Sunday, August 28, 2016

John Eiden 1925 - 2016

A group of us gathered today and the reason was to honor a friend's passing, namely John Eiden.  It wasn't a long ride but in the time that it took us all to meet in one place, make the few miles to the Visitation location and then meet with his other family and friends, there were stories and smiles aplenty. 

As I mentioned almost 4 years ago in an earlier blog post, my time chatting with John happened entirely at Saturday morning coffee sessions, my favorite subject with John was his time growing up on the farm. Sure, we talked about riding and motorcycles too but the subject that John shared with me the most often was his time as a young man in Holdingford.  There were many motorcycle stories and happenings that I'd casually overheard but those coffee session discussions could in no way compare to the multitude of stories that I heard today, many of them enhanced by the photographs displayed on the easels and even better, by the people that were actually there and part of them.  The Sturgis stories alone were multiple chapters.

His riding and mechanic adventures around the one and only single motorcycle that he ever owned told today among his friends were so great in number that for the rest of us, with who knows how many machines, will seldom if ever be topped.  If I heard it once today, I heard it a dozen times...."John fixed things, he didn't throw them away......"  Radios, clocks, WLA Harley Davidsons, Le Car's, Chevrolet Geo's.... John fixed things that weren't made to BE fixed.

Only the beginning of our group riders..... finally a proper mix of VJMC and Antique Club members, roughly 35 of us.




















Seeing the smiles and joy on so many faces today spoke volumes about everyone that John touched and in everything that he's left behind.

Rest In Peace John.....we'll miss you at the end of the table there in the back room.

10 comments:

  1. Great tribute to John Eiden...enjoyed your pictures of the group that gathered together to travel to his visitation to say good bye to a friend and honor a life well lived. Thank you!

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  2. A gathering to honor your friend's memory and life, I think he probably watched on with a smile.

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  3. Replies
    1. David, there honestly aren't very many around like John, definitely one of a kind.

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  4. Always a sad day when we lose a friend and fellow rider.

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    1. Brandy, yes it is. John led a full and meaningful life, I doubt with a single important regret.

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  5. I will never ever forget you came down to be with me and go to Larry "Putt" Granells funeral.God bless you Doug.We might not see each other often,but I will get back on a bike.This kid I have won't be in school forever(just seems like it)lol.

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    1. Scott, I was honored and proud to join you that day at Putt's funeral...it just seemed like the right place to be. It was a day I won't forget, glad you and I did it together.

      Enjoy this time Scott, plenty of time for you to start riding again.

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