In Fond Memory of our XJ Brother: Bill Schmitt

William “Bill” Schmitt, 52, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at Wake Medical Center. Bill was born in Trenton, New Jersey, the son of Loretta Bendel Schmitt and George Schmitt.
Mr. Schmitt had been employed for thirty years with IBM as a software engineer manager. He was a member of Wakeminster Baptist church where he served as a Sunday school teacher and as a deacon; he was a ham radio operator and enjoyed fishing and riding motorcycles.

Bill was a major voice and a leading contributor to XJBikes.Com, an online community, where he unselfishly helped others with his great advice and wisdom.

A memorial service will be held at 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon, August 8, 2009 at Wakeminster Baptist Church with Rev. Merle Martin and Rev. Ed Hall officiating. Friends may visit with the family following the service in the church fellowship hall, all other time at the Schmitt home, 6808 Cool Pond Rd, Raleigh.

Bill is survived by his wife of 24 years, Sandra Deal Schmitt; children, Beth Schmitt and Steven Schmitt; parents, George and Loretta Schmitt of Inverness, FL; brothers, Rick Schmitt and wife, Marie of Charlotte, David Schmitt and wife, Marcene of Crystal River, FL.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to:
The Wakeminster Baptist Church Building Fund
13221 Old Creedmoor Rd,
Raleigh, NC 27613.

 

Here is the link to our local paper.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newsob ... =131014927

 

RIP

 

Went on a group ride today with pegs down in honor and memory of Bill. Thought of him and his family often on today's ride.

Rest In Peace Bill.....

 

Today's memorial was great. A celebration of his life. The place was filled with about 2hundred plus people. Lot's of them had to stand because of lack of seats. The message was great and hearing those close to him speak about his giving, and kind heart brought pleasure to all who knew him. Bills brother was moved by how loved he was by his congregation, co workers and those in the motorcycle community (XJBikes.com)

We will miss you Bill. But everytime we think of you we will smile

 

As defacto leader of the NC XJ riders Bill will be sorely missed. He was a kind and knowledgeable voice in cyberspace as well as in the local area from all I have heard from those who had the opportunity to meet him. I never had that opportunity and know that I have missed the chance to come face to face with a truly good man. As he helped so many others on this site he has helped me even again in his passing. I will not miss the opportunity to meet my fellow riders again. God Bless Bill and his family.

Dave

 

Rick,

Thanks for passing on the info regarding Bill's memorial. As so many others have already noted, even though I never met Bill in person I am saddened by his death as if a close friend had died. I never realized how close I have become to this cyber community. Farewell Bill - see you on the other side.

 

It's interesting,

This morning, before attending Bill's memorial I found myself trying to remember how long I had known him. It had seemed like forever. Bill sort of had that affect on you. He was so genuine in person you took to him immediately as if you had known him all your life. But when I went back looking over the posted thread where I first encountered him it was right at one year ago. And that's was when he had only had his XJ650 about 2 months. He had just recently joined this forum. No I thought, it seemed so much longer than that!

So it took him just slightly over a year to make such a mark on so many lives in this forum. Who says you can't make a difference? All you have to do is give your time to people.

As expressed by others, I will miss him. The memorial was touching and inspiring. I'd like to think when my time comes that so many people would think so highly of me...but I'm not so sure. Bill had a special touch with those he came in contact with. A rare quality. He was the real deal.

Artie(RT)

 

How wonderful Bill's life was celebrated in such a great way. He will be sorely missed by many people around the globe.
I will keep his family in my thoughts.

 

When good people die before their time, faith can be challenged by doubt.
I pray that Bill's family stays strong in his absence and finds comfort in the glow of his legacy. A life lived well is a gift, whenever and however it ends.

Ride on, Bill. See you on the other side.

 

I never really knew Bill because I quit posting here before he became a regular member. I tripped across this unfortunate incident that made my heart bleed. I have come to learn about him here and realize the great loss it was. I am a better person today because he helped me gain a little part of my faith in humanity back again. I also promise to never quit learning and thinking about riding defensively. My throttle hand doesn't work as hard anymore either, so maybe Bill can save my life in the future. I'm proud to have him and his family live here in NC and can't even imagine how hard all of this is on them. I'm hugging my family a little bit tighter these days and hope that we all can stay together in Heaven some day.

 

:cry: I want to thank you for all the support our family has seen from Bill's fellow XJ riders. I know Bill loved to ride and had a passion for his XJ. Please continue the relay for his card as it is a testimony to the number of people and lives he has touched and by all means RIDE! As his younger brother I knew him in a different light. He was a constant support and councel in times of need and as all sibling relationships a pain in the &(%$% at times. I will miss his wisdom and councel, but most of all I will miss the opportunity to enjoy our shared passions of riding and fishing. Your out pouring has been bitter sweet for me as I truly didn't know the scope of Bill's life and the friendships he had formed in various areas of his life. I met members from his work, church and now his riding communities. All shared of his willingness to freely help and be of service.

