Kevin_56
Site Supporter
Sad news indeed. Can not add to the tributes that have already been written. God's speed and keep riding with our other friends you are now with.
It is with heavy heart, Paulcb - 2022-05-26
- Thread starter JoeP
- Start date
My heart goes out for Paul’s brother and family!! It is my prayer that God would embrace them during this time as only He can in great loss!! Friends make sure you are ready and that your eternity is secure in Christ.
Sorry for the loss to his family and Thank you to his brother to let us knowIt is with a heavy heart that I am writing this. I've been following Paul's trek back with his new bike. I just received a text from his brother Greg. I can only guess that Greg got my name/number from Paul's phone. Greg asked that I post this.
Paul made to within 3 miles of home on his long trek. From Greg, "He had a motorcycle accident last night and passed away. We are all stunned and heart broken. Wondering if you could get the message out on your website/board so all his motorcycle friends [wood] be aware. Thank you."
God rest his sole. Prayers for his family.
Rest in peace Paul((
Amen
Ride in peace old friend
Nice plate...large portion for sureAbsolutely shocked by this news. This one hits particularly hard.
Paul was a great person and passionate about his family and riding. At events I gave him a lot of grief about being an Aggie and always had several Aggie jokes to fling his way. He returned the favor by making fun of Razorbacks (even though his daughter is also a U of A Alumnus). We often spoke of family and his job where he developed neuromodulation hardware and the patients his technology helped. Pretty interesting stuff.
It was always good to see him and sometimes his brother, Greg at events. It seemed often that he was going somewhere interesting and doing it in a way that was unique. I really appreciated reading and hearing about his travels and why he chose those trips. I'm fortunate to have shared many laughs, meals, campfires and miles ridden with Paul. When he received the Member of the Year award I sent him a congratulatory text. After our conversation that day, I truly felt like he was the epitome of what this forum represents and an exemplary member that was much deserving of the honor bestowed upon him.
This loss is painful. I can't imagine what his family is going through right now. I truly hope they can find peace quickly and recover.
Godspeed Paul.
Mike
Davis, OK RTE
Paul is wishing he had ordered a smaller meal.
Terribly news about Paul, I only just caught up. Looked like his last journey was epic; I always catastrophise about what will happen when far from home, but the worst stuff often happens when you are nearly back with your family.
bdalameda
PaleoCyclist
Greg if you are reading this, I sent you a private message on this site.
Dan
Dan
STumped
Because I usually am . . . .
Greg,
I haven't posted anything here since I got the news on Friday. Mainly, because I don't quite know what to say. I was floored when I found out and have been speechless since then. I am not as good with words as many others on here but I echo their sentiments.
One thing that I have been thinking about since I got the news is how grateful I am that I got to see him again at the RTE in Belton.
Thank you for coming on here and sharing the information about the service. I have a weird work schedule so I don't know yet if I will be able to attend but I will try to be there.
Also, now that you are a member here, I hope I get to see you again at the various RTEs and STOC events. Please don't be a stranger here.
And as Joe said, if there is anything I can do for you or his family, please let me know.
My sincerest condolences to you and all of the Burns' family.
bdalameda
PaleoCyclist
This has been a tough weekend for many. My heart breaks for Paul and his family. I lost two friends in the last couple of days, Paul I considered a friend as we talked on the forum but I only met him in person when he came to pickup my bike. I also lost a good friend and colleague on Thursday due to an industrial accident. Blair was working on an industrial ammonia refrigeration system and a valve either broke or malfunctioned and he was overwhelmed by ammonia vapor and could not escape the area he was working in.
I have some idea of what these families are going through, I lost my brother in an aircraft accident years ago. We had designed and built a small homebuilt aircraft and while he was flying, the aircraft became unstable due to what is called wing flutter and he was not able to recover.
I have experienced a lot of death in my life, I can honestly say life is truly a gift that must be treasured and experienced fully. Trying to get safely through life until you die is no way to live but we all need to weigh risks and consider the ones we love and the people who count on us. We all must take the gift of life seriously and take precautions as needed as to not waste this precious gift and at the same time live fully.
I have posted this before I believe, these words written by Kahlil Gibran have help me find peace during some desperate times that I have experienced The last three lines of this writing I had put on my brothers headstone.
Kahlil Gibran on Death
You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light.
If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.
In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond;
And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring.
Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.
Your fear of death is but the trembling of the shepherd when he stands before the king whose hand is to be laid upon him in honour.
Is the shepherd not joyful beneath his trembling, that he shall wear the mark of the king?
