Times 7/21
P-I 7/22
P-I 7/23
Times 7/23
KOMO 7/21
P-I 7/28
Times 7/28
Seattle Weekly 8/3
Match results
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From: "Karyn Vicker"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 09:50:54 -0700
Subject: It's official- RIP Bronze
Bronze was killed in a car wreck this morning.
Sources inside the department tell me that he was returning from his
shooting match in Idaho, but they're not (or weren't at that moment) sure if
he fell asleep at the wheel, or what.
I'll be keeping an eye out for ways to help his family, and will keep you
all posted.
From: Alex Wall
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 09:55:54 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
oh shit.
I have no words.
From: "rolf vitous"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:00:20 -0700
Subject: RE: It's official- RIP Bronze
RIP my friend, and condolences to the family.
From: "Jim Harriger"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:00:34 -0700
Subject: RE: It's official- RIP Bronze
OMG. I can't express...
double f*ck! that's not fair!
From: "Chris Bishop"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:01:03 -0700
Subject: RE: It's official- RIP Bronze
That friggin sucks. Lemme know if there is anything I can do.
With a very heavy heart,
From: Steve Gross
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:05:57 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
The official SPD release, sent to me by my former boss (the
release came from SPD Chief Kerlikowsi's office):
"With profound regret and deep sadness I must inform you that we have
lost one of our own. Ken Saucier was killed in an automobile accident
at 3:51am this morning as he was returning from a shooting competition.
It was a one car roll over accident near the Idaho border. Ken was the
driver of the vehicle and he was carrying one male passenger, not an SPD
employee. The passenger was taken to a local hospital and has since
been released. Once Ken's identity was confirmed, immediately Kevin
Haistings, Chaplain Oas, Pete Verhaar, John Abraham and I went to inform
his family.
Ken is survived by his wife of almost eighteen years, Suzanne and their
three daughters, Rebecca, Regina and Renee. Ken has been an officer
with SPD since June 1986. Some of the many things that Ken will be
remembered for are his strong support of training, officer safety and
his commitment to officers taking care of each other. These will be
just a few of the highlights of his professional legacy. Ken served
with honor in a variety of assignments:
--South Precinct Patrol
--North Precinct Patrol
--Special Patrol (SWAT)
--North Precinct ACT Team
--Range, instructor
--Guild President, since March 2002"
Damn, damn, damn.
As soon as details regarding a memorial become known, we will let you
know. This is a tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with Ken's
family.
From: Carl Paukstis
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 12:08:34 -0500
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
Oh, dear me.
"Only the good die young."
"Today we have, each one of us, one less day on this earth. Only joy
slows the clocks." - Travis McGee (John D. MacDonald)
Bronze reminded me that there is joy in helping others, in strving for
what's right, in knowing when to live and let live. Bronze was able to
be tough without being cruel, or unfriendly, or aloof. For me, he
exemplified the Authority Figure With A Heart. He was Everyman in an
impossible job, doing all he could to have it all make a little more
sense and help people instead of just regulating them.
I'll miss him.
From: Mark Morland
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:13:05 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
Choking on tears in California.
From: "Rachel"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 12:07:58 -0700
Subject: It's official- RIP Bronze
no! no no no. no.
From: Mark Morrissey
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:14:24 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
If there is no God, this is proof. If there is a God, this is proof that
God wants the very best to come home early.
Numbness doesn't begin to describe how I feel.
I'm sure that someone in the Seattle/Tacoma area is checking in with his
family. Please, if there is anything that I can do, let me know. Day or
night, it doesn't matter.
I'd move mountains for that man.
Missing him is gonna hurt for many, many days to come.
From: "Keith Underdahl"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:58:16 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
No. Dammit.
From: Dave Morgan
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:19:36 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
I never met Bronze in person, but had many a spirited e-mail with him
and feel like I knew him. The pun contests were the best. It's hard to
find a cop with a sense of humor, let alone a sense of humor as twisted
as that of myself and many members of the WL family. He will be truly
missed, even by people like me who never actually met him.
My sincere condolences to his family and fellow officers.
From: Dean Woodward
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:19:05 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
http://www.micapeak.com/Phil/wet2k3/fish/ff6.JPG
http://www.micapeak.com/Phil/wet2k3/fish/ff30.JPG
http://www.micapeak.com/Phil/wet2k/cook/c48.jpg
From: "Joe Lanfrankie"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:23:06 -07:00
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
I am speechless.
Going for a walk.
From: "Jim Harriger"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:27:26 -0700
Subject: RE: It's official- RIP Bronze
great. now I'm sitting here in my office bawling, probably
frightening my cow-orkers. like mr lanfrankie, I'm goin' for a
walk.
From: "Angela Barkes-Draz"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:31:10 -0700
Subject: RE: It's official- RIP Bronze
I was one of the fortunate to have met him and talk to him in person.
I remember at one of the parties, he was telling a story. I don't really
remember what the story was about. All I remember was the way he told
the story. My cheeks and stomach ached from laughing until I cried.
He will be missed.
From: "rolf vitous"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:33:49 -0700
Subject: RE: It's official- RIP Bronze
The walk has already happened. Tonight will be somber at the Garage, and I
will be remembering Bronze in the best of company. Heavy thoughts indeed.
From: "Susan Harris"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:37:02 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
My God, this is such a shock - I'm heartsick. Let's all pull together to
help his family through this tragedy.
From: Lee Hart
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:35:14 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
Dammit.
I look forward to hearing good/funny Bronze stories at the Garage
tonight. I need that.
From: Seth LaForge
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:37:01 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
Shit. My keyboard seems to be all wet.
My mind keeps popping up images of his face, laughing. The krinkles
around his eyes when he laughed. Stupid puns. Smiling, joking at a
party, answering a phone call in a serious efficient way, then returning
to the fun.
Ken, my fastest lap of the day will be dedicated to you.
From: "Chris Bishop"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:35:57 -0700
Subject: RE: It's official- RIP Bronze
Out of the archives. One of the best posts to ever grace my mailbox came
from Bronze. I think it is time to find myself a quad mocha.
Chris
> I discovered something very bad today. I should preface this with my
feeling on
> Lattes. Lattes are improperly made mochas. Vile concoctions. Add flavored syrup
> to that and you're trying to convince yourself that this concoction is a tasty
> beverage. Nope, ain't gonna happen. Unless you add chocolate, and then it's a
> mocha. The end.
AMEN!
There is something, well, unholy about the simple Latte. I hate
even saying the word, it is sooo wussy. They are indeed,
incomplete. Unfinished, unrefined. They are crap. To bring this
swill to any state of esteem that it could hope to be held in, it
must be imbued with the Nectar of the Gods, CHOCOLATE SYRUP (all
kneel, and say "By the powers that be". Only then can it be
called, reverently, MOCHA. Note how it rumbles off the tongue.
MOCHA. The sound comes from deep within, yea, from the very
soul. MOCHA. The shoulders come back, the eyes squint, and
everyone knows you mean business. You are not one to be trifled
with. Skinny Latte? "Please don't break my pencil neck" is what
you are saying when you order one of those. QUAD MOCHA. "Give me
my real coffee, mere mortal, and I may not rip your gizzard out
through your over-educated, underachieving ass." MOCHA. Notice
that the word is actually a pseudonym for the word MACHO. MOCHA<>
MACHO MACHO - MOCHA. This is not by accident. This is not
coincidence. This is divine providence. Tell me how you feel
when you hear the word MOCHA. Do you get all patriotic? Do you
feel an air of invincibility? Do you deny when you hear the word,
gulp, LATTE, that you just want to slap the utterer in the back
of the head? Oh, you know you do. Or at least thwap their ear.
To be doused by such sheep dip must have been traumatic. But to
be forced to SMELL like it all day, around your cow-orkers and
other members of the public, OH, the humiliation! I feel your
pain. There is one glimmer of light in this dark event. At least
now, you can speed on your bike, and when a cop pulls your over,
you can tell him your sad tale of woe. When you state that you
were speeding to keep that vile stench out of your nose, the
Officer will not only break down in tears, he will refuse to
write you a ticket. He may even BURN his ticket book in unbridled
rage! You'd never hear a real cop order a, gag, Latte. MOCHA!
Bronze
From: Truman Grandy
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:40:17 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
Ken was such a gentle, soft-spoken man, I always had trouble believing he was
ex-SWAT, etc. The last time I saw him was at jenner's bon voyage party. He was
so excited about riding his resurrected SV...almost child-like in his beaming,
simple pleasure in the tinkering and return to riding.
godspeed, Ken...blessed be.
From: "Lisa Denzler"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:41:24 -0700
Subject: RE: It's official- RIP Bronze
>double f*ck! that's not fair!
OMG, yes... what he said.
From: vex
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:42:28 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
> I'll miss him.
I couldn't say it any better. In fact, I can't say anything....
Vaya Con Dios, my friend.
From: Brian Poppe
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:35:11 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
HFS.
I don't care if the information gets reposted and reposted. I would
appreciate anyone posting any information they hear regarding how we can
help his family.
From: "Shasta"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:49:02 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
Exactly what came to my mind too, Chris. I jokingly made jenner a "quad
mocha" just a few days ago to speed him southward to Texas. (I called him,
btw.)
Fucking dangerous cages. Things won't be the same without Ken around.
From: "Maura Van Der Linden"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:51:42 -0700
Subject: RE: It's official- RIP Bronze
I've asked my brother in law (Seattle PD and also ex-swat) to pass on
any information he can regarding Bronze's memorial and anything we can
do to help his family.
I'll pass things on as soon as I see anything.
From: niko
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:53:20 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: RIP Bronze
I will remember his smile and easy manner,
his wit and humorous good nature.
A tragic loss is an understatement.
Godspeed brother.
From: "Erston"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 11:32:08 -0700
Subject: RE: It's official- RIP Bronze
http://www.komotv.com/stories/32281.htm
Ride in Peace, my hero.
From: Ricky
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:57:18 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
Aw hell. One of the good ones is now gone, I know we all feel and
will feel his absence for quite a long time.
Bronze, get whatever is out there after this prepared for the rest
of us to show up and celebrate the times we shared, and create new ones.
-- Ricky (still not reading, but saw the subject line go by in my
procmail log and had to find out)
From: jenner
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 10:59:05 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
Forgive me friend, for I cannot seem to find the words
to express how much you meant to me. Maybe after a
ride I will be able to tell this wonderful family how
much you meant to me.
From: Seth LaForge
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 11:02:15 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
This really shakes me up. My first (and only serious) car accident was
very similar. I had my learner's permit, and was driving my dad's 1969
Volvo station wagon to Berkeley, with my step-mom and brother in the
car, and a full load of stuff in the back. I suffered a moment's
inattention - messing with the stereo - returned my attention to the
road, and found I was heading straight for a concrete overpass barrier
on the side of the freeway. I overcorrected left, ended up halfway into
the left lane, overcorrected right, up on two wheels, overcorrected
left, and the car flipped and rolled several times, landing on its
wheels facing the wrong direction on the shoulder.
My step-mom lost an index finger to the window. My brother suffered
glass cuts. I was physically unscathed. I learned that day how little
lies between being in control of a vehicle, and being totally out of
control. I was tremendously lucky to have been taught such a lesson
with no loss of life. Ken was not so lucky.
From: Kirsten Lewis
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 11:07:30 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
ugh. can't look at those..... but thanks for posting them.
with great sadness.....
From: Ted Timmons
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 11:13:42 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
Maura Van Der Linden wrote:
> I'll pass things on as soon as I see anything.
Please. I feel helpless. I can't say much other than "me too", and I wish
there was something I/we could do.
From: sandra
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 11:20:07 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
I only met Ken once, at the 2002 Fish Fry. I found him to be an
exceptional example of a human being and will miss him.
I hope he had a chance to ride his SV before he took off for Ohio.
From: "Dave Macdonald"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 18:19:50 +0000
Subject: RE: It's official- RIP Bronze
There's a huge hole in my heart right now.
Ken was one of those people who I respected utterly.
He had so much confidence in who he was, and such authority,
but I never saw him be less than kind and generous to everyone
he met. He had an air about him that the best sensi's I've known
possessed, an infectious, joyful passion for life and you just knew
he'd never use his talents for anything other but good.
He lived his life making things better, not just for himself, his
friends, or his family but for everybody. The world's a worse
place for his passing.
Thank you, my friend, and ahui hou.
If there's anything I can do for the family, let me know.
From: Jack Tavares
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 11:20:19 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
Wow.
Bronze always had a laugh and smile. While I grieve, I am
trying to remember the constant jokes and puns that he
used to dish out.
He was a truly fucking funny son of a bitch.
I will miss him greatly, as will everyone who knew him.
We need to get together sometime soon and remember all
the laughs we shred with and at him.
I will raise a glass in his honor this night.
From: Kirsten Lewis
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 11:20:31 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
I know it's probably going to take a couple of days for this to be
figured out, but if anyone learns anything about how we may pay our
respects, memorial service, helping Bronze's family, etc. I would love
to know.
From: John Coulter
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 11:21:09 -0700
Subject: Quad Mocha
Strong, dark, powerful, bittersweet.
