An old friend and true Wing Guru dies

[Papa Bear]

I know this is the wrong board to post this to, but I was unable to post it on the memorial board.

Dave Petit, a long time friend, mentor and avid Winger passed away today after a brief battle with colon-rectal cancer.
I met Dave 30 years ago when we studied martial arts together. He was a 6’4”, 250 pound brown belt and believe me; he made a huge impression on me during my first training session. Both of us being motorcyclists we soon became friends.

Dave was 56 years old and for much of the past 30 years of his life, he took the time to not only be a friend but also a mentor to many young motorcyclists in Kenosha. When we met he was working as a motorcycle mechanic at the local Honda dealership. After several years there, he tired of the book time system and not being able to focus on performance work so he opened his own business, Dave’s Cycles which he operated for over 20 years.

Dave not only took the time to teach me, he hired me when I needed to earn extra money. This turned into a working relationship for several years. During those years, he took a fumbling, mechanically inept boob, and tried to teach me the world of motorcycle wrenching. He showed great patience when I made foolish mistakes and asked a multitude of questions.
Over the years, he also helped many young riders get started maintaining and building motorcycles. He often sold parts with little or no profit in order to help those riders. He spent a great deal of time, often to the detriment of his business, tutoring them in the diagnoses of problems and the methods of repair and maintenance. He eventually helped several riders build bikes for the local drag strip, café racers, and even mini-mod and mini-sprint racers for our 1/3 mile clay track.

During this, he still managed to build a solid reputation as the go to guy for Gold Wings in Kenosha and Northern Illinois. He had customers from as far the northern suburbs of Chicago. He often had three or four Wings in his shop at a time. Not just old Wings either, many guys with 1500s and 1800s still trusted him over the area’s Honda dealerships.

Dave was a great friend and awesome wrench and an inspiring teacher. I will miss him and his knowledge as will the entire Kenosha motorcycling community.

I am going to ask everybody to do something for Dave. He told me that he wanted me to make sure I get regular check-ups and that I pass on this request to those I know. I can tell you that after watching him die this way, I will do just that. Colon-rectal cancer is very preventable if caught early. If not, it is one miserable way to die. So although I do not know any of you personally, I am still going to ask you all to make sure you get regular check-ups. If not for yourself, do it for your family.

[Cookie]

Sorry to hear that Papa Bear, I'm sure you will miss him.

[Brant]

sorry about your friend. I'll be scheduling a check soon.

[Whiskerfish]

Sorry to hear about the loss of such a great friend.

[Rat]

Tough times, with you in spirit.

Not a fun test, but worthwhile.

Gord (especially for us old guys) Jones

[Oldewing]

My thoughts are with you Papa Bear.

[Placerville]

Sorry, Papa. I will now have much less anxiety and feel better when I have my 'every 5 year' experience.

[JBz]

Really sorry to hear about your longtime friend Papa. I remember a doctor at the va telling me after the test if i say thanks doc on the way out go find yourself a new doctor. Hope that brightens your day just a tad Papa. JB

[Dangeruss]

Rest in peace Dave Petit. He sounded like a genuine out standing type of guy we all want to know and strive every day to emulate.

Sorry for your loss.

[Neil]

That is just not right, too many people die way too young. Get the test, it's nothing since your out when it's done anyway. The worst part is the day before ... that stuff tastes awful.

Sorry to hear about your friend and mentor ... will light a candle.