Author Topic: Those of you who know and Love Don Clark  (Read 10327 times)

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Offline Brick

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Those of you who know and Love Don Clark
« on: May 15, 2014, 11:09:52 PM »
I spoke with Don Clark who, by the way, is my hero! Don is I believe the HSTA/MSAT's oldest living member. Don, now close to his mid-90's rode to STAR just a couple of years ago. Yes he had his long time riding/drinking partner Dan Thomas leading him. He has ridden like 26 or 27 SCMA's Three Flag events. Had for years and years won the clubs eldest male rider to STAR and the award for most STARs attended. The a few years ago the love of his life and wife Billie fell ill. Din stayed home much more to go to the nursing facility to be with her every day. Of most recent his eyes are failing him and now he tells us that Dan Thomas was his seeing eye Dan when they rode. Come to think of it Don was always on Dan's right rear when they rode. See his left eye was still kind of ok.
Don has, since he can't see to ride gotten a flight in to attend STAR. He so loved this club that when he was given a life time membership he still kept his old membership and paid every year. The only member who has two member numbers.
I wanted to see if he was going to make it to STAR this year. It would be great to see him again! Well he said he was thinking about it but there was no direct flight from his home in Victorville, CA to Rapid City, SD. He would have to change planes somewhere. He is not sure he can see well enough or get around well enough. Don has long time friends in TX so I suggested he fly there and catch a ride. He says he doesn't like to impose. I would sure like to find a way to get him there. !! Got ideas??
Don says he doesn't hear much about the club as only Dan and I have called in quite a while. He is in the MSTA's Blue Book. If you get a chance give Don a call. I'm sure he would love to hear from you and about your riding.
Don Clark is definitely one of a kind a shinning star as a member.
Live Ya Don!



Brick
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strey1100

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Re: Those of you who know and Love Don Clark
« Reply #1 on: May 16, 2014, 12:54:33 AM »
Thanks Brick... I'll give him a call tomorrow...

Offline Patmo

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Re: Those of you who know and Love Don Clark
« Reply #2 on: May 16, 2014, 06:53:01 AM »
Thanks for the info, Brick.  He's my "hero" also.  I've told him several times that I want to be just like him "when I grow up".  ;D   
not all that wander are lost

Offline Bermuda Ron

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Re: Those of you who know and Love Don Clark
« Reply #3 on: May 16, 2014, 08:53:54 AM »
Brick, I think MSTA should nominate Don for the AMA Motorcyclist of the Year!


Don has really good service for Ontario (ONT) to Rapid City via one-stops at Denver or Salt Lake City.  The airlines are really terrific at transferring seniors via golf cart, and my parents always "feel like royalty" with this free service.  SLC is the less expensive hub, and Delta can get him through to Rapid City in about 4hr 10 min.  Check out Orbitz.
Ron Campbell, MSTA Member
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Husqvarna TR650 Terra "Annie" my red-headed orphan; Triumph Sprint ST 1050; Kawasaki Vulcan 1600; Daelim S1
Riding out of Mills River, NC in the heart of Motorcycle Heaven!

Offline Brick

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Re: Those of you who know and Love Don Clark
« Reply #4 on: May 16, 2014, 11:31:29 AM »
Ron Thanks. Oh I believe you... part of Dons problem is that he can't see... can't see the computer... What's what. And he didn't grow up with computers. He needs someone there to help him get it together. I can't do it from here. You could call and offer help or get it done for him. Explain it all to him. Another person calling him would be great.


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Offline Buckeye56

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Re: Those of you who know and Love Don Clark
« Reply #5 on: May 16, 2014, 07:46:40 PM »
I really hope he can work something out. Don is a character and I like characters! I would offer to help but I am flying in from Dublin, Ireland on the 8th.

Offline Michael Snyder

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Re: Those of you who know and Love Don Clark
« Reply #6 on: May 16, 2014, 09:13:53 PM »
I might be able to work out something with Karen going out to Cali to meet him and escort him.  Cant promise but let me see if i can call in some favors and make something work

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Offline Brick

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Re: Those of you who know and Love Don Clark
« Reply #7 on: May 16, 2014, 11:03:01 PM »
Michael that would be fantastic! Oh and you know Don he would love traveling with a pretty blond! Too cool if it works out!


Brick
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ACURA1300

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Re: Those of you who know and Love Don Clark
« Reply #8 on: June 06, 2015, 09:12:08 AM »
I spoke with Don Clark who, by the way, is my hero! Don is I believe the HSTA/MSAT's oldest living member. Don, now close to his mid-90's rode to STAR just a couple of years ago. Yes he had his long time riding/drinking partner Dan Thomas leading him. He has ridden like 26 or 27 SCMA's Three Flag events. Had for years and years won the clubs eldest male rider to STAR and the award for most STARs attended. The a few years ago the love of his life and wife Billie fell ill. Din stayed home much more to go to the nursing facility to be with her every day. Of most recent his eyes are failing him and now he tells us that Dan Thomas was his seeing eye Dan when they rode. Come to think of it Don was always on Dan's right rear when they rode. See his left eye was still kind of ok.
Don has, since he can't see to ride gotten a flight in to attend STAR. He so loved this club that when he was given a life time membership he still kept his old membership and paid every year. The only member who has two member numbers.
I wanted to see if he was going to make it to STAR this year. It would be great to see him again! Well he said he was thinking about it but there was no direct flight from his home in Victorville, CA to Rapid City, SD. He would have to change planes somewhere. He is not sure he can see well enough or get around well enough. Don has long time friends in TX so I suggested he fly there and catch a ride. He says he doesn't like to impose. I would sure like to find a way to get him there. !! Got ideas??
Don says he doesn't hear much about the club as only Dan and I have called in quite a while. He is in the MSTA's Blue Book. If you get a chance give Don a call. I'm sure he would love to hear from you and about your riding.
Don Clark is definitely one of a kind a shinning star as a member.
Live Ya Don!



Brick

Hello Brick,
Can you ping me off list please?( karl.zue@gmail.com )I would like to get an update on Don.
I am writing an article for Iron Butt Magazine about Aging & Long Distance riding, and I would like to include Don in the piece.  The last time I saw him was at Taos Star, 1998, with Rod Eastwood.  I first met him on a hill country ride in Marble Falls,Texas a few years before. I remember when there was an 80th birthday party for Don, (Avon?) He has been a truly amazing guy!
Thanks in advance. KZ
Former member & Director, NM HSTA