[Scootereno]

45 years ago today Spiff717 aka Stacey Stapleton was born. He passed last June 30th shortly after he and his wife ChilliP aka Maria completed The Scooter Cannonball Run 2012 a coast to coast scooter run from Savannah to LA. Spiff was diagnosed with cancer (brain and colon) and survived 5+ years beating the odds as long as he could. Our wonderful former Forum owner and many of our members sponsored their ride cross country and gave them the best gift ever....One Last Great Ride Together!
Here is a Video I edited from GodzillaBobber riding Day 1 of the Cannonball 2012 with Spiff717 and ChilliP and I think it sums up his last years quite well....He Lived Like He Was Dying......http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtOQKcO_S2Q
Thanks to GreenGoose aka Brian and all the wonderful members that helped sponsor this ride for them! :salute:
Happy Birthday Spiff717! ccasion4:
We know the roads are much better where your riding now!

 

[Scootereno]

Our last ride all together in the North Ga. Mountains.

 

[LeDude]

Nice video...

We do have a few guardian angels watching over all of us on this forum...

Better live life to its fullest as one never knows when that final day may arrive...

 

[lojo]

Happy Birthday in paradise Stacey. You fought the good fight. Peace be with you throughout eternity. Ride those friendly skies.

 

[Houndguy]

I never met the man but he sent me a very nice note about something I posted/wrote. It touched me that he take a few minutes and do that considering everything that was going on with him.

:thumbup: Rest in peace.

 

[Dave_J]

I had many PM's with Stacy. While I never got to the level of Special Forces, I have done training in support of them and Rangers. Stacy was a Sergeant Major in one of the USA's top elite military organizations. A feat not easily done. :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

 

[Bakeisback]

Last year, on his birthday, Stacey's seat arrived. Here is what he sent me. To think I helped make one of his days better is one of the best feelings possible. He was told he would see that day, but he did. Here is what he wrote to me:

OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Are you 'f ing kidding me! First off, today is my birthday we were told, I would not see. I felt it was going to be here this morning. And bam! Dude, the last 15 minutes, my wife and I have been sitting in the floor, crying like babies. Laughing and crying, giggling just looking at this over and over.

It is the best patch I have ever seen man. I mean absolutely the most amazing display of my banner. Holy cow Cary. Amazing amazing both you and it are.

Thank you just isn't enough. Not even close.

Brothers in arms

Stacey
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Rest in Peace my friend.

 

[Scootereno]

Bikeisback/Cary of Burgmanbrothers.com made and DONATED a wonderful embroidered seat to Spiff for the Cannonball Run.
It was his pride and joy with his army patch on the buttrest and "Sergeant Major" on the back.
Cary makes great seats if anyone is interested.

 

[burgman proud]

Tried to watch video on mobile phone but it states you haven't given permission to do so. just wondering if you are able to change the settings so i can watch on my smart phone please.

 

[Scootereno]

Unfortunately some countries won't allow copyrighted songs to be played on YouTube.
You must be in one such country that won't allow Tug McGraw songs.
If I knew how to imbed it here I would but I am evidently not that forum tech savvy....I tried.

 

[Dave_J]

Steve, if ChilliP, aka Maria, has plans to sell the Burgman, I would send her a stock seat and Butt rest to swap out for that custom one so she could keep it or donate it to Stacy's military unit.. Just keep that in mind as I have my 03 seat setting in the Garage doing nothing.

 

[Bakeisback]

Dave_J,

We got the seat swapped out last summer. A customer shipped his old seat to Steve and he got the seat off it for her. It all worked out perfectly. Steve showed what BUSA is all about. It is very generous of you to offer your help. A perfect example of the brotherhood shown amongst riders.

 

[Aladinbama]

I'm just REALLY glad he was able to ride across America. I'm also glad that he had friends like some of you guys that put in so much to make it happen. In comparison to many, I did so little to help, but feel better because of it.
My wife wondered what was the matter when I logged on that day. I'll admit, I cried like a baby, for quite some time even. We exchanged a couple emails, but that was about it. He was greatful for this group, and I am greatful for you as well.
My only consolation was that he was no longer having to deal with cancer - hopefully he's venturing on the many roads he really wished he could have ridden on while here.
Thanks Guys for making all that you did happen for him!

 

[SPS Tools]

My wife & I were supposed to meet with Spiff & ChilliP in Show Low during their epic ride. Unfortunately my wife received a cancer diagnosis a week prior. The emails I exchanged with Spiff before & after remain a treasure. In addition to sharing Burgmans, Stacey & I shared another brotherhood, Special Forces, though we were from different eras. He was Top Soldier to the end.

PS: My wife is currently in hospice care. My esteem for ChilliP has gone up a major notch, and that says a lot considering that she's spouse of a senior NCO.

 

[Houndguy]

Bikeisback/Cary of Burgmanseats.com made and DONATED a wonderful embroidered seat to Spiff for the Cannonball Run.
It was his pride and joy with his army patch on the buttrest and "Sergeant Major" on the back.
Cary makes great seats if anyone is interested.

I remember that seat and the fact that Cary and company did it for free. First class stuff all around. :thumbup:

 

[ScooterRaton]

It was an honor...and fun! to ride the 2012 CBR with him!