RIP Mark "79cb750f"

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2016 1:45 pm

I came across some sad news that a fellow F'er, Mark LaVallee passed away on June 4.

Anyone who met Mark on one of the NE rides knew how much he loved riding and engines. I had the chance to ride and have a beer with Mark and have NEVER met another person so absolutely impassioned about his motorcycle. I can still picture him describing his KZ until he was practically out of breath!

http://www.riverviewfh.com/obituary.php?w=3078

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2016 2:25 pm

I remember Mark on a couple of rides. The last one was at the Wellsboro PA ride. He couldn't ride but drove in his car to be with us.

Godspeed...

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2016 2:43 pm

Mark was an absolute howl. When you got him cranked up about motorcycles or almost anything else he could have the entire crowd in stitches. His 750 (dubbed "Courtney Love") looked just like what the name implies--assembled, sleazy and at times, very hot. I have missed him on the rides and now will continue to do so.

Ride In Peace, Mark.

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2016 3:07 pm

Sorry to read that. Didn't know you, but remember you posting... RIP fellow F'er.

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2016 5:05 pm

This is very sad news.
Mark certainly was a passionate guy when it came to his F and his ELR.
I only got to meet him once about 10 years ago when i bought an '80 CBX project from him.
Some of the parts from his bike will be on mine when i go for a ride today.

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2016 5:50 pm

Sad news. Mark was there for the very first ride in 2004.

CB1100F wrote:

gordjones(Gord) 79cb750f(Mark) cb1100f(Glenn) warpspeed(Jeff)

Gord, Mark and Jeff on their bikes.

It didn't rain. We didn't ride, but we did beerchug

Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2016 12:41 am

Mark was truly one of kind in the best way possible. I still smile and laugh whenever I remember his unusual style of speaking. Very matter of fact and absolutely hilarious. He will be missed. Godspeed Brother!

Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2016 12:45 am

Vaya Con Dios, Mark. You will be missed.

Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2016 1:05 am

I knew I should have started going to rides sooner than I did, then I would have had the privilege of meeting you Mark.

Rest in Peace.

Steve

Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2016 1:11 am

I agree Steve, wish I had started going earlier as well. Sounds like we missed some real character guys! Far too young to be checking out.

Chris

When I saw the picture that Glenn posted, I went back to Rides, Rallies and Get Togethers from 2004 and found the planning thread for the first NE Spring Ride. Lots of posts from all involved.
From someone that never had the pleasure of meeting Mark, reading his posts gives you a feel for the kind of F'r he was.
I'm glad the tradition continues, you know, riding, drinking, telling stories....
RIP Mark!

http://www.cb1100f.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=1029&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=england+ride&start=0

Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2016 1:26 am

RIP Mark,sad news.

Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2016 1:58 am

79cb750f wrote:

Laugh all you want, it has 365,000 miles, It was the driest ride on Saturday, got 35MPG, didn't burn a drop of oil and the fucking lights work.

Comenting on the Wellsboro PA ride in the Fall 2009

Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2016 4:07 pm

Such sad news. Mark was one of the originals. He was so impassioned with life that he could talk your head off about the smallest thing. Cars, motorcycles, women it didn't matter. Mark always rode with his leather jacket inflated like a balloon. I recall a ride when his poor 750 couldn't keep up and I slowed down to ride with him back to the hotel in Saratoga Springs. His bike was maxed out and he hit a bump on the road. I watched in horror as his entire body was thrown off the bike and then in slow motion he seemed to miraculously grab hold of one handlebar and then another superman style and his butt finally made contact with the seat. Wow! Wow! Wow! We slowed and puttered back to a group already deep into the beers. I've missed you every ride Mark and now sadly there will be no more rides to share or stories to hear.

Spring 2005 - We meet.

Fall Ride dinner....the whole group Smile

Fall Ride 2005

Spring Ride 2006

Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2016 5:30 pm

I rode with Mark on a couple of rides and got into some great conversations with him. He was truly one of a kind. From one Mark to another.....you will be missed.

Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2016 6:39 pm

Never met him but, Rest In Peace Mark.

Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2016 2:57 am

1958: A vintage of oddballs and hell raisers.
Fun and reliable
Beloved and gone too soon.

Ride in Peace Mark. Another verified great guy I won't get to meet.

Edit: The 2006 picture and this thread inspired a search into the archives. 2008 NE Spring Ride : Utica, DT900F's last ride. Dana had mentioned having Mark help him with the valve adjustment. I'll bet they were friends and hung out at these rides! At least Mark has friends waiting for him on the other side like Larry and my dad. For them, the Great F'n Weekend never ends.