Friday 31 January 2014

Going out his way.

Bill Standley was an avid motorcyclist all his life and his prized possession was a 1967 Harley Davidson. So when he died at the age of 82 he wanted to be buried with his bike. Not that unusual in itself, but Bill wanted to do it differently. Instead of being buried beside his bike, he wanted to be buried on his bike.
So with the assistance of a supportive family, an agreeable and creative funeral director, a glass-sided case, a modified septic tank, and 3 burial plots he got his wish, as per this news item: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2014/01/31/buried-on-motorcycle.html
There’s something to be said for going out the way you always wanted, but still, seeing him sitting there on display in his glass box, astride his bike, is very discomfiting. But then my feelings don’t really count – the family is happy as, presumably, is Bill’s spirit, so who cares what anyone else thinks. And in the end it doesn’t really matter anyway as eventually Bill and his beloved Harley will revert to the dust from whence they came.
RIP Bill Standley and happy riding!
Buried-Motorcycle-Rider-1

14 comments:

  1. That's going to freak out and possibly puzzle some future archaeologist. Unless grave robbers get to the Harley first.

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    1. I expect that might be difficult without being discovered. After all he's in a plexiglass and steel box inside a septic tank. But the archeologists will have a field day. Bill's unique burial may one day be viewed as befitting a great king, or savior, or something.

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  2. I hate to say it but I was thinking along the same lines as David. Shall we get a shovel? But seriously...I suppose they would prepare the bike in some way to prevent oil and gas leaks. Would the box be filled in with dirt or will it go into the ground whole....why do I want to know this stuff?

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    1. Apparently all the fluids were removed from the bike, and the glass case is in a modified septic tank, so I expect he's well protected. And it's true, we are often attracted to the ghoulish.

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  3. His butt is going to get really sore.

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    1. Steve - True, he's going to be on that saddle for a long, long time.

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  4. This has been making the rounds. I still think it is creepy and feel sorry for the mortician who placed him on the bike.

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    1. Yeah, wouldn't be my choice. I can't help but think of those stuffed critters you see behind glass cages in museums.

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  5. Ooh, I wonder which of the two is going to turn to rust quickest! Everything goes back to dust (rust) eventually, if left long enough. Heck, my bike tries to rust even when I'm using it! Mind you, we have had torrential rain and storms here in the UK for what seems an eternity. When is springtime and the renewal of life coming back again? I need cheering up!

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    1. Walter - I don't expect this post did much to cheer you up. Here's hoping your weather improves. (And ours!)

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  6. Sometimes I think one can take the love of motorcycling just a little too far.

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  7. His bike, his money, his family. I'm happy they sent him out on his terms. But, after thinking about it I would rather spend the money on all my biker friends showing up for a big going away party.

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    1. AZHD, That is a good idea! And the way I see it, the man died, not the bike! Let that bike live another life! I would never harm my bike that way.
      But, it's just a possession to some people, huh?
      Smooches,
      Sash
      SashMouth

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