Yet is he not more mindful of his trembling?
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.
I have some idea of what these families are going through, I lost my brother in an aircraft accident years ago. We had designed and built a small homebuilt aircraft and while he was flying, the aircraft became unstable due to what is called wing flutter and he was not able to recover.
I have experienced a lot of death in my life, I can honestly say life is truly a gift that must be treasured and experienced fully. Trying to get safely through life until you die is no way to live but we all need to weigh risks and consider the ones we love and the people who count on us. We all must take the gift of life seriously and take precautions as needed as to not waste this precious gift and at the same time live fully.
I have posted this before I believe, these words written by Kahlil Gibran have help me find peace during some desperate times that I have experienced The last three lines of this writing I had put on my brothers headstone.
Kahlil Gibran on Death
You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light.
If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.
In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond;
And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring.
Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.
Your fear of death is but the trembling of the shepherd when he stands before the king whose hand is to be laid upon him in honour.
Is the shepherd not joyful beneath his trembling, that he shall wear the mark of the king?
Yet is he not more mindful of his trembling?
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.
skidgillen
Site Supporter
Heard this song on Sirius XM today on my way to decorate my dad's grave today and shortly after hearing about Paul's death. It really struck a chord with me, and made me feel a little bit better, hope it does for the rest of you.
End of the Line
Traveling Wilburys
Well, it's alright, ridin' around in the breeze
Well, it's alright, if you live the life you please
Well, it's alright, doin' the best you can
Well, it's alright, as long as you lend a hand
You can sit around and wait for the phone to ring (at the end of the line)
Waiting for someone to tell you everything (at the end of the line)
Sit around and wonder what tomorrow will bring (at the end of the line)
Maybe a diamond ring
Well, it's alright, even if they say you're wrong
Well, it's alright, sometimes you gotta be strong
Well, it's alright, as long as you got somewhere to lay
Well, it's alright, everyday is judgment day
Maybe somewhere down the road a ways (at the end of the line)
You'll think of me and wonder where I am these days (at the end of the line)
Maybe somewhere down the road when somebody plays (at the end of the line)
Purple Haze
Well, it's alright, even when push comes to shove
Well, it's alright, if you got someone to love
Well, it's alright, everything'll work out fine
Well, it's alright, we're going to the end of the line
Don't have to be ashamed of the car I drive (at the end of the line)
I'm just glad to be here, happy to be alive (at the end of the line)
And it don't matter if you're by my side (at the end of the line)
I'm satisfied
Well, it's alright, even if you're old and grey
Well, it's alright, you still got something to say
Well, it's alright, remember to live and let live
Well, it's alright, the best you can do is forgive
Well, it's alright (alright), riding around on the breeze
Well, it's alright (alright), if you live the life you please
Well, it's alright, even if the sun don't shine
Well, it's alright (alright), we're going to the end of the line
End of the Line
Traveling Wilburys
Well, it's alright, ridin' around in the breeze
Well, it's alright, if you live the life you please
Well, it's alright, doin' the best you can
Well, it's alright, as long as you lend a hand
You can sit around and wait for the phone to ring (at the end of the line)
Waiting for someone to tell you everything (at the end of the line)
Sit around and wonder what tomorrow will bring (at the end of the line)
Maybe a diamond ring
Well, it's alright, even if they say you're wrong
Well, it's alright, sometimes you gotta be strong
Well, it's alright, as long as you got somewhere to lay
Well, it's alright, everyday is judgment day
Maybe somewhere down the road a ways (at the end of the line)
You'll think of me and wonder where I am these days (at the end of the line)
Maybe somewhere down the road when somebody plays (at the end of the line)
Purple Haze
Well, it's alright, even when push comes to shove
Well, it's alright, if you got someone to love
Well, it's alright, everything'll work out fine
Well, it's alright, we're going to the end of the line
Don't have to be ashamed of the car I drive (at the end of the line)
I'm just glad to be here, happy to be alive (at the end of the line)
And it don't matter if you're by my side (at the end of the line)
I'm satisfied
Well, it's alright, even if you're old and grey
Well, it's alright, you still got something to say
Well, it's alright, remember to live and let live
Well, it's alright, the best you can do is forgive
Well, it's alright (alright), riding around on the breeze
Well, it's alright (alright), if you live the life you please
Well, it's alright, even if the sun don't shine
Well, it's alright (alright), we're going to the end of the line
I am shocked beyond belief at this. Paul was a great help, great person.
