I am very sad!

:( I just found out that a very dear man that I had the honor of knowing had a heart attack while riding he's bike last week. He was training for an up coming triathalon. I think he was in he's 70's. We called him Papa bear. He and he's dog Osos were a fixture here in our town. Papa would leave the back of he's van open when ever he would stop any place so Osos could hang out the back and greet people. Papa always said he wanted he's ashes as well as Osos's to be spread along a really neat sand spit we have here in Los osos Ca. I was happy to here that Osos (who looks like a big fuzzy bear) Has gone to a really good home. I saw him yesterday and cried when I saw him ( I am crying right now) He's new owner who has never met me but was good friends with Papa, gave me a hug and then invited me to come on a hike they are doing in he's honor on the 4th. I said that would be really nice. He has also promised to keep some of Papa's ashes so when it is Osos's time they can be together like he wanted. Papa bear is going to really be missed around here. i am going to miss seeing him on he's bike too. He was a very neat guy who was there to help and always had a hug for me! Sorry if this makes anyone sad but it has helped me to honor he's memory by sharing with you, fellow bikers! He was a good soul.
When you are out bikeing any time soon just give a moment for those we have lost if you want.

Brandi, very sorry to hear that someone you knew passed away. The story definately made me also a little sad. I am sure he had a life full of wonderful people who will miss him. Cheer up! If as long as you remember him- he is alive!

FN

Thank you! I was concerned for Osos and it gave me a lot of compfort knowing he went to a good home.

I know what you mean, dogs get very attached to owners and become part of family. Good to know he found a warm house

Hi ((((Brandi))))

I'm very sorry to hear about Papa Bear. I am however, happy to hear that Papa's precious furdog, Osos :) , found a wonderful new home!! (I'm sure that Papa Bear looking down from Heaven is happy about him too).

I volunteer as a moderator for a pet-grief website. So often I hear stories when an older person passes away that the furkids left behind are not always so lucky :( .

Papa will always be in your heart -- remember that!

Have a peaceful day.

Denise

Brandi - I'm sorry to hear about your friend. It sounds like he had a good, long life and enjoyed himself. You, too, are a good soul. I hope you are doing OK. Give Osos a smooch for me the next time you see him---I'm glad he has a good home.

Los Osos is a beautiful place, so moving in itself that I can see how it would be a place to dream of spending eternity, also a place one could go to remember someone who shared a fondness for it. Papa Bear seems, on that basis alone, to have been a wise man who cared not only for his own memory but for how his friends would deal with grieving.

Aw Brandi... so sorry to hear this... I understand how it hurts and how shocking it is to lose someone you care about. I'm glad to hear Osos has a good home, with an obviously kind and caring person...

Perhaps next year you can do the Ride of Silence in honor of your friend... I did it this year in honor of 2 riders whose deaths touched a place in me too... hugs...

thank you all for your kind words. i don't know abouth the ride of silence fill me in please.