Bill had set up a ride with his local crew scheduled for the weekend after his accident and it was postponed. I have asked that his crew reschedule the ride as planned by Bill and I would like to join all his fellow riders for this event. I want to extend this invitation to any fellow riders who would like to join.

I would also like to request of the moderators for thie site to leave Bills account open in memory of him.
Events like this cause us all to pause and take account of our lives. I know that Bill would want two thing to come out of this. Bill would want us to Honor GOD and to learn something. For me my lesson is to be of service to others, and cherish the relationships we have. Thankyou again be safe and enjoy the ride. Dave Schmitt

 

... Edited by Snosheriff: money solicitation not allowed ...

 

Damn guys. Everytime I start to think I have a handle on this mess and I can view the forum without shedding a tear, one of you come forward with something new. your support is so much apreciated. I am so honored to see your compassion in action and proud to be member of this biker family.

God Bless,

 

some people had been talking about making a memorial patch for my dad and i threw out the idea that u can use the same basic design as my tattoo if you want. they said to post a pic up after i got it so here it is

 

Good people; I have been in touch with JonMarkos. He had a garage accident that's making it hard for him to type, so I'm going to get the ball rolling again as far as the relay ride goes.

In accordance with Dave's wishes and to honor our fallen brother, we will be organizing the William "Bill" Schmitt Memorial Motorcycle Safety Relay Ride. Jon already has a great deal of the route "covered" but we want to step back and rethink a bit; and expand it to include as many of our members as possible. Sadly, we now have plenty of time to get it together and do it right.

 

I'm still willing to do it... but let's get it done. I think the majority of the ride was covered here in MI. The longer we put it off, the less likely people are going to be to do it.

Let me know when and where. I'm sure nursepadawan will ride.

 

I'm still in for the maryland (baltimore) section.

 

He help me out more then once. He will be missed........

 

As a professional in the emergency medical field in South Dakota, I have the opportunity to work the week of the Sturgis Rally and see all the senseless injuries that come in all varieties from MC accidents. Some come from foolish decision making but a vast majority come from other drivers being distracted by other things around them or in their own hands.

Bill, I'm sure, was as careful as a rider can be, but this brings to the front of our minds just how vigilant we need to be when sharing the road with those that are not as alert as we are. There where 5 MC deaths in South Dakota the week of the Rally and 3 of those were cages making left hand turns in front of an oncoming bike.

Let this unfortunate event that touches so very close to our cyber home, be the catalyst that makes us more aware of those we have no control over. I find myself rolling out of the throttle a lot more than I did before when approaching those potential risks. True to form yesterday, it was a good thing I did because some kid on a cell phone never saw me coming.

On a spiritual and personal note. Everytime you leave your home, make sure those you leave have an extra hug or kiss, you may not return. Make sure you take care of legal matters as well: living wills and Powers of attorney so those you leave behind can carry out your wishes. I know these are things we don't always like to think about but are so worthy in the event that they are needed. Remember to also see to your spiritual health as well. Having hope in the here-after can be comforting for all as Bill's family knows so well.

Lastly. As Bill has done, live your life, giving freely of your time and talents selflessly, and leave the world a better place than when you arrived. Through the Grace of God, Bill was able to leave a legacy that is unmeasurable. It transcends time, space, and worldly goods, and thanks to the power of the internet, Bill's rock solid advice will be here for all to glean long after the rest of us are gone.

Farewell brother and ride on, I will ride the streets of gold with you after I meet you for the first time at the pearly gates. I know there are XJs in heaven.

Dan

 

fitz,
I'm still available for the relay ride. I'm in LaGrange OH which is east of Norwalk and west of Akron. My zip is 44050.

 

fitz, I am still up for covering Nebraska from North Platte to Lincoln, maybe to Omaha if Jon is unable to ride to me. I will be able to do this on Th, Fr & Sa only as I work the other days. There may also be an issue with work. Sergey's wife is expecting a baby on the 18th, and I will need to cover his shift for 2 weeks. (I am really looking forward to 2 weeks of 12 hour days in a 140*F boiler room!!) Let me know how and when this thing shakes out and I will, somehow do my part!!

And Jon, get better and be more careful!!

 

if jon can't do it, I will be willing to ride up somewhere in Nebraska to get the package and deliver it to Columbia Mo. I will ride farther if needed.

all I need to know is when and where. work is no problem.

 

From Dan: "As a professional in the emergency medical field in South Dakota, I have the opportunity to work the week of the Sturgis Rally and see all the senseless injuries that come in all varieties from MC accidents. Some come from foolish decision making but a vast majority come from other drivers being distracted by other things around them or in their own hands.

Bill, I'm sure, was as careful as a rider can be, but this brings to the front of our minds just how vigilant we need to be when sharing the road with those that are not as alert as we are. There where 5 MC deaths in South Dakota the week of the Rally and 3 of those were cages making left hand turns in front of an oncoming bike.

Let this unfortunate event that touches so very close to our cyber home, be the catalyst that makes us more aware of those we have no control over. I find myself rolling out of the throttle a lot more than I did before when approaching those potential risks. True to form yesterday, it was a good thing I did because some kid on a cell phone never saw me coming."

