I lost my best friend tragically on Tuesday, Dec 31/2013

[dougspcs]

The best father, grandfather, husband and friend you could ask for..

Taken suddenly in the early morning hours by a fatal heart attack as he drove to work in a snow storm..(no else was hurt..he'd be happy for that)

The crushing feeling of a phone call from police explaining his death while hearing my mother sobbing in the background is something I'll never forget.

Thankfully nor will I forget the great times Dad, my brother, and I had together..best buddies always finding a way to have fun.

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Please forgive the no helmet riding pics..it's not how we roll, just him taking my trike for a spin around his yard.

The loss of his laughter, his warmth, and his appreciation of the time we spent enjoying eachother.

We love you and miss you Dad..

183981

Bruce McLean (March 30/1947 - December 31/2013)

[El Camexican]

So sorry Doug, may he rest in peace.

[BleedRed]

Deeply sorry for your loss, it sounds you have many great memories to share that will carry his life on for decades to come.

[badass350x]

Doug sorry to hear this, may God be with you and family during your time of mourning. R.I.P.

[6speedthumper]

I'm very saddened to hear about your loss. I read it and think of my own dad getting up in age... Really hits me... Sounds like you had a great dad, and have many memories to look back on and smile about. I suppose the silver lining (best term I can think of) is that you and your family got to celebrate one last Christmas together, and I hope it was indeed a very good one. It sounds as though he was a great man, and great men go to better places when it's their time.

[RIDE-RED 250r]

Sorry to hear of your loss Doug. We are often reminded to make the most of every day. My family has had no shortages of that reminder these last few years. May time ease the pain, yet strengthen the memories.

[DohcBikes]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Doug

[Buck Snort]

Sorry for your family's loss. Looking at your pictures, it looks like you guys had a great time living life. I had that type of friendship with my dad. He has been gone for 9 years, still miss him but I can now look back and get chuckle at all the good times.

[dougspcs]

That's what I love about the 3ww community..it's like a bunch of brothers I never met.

Not alway acting like the best of buddies, pissing eachother off from time to time..but we all come together and show some caring when the chips are down.

Amazing place, amazing bunch of guys..thanks so much!!

[DasUberKraut]

My condolences, Doug. May you find peace in these hard times.

[Jwheeler]

My condolences, May your family stand strong during these times.

[atc007]

Just saw this Doug. I am SO sorry. It kills I know. I hope you can find some peace as I have over the last Year . Just be there for your Mom,and the rest of the family. Like ridered said. The memories will comfort you. Wish I could do or say more. But life will NEVER be the same. That I promise you. EVERYTHING you do and look at now is completely different. If there is anything at all I can do,you know where to find me. He was obviously a great Dad :)

[Motorgidd]

So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers. Those are great pictures, it looks like he lived life to the fullest and had a great time doing it!

[CRAZY70MAN]

Sorry for your loss. Looks to be years and years of great memories with you and your father. Those will keep ya going when the road gets ruff. God bless you and your famiy.....may our thoughts and prayers be with you.

[Jason125m]

So sorry to hear about your loss Doug. I can even begin to imagine what it feels like...
In times like these, it is most important to think about all of the good memories you had with your father. He will always be with you in spirit..
I'm always here for you buddy.

[250r'en +TCB]

Doug I wish your family all the strength in the world. At times like this the only thing we can do is celebrate a person's life. From your moving words I can tell your father meant the world to you and he was a good man. I wish him godspeed.

[Scootertrash]

Sorry for your loss, Doug. Condolences to you and your family From Mrs. Trash and I. Prayers sent.

[wonderboy]

Hey Doug, I'm very sorry to hear this news. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

[Dirtcrasher]

Words enough cannot express how bad I feel for you having to go thru this. It seems that he was quite happy with a close family and lived a life with them. I wish you well....

[whyzee]

So sorry for your loss Doug. May you find comfort in believing that one day you will see him again, and feeling that his presence is still with you everyday until then.

[hillbilly 200x]

So sorry to hear about this Doug.

[czac]

So sorry for your loss, Im looking at the pics of him you posted and I can tell how much fun he was to be around. My condolences!

[OKSTATE#1]

185493


I just bought this hat off eBay the other day. Came this evening. It's the same hat my dad bought me back in 1985....right after school....and then we drive home and in the yard sat a brand new 1985 Big Red. It was one of my fondest memories of childhood, and it started my love affair with three wheeling and all things motorized and fun to go barreling off into the woods in or on.

