Donald Masters - R.I.P.

... I would like to reach out to the motorcycle community and ask that you submit via PM, suggestions for a Highway sign we can place before the curve asking fellow motorcyclist to slow down in Donald's honor.

+1000 We should be able to do this... :bow1:
 
I would like to reach out to the motorcycle community and ask that you submit via PM, suggestions for a Highway sign we can place before the curve asking fellow motorcyclist to slow down in Donald's honor.

We have contact information for Idaho DOT that was provided by Trooper Duncan Hedges of the Idaho State Police. Enough pressure on DOT and it should be a done deal.

Larry, I note from your ride map that you haven't been to Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Consider this an invitation to head out this way next summer and I'll join you and show you some of the fine roads in this part of the country.
 
Larry, I note from your ride map that you haven't been to Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Consider this an invitation to head out this way next summer and I'll join you and show you some of the fine roads in this part of the country.

DITTO
 
Larry, I note from your ride map that you haven't been to Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Consider this an invitation to head out this way next summer and I'll join you and show you some of the fine roads in this part of the country.

I too would like to see this happen and would be more than happy to be a guide to some of the great riding in this area.
 
I think the PuttSTOC might evolve into a Putt/DonaldSTOC. What say y'all?

PuttSToc is for whoever and all who no longer ride,,, and only ride along with us IMHO...

I assure you that when I am at Moki Dugway I will remember a long list of riders who I have known that no longer ride... Adding Donald would be,,, should be and will be fine... We all will remember different people... Just as my Pine tree sticker on my bike might have started with Jack Pine Savage,,, it now includes all who I carry along on my rides... I never,,, ride alone anymore... :bow1:
 
I have been in touch (via PM) with several of you regarding a marker for Donald. There was the initial info that DOT in that particular state would take down a cross (they believe it would be a distraction to drivers), then talk of a "rustic" marker that would blend with the environment. THIS IDEA of a slow down, dangerous curve sign, as a memorial to Donald should be approved by DOT, and would continue Donald's impact on people (something he did when he was here, and something he continues to do in spirit.) I applaud the idea....how can we make it happen?

From a personal perspective, the marker that was created/erected for KentS by a fellow STowner was a tribute that makes an impact on all riders/drivers , and I'm sure such a warning from Donald's friends and family would do the same.

I ride with my pegs down, always, privileged to have company of loved ones when I ride.

womantriker
 
The marker for Kent S is behind the guard rail and almost invisible to the traffic on that curve.
Even with it marked on my GPS, it is still difficult to find. Same with Putt's Memorial Rock hideout. Even with pictures, it is not easy to find. I would think that with all the brain power on this board, we can come up with something appropriate for Don, that DOT won't get excited about.
 
Maybe a Carrin?

Is a pile of rocks. Starts with 3 or 4 as a marker for someone or something. In this part of the world, is considered bad form to go by one with out adding a rock. It's all about knowing the what/why of the Carrin that is important.

The biggest one I know is on a <very> back road, a monument to a guy's dog. The second biggest is a gps findable marker for a family that died east of here on their way to California...when the trail went south of the Chocolate Mtns. Anyway, the state might not move it if they don't know what it is...
 
i personally like the idea of a cairn. location where it would not create a problem for other drivers would be the only issue.

one other thing i'd like to mention.

several of us on the my-mc.com forum have been involved in FRIENDSTOC for the Past few years. it came about to honour a rider in california and his family and soon another was added. of late we have added another in england who is very much alive. i invite you all to please check this out and add your comments.

i would like to see DONALD added, a ride and event formed either for him or as part of FRIENDSTOC.
funds are raised via an on sight auction and the money sent to the families for whatever they choose or for education.

something similar could be done and funds donated in Donald's name to the very necessary rehabilitation center in colorado. it could even be held in colorado and / or in idaho. with a little planning i'm certain this would become a very well attended event and the funds raised would go a very long way in helping those that are fighting a life long illness.

any thoughts?

rob
 
CPL Duncan Hedges, of the Idaho State Police, was very helpful regarding the possibilities open for getting the curve warning sign changed as well as getting a state approved memorial marker and gave this information to Donald's kin. Unlike many states, Idaho actually has a state wide memorial marker program in order to remind folks to take it easy on the state roads. I know that Noah and Justin (Donald's son and step-son) are very interested in pursuing this avenue and are definitely dedicated to getting the curve warning sign changed so that it is more informative.