Maybe now I can face this day.
I will miss, you, my friend.
From: "Ed Gardner"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 14:23:03 -0400
Subject: RE: It's official- RIP Bronze
Shocked. I am feeling the pain all the way down here in Florida. I was
looking forward to the day when we would have a real time pun contest, maybe
at some future Gather. Please, someone, at the memorial service, tell his
family that he will be missed all over the country, not just where he lived,
for his sense of humor, his sense of duty, and, well, his just good sense in
everything. RIP Bronze.
From: Martin Golding
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 11:23:47 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
I don't recall which party it was, probably several. I recall
a kitchen full of laughing people, with Bronze and Alpen
exchanging stories until two in the morning. It was OK when
he missed a party, because I knew there'd be more.
Always so much left unsaid, so much left undone.
From: John Coulter
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 11:27:34 -0700
Subject: Statement from the Mayor
As distributed to all City of Seattle employees:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Dear Friends:
It is always a sad day when Seattle loses a police officer. Today, the
department and the City has also lost a real leader.
Seattle Police Guild President Ken Saucier died in a car accident early
this morning, on his way back from a pistol competition in Ohio. He has
been an SPD officer for 18 years, and his commitment to the department and
to his fellow officers will be long-remembered.
Ken was a fine officer, an effective Guild leader, and a good man.
Ken will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathy goes to his family and his
fellow officers.
Sincerely,
GREG NICKELS
Mayor of Seattle
From: "Karyn Vicker"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 11:27:32 -0700
Subject: Memories of Bronze
When Bronze joined the list, (what, six years ago?) he Came Out to us as a
cop, and offered to leave if we felt that having a cop on the list would
stifle us. He didn't want his presence to damage the sense of family we had.
We told him, of course, that he should stay. We even allowed *lawyers* on
the list!
He then explained that he would prefer to keep his legal name a secret. He
didn't want someone who had a grudge against cops in general, or him in
particular, using information gleaned from the list to track him down, and
endanger his family. We were good with that. He was Bronze, and his IRL name
didn't matter.
That summer, he and I both went on a ride around Mt. Ranier, organized on
the list. I was riding an R1100RT I'd borrowed from a friend, as my Ascot
was in the shop. We stopped for lunch at a restaurant that had a gravel
parking lot. I hadn't put much thought into where I put my bike when I
parked, and I ended up needing help getting it backed out to a point I could
leave the lot from. Bronze was helping me push the bike back, and we
overbalanced it. He grabbed for the fairing, caught the left mirror pod,
which popped off, fell to the ground, and the mirror broke. He felt
terrible, and insisted on paying for the damages. When I learned what they
were, I contacted him and let him know it'd be $27, and how did he want to
handle getting the money to me? He *could* write me a check, but then I'd
know what his real name was ;).
A couple of days later, a letter on SPD letterhead came for me. In it was
$27 in cash, and the letter simply said (with each word a different font)
"You still don't know what my name is!".
I fell out of my chair laughing.
From: Randall Mietzner
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 11:28:41 -0700
Subject: re: RIP Bronze
Trip called me aafter he heard the news on the radio
while eating a burger in his van. At various WL events, and out of
his juristiction, I think he really enjoyed just being himself,
He will be greatly missed, we also enjoyed him.
From: "Jeanne T. Bort"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 11:37:03 -0700
Subject: RE: It's official- RIP Bronze
Even tho I never met the gentleman (not being much of a party goer) I was
much impressed by the person his various posts revealed.- his was one of
the brightest lights in the string. My heart goes out to his family for
their loss.
From: Gustavo
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 11:37:17 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
Fuck.
I never had a chance to meet his family, but I guess now
would be a good time to go offer his wife and daughters
our help.
From: "Scott Avery"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 11:38:38 -0700
Subject: RE: It's official- RIP Bronze
I sold/gave him a ton of parts for his SV repair off the old race bike.
He'd asked me for the vin a couple of weeks back and I'd been lazy about
getting it to him. I figured there'd be plenty of time..
I'm missing your tales and your wit already.
From: Ted Timmons
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 11:40:30 -0700
Subject: bronze
Just saw more details on TV. The truck looked bad, but not as bad as I'd
expected. Windows were totally cracked out, tailgate was blown off, the
truck was sitting on the drivers side.
Talking head on the news said they were both wearing their seatbelts.
That doesn't surprise me, but still good to confirm.
Damn.
From: Jeff Earls
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 11:41:46 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
holy shit. no. dammit. no.
From: Steve Gross
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 11:42:17 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
Subject: Re: Quad Mocha
I was walking around the building, trying to figure out how to
process this. Got myself a mocha. Put some feelers out to folks
I know at SPD, telling them I had a couple of hundred people
ready to do whatever Ken's family needs done. I'm gonna head out
of Tacoma around 7, hope some of you will still be at the Garage.
From: "Ed Gardner"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 14:46:30 -0400
Subject: RE: It's official- RIP Bronze
Maybe after the immediate family crisis is over, his wife could
use some informed help, if she wants to, in relieving herself of
his bike(s), either by selling them or even in conducting a
goodwill raffle if they don't have a very high market value.
Maybe they would end up staying in his extended wetleather
family.
From: Charlie Smith
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 14:46:33 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
Oh my God.
When you risk you life about every day, as he did putting on the
uniform, it seems unbelivable that something like this can suddenly
step out of the darkness.
It would be good if there was something we could do to help his family.
From: "Kristen Hart"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 11:47:51 -0700
Subject: RE: It's official- RIP Bronze
This just seems too unbelievable. My thoughts and prayers
go out to his family. I will miss his quick wit, sense
of humor, honesty and integrity. Halo Fests just won't be
the same without him.
From: Carl Paukstis
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 13:51:43 -0500
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
That spot is about 10 miles from my house, 2 miles from the office
where H Marc and I worked together for many years (Sanders, too). My
son has a good friend who lives about a mile from that freeway exit.
My daugther practiced indoor soccer for seevral years about that same
distance away from there. That interchange is less than one mile from,
and on the quickest path to, the closest place to buy "illegal"
lower-taxed Idaho cigarettes and gasoline at State Line Village. IOW,
I've been past that location a LOT. It'll never seem the same.
From: Lark
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 11:52:16 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
Having met him only a few times and been impressed with his warmth and
gentle humor, I am both relieved and sorry that I didn't know him better.
My heart goes out to those who did.
From: "steve powers"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 12:02:05 -0700
Subject: RE: RIP Bronze
after the incidents he had on 2 wheels, I find it ironic that
this tragedy happened with 4 wheels. I'll miss him.
god speed Bronze!
From: Brian Poppe
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 11:54:08 -0700
Subject: Bronze and Talk Radio
On which shows was Bronze most often a featured guest?
Dori Monson, Dave Ross, who??????
I'm going to email them and see if they can say a brief word about him on
their show.
From: Ted Timmons
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 12:03:57 -0700
Subject: Re: Memories of Bronze
In 99, as a new member of the list, I made a rude comment about LEOs on
the list, not knowing about the composition of the list. As you might
expect, I learned quickly that WL is tolerant, but not *that* tolerant.
Bronze took it in stride, staying out of the conversation until I
offered to buy a beverage of his choice. The man couldn't stay away from
those mochas :-)
I'm going for a ride. I can't keep reading my WL mail right now.
From: Alex Wall
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 12:07:25 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
All the radio stations were yammering this morning about the
traffic disruptions caused by a fatality accident on I-90
westbound, near Stateline. In my little, self-centered world,
I thought in passing: "Jeez, that's too bad, but I'm glad I
don't have to commute through there." I feel so sick, having
made the connection. Callous asshole.
Bronze, I'm truly sorry we will have to wait to meet in person. It hurts.
From: jon diaz
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 19:21:03 +0000
Subject: Bronze
My wife is very upset right now. Ken was one of the few people
to really nurture her interest in guns and target shooting, and
he patiently answered every one of her questions until she
finally didn't have any more.
I'll miss that unbelievably wicked sense of humor. Email simply
wasn't a fast enough medium for him.
I've been past exit 299 a couple thousand times myself. Damn.
From: John Coulter
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 12:30:36 -0700
Subject: RE: It's official- RIP Bronze
>Maybe after the immediate family crisis is over, his wife could use some
>informed help, if she wants to, in relieving herself of his bike(s), either
I was thinking the same thing. I volunteer to help with this if necessary.
From: sandra
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 12:44:41 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
I found the website that show the results from the competition in Ohio.
http://www.nrahq.org/compete/champ3.asp#pistol
In the Police -High Master category he took 1st in Center Fire Timed
Fire, 2nd in .45 Caliber Slow Fire, 2nd in the .45 Caliber Championship
and 2nd in the .45 Caliber National Match Course.
From: brian schieber
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 14:40:20 -0500
Subject: Re: Bronze
Tears for a man who always had a smile.
Tears for a man who picked his causes well.
Tears for a man who cared for so many others.
Tears for a man who was a pleasure to know.
Tears.
From: Trip
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 12:42:06 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
Like a lot of people in this corner of cyberspace, I first got to know
Bronze through his online representation. Reading his words on the screen,
I took him for the type of guy who could chew up cold-rolled steel and spit
out eight-penny nails -- that's how forcefully he expressed his views.
Though I sometimes disagreed with him, I always respected the loyalty and
other values that informed his opinions.
Then one day I heard him speaking on the radio, in his capacity as
president of the Seattle police officers' guild. I decided to warn him that
someone was impersonating him on the airwaves: I just couldn't make that
gentle voice match up with the forceful words I had read on the WetLeather
list. But the guy I talked to had the same voice I had heard on the talk
show -- the tough cop and the gentle voice of reason were one and the same.
I feel privileged to have known Ken enough to be able to share even this
small story about him. His passing diminishes our community and saddens us
all. My condolences to his family.
From: "Lisa Denzler"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 13:35:12 -0700
Subject: Re: RIP Bronze
I think I'll be listening to some Punk Rock tonite....In memory.
-sex pistols
-dead kennedy's
-fear
From: Dean Woodward
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 13:32:23 -0700
Subject: Re: Quad Mocha
I finally managed to get my vision under control long enough to get out
and get a mocha for myself. The guy at Dutch Bros. said "Beautiful day,
isn't it?" How to explain... where to start...
Driving back, I realized he was right- It is a beautiful day. And I'm
not wasting any more of it than I have to; soon as I get a couple loose
ends wound up, the aprilia will be pointed vaguely north, toward The Garage.
From: "Brian Williams"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 13:37:38 -0700
Subject: RE: I *thought* I lived in the twentieth century...
>> 1. Texas Woman Who Sold Sex Toy Has Charges Dropped <<
Apparently the case was too flaccid to hold up in court. Looks like
ungodly behavior is even penetrating the Republic of Texas. Perhaps the
pulse of the community is shifting....
Ya know, puns are never going to be the same without Bronze.
From: "Keith Underdahl"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 14:33:17 -0700
Subject: Re: I *thought* I lived in the twentieth century...
> Ya know, puns are never going to be the same without Bronze.
I'm sure Bronze would have a ball with this one.
From: "Chris Bishop"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 13:49:32 -0700
Subject: RE: RIP Bronze
I am currently blaring Sister of Mercy at high volume. And have been all
day. The cow orkers understand.
I know this was one of his favourites...
Lucretia
I hear the roar of a big machine
Two worlds and in between
Hot metal and methedrine
I hear empire down
I hear empire down
I hear the roar of a big machine
Two worlds and in between
Love lost, fire at will
Dum-dum bullets and shoot to kill, I hear
Dive, bombers, and
Empire down
Empire down
I hear the sons of the city and dispossessed
Get down, get undressed
Get pretty but you and me,
We got the kingdom, we got the key
We got the empire, now as then,
We don't doubt, we don't take direction,
Lucretia, my reflection, dance the ghost with me
From: Steve Gross
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 13:56:31 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
Subject: RE: I *thought* I lived in the twentieth century...
I'm so sad, I'm having trouble getting aroused about this issue.
From: "Lisa Denzler"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 14:01:39 -0700
Subject: RE: RIP Bronze
>Lucretia
Got it on Vinyl somewhere!
I'll give it a listen before heading to The Garage.
Thanks for the suggestion.
From: Dean Woodward
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 14:01:45 -0700
Subject: Re: I *thought* I lived in the twentieth century...
You don't think he'd gag? I mean, it's pretty tough to swallow this sort
of innuendo.
(Sorry, best I can do under the circumstances)
From: Seth LaForge
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 14:04:12 -0700
Subject: Re: I *thought* I lived in the twentieth century...
Surely, with the help of a Texass woman's products, you can rise to the
occasion?
From: "Chris Bishop"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 14:19:18 -0700
Subject: RE: I *thought* I lived in the twentieth century...
Nah, he'd keep a stiff upper lip and keep on spreading it on thick. He'd
sandwich puns between puns, and when it got harder, he'd just keep going
til we were all spent. The man had the mean mocha staying power, he
could keep it up day and night.
From: "Dave Macdonald"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 21:29:17 +0000
Subject: RE: Seattle: Garage, tonight, 6 PM on
Sounds like a plan. I just might run down and join you. I don't
think riding in circles will be better for me than some good company
this evening.
