It is with heavy heart that I announce the passing of BK NM-6 member Ed Rodarte. He passed away from Covid-19.
Please keep him, his family, friends, and fellow Blue Knights in your thoughts and Prayers.
RWP my friend
RoN
Blue Knights AZ IX
Secretary/Treasurer
P.O Box 90944
Tucson, Az. 85752
www.blueknightsaz9.org
(Cell) 520-940-0564
(Fax) 954-208-1122
treasurer@blueknightsaz9.org
On Saturday November 11th a few of the Blue Knights got together and did a lunch ride to the Copper Brothel Brewery in Sonoita. Those who made the ride were Steve E., Terry A., Ken McC., Scott V., a friend of Terry’s named Rick, and yours truly. After a great ride out I-10 Ken & I met up with the rest of the group at AZ 83. Then on down to Sonoita we went. When we got there we were NOT alone. I counted a total of 25 motorcycles in the parking lot including ours. There were members of ALR 123, 109, 23, and probably a few I missed. After a great lunch and dessert Ken, Steve, and I headed west on 82 while Terry and his friends headed east on 83 to make a loop back to Vail. Here are a few pictures of our afternoon lunch.
Ed Gallant
Transferred to Heaven I from ME I
June 2020
Ed Gallant
As most are now aware, our Founding Father, Ed Gallant, recently passed-away after a lengthy hospital stay. His service has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 7th, at the National Cremation & Burial Society, 5641 Highway 90, West Milton, Florida. His viewing and family visitation will be from 12pm until 2pm and the service immediately following.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be an issue in most States, with an increase in cases, mandated quarantines and the reversal of businesses opening, we understand that attendance may be an issue for many. If you are able to show support by attending, that’s great however, if you’re unable to attend, please share your support and words of encouragement to Maggie and the Gallant Family, and keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of their loved one.
Ed Gallant will always, be a true-Blue Knight and May he “Ride with Pride” and Rest In Peace as a member of Heaven-1. Our Deepest Sympathy to the Gallant Family from The Board of Governors.
Taken from the Sword & Shield Magazine 2nd Quarter 2020
Words could not have expressed the sorrow of so many when the news was released that our founding father of the Blue Knights®International LEMC had passed away in Milton, Florida and transferred to Heaven 1 chapter. Thousands upon thousands of condolences rang across phones, emails, social media and in person at Blue Knights® meetings across the world.Here in the America, Ed was honored at his funeral by family and a hundred plus people including Past International President, DJ Alvarez, Past International Vice-President Karen Borza, current International Secretary Jim Borza, BOG officers, Conference officers past and present, Chapter officers past and present and many members and friends.Ed was also honored and commemorated in Europe as Blue Knights® Koen Hts and members of Belgium I, II, III, IV, VI and IX and Croatia VII attended with Padre Dirk Vannetelbosch (also a Blue Knight) presiding over the commemoration.There will also be a memorial service in Bangor, Maine that is still pending due to the COVID crisis.A TRUE Blue Knight® with a heart of gold, Ed got to see what his idea would eventually become; the largest motorcycle club in the entire world representing 32 countries and over 16,000 members. He was so proud to meet Blue Knights® wherever he traveled and loved the friendships and camaraderie that came with each and every meeting.I could go on and on about Ed, meeting him and Maggie, hanging out with them both and listening to so many stories from Ed’s past days as a police officer for the city of Bangor, Maine and then as a deputy at the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office. He had so many great stories. But after hearing so many members remembering about meeting Ed, I thought a better direction would be to instead post photos of members with Ed he met during his travels. We will each get a chance to reminisce about Ed’s stories when we meet next time.
Rest in Peace Ed Gallant, until we meet again.
Stan Thibaut was born in Marion, OH on a cold January day in 1948. The family moved to Rochester, NY when he was young and he grew up on Menard Dr. in Rochester. He attend high school in Greece, NY where he graduated in 1966.
He worked for a short time at Eastman Kodak then joined the Irondequoit Police Department. This began his career in a law enforcement. After 3 years of policing the Rochester suburb, he decided he wanted to live in retirement weather while he was young enough to enjoy it. He moved to Tucson in 1974 and began working for the Tucson Police Department. After working patrol and a few other assignments, he was accepted into the solo motor unit. He had been riding his own motorcycle to work and it was love at first ride. The progression of his professional career to Police Motors was a logical path.
He worked solo motors for 17 years. In that time he was instrumental in helping to develop the motors training course for the department as well as standardizing the training for RADAR instruction. He received the Medal of Merit and the Medal of Service for his contributions.
He retired from the department in 1997 after teaching one last motors class. He accepted a position with the Tucson Marshals, a subunit of the police department. He continued providing service to the City of Tucson in this role until a second retirement in 2009.
He was active in his church and helped found Desert Hope Lutheran Church in 2010. Always a willing servant, he participated in the Agua Prieta Shelters ministry, the facilities team and the church leadership counsel.
