After the Olympics I was contemplating different subjects that I could blog about.
The name of my Blog is Avid Cyclist, so I should really be blogging about cycling. Last night the skies cleared and I decided it was time for the first ride of the year. It was a beautiful evening and I had a great ride. This morning I woke up to beautiful blue skies and I was noodling how I could fit in another ride today.
Before heading out, I then checked my messages and heard that a dear friend had passed away on the weekend at the age of 41. I immediately knew what I had to write about.
Mike Van Vlack owned the BioPed franchise in Windsor. He was very healthy, a great Dad, with three young kids, had a wonderful wife and was an amazing person. He will be missed by many.
I remember Mike as a young 23 year old coming out of college and beginning his first job at BioPed. There was something very special about him ...he could always ask the tough question, but in a way that he didn't hurt or insult the other person. He was also a great listener and a sponge for learning. While Windsor was a long drive from Toronto, I never hesitated when Mike asked for help. Besides, he was an amazing golfer and it was an opportunity to play with him. I remember inviting him to be my partner one year at my member guest golf tournament. He had never played the course and didn't have his "A" game with him that day, but still shot even par 71. He never got mad or didn't panic when he made a bad shot, but had faith that he could get the job done. He lived his life in exactly the same way.
Mike grew up as a farmer and it was always my belief that farmer's kids made the best hires. They understood a good work ethic, commitment, perseverance and most importantly were just 'good' people. I always wished that I could clone Mike. It may be too late to do that, but I have a good feeling that his three children will be very like him.
The Obit in today's Windsor Star is a great tribute to him and really speaks volumes about the type of person he is. (The link to the Star article is below)
As the article explains, Mike was just being Mike and had organized a fund raiser to help out a close friend who was going through very expensive Cancer treatments. He never asked someone to do something that he wouldn't do himself.
When things like this happen, I ask the questions; "why them? why so young? And just why?"
Of course, there are no answers, but when I go for a ride later today, I will try to find some. :(
sent from my BlackBerry device
Best regards,
Greg
M 416-347-1545
Sorry to hear about your friend. Hang in there, and know that even total strangers are sending good vibes your way today.
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