Tetelestai indeed. Paul worked for a company who made a medical device that my wife had implanted in her spine. He was very helpful in getting me to understand how it functioned so that I could work with her technicians to get the best results from it. It was "inside information" that helped me urge them to use the full range of its capabilities. On top of all that he prayed for my wife's success with the implant. I know him to be a good man, and a man of faith. Prayers for the family. - Lee
OP
OP
Greg asked me to speak at the funeral. I don't believe I'd be able to hold it together to say what needs to be said. Greg asked for me to write some of what we texted back and forth. This is what I sent:
Paul was a friend to many in the motorcycle community. He loved to ride and the fellowship of those of us who shared the same passion. We have a forum where like-minded riders come together to get mechanical advice, share mechanical advice, joke, laugh, and at times cry together. I met Paul at an event we call RTE’s (ride-to-eat). Those events are where we get to meet face to face with, strangers that aren’t really strangers because we’ve seen or known them through the forum, and folks who share the same passion of motorcycling. I met Paul at one such RTE. Then on another occasion I scheduled one, but rain came and all but Paul cancelled. I met him in Celina and we rode anyway. I’m glad for that day, we had a wonderful lunch that ended with some great home-made pie.
Paul has touched many people through the motorcycle forum. When I couldn’t ride I went to the forums to live through other’s experiences or “ride reports”. Paul had some good ones.
In his passing many have expressed how he touched them. Paul touched many.
Many well wishes to Paul and his family and godspeed comments from too-many-to- count forum members. Comments similar to “though we’ve never met, I felt like I knew Paul”.
Ibike2havefun commented “We never met or corresponded but his posts were clearly those of the best of people.”
ST Steven stated “Being new here. I just met Paul thru his journey home……… I'm glad we are left with the most fantastic pictures he took for.” Paul shared many with us all.
Bdalameda said, “We had many posts back and forth on this forum and I felt I knew him when he came out. He was such a fine person and the short time we had together going over the bike was a memorable experience. I definitely felt I had made a good friend “.
Christian_64 wrote “Paul had helped me a few times with good advices on maintenance and things to check. I always considered him a friend, and a very good man, although we never met.” This was the kind of person Paul was.
Mellow, the forum creator/owner inscribed “To say Paul was one of the good ones is a major understatement.
He never had anything bad to say about anyone and was always quick to share anything he thought was useful to someone with regards to riding, or anything else for that matter, and was quick to absorb the experience of others.
He just finished doing the Heart of Texas Rally a few weeks ago and during the last RTE he'd announced he was buying @bdalameda 's bike and had just confirmed his plane ticket. He was excited to get that bike and have an epic ride on the way back then begin setting up one bike as a rally-bike. He commuted everyday to work and I joked with him how his maroon 1100 was actually pink due to the paint fading.”
W0QNX reflected, “I know Paul liked to travel and ride as much or more than most of us here. It was good to sit and talk to him or even just read his ride reports here about his travels from New Jersey to California and everywhere in-between. I rode with him several times over the years, we even traded bikes on one ride for a few miles. He was a kindred spirit for sure to me since we both loved caring for our families first and traveling on motorcycles second.”
Peppermint wrote “I never had the pleasure of meeting Paul in person but had a few exchanges with him on threads here. He stood out on this forum by his positive presence and kindness, which came through in his posts. He was a friend to many...including people he hadn't even met.”
Here is what DDuelin had to say about Paul, “Paul and I had salvation conversations and I know he's now riding with the author of life.” Right on!
I could go on and on with quotes from the motorcycle forum but you that knew Paul, already know what we are saying; Paul was outstanding among us. We are better to have known such a man.
In closing, I have to say, Paul had it figured out. He very subtly shared his faith on the forum with one word underneath his picture and screen name. That one word, “Tetelestai”. Tetelestai I pondered, searched for, then Googled. It was then I realized Paul was professing his faith with that one word to anyone willing to see it. Written in Greek, and literally meaning “it is finished”. I had heard that phrase before and knew it was in the bible. After searching a bit. Found, it was in the book of John chapter 19 verse 28. Jesus said it right before he passed into Heaven from the cross. I also found that Tetelestai has been used over the centuries on business documents and receipts. Used there the meaning wasn’t “it is finished”, but instead “it is paid in full”. It was then that I realized that Paul wasn’t saying “it is finished”, but rather Jesus had “paid in full” our debts. Tetelestai!!! I am debt free thanks to Jesus and thank you Paul for sharing!
