Monday, August 04, 2025

A Loss

Waiting for riders at the Cherry Grove Checkpoint for Alamnzo 100 2017
 I never wanted or expected I would ever have to write a post like this. In fact, I almost did not write it. However; there is a part of me which wanted to find some solace in normality. I guess this is something common when you experience a loss.

On Saturday morning, August 2nd, we found our son, Jacob Stevenson, dead in his room. He died of unknown causes in his sleep sometime that evening. He had just turned 22 on July 24th. 

I suppose I could say a lot of things, but keeping it bicycle related, I will share the following things about my son. First: He was a good man. He cared fiercely about those he loved. And when it came to serving others, there was no hesitation

This was evident from the few times he came alongside me to facilitate a few bicycle events. His earliest memory, and one he cherished, was of a time I was a record keeper at a local mountain biking race at Ingawanis Woodlands where he probably was about 4 years old. I had him stationed on the single track about 20 yards away from me to help me spot riders coming up.  That stuck with him, for whatever reason, but was an early example of his willingness and excitement to serve.

Again, a similar situation arose at two of the Almanzo events I helped support with Riding Gravel.  I know Jacob made a big impression on many riders with his servicing them by getting water bottles filled. I will always cherish the memory I have of him snatching bottles from one riders cages before he knew what was up. Jacob running off to fill them, and then the rider staring bewildered as Jacob came back with two full bottles for him. 

Of course, these were but a pittance of so many memories and examples I cannot take time to recount here. But I am proud of the man he was, and how he was an example of selfless servitude at times. I hope to mirror this quality and honor his memory in the future by doing so. 

Apologies for the heavy post on a Monday. Thank you for reading, and I'll be back tomorrow as usual.  

15 comments:

Snippy Stones said...

Dear Guitar Ted, my name is Dave Stones reading from The UK. I am so sorry for your tragic loss. I read your writings every day at 0730hrs. A life long cyclist of most types. I have tears in my eyes. My family and I send our sincere condolences to you and your family. Love to you all. Snippy.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry for your loss

Kerry said...

No words can express your long time readers sympathy, and sorrow. Our hearts go out to you and your family

teamdarb said...

Heavy and welcomed. This tiny man offers 2 arms opened wide and a chest to serve up a huge hug in respect. Your son and I share a similar birthday. I know well a Leo's character. Grandma will welcome Jacob. God will welcome Jacob.

(First posting was an incomplete thought)

Pete Witucki said...

I’m so sorry. I can’t fathom your loss, but I am so grateful that you shared this with this community you have built so that we can mourn with you.

flying_sqrl said...

My condolences to you and your family.

Tyler Loewens said...

So sorry for your loss! No parent should have to go through that.

shiggy person said...

May you and your family find peace, GT.

Rydn9ers said...

Most of us will never understand the pain a parent goes through when they have to bury a child, that's not the way life is supposed to go. I never had the opportunity to meet Jacob but I know he was an amazing man. I know this because I took a chance back in 2017 and showed up for a GTDRI and got to meet "The Guitar Ted" and over the years I've gotten to share more than a few miles with you and because of that I know what kind of man his father is. Thank you for sharing this very personal time in your life with us, you owed us nothing. My heart goes out to you and Phyllis during this time of incredible grief. I have a big hug waiting for you the next time we meet, Mark.

tntmoriv said...

I’m so sorry. What a shocking loss for you and your family. Your whole community here is heartbroken for you and has you all in our thoughts and prayers.

S.Fuller said...

All of you have been in my thoughts since Saturday AM. Who Jacob was and became is a direct reflection of his parents and their values. You raised a good young man. Again, condolences from both K and I to all of you.

Angsteroflove said...

Dear Ted I was scrolling through my bookmarks this morning and as I saw yours I thought,I have not read his musings in quite awhile.I promptly opened it up and was shocked,dismayed and deeply saddened by your words today.
To have to endure the anguish of losing a child is awful.
Sending you my deepest condolences

Bryan said...

I'm sorry.

GarryO said...

My sincere condolences to you and your family.

Phillip Cowan said...

I was crushed to read the news this morning. I hope the good Lord will give you and your family the strength to get past this terrible time