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| Waiting for riders at the Cherry Grove Checkpoint for Alamnzo 100 2017 |
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.
27 comments:
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.
I'm so sorry for your loss
No words can express your long time readers sympathy, and sorrow. Our hearts go out to you and your family
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)
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.
My condolences to you and your family.
So sorry for your loss! No parent should have to go through that.
May you and your family find peace, GT.
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.
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.
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.
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
I'm sorry.
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
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
My Gosh Mark. I can't imagine the loss of a child. Peace with with you.
So sorry for your loss. Please feel free to post as many times as you like about memories of your son, and they definitely don't have to be bike related.
So sorry for your loss GT. Hope you and your family can feel all the prayers coming your way.
Dear Mark and family - My deepest condolences, wishing you peace in your time of grieving. Been reading your writing for a long time, and the memory that sticks out is how happy Jacob was when you gifted him his first fat bike. Many friendly strangers from around the world are with you in remembering Jacob.
Jacob was such a sweetheart… I will never forget his smile, and how proud he was of you as his father, Mark. He looked up to you and you didn't let him down. Even though this is hitting me hard, I still have no idea of the range and depth of emotions you've experienced in the past few days.
This is one of those poignant reminders to remind the people you love that you love them, and hold them close.
I love you, Brother.
I can't imagine the hurt you must be feeling. Peace to you and your family.
So sorry to hear this, Mark/GT. Best to you and your family.
I'm just so terribly sorry. It's really impossible to say anything that would adequately provide comfort...
Mark,
I am so sorry. You and your family are in our prayers.
Just one among your many readers who wants to offer my condolences in a heavy, heavy time.
Prayers to you and your family.
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Prayers and best wishes to you, your family, and your son.
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