Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Ambogal on September 20, 2015, 02:58:41 PM
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I just learned that Matt Vacher passed away early this morning. Matt and his wife Marion put on the SC Rally for a few years. They had their own BMW shop in SC years back. I didn't meet Matt until he was already retired but he rode many, many miles on his bikes. I'm fairly certain he was retired from the Navy.
Don't have any details but I have lost a good friend and his wife Marion is an outstanding person. She was the first woman to complete the BMW mechanic school many years ago and of course rode her own bike. By the time I met them, she traveled many miles on the back of Matt's Guzzi.
I will post any info I get on this very sad, sad news. God Speed Matt...I will miss you terribly.
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This is terrible to hear, very nice fella.. Met him at the VA Rally and never thought his personality matched the DILLIGAF handle... A real road warrior, het put many miles on Guzzi's. A loss to our community
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Oh no , really sad news . Matt brought so much to the board , and the MC world in general . His Alaska trip report was brilliant , he sent me videos and pics from the road . He will be missed greatly :cry: A life well lived :bike-037:
Dusty
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This is terrible to hear, very nice fella.. Met him at the VA Rally and never thought his personality matched the DILLIGAF handle... A real road warrior, het put many miles on Guzzi's. A loss to our community
His handle was the opposite of what he was really like; knowing him, it may be why he chose it!
The whole Guzzi community is going to miss him. He was a real rider and a good man.
Lannis
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Dilligaf's gone, Very sad, He had a great sense of humour
Condolences to His family and friends
Ron
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Making this a sticky.
I added his screen name to the subject line.
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I'm sorry I forgot to mention that he died of ALS also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. It advanced very rapidly. I know he was in a wheelchair but I thought it was a temporary situation since he had been complaining of back pain for some time. We had talked about taking a LONG ride this Spring heading north into Canada and that I had to get a passport before we left. It never happened as I was suffering from a bad car accident and he was already feeling that he might not be up to it.
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Sad news. Matt and I were supposed to meet some time back as his daughter lives near us and we couldn't meet due to some time restraints. Sorry to read this. RIP.
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He sounds like a very good man, and I enjoyed his Alaska trip report very much.
He seemed to handle his ALS and all it meant with grace. I hope his passing was peaceful.
It's a beautiful day here, I'll remember this.
Condolences to his family.
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Matt was a good guy and will be missed by all of us. He was much more kind than his forum handle would suggest. My condolences to Marion and the rest of their family.
Tom
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I am sorry to hear that Matt has passed. He was an inspirational rider! His trip to Alaska on a 'small block' R65 held my attention from start to finish. I think the answer to the question posed by Matt's forum name is 'yes .... absolutely!' He really cared!
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Rest in peace.
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So sorry to hear about Matt.
Pat please convey my sincere condolences to Marion and his entire family.
Matt was a classy guy. I'll miss him.
Nick
Here is Matt at the SC Campout
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s180/ndicroce/Matt_zpskxghqal2.jpg) (http://s152.photobucket.com/user/ndicroce/media/Matt_zpskxghqal2.jpg.html)
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I'm sorry I forgot to mention that he died of ALS also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. It advanced very rapidly.
Boy did it! He was trying to arrange to drop by the 2-stroke meet at Deals Gap this past spring while I was there, but couldn't make it because of his neck problem. I'm shocked that things went bad so quickly. My best to his wife and family.
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Sad news. I only met Matt once, at the Nort Georgia Guzzi rally....about 3 years ago. But we talked long enough for him to leave a lasting impression. Our little Guzzi community wlll be ever so slightly smaller without him. RIP Matt.
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Condolences to his family for their loss. Matt was a fixture at Swamp Scooters, great guy and rider.
Dave
Galveston
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Sad news. I'm surprised that ALS advances that fast.
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Very sorry to hear that another member of our Guzzi community has passed.
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Very sad, my condolences. I never met him, but instantly recognized the name as poster that I liked to read.