Meanwhile, I know so many of us wanted to be there in Idaho and Montana and, for a variety of circumstances, where unable to be there. I've no doubt that many of us want to be at the memorial service this Saturday and are faced with similar issues. I encourage us all, whether we can be in Denver or not on Saturday, to take a few moments of silence on October 3rd as well as again on December 2 when Donald is laid to rest in Arlington.

Of course, as we are able, donating to a cause close to Donald's heart is always an excellent way to memorialize someone who has touched to many of us. Just think, if everyone who was touched by this experience donated just $10 (and I know there were folks following this on hundreds of forums across the net), what a difference that would make.

Ride safe out there.
 
On October 3, 2009, I will ride "rear pegs down" during the LOE 1000, in memory of Donald Masters.
 
On Sunday, September 13 I rode that stretch of US93. Mr. Masters had not yet been found. I had no idea . . .

R.I.P. Donald
 
Per request:

Tribute to DAC Member Donald Jackson Masters 1946-2009

by Cyndi Uhl

September 27, 2009



“Nothing in the world is permanent, and we’re foolish when we ask anything to last, but surely we’re still more foolish not to take delight in it while we have it.”

Somerset Maugham, The Razor’s Edge

It was a strange moment when I sat down to begin writing a tribute to my dear friend, Donald. In my habit of avoiding difficult tasks, I began leafing through a copy of The Razor’s Edge which Donald had given me many months before. I knew that this was one of his favorite stories and from which he saw many parallels to his own life. Seeing that he had underlined this particular quote, I knew how to begin my tribute.

In September, Donald died in a motorcycle accident in a remote area of Idaho. He was killed after failing to negotiate a turn on a mountain road. As the saying goes, “he died doing what he loved best.” But that does not fill the void of his passing.

Donald had many successful careers, first as a military officer and later as an attorney and entrepreneur. But despite the intense demands of business, he dedicated large amounts of his personal time to assisting people struggling with substance addictions. A man of powerful compassion and spiritual focus, Donald generously gave his heart and energy to various 12-step programs and Contemplative Outreach.

Although born, raised, and educated in the East, Donald felt profoundly connected to the mountain West. Shortly into his law career in New York, he decided to head to Denver, where he spent the rest of his life. Skiing, cycling, and motorcycling were a constant part of his life and Donald strove to balance his personal, professional, and spiritual relationships with a healthy lifestyle. We used to meet in the DAC’s Fitness Center to workout together and share conversations. With his blinding intellect and huge appetite for reading, he could discuss virtually anything. Donald was never boring.

I was opposed to his taking the long motorcycle trip. I didn’t think it was safe. In hindsight, the trip seems emblematic of his life having come full circle. Having visited friends and family across several western states, he was headed towards Colorado to meet his newborn baby granddaughter when the accident occurred.

Like Maugham’s character Larry Darrell, Donald was dedicated to the pursuit of truth and meaning.

I have lost a deeply affecting friend. The DAC has lost an extraordinary member.
 
Anybody...
How was the memorial service for Donald?:(

Had one minutes silence at 9.30pm here(UK) as I think that was 2.30pm Denver time.

Bill
 
I was not able to attend myself but had a moment of silence at 1:30 pm Tucson time on Saturday. I did get to speak with Rod (Old2Wheeler), Justin (Donald's step-son), and Noah (Donald's son) yesterday (Monday 10/5) and they said the service was beautiful. Lots of folks from the recovery community were there with an outpouring of caring and compassion.

Rod will probably put up more info once he gets home from Denver.
 
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