich lately on FAQ updates and was just getting to know him.  Such a great, upbeat, friendly guy... he will be sorely missed.  My condolences go to Kim, family, and friends. 

[Alphamazing]

I am utterly speechless. I can't even begin to express how sad I am about this whole situation. This is a truly sad day, especially to lose such a great guy.

It always makes me sick to my stomach hearing about these things, but even more so when it's someone I've had conversations with and have gotten to know even a little bit. I was really hoping to get to meet Rich one day at a rally and be able to talk with him face to face. He is really a great guy and should be celebrated for who he is, I'm sure he would want it that way. He was nothing but kind and supportive to everyone on this board.

It's so hard to think about this, it truly makes me feel nauseus. It's just so much...

Rest in peace, Rich. You'll be missed.

[BOSS500]

Completely gut wrenching.  Didn't know him but I just know his post were very helpful. Thanks for everything Rich. My condolences to Family & Friends.

[Larry]

To Kim and Rich's friends,  I am very sad for your loss.  His posts showed a real love for life and people.  You were blessed to have him in your life.

[JMyrick]

It's always hard to hear about these things. Sorry to Kim and the rest of his family, Rest In Peace brother.

[Ed89]

Although I don't think Rich ever mentioned it directly, his handle most likely come from the book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" by Robert Prisig.  Here's a hint.  Phaedrus was the alter ego of Prisig when he was in a philosophical and psychological battle with his professor, a story told through recollection as Prisig was on a motorcycle trip with his young son and a couple of friends through the US.  It was a book that also put into me the longing to ride.  The preface goes something like this: This book is not about Zen Buddhism, neither is it very factual on motrocycle maintenance.  But in actuality, it is extremely relevant to both, without saying much about either.  I can't explain it very well here, but it is an inspiring book.  Took US by storm went it came out in 1974 (I think it was 1974).  I don't read many books more than once in my life, maybe two.  ZAMM is one of them.

If you ever get a chance to read the book, you will feel as if you were on the same mountain top, breathing the thin cool mountain air, walking over the faint trail that Rich must have walked through.

See you around, Phaedrus.  It is about Quality.  And you have tons.

[TadMC]

What kinda lifts my spirits a little is the fact that his Second to last post was him making fun of me for not using the center stand.   

I kinda feel honored

[dbNnc]

I'm very sorry to read this news and extend my sympathies to his family, friends and loved ones. It's sad news that surely makes you think if motorcycling is worth the risk, but we could say that about a lot of things.

[Absolute Rescue]

Wow, this is aweful news, definatly didn't expect to see this logging on today. Rich seemed like a great guy from the few times we talked through instant messanger. My prayers are with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

[Kerry]

Although I don't think Rich ever mentioned it directly, his handle most likely come from the book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" by Robert Prisig.

Actually ... he did mention it directly, on the following page in the same thread.

[leo]

I am so very sorry for this.  My thoughts go out to his family.

[MPA]

RIP Rich.

I'm on here off and on, but I know he posted alot of good things. His family and loved ones will be in my thoughts.

[krateguy]

I didn't know Rich other than reading and posting on occasion with him and receiving a pm concerning the PA camping trip. I could tell with the little I knew he was a great person.

Lord I hope you enjoy Rich as much as it seems we all did, you got a good one there.


Ride safe brothers and sisters.

[WildBlue]

Terribly sorry to hear about this, my condolences to Rich's family and fiancee.   

[Budrick320]

Man this is sad to hear. I haven't been on the site for about 2 weeks and I come back to see this. My prayers are out to all those who knew him. This is like an extended family. THough I have never met more than 3 of yall, I still feel that sense of loss. Goodbye Phae.

[makenzie71]

http://www.evesun.com/chenango-county/obituaries/results.htm

[ajgs500]

Thanks, Mak

[pandy]

Thanks to Mak:


Richard Christie

NORWICH – Richard "Gator" Christie, 25 years, of Rexford Street, died Saturday morning July 1, 2006 in Sherburne following a motorcycle accident.

Gator was born Aug. 20, 1980 in Norwich, the son of Virginia and Howard Christie. He was a 1998 graduate of Norwich High School and a 2002 graduate of SUNY Morrisville with an associate's degree in computer administration. He began his career at the New York State Veterans' Home as a security guard and at the time of his death was working in the capacity as a computer administrator.

Gator loved his family and was an avid motorcycle and off road ATV rider. He also enjoyed designing web pages, computers and the outdoors. He especially loved music and playing his guitar.

He survived by his mother Virginia of Norwich; his father Howard of Texas; a sister Roxanne Ludlow of Jensen Beach Fla.; two brothers Robert Buck and his wife Kari of Sherburne, Randy Buck and his significant other Wanda Levix of Norwich. Also surviving is his fiancee Kimberly Cox of Bainbridge and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Gator will be held at 11 a.m. Friday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home 116 North Broad St. with the Rev. Joseph Connolly, pastor of the United Church of Christ First Congregational, Norwich, officiating.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Toys For Tots.

[annguyen1981]

Reading that makes me even more sad knowing that I never got the chance to met him.