Eric
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My Dad loved anything motorcycle. He always liked to talk about being on here. All the things he did in his life he always come back to riding. He helped get bikes on Charleston Navy Base, helped get South Carolina's helmet law we have today(always wore one but said it was your choice). My Mom asked me to post his passing. I got on earlier told her to late. Frist time today she smiled at all the love. Thank you. Matthew
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Thanks Matthew , stay in touch . Your dad was champion :bow:
Dusty
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Joni and I met Matt and Marion last year at the Louisiana Rally, they rode their SP1000NT from South Carolina.They were very nice and gave Joni a lot of info on the SP1000 .... she was interested in getting one.
RIP Matt
Our prayers go out to Matt and his family.
Joni and Alan Keach
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I am so happy that Marion knows just how many friends Matt had and how highly we think of them. Please keep us updated on
any info. I was waiting on a call from Bill McGill with more updates. He's the one that phoned me today with the terrible news.
Please tell Marion I am sending love and strength her way during this very difficult time in her life and tell her to call me any time
day or night if she feels the need.
Nick.....I'm glad you posted that photo of Matt. I was sitting just a few seats away from him. He and his crew did a
wonderful job putting on that rally and I was sorry to see that it only lasted a few years. I enjoyed all of them.
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Dad still made plans to go to different rallies. They got a van so they could go but daily he got worse. Monday I got to be with him as we worked on the k75s by Wed. he was in the VA, out Friday back in about 3am Saturday morning, home Saturday afternoon passed in sleep that night. I will miss working on bikes, riding , our once a week dinners.
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He saw it coming and looked it in the eye. A class guy in all respects. Ride easy, Matt. :bow:
Here's Matt on the famoulous Alaska ride. I feel it was a privilege to have been a small part of that last grand adventure.
(http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd10/rodekyll1/misc/matt2_zpsaqihb8ow.jpg) (http://s226.photobucket.com/user/rodekyll1/media/misc/matt2_zpsaqihb8ow.jpg.html)
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It was a gift that the ALS was swift. A buddy had it; took 4-5 years, too long to suffer like that. He left a great legacy and you can't ask for much more than that. RIP.
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I mourn the loss of another great Guzzi guy. I enjoyed seeing him at our Va rally & attending his SC rally. We shared a site at Camp Carlo one year. I lost a Sister to ALS, the several year long, slow variety. My heart goes out to Matt's family & all who were close to him through that ordeal.
Ron Komoroski
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Real sorry to hear about another 'Guzzi Grandfather' passing from our fold. All the family and friends they leave behind makes a great void in our community.
RIP
Tom
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I'm sorry to hear this news. My most heartfelt condolences to Marion, Matthew, and other family members. RIP.
John Henry
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I too am one who never met Matt but enjoyed reading his posts. I live on the other side of the globe but still feel as it were, part of a Guzzi family, so it is with some sadness that I learn of his passing. My condolences to all the family.
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Condolences to loved ones.. Very sincerely, John
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Though I never met Matt, I am saddened and lessened by his passing. People like Matt built the motorcycling community that I have enjoyed for the past 30 years. I owe him and others like him a great debt that I can never repay.
Godspeed, Matt.
Peace to his family.
Let's be sure to carry on his great legacy.
Best,
Carlo
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Never got chance to meet Matt, wish I had, I'm sure I'd be better off for it. I wish his family the very best, and am sad for their loss, but glad he isn't suffering.
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That is such sad news. I had just visited with Matt and Marion a few weeks ago and was planning on makeing another trip this month before he and Marion went to "Apple Butter". They were so proud of the van and were making plans to travel to different rallys. Matt was a true rennaissance man, from motorcycles to sailboats he could keep you entertained with his stories. We were not acquainted very long but he made an impact on my life. Anchors Aweigh, Chief...smooth sailing. steve
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I never met Matt, but he was a tireless advocate for the sport of motorcycling. He will be missed.
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I met Matt at Two Wheels Only back in the spring of 2007 and saw him regularly at various rallies and hangouts around here. Matt always had a good word to say and I enjoyed sharing many camp fires and stories with him. From this fellow South Carolinian rest in peace and condolences to his family.
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RIP
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I met Matt the first time at the '14 Virginia Rally at Willville. He tried to explain his wood burning stove to me. I never did get it. The next, and last time, I saw him was at the '14 Swampscooter's Rally. He and Marian made a pot of their special gumbo. Great stuff!!
