With deep regret

[helicopterjim R.I.P.]

It is with deep regret that I have to report the passing of Bill Halsworth on Sunday June 24th, 2012. Bill was involved in a terrible crash while riding back from the Moto Guzzi rally in John Day Oregon.

 

I should have reported this earlier but I have been away flying and I did not think about posting here. My apologies.

 

Bill was riding a 2000 Green V11Sport and has been riding Moto Guzzi's for many years. He was also the founding force behind the www.stradavarious.ca site and was the main man in getting many Guzzi rides organized in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia!

 

Bill's Memorial will be Sunday July 8th at 1 pm at Valley Yamaha/Moto Guzzi, 44310 Yale Road West, Chilliwack, BC V2R 4H1 (604) 795-4403.

The Memorial is open to anyone and you are encouraged to ride your bike if you wish to attend!

 

I am truly saddened by his passing as we have ridden together for many years.

[helicopterjim R.I.P.]

Here is a very kind and appropriate post from the Stradavarious site from a co-rider and friend of Bill's

 

ODE FOR BILL

 

We were the better for knowing you, Bill

Riding the curves, riding the hills

You loved to ride on a sunny day

If it was wet you were game anyway

You liked to smile, you liked to laugh

Even when Foreman was passing gas

Febreeze you brought on the trip for him

To freshen the room when lights went dim

You shared your room with me on this trip

You and Kiwi, it didn't matter a flip

We had our laughs, we had our talks

As we perused the Guzzis on our walks

You laughed that night, until there were tears

I will remember it well for the rest of my years

There was the time that the toilet wouldn't flush

Kiwi claimed "I did it!" with nary a blush

Off he went with nothing to hide

Returning the plunger wet, with grate pride

You came up with the term Foremanate

As Kiwi spilled wine on a Yankee mate

We enjoyed your tales, your torn rotator cuff

Complained a little, but not too much

I feel like I've known you for way more years

I loved riding with you, going through the gears

Stories you told us from Montreal to Russia

Of a cross country trip, BC to Nova Scotia

Your smile will be greatly missed, your chortling laugh

As some joke was told, a story about a Kiwi gaff

You made me feel a part and very welcome

To this group of Guzzista, my dear friend William

I was with you when you rode your last ride

But I can hear you say, with nothing to hide

"I did what I loved, I enjoyed you guys

The curvy hiways, the blue blue skies

The freedom I felt, I wanted it to stay

If I had to go, this would be the way

I went quick, friends, don't let it weigh

On your minds, I really enjoyed that day!"

[helicopterjim R.I.P.]

Another post from a very kind gentleman whom we have not yet met but has moved to Canada from Italy and wishes to be part of the Stradavarious gang!

 

The only way I know to pay homage to Bill is:

 

Ti ringrazio Signore,

per avermi dato l’impeto del vento,

l’abbraccio del sole, del freddo e della pioggia.

Ti ringrazio Signore,

per avermi fatto vivere la pace grande della notte,

quando tutto si nasconde

e diventa più vero

Ti ringrazio Signore,

per avermi dato il bisogno di pregarti,

perché tu sai cos’è salire un monte

gettare il cuore in un filare d’alberi,

e respirare l’aria gelida di quando si va forte.

Ti ringrazio Signore,

per il cielo, le campagne, i fiori,

per averli fatti vedere a me così diversi e belli,

e così tanto miei.

Ti ringrazio Signore,

per aver dato ogni volta alla mia casa,

la gioia del ritorno.

Ti ringrazio Signore,

per quell’amore con cui hai accolto quelli che non sono ritornati.

Amen

 

Thank you Lord,

for giving me the impetus of the wind,

the embrace of the sun, the cold and rain.

Thank you Lord,

for letting me live the great peace of night,

when everything is hidden

and becomes more real.

Thank you Lord,

for giving me the need to pray you,

because you know what is climbing a mountain,

throwing the heart into a row of trees,

and breathing the cold air when it's fast.

Thank you Lord,

for the sky, the countryside, flowers,

to have made them as different and beautiful to see to my eyes,

and so much mine.

Thank you Lord,

for giving each time to my house,

the joy of return.

Thank you Lord,

for the love with which you have accepted those who have not returned.

Amen

 

Riposa in Pace Bill... Ciao.

[antonio carroccio]

le piú sentite condoglianze...!

 

Antonio

[mznyc]

Thanks for the letting us know Jim,

May you have endless serpentine roads before you Bill!

Rest in Peace

[Tom M]

Very sorry for the loss of your friend and fellow V11 rider Jim. RIP Mr Halsworth.

[gstallons]

Requiescat in pace

[Bbennett]

So sad to see this.