It is very few times in one's life that you meet someone that you know you will always remember and tell stories about.  Although I only recently had the privilege of meeting Chet at the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati this year, his impact on me was nearly monumental.  I had done quite a bit of marketing for Thunder Beach over the last couple of years, but had not personally  met or dealt with any of the many people in the industry that take part in the rally.  The trip to Cincy was my time to be "thrown to the wolves."   Within a couple of hours of our first day, I met this muscle bound guy that didn't seem to have a fear of doing or saying anything to anyone.  I was also amazed at not only how he deftly handled so many different people in the 15 minutes that we spoke, but how many people already knew him and that he remembered everyone's name.. 

Later that evening, Joe, Chet and I spent the next three hours discussing everything from the state of the industry, business and marketing philosophy, and even touchy subjects such as religion & politics with a casualness as though he had known me all his life.  At dinner, I don't think I have laughed so hard in years.  If ya knew Chet, you know how outright hysterical the shock value of popping his glass eye out to the unsuspecting waiter or bartender could be. 

When the discussion topic hit music and he found out I was not only a player but a promoter, he got a funny look in that one good eye.  With an abrupt finger in my face he said, "hang on", pulled out his phone and as soon as someone answered, he said "Adam - this guy books bands."  He then proceeded to hand me the phone.  Adam and I spent the next 10 minutes discussing his bands - he plays in three bands -  and the possibility of him coming down for one of our events.  Joe mentioned later that as Chet watched me speak to Adam on the phone, that he could see the pride in Chet's face for his son.  Joe could tell that no matter what it took, Chet was going to be there for Adam to help him through whatever battles came his way.

I write this memoriam in the hopes that we, the motorcycle industry, enthusiasts and the like can be there for Adam in a way that would make Chet not only proud but comfortable in the fact that Adam has what he needs to be successful at whatever path he chooses.  Adam  is in a difficult position and really needs our support.  There are many things that have to be taken care of and Adam could use the help as these issues are too "adult" for a sixteen year old to face alone.