Bob Williams
August 3rd, 2007 |From the MCF board:
I have recently been diagnosed with Scarcoidosis of the heart.
This has left my heart in a severely damaged condition.
I will be having a defibulator/pacemaker implanted this next week, followed by heavy prednizone treatment and assorted other treatments.
I will no longer be able to actively ride or do heavy physical work.
At this time I am going to step away from day to day activities at the velodrome and reassess things.
I will try to maintain some organization so that those who are willing to step up are able to present a fairly professional program.
It will take some time before I can tell to what extent if any that I will remain active in the sport.
Please take it upon yourselves to make the sport better by taking some initiative to move it forward.
No emails or phone messages nec. at this time.
You will see me around from time to time.
Thanks
Bob Williams
I am sure that I am not the only one who would credit Bob with single handedly keeping the velodrome program on the rails over the past decade and a half.
I am sure that I am not the only one that wishes Bob all the best.
Our cycling community owes Bob a tremendous thanks for everything he has done. Next time you see him, make sure he knows how much he is appreciated.
Thank you Bob, from the bottom of my heart.
8 Responses to “Bob Williams”
I don’t recall anything else I’ve ever read on the MCF board bringing tears to my eyes. This is a first. Thank you Bob, for all you’ve done for cycling. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, you are in my thoughts, and I hope to see you out and about soon.
Bob has done more for cycling in Minnesota, with his efforts at the velodrome, than anyone I know. The biking community has always had the greatest respect for him, and I’m sure he will mentor the new wave, hopefully at the same level that he achieved. Many a U kid has learned the ropes under his eye. Nice work and thanks Bob.
Thanks Bob, You were one of the reasons why I kept going back to the track this year. Thanks for your help, I wish you well.
I thought of something last night… As you all know our numbers are all cloth and if you give them back you’ll get your $20.00 back… I propose that we donate our numbers and have a quilt made (My grandma would honored to make it) and give it to Bob or auction it off for Bob at the MCF banquet or one of those bike expos. You’all get where I’m going with this?
I second Mike’s idea, particularly for anyone with a non-top10 number. but (as a request) let’s get #1 and put it in the middle.
I just visited with Bob to check up on him and he requests that there are no tributes to him. His wish is that people can step in and continue the track program.
I talked with Bob as well, we should be able to finish out the season. JT and I are teaching the Monday night track class. I’m having Madison training the 14th and 21st. Dave Gray offered to drive the Moto for keirin’s (he’s done it before). What we need is someone to run the mike for the races (I suck at it, Bruce does a great job, but he also has to officiate). We could also use help for Dave Thimsen in taking care of the audience, and help in the concession stand. This fall we will re-convene the track meetings we held last winter to come up with a plan for more people to step up. Bob will probably help in an advisor role but he can’t do it all anymore…
I nominate Matt Anderson for the mike.
Time to step up rock star.
I am sure that Bob appreciates your thoughts Mike and Andy. I think we should wait and see what Bob’s continued roll is in regards to the track before we start working on some kind of tribute to Bob.
He very well may be able to continue doing what he has been doing in regards to the National Sports Center so long as he has enough volunteer help with the “heavy lifting”.
I think we need to focus on getting through the balance of the season and then let Bob have the winter to evaluate what he wants his roll to be going forward.