That has my total approval. I can't think of a nicer tribute.
duc750 pretty much nailed it. One can hardly imagine the whirlwind which comes from every direction imaginable with such a tragic event. And to be blindsided with it as well.
I can say I expected it but you're never ready for it. And like Rat900 Aunt's said... Being consoled can be quite exhausting.
I want to apologize to ducpainter. I did get your message and meant to respond but I'm the World's best procrastinator. And you can take consolation in the fact you were on a long list of people I intended to contact.
I googled Randolph Virden and this thread came up. I read the whole thread a couple time and was very touched by all the kind comments by everyone towards my brother.
I have to admit I was completely surprised with the name Dolph. That was totally new to me.
Growing up it was Randy. Then some farm hand called him Randa Panda which we eventually shortened to Bear. Then as he got older he preferred Randolph which is his birth name.
Dolph. He must have kept that to himself because he knew I'd start calling him that with a little bit of the "needle" attached as brothers and friends are apt to do. The stuff you can get away with on the internet.
I'm not here to rag on my brother or to praise him. I have to agree with Zooom and say you don't want to memorialize him. But you found a way to do it in a very tasteful way. That's awesome.
Dolph and I were very competitive growing up. We played golf at a fairly high level and the sibling rivalry pushed each of us to become better than if we had not had that motivation.
Dolph was the first person to make a hole in one on the par 4 Ninth hole at the Valley View Golf Course. For all you non golfers out there, a hole in one is a hole in one. A 3 on a par four is a Birdie, a 2 on a par four is an Eagle and a 1 on a par four is a "Double Eagle". So he basically makes a "hole in one" and a "Double Eagle". The Double Eagle being far more rare than a hole in one. This was back in the day of CB radios. And like forums you had to have a username. Back then they referred to it as a "handle". So that's when he started using Double Eagle.
The Memorial is set to take place at the Valley View GC outside Lancaster Ohio at 4:00. At 4:30 we will go up around the green at the Ninth hole and plant a tree. I had him cremated so some ashes will go in there and we have a plaque stating he was the first to accomplish the feat of making a hole in one (double eagle) on the ninth hole.
Unfortunately he had not played golf for approx 15 yrs. He pretty much destroyed his joints body building. He did not have the genetics needed but that didn't stop him. He attacked the weights with the same ferocity as he attacked a corner.
I hate to leave anyone out but there are a few posts which I felt were pretty thought provoking. Nomad pretty much expressed my opinions.
duccarlos makes a strong case for consideration of others. I'll give an example of such. I'm recovering from kidney stone surgery when he had his first accident. I get a call from the Logan emergency room. He has four broken ribs and he wants me to come down and get him. I say I can't take care of you, can't they keep you for a few days ? He says I don't want to stay here so I go get him. I understand the concept of a positive outlook but could you take it easy while I'm recovering from surgery ? I guess he's like most of us. We can be a total ass sometimes and then be thoughtful and compassionate.
I think Stater kinda' saw through him a little bit. Dolph might have thought he was a little better rider than he actually was. In the past it was bad decision making which caused problems and I suspect this time was no different.
Ducofthewest had an interesting observation. I think the quote went something like " a grown up living a little kids lifestyle. I'm not sure about the grownup part. He acted more like the 16 yr old whose parents went away for the weekend. I'm more inclined to look at him as "growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional".
I have to cut this short. I'll be back. There are a lot more things I'd like to talk about like the events I know about and the ones I'm not too sure about.
It's not like I'm completely foreign to bike riding. I have a 2000 Softail Standard. I ride without a helmet or a windshield. I feel the no helmet makes me feel more vulerable so I drive safer ? How's that for justification. Can you now see any similarities between me and Dolph ?
The no windshield keeps me from going above 60 mph because those June Bugs really smart when you take one in the cheek.
From my perspective, the nicest thing we all can do for him is keep his memory alive for as long as possible. Whether it be a couple weeks or a couple days.
I'll be happy to answer any questions and I'll be back in a few days to ramble on some more.
David Virden