As I recall, Matt was a sub sailor during his time in the Navy. Most of the time he was on diesel powered equipment and liked them more than the nuclear powered vessels that are currently in service.
Nice man. R.I.P. Matt. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family as they grieve his loss.
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I see a name for the next South Carolina rally . Seems appropriate .
Dusty
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I like it Mr. 54
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Never met the Gentleman, but I could only wish that I was as well thought of as he was.
RIP Matt.
Dean
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I'm so saddened to hear of Matt's passing. I first met Matt when he was on his way back from his trip to Alaska. He stopped into the Deep Forest Camp Out and spent the weekend, and it was wonderful getting to know him. I got to know Matt further at the last couple of Swamp Scooter Rallys that I attended, and even had the pleasure of meeting and getting to ride with he and Marion. At the last rally he became a member of our Couillon Cycliers club, as he had ridden in both the Northwest and Louisiana with fellow Couillon's. What a great guy, and I feel so blessed to have met Matt & Marion. My condolences go out to Marion and the rest of Matt's family. We have lost a great Guzzi friend and I'm wishing you many great rides until we meet again fellow Couillon. :sad: :sad: :sad:
Here's a picture of Marion, Matt, and myself on a ride out of the Swamp Scooters Rally. RIP my friend.
(http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q692/2jabam3/Swamp%20Scooters%202013/DSC_0080_zps70088d43.jpg)
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From 11 to 1 on Thursday 9/24/2015 there will be a viewing, at 1 there will be a service. No burial. Mom and I have enjoyed the pics & posts. Oh, at Parks funeral home 130 w. 1st n. st. Summerville SC Matthew
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Matthew
Is there any address that we can mail cards to? Even an on-line address would be appreciated.
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What a shame to lose such a fine gentleman, yet Whitey Bulger and Charles Manson will live forever. Doesn't seem right
RIP
Ken
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Grandma said cards can be sent to the house. The address is: 217 Lake Moultrie Drive, Bonneau SC 29431. If anyone wishes to send flowers she request instead of flowers that a donation be sent to the ALS research foundation. Rebecca
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Met Matt once in person, at a Georgia campout a few years ago. He, Kathi, and I "got lost" near Clayton and had a fine time taking all sorts of right and wrong roads back to Suches.
His "dolphins" will impress St. Peter, too. :angel:
A good man. A very good man. We will miss him.
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Lord God, our power evermore,
Whose arm doth reach the ocean floor,
Dive with our men beneath the sea;
Traverse the depths protectively.
O hear us when we pray, and keep
Them safe from peril in the deep.
David Miller; 1965
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Requiescat in pace, Matt.
Bill & Kathi
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Hi. My dad (Matthew) put the wrong date for the viewing and service. The correct date is Thursday 9/24.
-Amanda (Matt's Granddaughter)
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Very sorry to hear of Matt's passing. I knew Matt from rallies and always enjoyed chatting with him. He will be dearly missed.
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Just noticed the Sticky, very sad. I did have the chance to meet him, he had broken a clutch cable in GA and borrowed one to get home from a coworker at Riders Hill were I worked.
Condolences & prayers for his family.
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I too am one who never met Matt but enjoyed reading his posts. I live on the other side of the globe but still feel as it were, part of a Guzzi family, so it is with some sadness that I learn of his passing. My condolences to all the family.
:1:
By all accounts he was a man who lived life to the full. This is a great thing, as experience is the only thing we pack in our bag when we finally leave.
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:1:
By all accounts he was a man who lived life to the full. This is a great thing, as experience is the only thing we pack in our bag when we finally leave.
Damn John , that is beautiful :bow: Matt would agree .
Dusty
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Shoulda took the SP. :smiley:
Tailwinds and blue skys, Matt.. Ride in Peace.
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I had the pleasure of meeting Matt very briefly at the national in Lavigne a couple of years ago. The memory stayed with me and I always read his many interesting and kind posts and responses on this forum. He will be missed. My condolences to his family and friends.
Nick
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Sad news indeed,
Met the Vacher's at several Rallies. Great folks to be sure.
Matt was a great story teller and had many to tell. Enjoyed hanging out with them at what was the last Swampscooter Rally. Will definitely miss you guys.