From: Colin Walker
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 14:31:09 -0700
Subject: RE: It's official- RIP Bronze
I really don't know how to express what I'm feeling.
I just really need to say one thing right now.
"Ken, Thank you for your advice."
My thoughts are with him and his extended family.
Shit!
From: "Chris Bishop"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 14:36:45 -0700
Subject: RE: Seattle: Garage, tonight, 6 PM on
I wish I could join all of you. But, even at my best, I could not make
it in time.
I will raise a pint from a local establishment, and imagine that all of
the oafs and drunkards are you guys.
From: "Shasta"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 14:39:34 -0700
Subject: Re: I *thought* I lived in the twentieth century...
Compared to the warmth, rigid strength and gentle penetration of Bronze's
hand, our attempts can only be seen as an unsatisfying substitute, vulgar
and cheap compared to our desire for him. Nonetheless, I'm sure he would
want us to recharge our batteries and press on, bringing pleasure to our
fellow man as we voice our collective cry of release.
That it is his name we cry would undoubtedly please him.
From: "Duane Fowler"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 14:44:45 -0700
Subject: RIP Bronze
I have been reading these messages all day trying to think of
something to say.
Others have said it much better than I ever can.
I am sure Bronze knew how much he was loved by his
WL family. There will be a big void without him here.
I had the privilege of briefly meeting him at one of Martins
parties. I wanted to some day sit down and just talk to him
and now that will have to wait until I see him again.
RIP Bronze, you were/are a very special person and will
be missed, but never forgotten.
From: kathy gill
Subject: Re: RIP Bronze
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 17:54:47 -0400 (EDT)
I'm stunned. Sanders said to let him know if he can do anything since he's
in the vicinity (we were talking offlist).
This google news search brings up several articles but nothing "more" yet
http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&edition=us&ie=UTF-8&q=ken+saucier&btnG=Search+News
From: Truman Grandy
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 15:12:41 -0700
Subject: Re: Seattle: Garage, tonight, 6 PM on
Having a commitment to a priory is very honorable. Nun of us are that
dessicated. Making a few toasts and toasting a few is all fine, but we shouldn't
have to make it a habit. It should already be a hobbit. No point huffing and
puffing and blowing the joint out. Priorities demand that we make an effort to
engage in social intercourse with our friends. A priori, you can't pick your
family, butt you can pick your friends. Sometimes you can pick them out of a lineup.
From: Tanya Anguita
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 15:15:15 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: RE: It's official- RIP Bronze
Rarely have I wept so much for the passing of someone
I only have hearsay knowledge of.
The love and respect that Chris has for Bronze has
snuck into and filled the corners of our lives over
the past few years such that *I* came to care about
Bronze -- having never met him -- because Chris does
very much.
The intensity of your collective love for him has come
into my home and washed over me all day.
I grieve deeply for all of you and for the loss of
this wonderful man in your lives.
I'm sorry to have missed out on meeting him.
Blessings to you all, and if there is anything I can
do to help, please let me know.
Many hugs,
From: "CB Q"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 15:28:23 -0700
Subject: my friends...
to you my beloved WL family...
although i'm not there with you tonight, please know that
i am with you in spirit. deanW and keriB tried to contact me
to let me know that our dear friend Bronze was taken from
us all too soon...
words simply fail me.
i know how you all must feel: i saw it in the look in my mancub's
eyes when i told him our good friend had tragically passed. his
pain and sorrow simply was too deep to fathom. we hugged each
other more deeply than ever knowing our gaming comrade had
passed on and would not respawn as in the game we all loved
to play.
bronze's rapier wit, ready smile and easy laugh... i'm sure you
all know how much they'll be missed. i don't think i'll ever be
able to pun w/o thinking of ken, the master punster.
my family, i extend to each and every one of you a big gooz hug.
please know that i'll keep you in my thoughts and that i raise a
glass to the PNW tonight in memory of one of mankind's finest.
to bronze.
ps. i'll be back on-line next friday but will check back here every
other day or so.
From: Michael Davis
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 16:01:35 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
Subject: Bronze
How weary, stale, flat and unprofitable seem to me all the uses of this world.
Godspeed my friend.
I need a drink.
Several.
From: mary rebecca lee
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 18:16:26 -0500
Subject: Re: my friends...
gooz - thanks for being so eloquent. also thanks to you, i had a chance
to meet him at your most recent gaming fest.
however, my favorite bronze moment has nothing to do with mocha or guns
or bikes or gaming. it was a slow wl day and people started a "what's
in your CD player?" thread. mine included outkast and his fun response
was that the "hey ya" video was a hoot. later on, i was sent him a video
link of the "hey ya" vid but done with peanuts characters. course this
being wl, it showed up here a few days later too.
i guess i'll always picture him dancing happily, just like linus.
From: Kathy E Gill
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 16:16:39 -0700
Subject: Re: Memories of Bronze
I'd left the laptop at UW last night -- and was working from home
PeeCee this morning. I only get WPol there, not WetL, because I
haven't configured e-mail for all accounts.
Ed forwarded a note to WP as a heads-up .... and I was simply
stunned. Reading the news bits from google didn't make it real.
What made it real was the last 30 minutes -- reading the outpouring
of shock, hurt and grief here ... as well as the anecdotes, memories,
humor.
Bronze is one of the few WLites whose voice I "hear" in my head when
I read his words or -- like right now -- just think about them.
A mocha will truly never be the same.
I suppose I have to call Mike and tell him. We're tied up tonight at
a political fundraiser -- I'm volunteering and am stuck until 7.30
when the event starts. I may cut-out then.
Still in tears,
From: Brian Poppe
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 16:18:35 -0700
Subject: Saucier family fund
As being reported on the Komo TV website:
>Funds have been set up for the Saucier family at Metropolitan Credit Union
>and Wells Fargo Bank.
>
>Any branch of the banks will be able to accept the donations. People just
>need to ask for the Ken Saucier Donation Accounts.
I'd rather donate as part of a WetLeather donation than individually. Does
someone have a PayPal account and would be willing to funnel the donations
to the memorial account at Wells Fargo or MCU?
From: Seth LaForge
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 16:42:18 -0700
Subject: Re: Saucier family fund
>I'd rather donate as part of a WetLeather donation than individually.
Good idea. I have the PayPal account and the time to do this, but my
account is a Premier account, which imposes a 2.9% + $0.30 fee per
transaction. Somebody with a personal account could receive payment
without the fees, although could not receive payments backed only by
credit card.
Here's what I propose: assuming our good St. Carl doesn't object, I will
receive checks and credit-card-backed PayPal payments, along with
details of whether the name/amount should be public. If somebody else
volunteers a personal PayPal account to receive no-fee payments, they
can do that and relay to me. At some set future date, I'd make a mass
donation in the WetLeather(TM) name.
Thoughts? Objections?
From: Dave Uebele
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 16:56:19 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
Another "me too". Never met bronze (no social life, I haven't met
in person most of you).
When I first saw the message it didn't seem real, like a prank, or
a typo, or he's no longer going to use the "bronze" moniker.
Virtual identities come and go.
Then it started to sink in, a real flesh and blood dead.
Then hearing the confirmation, a blurb on the radio about "head
of police union dies".
It still hasn't really sunk in. I enjoyed his postings, and
really valued the insight into "the other side" hearing his perspective
on police issues in Seattle.
I question my own right to mourn, only having known him from
words on the screen.
From: Patrick Lamphere
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 17:09:57 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
Oh Fuck. No. Not Ken.
I'll always cherish the memory of Ken in my backyard, with those goofy
red, white, & blue braces, BS'ing around the grill, and calming down
this uptight host in his quiet, mirthful way.
Here's to good roads, fast bikes, and strong mochas on the other side
Bronze.
From: "Shasta"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 17:38:12 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
Dave, I've been struggling with this too, and I doubt we're alone. I
chatted with Bronze offlist and at parties, and his friendship with jenner
has made this that much closer to home, but I still find myself questioning
the stregnth of my reaction. For all but a very few of us, there are always
going to be others closer. Other's with more 'legitimate' claim to their
reactions. For me, that person is jenner, and I spent quite a bit of time
talking with him today as he drives home from Texas.
He gave me some very good advice. He talked about his own sense of feeling
that way at Marty's memorial, but that he so wanted to show his support.
Then he told me "It doesn't matter if you were his best friend in the
world, or if you just read some pun he wrote on WL, everyone, no matter how
close or distant, has the right to whatever feelings they have. He deserves
whatever comes out of our hearts, and you deserve and are entitled to your
feelings." (posted with permission.)
Something about Bronze touched a great many people; even those who didn't
"know him well."
From: SwtP
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 20:51:59 EDT
Subject: Bronze... more precious than gold
Scott emailed me the news at work around
4pm this afternoon....
Observing that I was extremely visibly upset
my boss sent me home early....
I'm surprized by my own unstoppable tears...
I couldn't possibly be so effected by the
loss of this dear man as I didn't know him
half as well as many of you...
Then I realized that it's just exactly that that
marks the measure of a great man... one
doesn't really have to be near him that much
to be touched by him, learn from him, connect
with him, admire his words and his wit...
There are just no words I can find to put
together to explain how much I admired and
respected this man... he was just so "down-
to-earth-human" yet "big-wig-proffessional" at the
same time.... really a cool combination of a
person... he was always such a pleasure to
talk to and ride with...
I would love to meet at the Garage tonight
yet I just don't know if I could stop crying...
I love how he talked about his family. Often
he would tease them but you could always tell
how much his wife and girls meant to him.
I wish I could tell them how much I knew
tell he loved them by the things he would
say.... I hope I get the chance somehow...
From: Kathleen Luce
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 18:04:11 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
More than enough. I've been off WetLeather for a while, as
work has been long and hard and there aren't so many hours in a day
right now. But I came back today to grieve with everyone after
hearing the news from Karyn.
I, too, didn't know Bronze well. The mailing list is a firehose I
can't drink from all that often, and I just have a few scattered
memories from Cookoffs and Gathers.
But I knew him well enough to know that, when we lose a human being as
fine as him, we all grieve, whether we know it or not. Bronze was
someone who reached out beyond the sphere of wife and family to be do
good things for other people. The world is poorer for having lost
him.
From: Tom Malmevik
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 18:41:58 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
Great Spirit Prayer
"Oh, Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the wind,
Whose breath gives life to all the world.
Hear me; I need your strength and wisdom.
Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset.
Make my hands respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice
Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people.
Help me to remain calm and strong in the face of all that comes towards me.
Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock.
Help me seek pure thoughts and act with the intention of helping others.
Help me find compassion without empathy overwhelming me.
I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy
Myself.
Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes.
So when life fades, as the fading sunset, my spirit may come to you without shame.
From: "John Spoonemore"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 18:42:32 -0700
Subject: RE: It's official- RIP Bronze
I never got to meet Bronze, to my extreme
regret, now. Due to other commitments, or a bike that picked "that day" to
be picky, I never made it to the events and gatherings he'd expressed his
intent on being at.
I feel a loss I can't express. I'm going to miss his puns, his insights,
and his general style. Most of all, I'm going to miss the loss of
opportunity to have met such a man as he.
Well, old man, at least your high sides will have better landings now.
RIP, Bronze.
From: "John Spoonemore"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 18:52:22 -0700
Subject: RE: It's official- RIP Bronze
In fact, I might suggest that these bikes,
*if* they stay within this extended family, *remain* within this extended
family, and maintained, as well. Perhaps I'm wrong, but I think it might be
fitting.
From: Tom Malmevik
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 19:17:37 -0700
Subject: Re: Seattle: Garage, tonight, 6 PM on
So tomorrow, I am going on a ride for Bronze. Don't know
where, Just going. Damn this SUCKS
From: Tom Dietrich
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 19:22:18 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
Crap.
Please find out if we can ride with him one more time.
From: "Jeanne T. Bort"
Subject: RE: It's official- RIP Bronze
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 20:01:13 -0700
Even tho I never met the gentleman (not being much of a party goer) I was
much impressed by the person his various posts revealed.- his was one of
the brightest lights in the string. My heart goes out to his family for
their loss.
Terry
From: "Michael Pierce"
Subject: RE: It's official- RIP Bronze
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 22:11:20 -0500
Oh God Damn It!
Shit shit shit.
RIP my friend
From: "Adrian T. Kuepker"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 20:49:50 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
Hearing this just plain hurts. =(
From: kathy
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 00:27:25 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [Fwd: RE: RIP Bronze]
from sanders:
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/breaking/story.asp?submitDate=200472114194
From: Tim Surdyk
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 21:31:49 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
I haven't been online all day, haven't been listening to any news
sources...so I just found out.
Ken, I remember when you first joined WL, you hinted that you were in
law enforcement, but hesitated for quite a while before letting us
know your name, other than "Bronze". For good reason, I suppose, but
thank you for learning to trust us.
I remember the '02 Gather, taking a day ride with Brian B., Gustavo,
MAD, Brian S., PhysicsBoy, Tony...when we asked you if you'd like to
join us for the day, you said, "Yeah, I get to ride sweep, waving my
badge over my head, right?" Thank you for a fun day of riding. And
no, you didn't need your badge to ride with us, Ken.