He had a heart attack two years ago, and the resultant heart cath set off his dementia to the point where he is not the same, now having a hard time separating reality from dream. And I as a physician know that he will never be the same and won't be with us much longer.

Doug, you don't know me, and I couldn't begin to know what you are going through but I can relate on some level....as I watch my dad slowly go. I hope and pray you find peace, and I hope all of us are able to do the same as we reach those times of our lives when we become the elders in our families as time keeps marching along and life brings it's inevitable conclusion.

But we will always have those good memories and those are forever.

[atc007]

185493


I just bought this hat off eBay the other day. Came this evening. It's the same hat my dad bought me back in 1985....right after school....and then we drive home and in the yard sat a brand new 1985 Big Red. It was one of my fondest memories of childhood, and it started my love affair with three wheeling and all things motorized and fun to go barreling off into the woods in or on.

He had a heart attack two years ago, and the resultant heart cath set off his dementia to the point where he is not the same, now having a hard time separating reality from dream. And I as a physician know that he will never be the same and won't be with us much longer.

Doug, you don't know me, and I couldn't begin to know what you are going through but I can relate on some level....as I watch my dad slowly go. I hope and pray you find peace, and I hope all of us are able to do the same as we reach those times of our lives when we become the elders in our families as time keeps marching along and life brings it's inevitable conclusion.

But we will always have those good memories and those are forever.
Wow, What a post. I speak from VERY similar experience OKSTATE. Enjoy him while he is here. Cuz once he's gone,he is gone. Nothing can prepare you for it,no matter how bad he gets. Sure,you won't wish him back in the shape he will be in when he goes. But it will be the younger memories you will remember. I'm not saying this right So I'll stop. Great post. I know Doug will appreciate it. And good luck with everything with your family.

[OKSTATE#1]

You said it just fine, atc. And you are right.

I would imagine many of us are close to the same age on here and I am sure many of us are in the same boat....perhaps that boat is what drives us in our love for the old ATCs. For me,any things I enjoyed and shared with my parents are what I have come back to as I reach middle age. It's comforting...therapeutic. And it's nice we have forums like this where we can all gather and chat about those items and life itself. It helps to share our experiences and realize that we are not alone, and that we can lean on one another a bit in times like these.

[dougspcs]

You said it just fine, atc. And you are right.

I would imagine many of us are close to the same age on here and I am sure many of us are in the same boat....perhaps that boat is what drives us in our love for the old ATCs. For me,any things I enjoyed and shared with my parents are what I have come back to as I reach middle age. It's comforting...therapeutic. And it's nice we have forums like this where we can all gather and chat about those items and life itself. It helps to share our experiences and realize that we are not alone, and that we can lean on one another a bit in times like these.

Well said OKSKATE..starting to look forward to continuing the fun stuff my Dad, brother and I shared. We often included my uncle (Dad's brother).

185519

We have already made plans for our 2014 boys fall fishing/ATV weekend at our favourite lake..and uncle John is there!! I know my Dad would be happy that we've chosen to keep this event on the calendar..

In fact we will be taking some of Dad's ashes to leave there..

It was a tough weekend fishing fall 2013..Dad caught and released the only decent fish of the entire weekend (pic for proof). The lake was turning over and the fish were shut down..

He was pretty proud of this one and being the weekend 'winner'..I'll definitely be returning to that spot to catch that same fish. Then give it a kiss and let it go!!

185518

[Buck Snort]

My family does a annual hunting trip, Alberta one year and then B.C the next. It started about 30 years ago when I was a teenager. My Dad passed away 9 years ago and then my cousin a few years ago. We continue this tradition. For a few years it was just my uncle and me. Now my son and nephew join us. It is simply a way to enjoy the past and to create new memories and this my sound a little corny but I believe my dad and cousin are watching and laughing with us.

[atc007]

You will feel him there with you guys this fall Doug. State,you hit it right on the head. I have an amazing life,but it doesn't compare to my youth?? I try everyday to make sense of it,but cannot. I try and pass on the absolutely MAGICAL childhood my parents gave me,but I can't because the farm is empty. What I was trying to say was, ANYTHING he enjoys, a Snickers bar,a drive out in the country,,sitting and watching a show. Get it NOW. I know from the heart in your post,I don't have to tell you that. but I am. just in case there is one single opportunity to get in a few more good times with him. My heart breaks for you,and yet I am so jealous.....