Paul was a friend to many in the motorcycle community. He loved to ride and the fellowship of those of us who shared the same passion. We have a forum where like-minded riders come together to get mechanical advice, share mechanical advice, joke, laugh, and at times cry together. I met Paul at an event we call RTE’s (ride-to-eat). Those events are where we get to meet face to face with, strangers that aren’t really strangers because we’ve seen or known them through the forum, and folks who share the same passion of motorcycling. I met Paul at one such RTE. Then on another occasion I scheduled one, but rain came and all but Paul cancelled. I met him in Celina and we rode anyway. I’m glad for that day, we had a wonderful lunch that ended with some great home-made pie.
Paul has touched many people through the motorcycle forum. When I couldn’t ride I went to the forums to live through other’s experiences or “ride reports”. Paul had some good ones.
In his passing many have expressed how he touched them. Paul touched many.
Many well wishes to Paul and his family and godspeed comments from too-many-to- count forum members. Comments similar to “though we’ve never met, I felt like I knew Paul”.
Ibike2havefun commented “We never met or corresponded but his posts were clearly those of the best of people.”
ST Steven stated “Being new here. I just met Paul thru his journey home……… I'm glad we are left with the most fantastic pictures he took for.” Paul shared many with us all.
Bdalameda said, “We had many posts back and forth on this forum and I felt I knew him when he came out. He was such a fine person and the short time we had together going over the bike was a memorable experience. I definitely felt I had made a good friend “.
Christian_64 wrote “Paul had helped me a few times with good advices on maintenance and things to check. I always considered him a friend, and a very good man, although we never met.” This was the kind of person Paul was.
Mellow, the forum creator/owner inscribed “To say Paul was one of the good ones is a major understatement.
He never had anything bad to say about anyone and was always quick to share anything he thought was useful to someone with regards to riding, or anything else for that matter, and was quick to absorb the experience of others.
He just finished doing the Heart of Texas Rally a few weeks ago and during the last RTE he'd announced he was buying @bdalameda 's bike and had just confirmed his plane ticket. He was excited to get that bike and have an epic ride on the way back then begin setting up one bike as a rally-bike. He commuted everyday to work and I joked with him how his maroon 1100 was actually pink due to the paint fading.”
W0QNX reflected, “I know Paul liked to travel and ride as much or more than most of us here. It was good to sit and talk to him or even just read his ride reports here about his travels from New Jersey to California and everywhere in-between. I rode with him several times over the years, we even traded bikes on one ride for a few miles. He was a kindred spirit for sure to me since we both loved caring for our families first and traveling on motorcycles second.”
Peppermint wrote “I never had the pleasure of meeting Paul in person but had a few exchanges with him on threads here. He stood out on this forum by his positive presence and kindness, which came through in his posts. He was a friend to many...including people he hadn't even met.”
Here is what DDuelin had to say about Paul, “Paul and I had salvation conversations and I know he's now riding with the author of life.” Right on!
I could go on and on with quotes from the motorcycle forum but you that knew Paul, already know what we are saying; Paul was outstanding among us. We are better to have known such a man.
In closing, I have to say, Paul had it figured out. He very subtly shared his faith on the forum with one word underneath his picture and screen name. That one word, “Tetelestai”. Tetelestai I pondered, searched for, then Googled. It was then I realized Paul was professing his faith with that one word to anyone willing to see it. Written in Greek, and literally meaning “it is finished”. I had heard that phrase before and knew it was in the bible. After searching a bit. Found, it was in the book of John chapter 19 verse 28. Jesus said it right before he passed into Heaven from the cross. I also found that Tetelestai has been used over the centuries on business documents and receipts. Used there the meaning wasn’t “it is finished”, but instead “it is paid in full”. It was then that I realized that Paul wasn’t saying “it is finished”, but rather Jesus had “paid in full” our debts. Tetelestai!!! I am debt free thanks to Jesus and thank you Paul for sharing!
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aniwack
Site Supporter
So sad to hear this about Paul. Condolences to his family.
I just got back from Texas, picking up my grandkids.
The first thing I see on FB was about Paul's accident! I just can't believe it!
Prayers for his family and friends!
The first thing I see on FB was about Paul's accident! I just can't believe it!
Prayers for his family and friends!
Such sad new, condolences to Paul's family.
Rest in Peace Paul
Rest in Peace Paul
Gents;
May he rest in peace. Not much else to say.
Mike Coleman
North Lancaster,
Ontario, Canada
May he rest in peace. Not much else to say.
Mike Coleman
North Lancaster,
Ontario, Canada