I remember you talking of your daughters and your wife, telling tales
of being outnumbered 4-1, suffering from estrogen overload in your
house. But we know how much they meant to you, how much you loved
them.
I remember when you crashed your SV, your wife told your daughters
you'd been injured, and one blurted out, "NOT THE NEW BIKE!!!" You
told that story with a huge smile, proud of her.
I will miss you...as will Lisa. Our thoughts and prayers are with
your wife and girls.
From: "Joan Marie"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 22:18:23 -0700
Subject: he squealed like a girl
...when I drove Bronze around in a Uhaul for three hours during the 02
Gather, but what he was squealing was "Yeee haaaa, you GO girl!" while
hanging on to the (inside) door handle. That was a way big fun, he talked
story about growing up in Hawaii and his mom making him and his brother toe
the line... and all those cigars we burned at all those WetParties... did
you know he secretly coveted the Acid Blondies? Yes, he did. He was the
first WetLeatherite Tiger met one day when he stopped by the house, which
made all WetThings okay.
Can't quit crying long enough to drive down to the Garage. Can't quite feel
even like celebrating his memory with a herf and stout, either. Can't.
Rest in peace my good friend.
From: Tim Miller
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 22:20:02 -0700
Subject: RIP Bronze
Omigod........I just found out.
This is shattering...........
I never got to meet him in person, but our corresponded offlist emails will now
seem all that much more bittersweet. And salted with the tears of great loss.
All the punning I do in the future will officially be called "Bronzing", in
rememberence of someone who shared so much of himself, to people he hadn't
even met yet.
Life can be so short, don't hesitate to let those you love, know just how much
you really do love them, while you still can.
I'm hoping that riding in the wind will help me make some sense of all
this sadness............Godspeed, Ken.
-Tim Miller
From: "Joan Marie"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 22:33:02 -0700
Subject: more bronze pics
http://www.pbase.com/image/28422332
http://www.pbase.com/image/28422423
http://www.pbase.com/image/28422427
There is no GD justice.
From: Seth LaForge
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 22:35:38 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
When he went off the road behind me and Gooz coming home from some
party at Martin's, he spent the rest of the trip home scheming about how
he was going to park the bike against the garage wall so the scuffs were
hidden from SWMBO...
From: Seth LaForge
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 23:11:42 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
Katy wants me to post this for her (katyking>
I couldn't concentrate today. I kept feeling that Bronze was going to
be at the next WetLeather party, sitting in the hot tub and telling this
story. I can see his smile. I can't believe he's gone.
Reading everyone's memories has helped some. Thanks to all who posted
about him, on list and off.
Subject: RE: Kitten: ammo or target?
From: "Steve Gross"
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 23:22:58 -0700
I believe Bronze would say, "Lock and load."
From: Truman Grandy
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 23:35:37 -0700
Subject: Re: overcorrecting?
We may never know, and falling asleep while driving can happen to
anyone, even our heroes. One of my first thoughts was that he may have
been trying to avoid a deer and overcorrected. If his passenger was
asleep, we'd never know.
Monica mentioned the irony of someone with a dangerous profession, who
rides motorcycles (generally seen as dangerous), dying in such a
relatively mundane manner.
It's just so sad.
From: Rob Kindred
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 00:18:01 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
Don't question it. Be it from electrons in a CRT of
personal conversations over a pint, you still got to
know him. It still can hurt like hell.
A couple weeks ago, I was talking to my neighbor
across the street. I'd forwarded some of the better
(or worst) posts I'd seen here. He said that, seeing
the Wetleather name, he'd gone to the website a couple
times just to check it out. One of the things he
remembers most was the pages about Mike Temple & Marty
Capadona. Fred said, "Even if I only know them from
just what I read about them, I'm still feel honored to
have met them. You have a great group of people
there."
Shit, this is the first time since I started reading
my e-mail that I could actually see what I was trying
to type.
Goodbye, Bronze
From: Rob Kindred
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 00:21:00 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Kitten: ammo or target?
From: Deanna Joy
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 02:53:14 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
Goodbye, Bronze. We'll miss you.
Love,
Dot
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 03:18:14 -0700 (PDT)
From: Deanna Joy
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
I really, really hate sharing this, but Monday night I
had an awful dream. In my dream, I died, and was
wandering around all lost and ghost-like. I was trying
to figure out what to do, where to go.
Then a friend died, too. Although I was already dead,
the grief hit me like, well.. like the way it's
hitting me now. I kept thinking, I have to *do
something*, I feel so awful, so hurt. I woke up with a
little bit of panic, trying to think "what to do, my
friend is dead." It still hurt that morning, just
remebering how I felt in my dream.
PS- The worst part of my death dream, I was in a car
going off a cliff when I croaked. :'(
God this is wierd, it sucks.
From: "Ritter, Paul R"
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 04:17:38 -0700
Subject: RE: Memories of Bronze
DangDee knows I don't get as much time to read Wetleather as I used
to, so she called me to break the bad news personally. Thanks, Dee,
that would be a tough one to stumble upon in mid-thread.
Back when Bronze was still new to the list, I was looking forward to
meeting him in person because I found his postings to be consistently
FUNNY, including (sometimes) even his puns. The man had a sharp mind
and wasn't afraid to use it.
When I did meet him, at one of Martin's parties, I found him sort of
quiet, almost shy ... until he got warmed up about something, then
watch out! Guaranteed laughter ahead!
More recently, I've been forced to skim the WL e-mailings because of
lack of time, but I've always tried to catch his postings because I SO
enjoyed his sense of humor. I'll miss that. Skimming over the WL
postings will never be the same.
Tomorrow morning I'm going to have a mocha and spend some time thinking
good thoughts about Bronze. He was a Good Guy.
P.S. As soon as the Wetleather fund for Bronze's family is set up,
I'm contributing to it. Y'all should consider doing likewise.
From: "CB Q"
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 05:20:19 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
dave, heaven knows i'm not the arbiter of such things, but seems
to me that the "right to mourn" isn't something that is conveyed
or earned... it just ... is.
geez, the lengths SOME people will go to avoid getting whacked
by the mancub at halo...
From: "Steve Gross"
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 06:03:01 -0700
Subject: Finally, unbiased media coverage of Bronze
I think he'd especially be amused by Licata's comments, tho...
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/183142_saucier22.html.
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 06:37:52 -0700
From: Tom Dietrich
Subject: Re: Finally, unbiased media coverage of Bronze
And the inaccuracy in the first paragraph [of the PI article - cap].
Although the mental picture of Ken with a pair of Peace Keepers on his hips is amusing.
From: "Art Ellison"
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 06:59:47 -0700
Subject: re: RIP Bronze
Sheesh! It makes me sad to lose one of our own.
I'll definitely think of him when drinking my mochas!
Go in peace, Brother.
From: "John Spoonemore"
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 07:19:22 -0700
Subject: what the?!
My mom called about halfway through typing this. She'd heard about
Bronze's death on the radio this morning. She wanted to know what's being
done to help his family, so I relayed the Saucier donation information I
had. Seems that Ken touched more than a few lives in a grand way. She'd
met him a few years ago at a function in Seattle and was amazed at both his
eloquence and his resolve to give his best effort for his fellow officers.
He's going to be missed by so many.
I wonder if it would be some sort of sacrilege to have a bumper sticker made
up that read "BRONZE4922" and plastered across my bike somewhere?
Off to work now. A quad mocha on the way, too.
From: "Dan Jacobs"
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 08:21:49 -0700
Subject: (X Posted) It maybe a little too early, but...
I had barely met the man. I knew him, really, only from the words on the
screen, and an occasional "Hey, how ya doin', I'm Diesel (insert something
cute here) Dan". He seemed a little shy, and that was OK, I am too. I
could tell, however, what kind of person he was by the company he kept and
the things I would see on wetleather. The good ones are too often gone too
fast, for many different reasons. We have all been effected, in some way.
From: "Susan Harris"
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 08:44:00 -0700
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
I woke up this morning wondering why it's always the good people who leave
this earth so early in their lives and why the nasty ones live to a ripe old
age and make our lives hell - I just don't understand it.
Why, Bronze, why?
From: "Shasta"
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 09:11:46 -0700
Subject: Re: Memories of Bronze
Paul, you were one of Bronze's riding heros. I learned this when I
told him that *he* was my hero for getting back on after almost a year. I
talked about my own fears of the "big crash" and you were at the top of the
list of his own role models.
Bronze, on good gear:
> You just gotta not skimp on protective equipment, that was my fear, would it
> actually work? I have faith now that it makes a huge difference. I'll never
> buy something trying to save a few bucks..
So, I was thinking one fitting tribute would be if folks on WL replaced or
bought any safety gear they've been "planning to get any day now." I'll bet
Bronze would love the idea of his friends being safer in his name.
He loved WetLeather:
> And the support from WL has been great. The teasing and joking to me is exactly that,
> support, because it has or will happen to everyone. A lot of people don't get back on. The
> difference is, you see WL types coming right back at it. Different breed here.
From: "Bryan"
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 09:20:24 -0700
Subject: RE: what the?!
Bronze - The bumper/helmet sticker idea would be done with a positive memory
and I think most would realize that. Ken made a big impact on the world
around him. He definitely added to my life and I feel privileged to have
known him.
For today's activity, I currently have a 32oz (quad +?) Mondo coffee at my
desk. This weekend, I plan to practice some of the tips Bronze gave me for
improving my accuracy with my .45.
More importantly, I hope that some of his method of treating people rubbed
off on each of us. If so, we'll influence others around us, who will do the
same. That's the sort of impact Ken made that truly improves the world
around us.
From: Randall Mietzner
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 09:23:33 -0700
Subject: Remembbering Bronze
Just memories that keep running in my mind's eye.
Bronze and Gooz stayed overnight prior
to the Gather at Dworshak resevoir that
Gooz Bossed. During the evening Bronze
walked up to the standing maple hutch
thhat I have. One shelf is various
plaques and memorbilia from my time
in the US Nacvy. He picked up
the expended full length brass
12 gauge shell I have and just
stared at it and said 'cool' As
near as we could figure his dad
was a cheif petty officer on the
USS Cabden when I was on a
Destroyer when both ships were
deployed in a Carrier BVattle group
in the Indian Ocean in early 1975.
Another time, as I got on my Ducati
to ride back to the MoC at one of the
parties in Cancouver at Martin and Carol's
I could tell by his look he was debating
saying somehting but did not.
I vever rode with him, but I liked his
kit on his SV and BS'ing with him at one
of the Jenning's parties in the garage
sharing tales of 'in the wind, the road'
From: Richard Johnson
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 09:38:01 -0700
Subject: Re: WetLeather Saucier Family Fund
I'm thinking that it would be wonderful if we could think of some kind of
_permanently_ongoing_ tribute to Bronze, and at the same time provide
permanently (whatever that is) or at least ongoing support (of some kind)
for his family. I hope we can do something that ideally provides something
of value to the family, something of meaning to the biker community, and
reminds police and bikers that we're all in this (or out there) together.
From: Truman Grandy
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 09:35:51 -0700
Subject: bronze, not gold or silver (was "Re: It's official- RIP Bronze")
I, too, had an initial reaction (to, at first, seeing only the subject line)
that he'd done so well at Camp Perry that he was changing his handle to "silver"
or "gold."
And he did, indeed, achieve 2nd place results at the Nationals and at previous
competitions.
But, at this juncture, I think it's just as well that he retained his original
WetLeather nickname, and not merely because that's what's been embedded
(earworm, anyone?) in each of our heads for so long.
Besides that aspect, I note that bronze, the metal, is more of a "working metal"
than gold or silver. Sure, gold and silver are flashier. And they can be used
for electronics or for low-temperature brazing. They have their place in the world.
But when you want hard-working gear, out on the ocean where there's no backup,
gear that will stand up to the elements and keep on doing its job, you want
bronze. When it's gone through the forge, shaped, and been tempered, it's got
ductility and toughness, strong yet not brittle, that enable it to tolerate
abuse without breaking.
It's not a "pure" elemental metal, like gold or silver, with homogeneous nature
consisting of only one kind of atom. It is, rather, an alloy, something born of
mixed materials, common metals, that has properties beyond those of its
antecedents.
Show-off boats may have chrome propellers, but work boats, and fishing boats,
and tugs all have bronze blades slicing the water and making things move. Blocks
and winches made of bronze are still the first choice when a vessel will make a
passage, far from land, and must depend on reliable, sturdy performance. And
even when bronze equipment ages, it develops a patina that's far different than
corrosion. It has a character that evidences the environment it's been working
in. It's not inert, dead, like stainless steel or chrome.
And bronze is far different than brass, although they're often found in the same
setting. Sure, brass looks nice, although it requires near-continuous polishing
with a soft cloth and special cream in order to shine. The brittle glare of
shiny brass is less pleasing to the eye than the softer sheen of bronze polished
smooth by wear. Sure, the name plate on a boat's bridge, or the captain's
quarters, may be brass, but down on the deck, where the work gets done and
things can get messy, it's bronze you want, not brass.