Retirement offered him the opportunity to spend more time with his motorcycle passion. He earned the Iron Butt designation for riding over 1000 miles in 24 hours. He took trips annually that crossed the country as well as day tripping around southern Arizona. His total life time, recreational riding exceeded 300,000 miles. He belonged to numerous motorcycle organizations including the AMA, Blue Knights AZ IX (founding member), BMW Riders Association, South East Arizona Touring Riders (SEAT), and others.
In June 2011 he began volunteering at the Tucson Wildlife Center. He continued to serve in this capacity until his death.
In his retirement, he rekindled his interest in shooting sports and was a member of the Tucson Rifle Club. While not as enjoyable as motorcycling, the activity gave him the chance to connect and reconnect with like minded friends.
On April 18, 2020 he passed away leaving behind his wife Patti, his four children, Michele Schwartz (husband Stuart), Wendy Osterhoudt (husband David), Todd Thibaut (wife Jessica) and Lorraine Early Thibaut, his grandchildren Alison Schwartz, Rachel Schwartz, Josh Osterhoudt, Emily Osterhoudt, Leia Thibaut, Luke Thibaut, and Ben Thibaut. Also left behind are his two sisters, Linda Brennan and Pam Honan (husband Tom) and his nephew, Casey Brennan. Stan was buried at East Lawn Cemetery in Tucson, AZ.
When gathering restrictions are lifted, a Celebration of Life will be held at Desert Hope Lutheran Church, 7474 E. Speedway.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made in Stan’s name to the 100 Club (https://www.100club.org), Tucson Hearts of Gold (tucsonheartsofgold.org), Agua Prieta Shelters (https://www.Apshelters.org) or the Tucson Wildlife Center (http://tucsonwildlife.com/).
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jack Thibaut, Jr., please visit Tribute Store
On Saturday March 14th we had our monthly breakfast. This month we went to: Happy Rooster Cafe on 1114 S. Sarnoff Dr. We had 14 members and friends come for breakfast. Here are a few pictures of breakfast: Those in attendance were: Rev Bill C., Jim K., Frank B., Terry A., Steve E., Stan & Patti T, Stan is recovering from recent hip surgery, Jim P & Ann T, from ONT VIII, Bear & Robi C., Susan W. & Alan S., and finely yours truly.
When we went outside we noticed that we had several bikes parked next to each other that had license tags BKREV, BK IX, and BKAZ9. Also Susan W. has a NICE new ride which are the last two pictures. Unfortunately I forgot what it is.
On Tuesday February 26th we met at Holy Smokin’ Butts for our monthly dinner ride. What a great turnout we had. Those who were in attendance were: Ont VIII Members Jim P. and Ann T., & Kay and Derek C. Also Gary A, Stan T, Frank B, Jim K, Bruce and Bonnie D, Mike and Nita Schultz, Chuck F, Alan S and Susan W, along with our very own Bill (Rev) C.
Everyone RAVED about how great the food was. The wait staff, Danielle was just as good. Bill C talked with the manager before leaving and said they had a great time. The manage said to come back anytime and we could even have Danielle again as out waitress.
Here are a few pictures from the evening:
WHAT a great turnout for our monthly breakfast ride this month. While it was rather CHILLY and some members had to ride in cages it brought out EIGHTEEN members and family to participate in our monthly breakfast ride. We even had a new WINTER visitor come, NY IV Jerry K. Here is a list of the members who came and a few pictures to go along with it:
Chuck F., Terry A, Steve E, Mike & Rita S, Jerry K from NY IV, Jim K, Bear & Robi C, Bill REV C, Ken Mc, Frank B, Twan V, Bruce D, Alan S and Susan W, Russ C, and yours truly. Here are a few pictures of the members at breakfast.
On Saturday February 1st Jim & Ann P and myself went to the Pima Air & Space Museum for Law Enforcement Days. After walking around for about two hours we decided to have lunch on Valencia at Chili’s. Here are just a few of the pictures from the day’s activities:
The first bike belongs to Pima Community College and is ALL Electric. The Officer stated it will do 105.
On Tuesday January 28th we had our monthly dinner ride. This month we went to El Patio in Green Valley. Those who made the ride were: Robi & Bear C., Chuck F., Rich F., Jim K., Frank B., Alan S & Susan W., Jim & Ann P, Scott V., and our newest Winter visitors Larry & Roxanne K. from MN IV Chapter and of course, yours truly. Here are a few pics from dinner.
On Saturday January 11th we had our FIRST BK breakfast ride of the New Year. While it was a blustery 40 degrees when I left my house some people had upper 20’s and came in cages. Our first breakfast for 2020 was held at Trident Grill II on Swan where they serve breakfast on Saturday’s and Sunday’s. I must say everyone was pleased with their food. Those who made the chilly ride were: Alan S & Susan W., Mike & Nita S., Gary A., Ken & Felicia H., Robi & Bear C., Frank B., Dennis M., and yours truly. Here are a few pics of the attendees.
