RIP Speednugget

Posted: Sat May 06, 2017 5:58 pm

Some of you know that I'm (temporarily) living in Connecticut, working at my last job before retirement (fingers crossed).

Last year, about this time of year, I had stopped at the Post Office to mail some parts to someone (can't remember, not important). Waiting in line, and this guy comes in, and wants to know "Who owns that 900F out there?" I introduced myself and we got to talking. He said he had a basement full of parts and two bikes that he wanted to get rid of. I arranged to meet him at his house to see what he had. He indeed had a full basement of parts, and we spent a few months selling both his bikes (one red 1100F partially assembled to a member here in Mass, and his black 900 to a local guy off of Craigslist) and many many parts: Cylinders, a NOS V+H 4 into 1 exhaust, and way more than I can list here. Some of the leftovers are now in my basement... He ended up pocketing almost 4K from the various sales, and said it was "in the nick of time!"

Walt was heavily into F's a long time ago, and enjoyed riding fast. He joined our Forum on Feb 27, 2004, and had a total of 403 posts. His screen name seemed to be an apt description, since he was just a little fella (5' 3" ish, and maybe 140, soaking wet). He was involved in a serious accident with a car approximately 10 years ago (maybe a bit more than that, now), and while he survived, he needed nine surgeries to do so. His description of coming home from the hospital and looking at the motor that was in the bike he was riding, with his flesh still embedded between the fins and in the cases almost made me puke... He said he tried to get back on a bike, but there was no way he could ride anymore, for two reasons: first, the accident had ruined his left leg and hip, so he couldn't push a bike off of the sidestand, and second, his mind "wasn't right" (his words). Who can blame him?

He spent the last 10 or so years bouncing from job to job (auto mechanic, you should have seen is toolboxes!), and descending into alcoholism. He stopped responding to my texts in Dec (I sent him a Merry Christmas message), and my phone calls to him went straight to vmail. I drove by his house on my way to/from work several times over the last few months, but his car was never in the drive, nor was there any evidence that the house was lived in. Today (Sat), I drove to Shelton specifically to check on him, and found the house open, and three people removing construction debris (the beginning of a remodeling project). I introduced myself, and met Walts brother (the resemblance is striking, LOL), who explained to me that Walt had checked himself into the Hospital on the 8th of Dec to get help quitting drinking, but that he passed away 8 days later.

RIP, Walt! I hope there are dry roads and sticky pavement wherever you are!

Posted: Sat May 06, 2017 6:43 pm

Cliff,
A sad way to die and probably hastened by the accident.
Sorry to hear the news.
Jeff

Posted: Sat May 06, 2017 8:23 pm

Very sad news indeed. I was fortunate to spend some time with the two of you when you guys delivered his 1100F to Mark. Sorry to hear about his very premature passing. Ride on Walt!

Posted: Sat May 06, 2017 8:52 pm

Very sad news.

Just goes to show that we must make the best of every day god has given us.

May he rest in peace.

Posted: Sat May 06, 2017 11:00 pm

Rest in Peace, Walt.

Haven't met you yet, but you sound like an F'n good guy.

Steve

Posted: Sun May 07, 2017 12:35 am

Nicely worded, Steve.

Rick, you are a good man for the help and friendship you gave to Walt.

Posted: Sun May 07, 2017 11:58 am

Sorry to hear that Cliff.

Always tough to lose an acquaintance but Harder to lose a FRIEND.

Sending comfort and prayers your way.

Ricardo

Posted: Sun May 07, 2017 3:57 pm

so sad, RIP