There's so much to say, and so little that needs to be said. I think I put
feelings to words because I'm so "illiterate" with the language of emotion.
Words will just have to do for now...
The tears didn't start until this morning, at work, writing these words. Our
world is so much the poorer for his departure.
ps--May the engineers forgive my poetic license with the facts of materials science.
From: sandra
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 09:51:18 -0700
Subject: Re: WetLeather Saucier Family Fund
Cindy and I were talking last night about his kids. We were thinking
along the lines of sending a nominal amount ($10) each month with the
idea of building a college fund for each of the children. If 10 people
would match our contribution, that would amount to $1200 per year. I can
go without one to two six-packs per month to make sure his kids have a
chance at higher education (and I am guessing all three are sharp as tacks).
What are the steps in setting up such a fund? Anyone know?
From: Rachel Herold
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 09:49:27 -0700
Subject: Re: bronze, not gold or silver (was "Re: It's official- RIP Bronze")
...guitar strings are bronze wound.
letting grief flow thru music
From: Truman Grandy
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 14:05:43 -0700
Subject: Re: bronze, not gold or silver (was "Re: It's official- RIP Bronze")
That's right! They are *bronze*, wound around...
...CAT GUT!
bwa ha ha!
From: Lee Hart
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 09:54:27 -0700
Subject: Re: bronze, not gold or silver (was "Re: It's official- RIP Bronze")
Does anyone have an idea how much a life-sized bronze bust typically costs?
Does anyone know if the police or mayor's office has plans for such a
memorial? I'd love to contribute to such a fund.
It's not that I don't want to contribute to his family's fund (I do,
and I will), but I really would like to help contribute to a permanent
memorial for Bronze.
From: Lee Hart
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 10:05:07 -0700
Subject: Re: WetLeather Saucier Family Fund
In Washignton State, you could set up Guaranteed Education Tuition
(GET) plan (It's a 529 plan). Currently $61 per 'unit', 100 units
covers tuition for a year at a Washington school.
I think it'd be wonderful.
Unfortunately such accounts can't be opened until 9/15 (until 3/31).
From: Jack Tavares
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 10:00:54 -0700
Subject: Memories and Memorials
I remember bronze standing on a street corner selling Krispy Kreme Donuts.
They were rasing money to help cover the costs of Medical insurance
for Officers that had been called up from reserve status to
serve in Afghanistan.
I am not bronze, nor will I ever be a fraction of the man he was, but
spending money on a bronze bust or other plaque type thing would have
bothered bronze, i think.
A permanent memorial fund that either helps pay for his kid's education
or helps buy protective gear or training for his fellow officers
would be what i *think* bronze would prefer, since he was so
passionate about officer safety.
Just my opinion. And we all know what they say about opinions.
From: Steve Gross
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 10:06:41 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
Subject: Re: WetLeather Saucier Family Fund
I suspect the bank accounts will stay open for some time.
Actually, the one comfort I have is that I've seen how the department
takes care of its own - the problem here will be to get them to let
"civilians" help as well. Without knowing Bronze's exact details,
I know that the City & the Guild have good insurance policies...
re: Richard's suggestion about a bumper sticker - I was thinking of
something like Marty's sticker - 2 lines, the top with "Bronze" and the
bottom with "4922."
From: "Lisa Denzler"
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 10:21:16 -0700
Subject: Re: what the?!
I love the idea and I'd love to be able to display a Bronze4922!
A friend of the Capadona's was able to have the Marty48 stickers made at the
time, thru the Company that the friend worked for.
Is there anyone on this list that would be able to have the Bronze4922's
made?
From: "Maura Van Der Linden"
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 10:32:41 -0700
Subject: RE: Memories and Memorials
There is this temptation for a memorial (large) coffee cup :)
From: jon.diaz
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 17:39:27 +0000
Subject: Re: WetLeather Saucier Family Fund
If Ken's wife was interested, its really no big deal to set
up a 529 plan for each of the girls, and then we just do a
payroll deduction at work. My SAP personnel acct even lets
me set the deduction up myself.....I imagine most others
could too. Ken's wife needs to set up the funds tho, and
give out the account numbers. Then they could go to school
wherever they want.
From: Tim Surdyk
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 10:42:24 -0700
Subject: Re: Remembbering Bronze
WTO, Seattle...
Bronze posted reports of what he was seeing on the streets, to WL each
night. He told of the good and the bad, the idiots and the kindness
of strangers. I haven't been brave enough to go search the archives
and re-read them. One of these days I will.
I remember the greeting he received when he unexpectedly showed at
Pasta Veloce later that week, at the Jennings' place. Reminded me of
"Cheers", when Norm walked through the door. He was exhausted from a
long, stressful, dangerous week of work. But he came through the door
with a smile, and accepted an evening's worth of "thank you" comments
from the crowd.
From: Lee Hart
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 10:52:57 -0700
Subject: Re: WetLeather Saucier Family Fund
Does the account owner have to be related to the beneficiary?
No.
<...>
Can I open a GET account and another Section 529 account?
Yes. You can open more than one Section 529 account for the same
student. Since GET is designed to cover primarily tuition and fees, it
may make sense to open another Section 529 account to save for
room, board and other college expenses.
From: jon.diaz
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 17:56:54 +0000
Subject: Re: WetLeather Saucier Family Fund
Um, I think we'd want Suzanne to be the administrator and owner of
the accounts. Even if GET does not require it.
From: "m joa"
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 17:58:00 +0000
Subject: all night grief n pity party hangover
It will be a while before we're all able to deal and get over this tragedy,
me included, but I keep hearing this soft tenor voice in my head over the
horrible ache, saying, "Bubba, don't sit on your ass feeling sorry for
yourself. That's not what I'd do."
WWBD? After he kept right except to pass (R), he might gently remind us to
tell each other NOW how much we mean to each other.
So... Dear WetMasses, I love you all, with all my heart. [two hundred big
hugs and kisses]
From: Glenn Minch
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 11:05:39 -0700
Subject: About Bronze
Actually, I never called him "Bronze." I called him Ken.
I'm sorry I never got to ride with Ken. I've learned a lesson here,
again. This is a lesson that I've learned repeatedly, yet the lesson
always seems to fade: Life is fleeting and capricious, so seize the
opportunity of every day. I had the opportunity to ride with Ken, but
it always seemed there was something up that trumped going for a mere
ride. The matter is settled, now.
I always talked to Ken at parties, but I'm sure I spent far more time
conversing with him online. He was a funny guy, but he could be serious
too. We shared certain views, at least as long as the conversation
wasn't about Iraq. I will miss those exchanges. And I will miss the
party conversation, like the story about the new patrolman who was so
eager and earnest that his butt squeaked when he walked. Ken had his
audience rolling over that one.
This morning as I was getting ready for work I was thinking about Ken's
wife and daughters. I've experienced personal loss, but not on the
scale that I imagine they are feeling. The depth of their loss is
immeasurable. No time to prepare, no warning, just a knock at the door
followed by an immense empty hole in their lives, their family
shattered, spouse and father gone. Just like that. I'm sure that they
will be surrounded by supportive, caring people but the fact is that
none of them will ever be the same, they will carry this alone for the
rest of their lives. The living continue to suffer while the dead are,
presumably, at peace.
Of course people die in traffic every day, every hour. Many but not all
of them will leave behind someone who genuinely cares. The personal
tragedy that the survivors experience is not less than Ken's family
will feel. Yet, because I don't know them or anything of them I really
don't give those deaths much thought, and even less feeling. Those are
statistics, remote, an accepted part of everyday society. This time is
different. This person, I knew. This one is personal. This one hurts.
From: Dean Woodward
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 11:53:57 -0700
Subject: Re: Memories and Memorials
> There is this temptation for a memorial (large) coffee cup :)
Maybe two or three of them. They go to the current office holder of each
the Police Guild, Chief of Police, and Mayor of Seattle- just as a
reminder what it's *really* all about.
They'd stay with the office, not the person, so future
office holders get the same reminder present ones do.
-just as a reminder what it's *really* all about.
From: mary rebecca lee
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 14:00:51 -0500
Subject: a toast to bronze
about 20-25 people showed up at the garage last night. lots of hugs and
stories all around. the bartender asked us if we were with the group
outside and when we said yes, he said that the drinks were on him. i
don't know who told him why we were there, but it was touching to know
that this stranger was also silently grieving and celebrating bronze's
memory. jim b called everybody's attention and gave a solemn toast.
From: Truman Grandy
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 12:15:35 -0700
Subject: ancient words (was Re: About Bronze")
The following words, while a little overly dramatic as translated from Sanskrit,
have long been meaningful to me. I hope some of you might find some meaning
there, too.
Salutation to the Dawn
Look to this Day!
For it is Life, the very Life of Life.
In its brief course lie all the
Verities and Realities of your Existence.
The Bliss of Growth,
The Glory of Action,
The Splendor of Beauty;
For Yesterday is but a Dream,
And Tomorrow is only a Vision;
But Today well lived makes
Every Yesterday a Dream of Happiness,
And every Tomorrow a Vision of Hope.
Look well therefore to this Day!
From: Patrick Turner
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 12:33:56 -0700
Subject: Re: WetLeather Saucier Family Fund
How about a yearly Bronze ride with donations going to a charitable
fund he would approve of?
I didn't know him personally since I'm so new here, and only saw his
postings right before he left for the competition, so I don't know if
that's appropriate. It could be retracing one of his favorite rides,
or a different ride every year, but maybe with a single destination.
It would give everyone a chance to get together, in person, to
remember Bronze, plus do some good for a worthy cause.
From: Truman Grandy
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 13:42:49 -0700
Subject: Re: WetLeather Saucier Family Fund
I suppose an "off-road" ride is out of the question?
From: "CB Q"
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 19:21:17 -0700
Subject: Re: WetLeather Saucier Family Fund
Truman:
>I suppose an "off-road" ride is out of the question?
<bronze>
your treachery has been noted...
</bronze>
(b/c i know in my heart he'd be chuckling right now. =;^)
From: Lee Hart
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 12:37:20 -0700
Subject: Re: WetLeather Saucier Family Fund
Ultimately, I agree [that Suzanne should own any GET accounts]. That can
be done with a fairly simple notarized form transferring ownership of
the account to her. This can be done later, when the both their lives,
and the account, have stabilized.
Hopefully at some point soon we'll learn what Ken's family really needs.
From: "Mike and Lisa"
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 13:05:45 -0500
Subject: Bronze thoughts
I sit here feeling down for I never met Ken but all ways wanted to. I
thought there would be more time later to meet and discuss shooting sports
and motorcycles. My gut level feeling is that he was a Gentle Man. Strong in
his convictions but tempered with a true compassion and understanding of
his fellow man. I have been a closet Bronze fan since I joined Wet Leather,
reading every post, giggling at all the puns, and following every news story
about him. If one is looking for a real role model/hero type one needs to
look no farther than Bronze.
From: Paul English
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 13:20:21 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: It's official- RIP Bronze
I'm shocked and saddened - speechless. Bronze was a pillar of our
community and a contribution to everyone. His gentleness and sense of
humor lightened conversations, but he always held firm to what he
believed.
In all ways he was an extraordinary person.
I wish you well Bronze - you will be sorely missed.
From: Rick Mc
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 13:26:47 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Bronze
I hadn't read WL emails for the last couple of days...spent the last 3 hrs
reading in tears. Just when I thought I could cry no more, I read another
poignant post about Ken and I find a new well of sorrow pours from my
eyes.
I never met Ken. Always meant to. The next WL event, yeah that'll be the
time to meet him. Never happened and I'm the poorer for it. One of
life's opportunities is now gone forever. Why did I allow this to happen?
Comrades in arms, advocates for the working man, punsters in mirth, family
in WetLeather. I will miss Ken and the richness he brought to my life.
To my WetLeather family, Cry the tears, cherish the memories and let us
love one another all the more, from this day forward. In Ken's name,
Amen!
Good by, Ken.
From: Dean Woodward
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 16:05:55 -0700
Subject: Re: Bronze thoughts
We're not the only ones who suffer his loss- we're some of the ones
lucky enough to have known him well enough to celebrate his life.
I remember the first time- no, *every* time- I saw him, thinking "This
guy's a cop? Go on, pull the other one..."
I also remember how he described shooting matches- the other competitors
staid and calm, no more caffeine for them, musn't have the jitters- and
here comes Ken as the class clown, joking and taking pulls off a two
liter bottle of Mt. Dew Code Red between strings...
From: "Lisa Denzler"
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 16:23:45 -0700
Subject: RE: Bronze stickers
Dean Woodward
>Is anyone working on this in an organized fashion? We've theorized
>"Bronze" and "4922" as the text- maybe on either a shield-shaped sticker
>or a sticker with a badge-shape on it?
I just placed an order for a 1000.............. same person that did the
Marty48 stickers
From: Kathy E Gill
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 16:57:41 -0700
Subject: Re: RIP Bronze - request - update
I still want to do something offline for the family -- but if someone
else wants to try to do it so that it can be delivered immediately --
run with ball, please.
my poorly written missive did not communicate well that i want to do
something analog,not digital -- a scrapbook (conceptually) with pix
and words. i see it as being digital, too, like a PDF or eBook, since
most of our images are digital and all of these words are.
on or offlist thoughts,please. i've already gotten a lot of "see
carl's page" and a lot of "please feel free to use my words".
