It is hard to know what to say in the face of loss, but I wanted to meet this moment as best I could. There are people in life that help shape who you are, who help shape who you become, and Dale Walksler was very much one of those people for me. Through his generosity and kindness, through his encouragement and support, and through his seemingly limitless knowledge and enthusiasm for old motorcycles, he helped me discover and explore something in myself which has been invaluable. I will forever be grateful to have spent the time with Dale that I did, to have had a chance to learn from him and for the people I've come to know through him.
But I was just one little life influenced and encouraged by Dale. His impact reaches far beyond that of the individual people whose lives he touched. I am a part of an entire generation of old motorcycle nerds in which you would be hard-pressed to pinpoint a person without a connection to Dale. His influence, passion, and the museum, which is at the center of it all, has reached millions, positively impacted the lives of countless people worldwide, and his contributions to the motorcycle community have shaped the culture itself. His legacy will reach far beyond his lifetime, and I am genuinely thankful to have known him.
I offer my most sincere condolences to Dale's family, the fine folks at Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum, his countless friends, and the community that will undoubtedly be feeling sadness today. There is a global community of enthusiasts mourning the loss of such a man as Dale Walksler. Take some time to hold close those you love and appreciate, do something you enjoy or go for a ride, and if you are able fire up a Crocker and let it loose for the crowd.
Rest well my friend, you will be dearly missed.
Chris