I followed a woman putting on her make up and digging through her purse as I rode today... and she was in a county car. needless to say I am tracking her down and she WILL attend her driving course!!
It just chaps my @$$ (sorry). My awareness has been on super high since loosing Bill. I'm done letting it slide. I have noticed it for years and let it go. No more... the only thing worse that a scorned woman (sorry ladies) is a pissed off brother!! Especially this one! Now not to worry Bill's sound guidance through the years has taught me to channel my anger in a healthier way. So I am seeking out causes to support the motorcycle community and I will make my brothers loss count for change! Well I feel better now ;-)

Regarding the relay, I will be leaving Florida Ocala area Friday morning 9-4 to ride with Bill's local chapter in Raleigh, NC 9-5. I can, and will leave several days earlier to ride out to meet someone in the western NC area to ride the card the rest of the way or if you would like to meet us on Saturday I'll check with the group on the details.

Either way ALL ride safe!! And thanks again for your support.

 

Dave,
it sounds like we have a card to get out to you
anyone know where it is?
I am all for picking it up

 

RIP, my good man

 

Ride on brother

 

I'm in Maryland on the peninsula. I'd be happy to get involved with the relay if possible.

 

Steven or Dave,

I am a machinist and I am working on a custom side cover for my '82 seca. I am utilizing Steven's Tattoo design with the cross and Bill's name and dates along with the words "Absent In The Body - Present With The Lord". For spacing purposes it may help me if I knew Bill's middle intitial. Would you mind letting me know what it is? When I get the artwork done I will post up a picture. If anybody is interested I can make multiples. I don't know if the same side cover fits other size motors.
Thanks.
Joe

 

yeah his middle name is william and cool i'd like to see it when its done

 

Micro: Bills middle name begins with an "F" out respect for Bill I will not reveal his given name as it was a source of many a @$$ wooping in my younger years when I teased him about it. Thanks for honoring Bill. Ride safe and enjoy it to the max.

 

thats right his middle name does start with F hes always gone by bill nd used william as a middle name cuz he didn't like his real one as david said that was my fault sorry lol

 

I will leave the middle initial out and just stick with "Bill Schmitt". I am done with the art work and I have the right side cover drawn up as a CAD drawing. Lord willing, I will machine the cover on Monday. I am not sure if I want to give the cover a black wrinkle powder coat then engrave or leave it as aluminum and try to do the engraving in black (the latter being much harder). I will check with the powder coater and see if he has an idea on how to do it. If I can remember how to convert the CAD drawing to a pdf I will post it as an attachment. Thanks to both of you, Steven and Dave, for your kindness in letting me honor the memory of Bill, your father and brother, and the friend of so many here on the xj site. Though our sense of loss is pale in comparison to yours, we too feel a heaviness at Bill's passing and are looking for some way to honor his memory.
May God be your close companion and ease your suffering at this difficult time.
Joe

 

first try at artwork attachment

 

Hey, it worked!

Rick, is it ok with you to use "xjbikes" at the bottom of the engraving? I'm not sure if you copywrited it but I should ask your permission first anyhow.

Thanks

Joe

 

It's not my call.
This is not my Site.

XJ Bikes is a Generic Term, anyway. Like Chocolate Pudding.
It refers to a Model of Yamaha Motorcycles.

I think "Bill" and "2009" should switch places.
The dates on one line.
Bills name on another.
Very nice looking graphic, though.

 

Ok Rick - thanks. I will try switching the date and name and see how that looks. Nice idea!

 

Micro, this looks nice. very similar to sketches for my tatoo. Thanks again your thoughts and efforts are appreciated.

 

Mirco, I'd swing for one if you make more....

 

Wow... i am absolutely shocked. I haven't been here in awhile and when I return I get this news.

I am beside myself. Bill and I met face to face, we swapped parts, we pm'ed..

I am shocked. We talked so many times... I am sooo sorry to hear this.

Please tell me it wasn't a mc crash.

 

eflat7 you must have missed this thread: http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic ... =bill.html

 

RIP

 

Hey micro,

I don't have a seca so the memorial side cover is sort of out but could your design be used for a patch?

 

Having been gone from the forums for a while, I've been in tears catching up on these horrible events... I never knew Bill very well, but he was always kind, and willing to give however he could. I'm painting one of my nails black tonight.

And micro, I'm with artie, my seca is being hacked up pretty badly, so sidepanels are a no-go, any chance of a patch or decals?

RIP Bill

 

Patches are a (in the wordxs of Jeff Beck) "definitely maybe". If there is enough interest I would be willing to pursue it. Who would be interested in patches? Let me know.

 

Patches for sure.

I haven't been on here in months... I can't believe this.

He will be sorely missed by a lot of people.

RIP brother.

Let me know on the patches... I'll have to get a coat to put it on.

 

Micro keep me posted on the patch aswell. AND THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND HARD WORK!! I wamt to chat about my vmax cover... I;ll PM you after the weekend. Enjoy and ride safe all

 

I haven't been on in a while and I had no idea. I will often think of Bill and his family. RIP Bill

 

just thought you guys might want to see my finished tattoo