From: "JimnKeri"
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 17:37:24 -0700
Subject: RE: what the?!
Jim and I were talking about that last night. How about a 4922 on a
mocha cup?
From: "Scott Avery"
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 17:47:18 -0700
Subject: Memorial keepsakes
If people want to do something like a coffee cup or pretty much anything
with a logo or message, I'd encourage you to give Tina Perkins a call.
She works for a company that specifically sells a bagillion different
promotional products. Almost anything you could possibly imagine with
whatever logo you want on it.
I was in the car with her a couple of nights ago and she had a eight
inch high martini glass that had a blinking light in the base adorned
with some company's logo.
I'd encourage one or two people to take this on and then come to Tina
and say we wanna do X and want to spend Y per unit.
Tina Perkins
TinaPerkins at comcast dot net
Ps Tina is Briggs Willoughby's wife, ex-wetleather, racer, buddy.
From: Carl Paukstis
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 20:41:39 -0500
Subject: Re: Bronze mocha mugs, what the?!, let's do it!
Richard Johnson wrote:
> mug would have (presumably) a shield that says Bronze(top)/4922(bottom).
I'm very much in agreement with Richard here. I think that a plain
design, similar or identical to the sticker, on a big coffee mug,
would be very fitting. Even though a Quad Mocha for Bronze should
really be served in a paper/styro espresso-stand cup...
I like also Scott's idea of giving the business to Tina, a (at least
sorta) WetLeather family relative. Sure to be cheaper than CafePress,
too. Don't know about speed, though, and quantity.
I would love to give one to the Mayor as a gift. And another to the
Chief. And to the Fire & Rescue guy that was a pretty good sport about
Bronze making a big fat joke out of him.
Somebody in Seattle should to the work for this project. It just makes
more sense that way.
LisaD? Got the time? Someone else?
From: "Erston Reisch"
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 18:54:03 -0700
Subject: RE: a toast to bronze
http://www.erston.com/erston/wl/bronze
From: "lees \(not a rental"
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 19:45:44 -0700
Subject: Re: Bronze mocha mugs, what the?!, let's do it!
LisaD? Got the time? Someone else?
On it!
Stickers should be here soon.... I'll see what Tina has cooked up for us as far as design,
I should see the proof tomorrow and then we can tranfer the design over to the cups.
Presto! You ask: DONE!
From: Tom Malmevik
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 21:02:58 -0700
Subject: Re: WetLeather Saucier Family Fund
>>to make me a stencil so I can put it in one line on the bottom of my
>>windshield. In white so it can be seen well.
>
> You are sharing, right? ;-)
She said she would make it out of plastic, so it would be reusable. Ill
keep it in the saddle bag. Bring a touch up paint thingy of your
favorite color or something. Not sure when she will get it done. She is
helping me feed 200 people this weekend so she may be a bit busy....*8-}
From: Nic Templeton
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 21:20:30 -0700
Subject: Re: About Bronze
On multiple occations over the years since I first spoke with Ken,
I've caught myself thinking or asking myself, how would he handle a
certain situation I might be currently involved. Even today, I caught
myself doing that, as I was interacting with a paticular nasty
consultant that was convinced that his spilling coffee on his laptop
was somhow my fault. In my dealings with people, I often wished I had
his patients, and his ablilty to express an opinion, while still
respecting his oposition, regardless as to weather they deserved it.
He absolutly was a role model, or a hero, and I truely don't have
many.
The few times I spoke to him in person (and they were far to few) I
was always impressed by his charisma and his charm. The way he could
tell stories, or light up a room...online he was always one I looked
for, "gee, I wonder what Bronze is going to say about this?".
He will be missed. Good speed Ken.
From: Tom Dietrich
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 21:20:22 -0700
Subject: My Bronze memory
Yesterday evening, when I read the news was one of the toughest
evenings I've had in a long while. I read everyone's comments, and
with each new thought came another wave of tears. All that emotion,
but I couldn't bear to write anything of my own. Today, all through
work, I realized that my emotions were barely under the surface,
barely in check. Sometimes, not quite. Anyway, here goes...
I remember when Bronze arrived on WetLeather. He was a little
secretive and unsure if we'd accept him, because of his profession. I
remember seeing the realization come through in his posts. The
realization that he'd found our WetFamily.
I talked initially with him about his Concours, our first common
ground. Then, we talked more about biking and then still more about
shooting. I was always in awe of his shooting, as while I do have
some natural ability, what he had was orders of magnitude
(magnumtude?) greater.
The thing that really stands out though is when I proposed that we
put together a pin shooting gathering. His eyes sparkled like a kid
at Christmas. We laughed a lot about it, and there's a box of pins in
my basement in preparation for the event.
Damnit.
From: Rob Kindred
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 21:32:56 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: what the?!
Maybe an extra roll of stickers... put one on every
SPD vehicle? I'll chip in...
From: Michael Davis
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 23:01:54 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
Subject: Re: a toast to bronze
My apologies to everyone for not attending. I meant no disrespect to
you or Bronze's memory. By mid-afternoon I was...ah hell, I was beyond
hammered at home, bawling like a child at the loss of a friend I'd had
the privilege of spending a little time with in a WL party context,
and one day at the SPD pistol range where I learned more in 2 hours than
I'd learned in a lifetime before.
The pinnacle of irony last night came when I couldn't get out of my head
the image of a scene in "Austin Powers" where Myers pours some liquor
onto the ground and says "One for my homies".
Great. I'm grieving for my buddy and all my psyche can come up with
is lame-ass movie references with a racial undercurrent thrown in for
good measure. Poignant old man...very poignant.
In any event it's been cathartic reading the stories and memories of folks
kind enough to share them with the list. Thanks to Carl for putting up
the page. It helps.
From: Truman Grandy
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 23:57:28 -0700
Subject: Re: RIP Bronze - request - update
I share the urge to have a more direct, tangible connection to Ken's
family, in hopes of aiding their grief process and assuring them of
Ken's connection with so many others of whom they may be unaware. A
scrapbook or other memento, perhaps similar to the one for Mike Temple
would likely be meaningful to them, both now and later.
I doubt there's any rush, though. Even if they had such a memento in
their hands today, I imagine it wouldn't really register with them for
some time.
From: "Erston Reisch"
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2004 00:50:23 -0700
Subject: Another Bronze Article
Robert L. Jamieson writes in Friday's PI:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/jamieson/183317_robert23.html
From: Lee Hart
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2004 08:06:14 -0700
Subject: Re: Bronze's memorial service
According to The Seattle Times and King5 TV, it'll be Tuesday.
http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=dige23m&date=20040723
Memorial service planned for Saucier
A memorial service for Seattle Police Officers Guild President
Ken Saucier is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at Seattle's Calvary
Christian Assembly of God, 6801 Roosevelt Way N.E. The service
is open to the public.
There are some very nice articles in today's papers.
Ken Saucier was a trusted source and adviser
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/jamieson/183317_robert23.html?
Suzanne Saucier feels the loss -- and the love
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/paynter/183208_paynter23.html
From: Richard Johnson
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2004 08:27:27 -0700
Subject: Re: Bronze mocha mugs, what the?!, let's do it!
Magic occurs when like-spirited individuals work on a common goal.
Carl Paukstis
> LisaD? Got the time? Someone else?
LisaD
> On it!
> Presto! You ask: DONE!
This entire thread reminds me of what happened in Portland during the '96
flood. Someone said "No! Let's build a seawal." Thousands of people
turned out, beat nails, and hefted sandbags for a couple of hours.
It's simply the best in humanity. We do it not for ourselves, and not
(directly) to alleviate the afflicted, but because the world is better for
it. May the apprpriate dieties bless all of you WL. the world will be
better tha Bronze is not forgotten.
From: Steve Gross
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2004 09:50:18 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
Subject: Escort for Bronze
From the police guild page:
KEN SAUCIER is being escorted from Coeur d'Alene, ID at 1100 by two
Seattle Police Department Traffic Officersâ and motorcycle
attachments from the Washington State Patrol across I-90. Any
department that wants to be involved in closing feeder ramps for
the crossing is encouraged to participate. Approximate time of
arrive to Snoqualmie Pass is 1500 where a squad of Seattle Police
Department Motorcycles will be joining the procession to Bonny
Watson on Broadway with an estimated arrival time of 1600.
Possible options: Meet him along the way, at the pass, or form up
along Broadway when he gets there.
Today. [Friday, July 23.]
From: "m joa"
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2004 17:14:53 +0000
Subject: a free quad - and a place to stay
whoa. at McCharbucks on S. Jackson. I told the baristas I needed a
a quad mocha, my first, because it was a friend's favorite drink.
"This quad is on us," they said. I didn't ask if they knew, had to
just get out of there.
This is one wicked drink.
We stopped in Julietta on the way to and from dropping off the
Uhual during that wild ride, and it was there I introduced Bronze
the wonder and magic of the diminutive looking Starbucks Double
Shot. "Woohoo, this is karate in a can!" he said. Gawd, we laughed
our asses off that evening.
From: jack.lewis2
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2004 12:38:39 -0700
Subject: Re: About Bronze
Not many (if any) of you will remember me; I remember many of you,
including Bronze. I've been off the list for years, until I
unrolled yesterday's newspaper and it smacked me in the head. I
re-subbed yesterday because I have to say something about the man
-- if only I knew what that would be.
I went on one Wetride w/Bronze, up around Rainier's skirts, leaving
me two lasting memories: some of the best lunchtime conversation
I've ever enjoyed; plus a complete lack of judgment on my part
(concerning a few ridiculous wheelies) and a complete lack of
judgmentalism on a certain cop's part.
It wasn't long after that that Bronze -- and the rest of you --
stopped appearing on my screen for a variety of reasons, time being
the primary. And it wasn't long before Bronze started appearing in
my morning paper from time to time, reminding an entire city about
the real lives and human concerns of people who work in public
safety.
I always meant to call or write to congratulate Bronze on his
position atop the Guild. I also always meant to re-subscribe, lurk
for awhile and see if I could renew acquaintances on this list.
Yeah ... always did mean to get around to that, just never quite
seemed to.
I feel for Ken's family. I also feel for his replacement, who'd
better have really big, almost clownlike feet to fill those ridin'
boots.
A graceful, gracious guy with a heart bigger than his badge, and
wit even sharper than his aim.
Sorry for the loss to all of us. Sorry to bust in. I'll keep
quiet for awhile.
Very quiet.
-Jack (not-Tavares-but) Lewis
From: Ken Morton
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2004 13:36:36 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: WetLeather Saucier Family Fund
The 2002 Gather was my first (and only so far) Gather. I felt a little
out of place; I'd been to a few Golding parties, but still did not feel
like I 'fit in', a feeling exacebated by having Janene with me, who had
not been to any WetLeather events. I think it was Saturday night I
couldn't sleep and restlessly left the cabin and walked up to the main
building. Bronze, and he will always be Bronze to me, Ken never seemed
to 'fit', was holding court with the usual suspects, drinking and
smoking cigars. At the time I did not know that much about him, except
what I'd read on-line; so I knew he was smart and funny. That night I
found out he was also soft spoken, articulate and in general, the kind
of guy you wanted to be around.
I miss him already.
From: "CB Q"
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2004 13:59:25 -0700
Subject: RE: Another Bronze Article
i thought i was getting a handle on this. but everytime i think that,
something else comes along to pop that thought bubble like a
cheap balloon...
i'm a bit more susceptible to emotion right now being with my mom
and being around my father's things. i keep waiting to hear his deep
voice calling me from another room asking me to bring him something
or for me to come quick so he can show me some new toy he'd just
gotten. pop was big on toys. where, after all, do you think i get it?
and, while staring out at the ocean, my mind starts wandering. i got
a good dose of marty today. while the roads pretty much suck down
here, i could see him and denzler half crocked sitting on a boat in a
cove someplace trying to work out how to make the motor faster.
i could it see i tell ya...
then the next thing i know i'm thinking of the huge hole in my life
that awaits my return. ya know, when you think of it, i think we go
through life 'knowing' that the people we know are out there and
well and going through their own daily lives. when we're lucky our
lives intersect with theirs and we comiserate and laugh and share.
i don't know why but bronze shared with me. he shared lots of
behind the scenes stuff that we never see in the news. the
sort of Big Important Things(tm) that involved lots of important
people and things. i never knew why. i never asked. maybe he
knew that it's what i do. that i listen to people and help them
make sense of their day. or maybe i just listen and they feel better
b/c someone did just sit and listen and that's all they needed.
hell, i dunno.
all i know is that we spent lots of long hours in my driveway
talking and that each time he left, we shook hands and laughed
and i always used that corny old line from 'hill street blues':
"hey, be careful out there." and he'd always laugh and with that
wonderful smile say 'always!' and off he'd stroll into the darkness...
geez, this *hurts*.
