Scott McElroy
Darell-
I also rode to and attended the funeral and didn't know Mike. I saw a couple
others who appeared to have ridden there as well.
You did a good job of reporting on the funeral, however I thought I might add a
few other things that stuck with me as well. I didn't have the guts to
introduce myself to Wendy, and tell her how many fellow riders in Oregon were
thinking about them and the tragedy. That was really cool for you to do this
for everyone.
I learned that Mike was a spiritual guy, who like his family and friends believe
in God and forgiveness. I understood from what was said by the pastor and others
who spoke, that the family forgives the driver of the car that killed Mike. The
pastor stated something to the effect that Mike and the driver of the car were
both in the wrong place at the wrong time. The reason I mention this is that
many of us have expressed concern about this accident and death, and anger for
the driver of the car. I don't think I could have this same level of compassion
had this tragedy occurred in my family, however I respect that they can.
I have attached a copy of the pamphlet from the service, and on the second page
there is a passage that I found important: Dying while doing something he loved
befits him, as troubling and hurtful to us as it is, but he would never suggest
to anyone to stop doing what you love out of fear. He seems to me to be a man
and fellow rider we all would have liked to know.
Scott McElroy
_____
From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On Behalf
Of Darell Provencher
Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 6:15 PM
To: obra@list.obra.org
Cc: 'Provencher, Darell'; teamrosecity@topica.com
Subject: [OBRA Chat] Mike Kalan's Funeral -- Next Steps
I went to Michael Kalan's funeral today at St Matthews Lutheran Church in
Beaverton. About 150 people were there. Probably a couple of dozen relatives
were there, most of them still obviously in a state of shock and disbelief,
abruptly ripped from there everyday lives and brought here today by an accident
that could have been avoided.
After the service I met Wendy, Michael's wife. I told her I had never met Mike,
but I was compelled to come because of the emails and a couple of phone calls I
received on Saturday morning. Apparently Mike was wearing what had been
described as a yellow, red, and black jersey, and could have been a member of
Team Rose City. At that time, the Washing County Sheriff's dept was trying to
secure his identity. I spent most of Saturday morning talking to KGW TV on the
phone and talking to the Sheriff's dept. It brought back unpleasant memories of
a little over a year ago (June18) when I found out that one of our team mates,
Eric Kautzky, had been killed when hit from behind by an 18 yr old driver who
had fallen asleep at the wheel. These were both accidents that should never have
happened. To see their impact in the eyes of friends and relatives is very hard
indeed.
Mike was 35 yrs old. After KGW called me back later Saturday afternoon with his
identity, I googled his name and discovered he was an accomplished Category A
cyclocross rider, with top 5 placings in races throughout the Midwest and South
-- Kentucky, Ohio, North Carolina. Mike Kalan, bike racer. At the funeral, I
learned that Mike grew up in Denver. He rode bikes alot as a kid and loved
things mechanical. He majored in mechanical engineering at Valparaiso
University. He met his wife Wendy there, and they were married in 1995. I saw
his two beautiful children at the service, McKenna (age 3?) and Alex (age 6?).
There were also plenty of pictures of Mike on two bulletin boards, mostly cross
and mtn bike photos, and family pictures with his children and wife.
Mike and his family moved to Portland just 5 months ago. No doubt he was out
riding last Friday evening and thinking about the upcoming cross season. Wendy
gave me a big hug and thanked me for coming. I now know Mike Kalan as a human
being, a father, a husband. If last Friday didn't happen, I could have perhaps
someday called him a friend.
Needless to say there is still shock and anger amongst those who knew Mike well,
and those of us who didn't. We all deal with this kind of terrible news
differently. I for one would like to take some kind of positive action to help
prevent these situations in the future. So what are some next possible steps
that we as a cycling community can take? A couple of ideas:
Starting with the West Union/Shute/Helvetia intersection, can we get some
"Cyclists on Road" signs posted from each direction? Are there other roads or
intersections that could be identifiied in the metro area where these signs
could be posted? Anyone know how we could move this idea forward?
Oregon State Law -- Perhaps we should be lobbying key legislators for tougher
vehicular homicide/manslaughter laws. Where does the BTA stand on this and what
actions are being planned?
See also:
http://bikeportland.org/2006/09/19/pdot-advocates-work-towards-tougher-laws/
One last thing. If you want in some way to take some action to help Mike's
family, you can do so by making a contribution to a fund for his children, Alex
and McKenna:
Checks to:
Alex and McKenna Kalan
c/o Wells Fargo Bank
2645 NW Town Center Drive
Beaverton, OR 97006
Thanks for listening everyone. Please ride responsibly and safely.
Darell Provencher