Jerry Macauley
July 30, 1953 - June 29, 2012
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| Repo Man |
We are all saddened by the sudden passing of our dear friend, bother and co-founding member of the NorCal Mild Hogs, Jerry Macauley. While this has been a few rough weeks for everyone who knew and loved Jerry, we can take comfort in knowing without a doubt that he is in heaven and waiting for the first opportunity when we can all ride together again.
Jerry went by many names, Jerry, Jerald, Dad, Grandpa, Scout, Tail Gate and Repo Man. But we will remember him as our friend, riding buddy and moral compass for the club, and heaven only knows we needed the last one.
Jerry was an enthusiastic rider, always ready for the next trip. On our last outing, Jerry asked if we would be wearing our colors. I told him we were laying low due to some squabbles with the Angels and therefore not wearing our colors that day. Jerry just said okay, not knowing if I was joking or not, which of course I was. That was just like Jerry, easy going, easy to get along with.
We've reflected over the past several weeks on all the good times we had together, especially on our trips to Sturgis. We thought it might be nice to share some photos of Jerry from our past trips.
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| Jerry at Custer National Park |
Jerry loved the great outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He could spot an antelope a mile away, and boy did he ever spot them on our trip across Wyoming. One after one, after one he would point them out until Jersey snapped "Okay!, We get it!". Jerry and I had an ongoing debate about a particular animal we spotted under a tree, I still say it was an elk. That was how our rides would go, constant joking, teasing and laughter. One of my favorite recollections of Jerry was when we were putting together our "Know your Mild Hog" quiz on our last trip. When asked who you would like to take to Sturgis, Jerry blurted out, "John Wayne". Kirk said Halle Bary, I said Angeline Jolie. After hearing our proposed riding partners, Jerry quickly wanted to change his decision. We of course would not let him... We all laughed, including Jerry at the thought of us with chicks on the back of our bikes, and Jerry with a cowboy on his. Regardless, I know John Wayne would have had fun with Jerry.
One talent that Jerry had that did not get as much credit as it deserved was Jerry's skill at "Air Drums". A good song would come on the radio and Jerry would pick up his air sticks and play along. He was amazing, never missing a beat. I personally watched him play along at several concerts including the Eagles. He was the best!
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| Jerry in the Badlands |
On our trip to the Badlands, Jerry led the way. He did not often lead, so it was a treat for all of us. Jerry almost always rode last. "So those who are last now will be first then, and those are first will be last". There was a great deal of comfort having Jerry guarding the back of the pack. He provided early warning of bogey's coming up from behind, he would block traffic so we could all move over a lane, but best of all, he quietly watched the rest of us make our occasional bone head moves without a word. On one particular occasion I was looking at an electric motorcycle on the side of the road when I hit a raised manhole cover straight on. I looked back only to see Jerry smiling. Yep, he saw it all happen from his vantage point. Only once can I remember Jerry getting caught off guard. We were in Sturgis of course when a Bandito (not the Frito Lay kind) came screaming up on the shoulder of the road passing us all on the right, scaring the crap out of us with his stupid, reckless riding. I remember we were all going to go after him, but Kirk's bike was low on gas so we called it off... Lucky for him.
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| Jerry enjoying a cool one |
Jerry loved riding, a road trip, music, the outdoors, but especially his family and especially his wife and best friend, Doni. Jerry loved having Doni on the back of his motorcycle sharing the open road and all the adventures life had to offer.
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| Doni and Jerry in Las Vegas |
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| Tres Amigos and co-founder of the NorCal Mild Hogs |
Needless to say, we will all miss Jerry and will think about him each time we ride. The NorCal Mild Hogs will forever have a missing piece.
See you on the Road, Jer. Rest in Peace until we ride again.