From: "Lisa Denzler"
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2004 16:01:35 -0700
Subject: Bronze is home
I have only one word for that experience: Hero
From: Nick Olson
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2004 15:24:00 -0700
Subject: Shock!
I've been out of town. Missed the news amid the huge folder of unread
WetLeathers until now. What a shock.
I've attached pix I took of Bronze at Goat Roast '98. I especially
like the vignette I put around #3 and sent to him.
Stunned in Spanaway...
From: Mark Morland
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2004 18:33:06 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Bronze Escort, east of Issaquah
I toasted Bronze with a Mocha while waiting for
developing. I will toast him again with a beer
tonight.
From: Lee Hart
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2004 19:41:28 -0700
Subject: RE: Bronze is home
I still tear up thinking about that trip through the streets of
Seattle.
Mark Morland was kind enough to stand on an overpass east of Issaquah
and snap a picture as we passed.
There's a simple web page (including some truly lousy pictures shot
from my cell phone) at
Http://WinISP.Net/HLeeHart/EscortingBronze.Html
From: "Paul"
Subject: RE: Bronze is home
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2004 20:38:00 -0700
Bronze was one of the WLs that attracted my attention when I first
came across WetLeather three years ago. He intrigued me, and then
beguiled me, with his humor, grace, wisdom, and fortitude. Like
the rest of you, I foresaw even greater responsibilities and
challenges for him in the future. I was hopeful for all of us that
people like Bronze will somehow rise above the mediocre,
self-absorbed, petty people that we have entrusted(voted, allowed)
to make important decisions about the way we conduct our daily
lives. Alas, it was not to be....:-(
However, Bronze loved WetLeather because he found kindred spirits.
He saw in many people here what WL admired most in him. So many
well-deserved blessings came to him. He embodied so many of the
traits we respect in one another, and pray to find in ourselves.
In many ways, he was WetLeather. Tolerant, courageous, talented,
curious, joyful, giving, intelligent, caring, and concerned. My
world is a better place because he was here.
From: "Steve Gross"
Subject: RE: Bronze is home
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2004 21:21:41 -0700
We turned off I-90 onto Rainier Ave North, and from that point until we
reached the funeral home, the way was lined with Seattle Police
officers. One or both sides of the street, bicycle, motorcycle, foot,
and cars. Standing at attention. Saluting Bronze as he went by.
It was the most remarkable tribute I have ever seen.
After we arrived, the shift lieutenant invited us to the precinct for a
while. The five of us went, told some stories, then adjourned to the
Elysian for a beer and a Hot Babe.
It did me good to go for one more ride with him.
From: Michael Davis
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2004 21:33:53 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
Subject: Last Ride With A Friend
A thousand thanks again to Steve G. for getting the info out about
the convoy bringing Bronze home. Thanks also to Lee for the call
reeling me back in when I blew right past the meeting point. :)
I'm glad I had the chance to ride with our friend one last time.
If any SPD folks end up reading this, thank you so much for letting
us share in that experience. I'll never forget it.
MAD
From: "Ritter, Paul R"
Date: Sat, 24 Jul 2004 00:02:47 -0700
Subject: Bronze's last post?
Ever since I heard about Bronze's death I had been feeling sort
of numb. The news depressed me, but somehow it didn't really hit
home. I've had this happen before, when I've gotten some really
bad news. It will kind of sit like a weight on my heart, until a
few days later when something will happen that will trigger an
outpouring of emotion. Once I'm through this period of grief I
will feel the weight has lifted and I can move on with my life.
The thing that triggers the release can be something obvious or it
can be something unexpected. Tonight I was deleting some really old
Wetleather email that I hadn't had time to read when I came across
this post from Bronze. Reading it caused something inside of me to
let go, and finally the tears came.
"I will probably be postponing on Monday until late July, heading
back to Ohio for the Nationals. You all ride safe and have a great
weekend. Wish me luck!
Bronze."
Good luck, my friend, wherever you may be.
Date: Sat, 24 Jul 2004 14:06:47 -0700
From: Truman Grandy
Subject: gimpy angels...
We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by
embraciing one another.
- Luciano de Crescenzo
Date: Sun, 25 Jul 2004 00:14:58 -0700
From: Kathleen Luce
Subject: Re: Memories of Bronze
In a few other net communities I participate in, most notably
LiveJournal, WetLeatherites weren't the only ones to post sad posts
about Bronze's passing last week. It turns out a couple of my
non-WetLeather friends knew Bronze, too, though they notably
neglected to mention from where.
I had a feeling there was a story there, and knowing Bronze, I bet
it was a humorous one. Finally, my friend Raj let me in on the joke:
(posted with permission)
>About Mr. Saucier.
>
> I belong to a mailing list that is comprised of former residents of the
>news group alt.peeves. We have been together, griping and sniping about
>the various ways life sucks and the stupid people in the world that make
>it so.
>
> Several months ago, there was a story about this Seattle Police Guild
>President who came out with some wonderfully colorful invective about his
>political rival, a two-bit time server who was allegedly in some way
>affiliated with the Seattle Fire Department. Now, we peevers (as we like
>to call ourselves) were impressed. The whole lot of us. It takes a LOT to
>impress us crusty old cynics. But he did. He was as good with the written
>word as he was with the pistol with which he was competing. We sent him an
>invite, not expecting to hear anything. To the entire groups delight, he
>accepted.
>
> He would entertain us with tales of stupid criminals and enhance our
>cynicism with tales of even stupider politicians. He fought the good
>fight, and believed in what he was doing.
>
> You'll be horribly missed by an international group of cynical bastards,
>Pres. Especially after you shot down the british contingent's cynical
>natterings regarding the New York City suicide that was caught on the
>security camera with your razor sharp logic and wit.
>
> See ya on the other side, Pres. We'll miss ya.
I suspect the rest of the peevers thought that mentioning where they
knew Bronze from might be disrespectful. But me, I find it comforting
that he had at least one whole other social circle who appreciate his
sharp wit and refusal to pull punches as much as we do.
From: Brunner, Lea M
Date: Mon, 26 Jul 2004 13:53:14 -0700
Subject: Ken Saucier
Hello... I just wanted to email and say that I'm sorry for the loss of
Ken. I work with Mike Bain - a wetleathers member- who recently
introduced me to Ken (I'm in the hiring process for SPD). This guy who
is busy as hell took over five hours to chat with me about SPD (on a
FRIDAY afternoon!), his kids, the politicians he needs to deal with ...
the news media who never seem to get things remotely accurate. Above
all, he seemed to be just 'one of the guys'. He wasn't the 'president
of the guild'....he was just one of the officers, totally down to earth,
who said he knew he'd be back working the beat sooner or later. As a
matter of fact, he was so passionate and we got so into the discussion
that I never got the chance to get him a mocha (the bribe I teased him
with to get him to meet with me in the first place). I still owe him
that mocha. One thing I remember vividly, and use as an email
signature, is that Ken said HE coined this phrase, quoted somewhere in
an article once:
/Most people spend their lives trying to save their careers. Police
officers spend their careers trying to save their lives./
I just wanted to say, from someone who only got to meet & talk with him
once, Ken was one of the most impressionable, charismatic and gentle
people I've ever met. Honestly I don't remember many of the specific
details of what Ken said that day... I just remember laughing
constantly, and thinking to myself that this was a man in front of me
who I'd follow into the fires of hell. I've never met anyone who
instantly (and unintentionally) commanded that kind of respect, even
when I was in the Army. When I finally left his office that day, I
shook his hand and told him I really hoped I got to work with him in the
future. He was so concerned about whether or not he had answered what I
wanted to know about the PD. He did : they hired good people. He was
proof of that.
Below is one of the emails from when I was setting up a time to come
down and meet with Ken. There is a video that is used by police
departments for the officer hiring process, and Ken is in a few of the
skits. Even in a scripted environment, he makes everyone in the room
crack up who watches that video. That's what part of the email
discusses. The other part is some local news reporter that has not been
very nice to Ken, and happens to have the last name as me. Mike Bain
was cracking up when I told him, and he said he was going to tell Ken
that the reporter was my husband. Mike's a quiet guy most of the time
at work ...
I know I'm not a wetleathers member (still driving my convertible
mustang .. haven't gotten a bike yet :) , but I would like to know if I
could order one of the stickers and a coffee mug you guys have on the
memorial site for Ken?
>Subject: *Re: Questions on SPD*
>From: *"Bronze" *
>Date: *Mon, June 7, 2004 7:36 pm*
>Priority: *Normal*
>
>
>> Ken - just following up with you from last week. Hope your trip was good.
>
>No new alligator bites, I put that in the *win* column.
>
>> Ok, I've read up on the SPD Guild and discovered / want to proclaim a few
>> things :)
>>
>> a) I am no relation to the Jim Brunner guy that is trying to filet you in
>> the news. Ignore anything Mike Bain says.. this jim guy is NOT my hubby.
>> Mikey's just a little smart ass...who has a nice Harley (and is going to
>> have a whole bunch of work assigned to him when I get into the office
>> tomorrow). :))
>
>I figured you weren't related. You email wasn't titled "Die, oh spawn of
>Satan!"
>
>> b) You're the asp-on-the-bus-stop-kids Guy!!! Cool!!! I thought people
>> we're going to choke from laughing at that!
>
>That, and the "Lady with dog poo on her shoe". That was the hardest one
>to film. Every time she scrapped and flicked, we would bust up. It took
>us at least 20 takes.
>
>> c) I didn't initially realize you were the guild pres, so I understand you
>> probably have NO personal time whatsoever. however, if you ever have time
>> and wanna chat with an SPD hopeful, I'd be happy to buy you a coffee and
>> talk about careers / SPD culture.
>>
>> Catch Ya Later!
>> Lea Brunner
>
>Personal time? I'm happy when I can just sit down, and not have two
>phones in my hand when I do it. Coffee sounds good, let me know when and
>where. And say Hi to Mikey for me. :)
>
>Ken
From: Dean Woodward
Date: Mon, 26 Jul 2004 15:09:16 -0700
Subject: "Double Triple"- a Bronze classic
[From the WetLeather archives. This is probably my fave Bronze
post. Read this and the replies in the archives starting at
http://www.micapeak.com/archives/wetleather-volume1/msg90058.html
And for the record, I'm on my second *quad* mocha for the day... -Dean]
> * To: "Wetleather"
> * Subject: Double Triple
> * From: "Bronze"
> * Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2002 23:35:11 -0800
>
> Okay, so I broke down today and bought a triple mocha. Well, actually,
> I had one yesterday too, peppermint, but that's a different story.
> Anyway, I was in a day-long meeting so I decided I need^^wanted one.
> The gal gave me a funny look when I ordered it, no biggie. I knew
> something was up when she asked what kind of milk I wanted and I said
> "Cow". She listed off something like eight different kinds of milk,
> ending up with "Soy". "When did beans start giving friggin milk?" I
> asked. She mumbled something snotty, I'm sure, and asked if I wanted
> whipped cream. I said, "Yeah, I need something for the caffiene to
> burn". She looked at my belly and mumbled something that sounded like
> "blacksanta", whatever. Went upstairs, swarfed it down, and
> after lunch, I decided I need^^^wanted another. This time, she gets
> really big eyes, shakes her head, but grinds out another one. Mid
> afternoon, things are dragging, I *rilly* need a mocha, so I go
> downstairs, and order another. This time, littlemissnofriggenwayyou're
> drinkinganothertriplehereI'mnotgettingsued gets all mocha nazi on me
> and won't make another! In front of one of my guys she does this. She
> WON'T make it! Does she know who the f#ck I am?!? She's been COUNTING
> this whole time. Who the f#ck made here the mocha police? It's like
> there's a shortage or something, are they rationing mochas? I have to
> go upstairs with a freaking Thomas Kemper Orange Creme soda! WTF am I
> supposed to do with that? She was like, 19 years old. I should have
> kicked her butt. She was scrawny. Can she do that?
>
> Bronze
Date: Mon, 26 Jul 2004 15:59:55 -0700
From: Rob Scott
Subject: Re: "Double Triple"- a Bronze classic
To me, Bronze was an exceptional wit that stood out even among this
group of exceptional people with their own unique gifts that I
cherish as my WetLeather family. Bronze was always honest with his
feelings, and there was never any doubt where he stood on
something. He was passionate about virtually everything in his
life; family, his comrades in blue, gaming, motorcycles and his
friends on WetLeather.
I found two more posts than for me exemplify the mocha humor, and
which I found to be simply outrageously funny. For your consideration,
I present first this exchange from December 12, 2002 in response to
an unknown person. This was posted about an hour after the original
message that Dean mentioned above, and was part of the same thread:
(unknown quotee from previous message in thread)
> And in one swell foop our very own Bronze is brought to his mochaneeze.
(Bronze)
Channeling Cliff: Actually, the Mochaneeze were an ancient
agro-warrior race who dwelt high (the hills were high, sheesh) in
the Columbian rain forests growing coffee and cocoa beans. When
they weren't wiping out other villages while on caffeine induced
killing sprees, they tended their crop with loving care, and
worshiped Cafekokoxtcl, the angry God of the Mochaneeze who rained
vengeance on those who uttered words like "dekaf" and "latte". No
one knows what happened to them, though there are rumors that some
of their descendants live among us still.