RIP Dilligaf
(http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q692/2jabam3/Swamp%20Scoorers%202014/DSC_0100_zpskilplrxr.jpg)
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My condolences to his family and friends. I never met the man, however enjoyed and respected his posts here. Godspeed Matt.
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I just got a phone call from a friend of Matt and Marion. She is overwhelmed at the posts regarding Matt. I think they're
giving her a little bit of peace during this hardship. I wish we could do more for her.
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I just got a phone call from a friend of Matt and Marion. She is overwhelmed at the posts regarding Matt. I think they're
giving her a little bit of peace during this hardship. I wish we could do more for her.
I believe I have him in some pictures from past rallies and will look when I get home. Maybe others could search through their hard drives and find some memories for his family to share like Bruce and Steve did above.
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A couple more from the SS rally. Did enjoy that Frogmore stew.
(http://peteryoungblood.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Rally/Swamp-Scooters-2014/i-H5VQXWX/0/M/DSCF1018-M.jpg)
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc462/leafman60/Swampscooters%202014/067.jpg)
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Sincere condolences to Matt's family. I never met him, but enjoyed reading his posts and could tell he was a nice person. It sounds from what I read here that he lived his life to the fullest and enjoyed every minute of it.
Godspeed,
Rick.
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Here's a few more pics. of Matt on his return trip from Alaska at the 2013 Deep Forest Camp Out. This is where he first met his fellow Couillon brothers. RIP my friend.
(https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a4d809b3127ccef62c782dcba900000030O00AatGjRo3bsWoPbz4c/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00501774444520140629043844056.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/)
(https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a4d809b3127ccef62dbdc82aca00000030O00AatGjRo3bsWoPbz4c/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00501774444520140629043829212.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/)
(https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a4d809b3127ccef62ce37e8b2f00000030O00AatGjRo3bsWoPbz4c/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00501774444520140629043619580.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/)
(https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a4d809b3127ccef62d3b54ab2500000030O00AatGjRo3bsWoPbz4c/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00501774444520140629043614489.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/)
(https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a4d809b3127ccef62caf388b4f00000030O00AatGjRo3bsWoPbz4c/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00501774444520140629043606057.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/)
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From 11 to 1 on Thursday 9/24/2015 there will be a viewing, at 1 there will be a service.
Parks funeral home 130 w. 1st n. st. Summerville SC
No burial.
Mom and I have enjoyed the pics & posts.
Matthew
Grandma said cards can be sent to the house.
The address is: 217 Lake Moultrie Drive, Bonneau SC 29431.
If anyone wishes to send flowers she request instead of flowers that a donation be sent to the ALS research foundation. Rebecca
Thanks for the info. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Matt will be missed in The Guzzi Community.
Mike
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Turn Again To Life
If I should die and leave you here a while,
be not like others sore undone,
who keep long vigil by the silent dust.
For my sake turn again to life and smile,
nerving thy heart and trembling hand to do
something to comfort other hearts than thine.
Complete these dear unfinished tasks of mine
and I perchance may therein comfort you.
Mary Lee Hall
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What a great fellow! As said above, a life well lived. We'll keep his family in our thoughts.
Thanks, Matt! Thanks for being part of our community.
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Only on this forum for a couple years and never got to meet Matt in person, but alway read and appreciated his posts. Godspeed
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So sorry to hear this bad news. R.I.P.
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Sad news, only met Matt and his wife last year at the GIBR rally. Great guy always loved his post. The world is poorer place for his loss.
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Never met Matt but as others have said, read and enjoyed his posts.
RIP
Gian4
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My condolences to family and loved one, dilligaf had a great sense of humor and will be missed by all his friends here. RIP
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Awwww, darn! I hate to hear this! I am a little surprised because at last year's Swamp Scooters Rally he seemed fine.
I just hate to hear this news!
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc462/leafman60/Swampscooters%202014/067.jpg) (http://s1213.photobucket.com/user/leafman60/media/Swampscooters%202014/067.jpg.html)
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Very Sad ALS is a cruel,cruel disease. Didn't know the man but I'm sure he was the tops!
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:1:
By all accounts he was a man who lived life to the full. This is a great thing, as experience is the only thing we pack in our bag when we finally leave.
So well stated. RIP Matt. Thoughts and a prayer for the family.
Scott