(unknown quotee)
> I have a feeling this all happened REALLY slowly from Bronze's
> perspective. Real time viewers probably didn't even see Bronze standing
> there. Only those carefully trained in the art of mocha observation
> could even glimps him shimmering in front of the counter.
(Bronze)
Some people have claimed to have seen aliens or angels, but it was only me.
(unknown quotee)
> There's no such thing as 'too much mocha'.
(Bronze)
The last person who said that got Cafekokoxtcl's vengful boot right up their
ass. You don't come back from something like that.
And last, this bit of a conversation that started (I think) on the
subject of the snacking and coffee tastes of some of the newer police
recruits. I think that Bronze himself may have originated the message
(the first double indented quote), Erston responded, and then Bronze
let fly with one of those caffeine-fueled bits of creative randomness
that leaves one requiring a hanky to dry the eyes. This is from
October 18, 2001:
> > Hey, this current crop is more sophisticated. Poppy seed
> > muffins and bagels, with a latte is the daily fare, straight up
> > coffee and a donut are a no-no.
> > Kids.
>
> What?!? No MOCHAS?!?
>
> - Erston
>
Do you really want a bunch of triple mocha'd enforcers out there,
regulating with caffeine addled abandon? MOCHA! MOCHA! MOCHA! (jump
up and down like the monkey in 2001: A Space Odyssey) MOCHA! MOCHA!
MOCHA! (Sing the Speed Racer theme song) MOCHA! MOCHA! MOCHA!
(Dance like a hippy girl) MOCHA! MOCHA! MOCHA! (Say wheeeeee!)
Bronze
Don't do that any more Ersty, my neck hurts
From: Brian Poppe
Date: Mon, 26 Jul 2004 18:14:52 -0700
Subject: One from the vaults - fav. Bronze postings
Ok, Dean started it.
Along with his posting of Bronze's classic where he gets cut off by the
barrista, this one is my other fave posting. The imagery is just _too_ good:
>Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2000 20:49:34 -0800
>From: "Bronze"
>Subject: Re: Minivan alternatives (was something else)
>
> > Bronze wrote:
> >
> > > My dad drove a Gremlin. Mom had the Gran Torino wagon. I rode a
> > skateboard.
>
>I just remembered why I HATED that Gremlin. Once, me a a couple of my skate
>buddies were hanging out under the carport (in Hawaii, we had carports
>instead of garages), and I hopped up onto the hood of the Gremlin to have a
>seat. Suddenly, I felt like someone was pinching the hell out of me. OWWW! I
>leapt off, screaming. I was rubbing the offended butt cheek, and when I
>looked at the hood, it had two burn marks on it. I had shorted the battery
>and just about arc welded my butt cheeks shut! They laughed themselves sick.
>It did burn a hole in my jeans, which pissed me off. That car was crap. My
>brother learned to drive in it and nearly killed us several times. I think
>it may have been a plan on my dad's part, we can't prove it.
>
>Bronze
From: "Lee Hart"
Date: Mon, 26 Jul 2004 22:33:36 -0700
Subject: RE: Don't know why...
I did find this quote to be uplifting (it's from .sig of Tara
of the Seattle Police Guild):
> "Far better to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even
> though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor
> spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much . . . in the grey
> twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."
> Theodore Roosevelt (1858 - 1919) US president
From: "Black Jenner"
Date: Tue, 27 Jul 2004 09:28:51 -0700
Subject: Re: Don't know why...
Sometimes, if you are going to save the world, you have to do it one
kitty/starfish at a time.
A couple are walking along a beach after a terrible storm. Waves
had pounded the beach into submission all night. The wind beat at
the palms, shaking them dizzy. The next morning the beach was
littered with shells, driftwood and debris. As the couple walked
along they marveled at the power of the storm, how it had ravaged
the coast, how it had brought so many shells and treasures to their
feet.
As they turned a point at mid-day they saw a horrible sight. The
beach was littered with starfish if every imaginable size and
shape. There must have been thousands scattered across the drying
sand. Among them, in the hot noon sun, was an old woman.
Methodically she walked, bending down, picking up starfish one at a
time, walked back to the water, and tossed them as far out as her
worn arms could manager.
The couple walked up to her and, in amazement as he waved his hand
across the beach, the young man asked, "Why are you doing that?
You can't possibly save all of them. How can it matter?"
The old woman stopped for a moment, a small yellow starfish in her
hand. She looked back at him though tired and weary eyes and
smiled.
"It matters to this one," she said.
Then she calmly turned and walked towards the water.
Now, three people carry starfish to the water.
From: "Jim Harriger"
Date: Tue, 27 Jul 2004 11:32:01 -0700
Subject: another rememberance of bronze: grace under fire
says as much about Niko as bronze, but i found bronze's deadpan response
just perfect: grace under fire, even machine-gun verbiage :-)
i miss him. everyday...
-----------------------------------snippet:
> > > > Seth wrote::
> > > > Remind me why alcohol is OK but pot or LSD are not?
> > > Bronze wrote:
> > > Pot doesn't go with orange juice.
> > Niko wrote:
> > like hell!
> >
> > dunking double-stuff oreo cookies into the orange juice, and then
> > washing them down with chocolate milk.
> > hey is that creamy or crunchy peanut butter?
> > oh wow, i *know* i've got some bananas around here...
> > sweet! wonder bread! NANNER-BUTTER-WICHES FOR EVERYONE!
> > oooh, wait, here's some chicken in a biscuit!
> > it's like a whole chicken, *IN* the biscuit!
> > easy cheese, easy cheese... now where's that easy cheese...
> > oh hey, here's a box of Cocoa Puffs!!!
> > CRAP!! We're out of chocolate milk...
> > oh right on! there's still plenty of orange juice left!
>Bronze wrote:
>I respectfully withdraw my last statement.
---------------------------------------------------end snippet
From: "boychaos"
Date: Tue, 27 Jul 2004 21:43:05 -0700
Subject: Bronze
Wherever you may find yourself
May the roads remain smooth
May the corners be tight
May the bike run perfectly
May the ride last as long as you want it to
Know that you are missed.
From: jack tavares
Date: Wed, 28 Jul 2004 00:07:28 -0700
Subject: Bronze service
The service was held this evening in the Roosevelt district.
They had a packed house:
Many Police Officers
FireFighters including, I think, the Chief
Mayor
Chief of Police
I think I recognized a few Council members.
I think I recognized Mark Sidran.
There was a Color Guard and an Honor Guard.
A bagpiper....
The pastor said some very nice pastor words.
The mayor spoke about the pleasure or working with Ken,
with some good humor. He told a story of how,
on one occasion, they actually sat in his
(the mayor's) office and had nothing to discuss.
They both enjoye dthe silence.
He made a comment to the effect that it wasn't often that
Ken had nothing to say, which brought chuckles.
The police chief spoke.He spoke about Ken's dedication
and passion. Everyone spoke about Ken's passion.
The chief told a story about Ken taking him to the
shooting range to hone his skills and "politely"
saying that the chief might do better if he used
his reading glasses to see the sights.
More chuckles.
He finished by saying that the dept would do all it
good to honor Ken's wishes and memories by taking
care of the family.
Sgt. Kevin Hastings, guild vice president, spoke. Iirc, was roommates
with Ken until Ken married Sue. They went through the Police
Academy together. They were obviously very close and were
best friends.
He spoke of Ken's passion (there is that
word again) for officer safety and training.
He told of a handful of practical jokes that Ken
loved to play on his family and his coworkers.
He spoke of Ken's favorite passtimes:
Target Shooting
Motorcycling with the Wetleather Motorcycle Club and the Blue Angels (sic)
Computers
Online gaming
He spoke of the Guild and the extended family and friends
taking care of the family and doing what needed
doing.
There was a video presentation. Photos and music.
Photo's of Ken as a baby,
child
teen
young man
young husband and father
astride his SV
Always smiling.
The Color Guard presented the Flags. One flag that was draped
on the coffin. I could not see well, but I assume this
flag went to his Wife.
Another flag, that was already folded. Perhaps this flag
had also covered the coffin at some time. I believe that
one went to his Parents.
The bagpiper played again. Amazing grace?
Taps was played.
I certainly am not a writer, as anyone could tell, so I apologize
if I mixed up a sequence or atribute a comment to the wrong person,
or my "writing style" does not suit.
But then I didn't really write it for you...
Goodbye Ken.
From: Ted Timmons
Date: Wed, 28 Jul 2004 00:57:24 -0700
Subject: bronze, pics
I probably wouldn't post these pictures except the event was so
significant to me and so many others. These pictures are terrible
quality; I didn't have the heart to move forward to get clearer images.
Still, it's better than nothing.
http://perljam.net/bronze4922/
Bonus audio, Ken talking about being invited to join alt.peeves. "There
are others who need humor transplants":
http://perljam.net/bronze4922/ken-saucier-interview-KIRO-20031219.mp3
Thanks for the hugs and warm regards. I'm doing okay; tonight was the
toughest evening in a couple of days. I'm on a couple of strong
painkillers right now.
Thanks for the stickers, Lees.
Please ask me before using the images or audio elsewhere.
From: Michael Davis
Date: Wed, 28 Jul 2004 07:43:11 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
Subject: Bronze and the Gathering
Thanks to everyone for yesterday. I needed it.
Everytime I go to a WL gathering I feel like I've won
something...like I picked up a "Cool Friends For Life" scratch
ticket at the 7-11 and hit the jackpot. I always leave feeling an
overwhelming urge to thank everyone for being who they are. I also
find myself thinking what the hell is an amazing group of people
like this doing letting a bum like me hang out with them, but
that's probably a discussion for my therapist. If I ever start
seeing one.
I have no doubt Bronze knew how loved he was by us, though I
personally regret that I never specifically told him what a great
guy I thought he was.
Shit. I miss him.
The good news is I still have you. You, the folks in WL who are so
generous with handshakes and hugs and acceptance. You who open
your homes and hearts to friends and strangers so we can feel like
we have a place to go when we need our friends. You who make me
laugh so hard I can't see the screen through the tears. You who
jump when something goes screwy with the list because you know how
badly some of us need the connection to our Wetfamily. You who
don't hesitate to get in your truck at a moment's notice when
somebody breaks down. You who help us drown our sorrows in joy and
laughter. You who ignore our weaknesses and celebrate our
strengths, making us feel for a time like we are the kind of people
we always hoped we would be.
Thank you my friends.
With all the sincerity and love that I have the capacity for, thank you.
From: "Karyn Vicker"
Date: Wed, 28 Jul 2004 12:33:40 -0700
Subject: Bronze memories
At the service last night, I was reminded of one of my favorite Bronze
quips.
A quick search in the archive found it for me:
a.. To: wetleather
b.. Subject: RE: You think it rains in Seattle
c.. From: Bronze4922
d.. Date: 3 Jan 1999 17:51:42 PST
>WE>Please no Californian go home letters. I am part Native American and think
>WE>all you foreigners should go home. :)
>
>You think you've got it bad. My ancestors were here when my other ancestors brought my
>other ancestors here in chains. Explains my weird desire to do drive-by-scalpings....
>
>Bronze
>no, really...
From: Brian Poppe
Date: Wed, 28 Jul 2004 14:21:01 -0700
Subject: Bronze's service pics
Here's the few pics I took yesterday. Not much, but that's really not why
I was there.
http://www.vexicon.com/brian/wl/bronze/bronze's_service.html
Date: Wed, 28 Jul 2004 16:21:21 -0700
From: Lee Hart
Subject: Bronze's 'private' service
I say 'private' because everyone at the public service was invited to
this service.
It was a full Catholic funeral mass, so most was pretty well scripted (with
additions for the scripted police honor guard portions of the service). There
was not a casket, but a nice wooden box with cremains.
For me the most touching moments (by far) were when his three daughters
(the pagans, as he referred to them) spoke. They have a *lot* of Bronze in
them. Their comments were very touching, and there were few dry eyes
in the house by the time the youngest one finished speaking. I hope that
somehow we can get a copy of their text. Each was wonderful.
Bronze has every reason to be very proud of his daughters. I expect
them to do great things, just like their old man. I hope I can do half
as good of a job in raising Virginia as he did with Becky, Gina, & Renee.
From: Sanders
Date: Wed, 28 Jul 2004 08:17:44 -0700
Subject: RE: Bronze service
Thanks for the report Jack. I've been thinking about this since the day it
happened and I keep coming back to the same conclusion I came to in the
first moments after I heard about it. What a terrible waste. He was an
extraordinary guy and he will be missed.
I didn't know him as well as some of you westsiders did and I'd only met
him a couple of times, yet through the exchanges on wetleather over the
last few years I feel like I came to know him well. He added a perspective
to my life that very few people have over the years. It's comforting to
know that he had so many friends and that his family will be taken care of.
My only hope is that his wife, his children and his close friends are able
to find some peace in the years ahead.
Rest in peace Ken. The way you lived your life set an example for the rest
of us and that legacy is something we will carry with us for many years to
come. Thank you.
From: "Steve Gross"
Date: Sun, 1 Aug 2004 16:04:23 -0700
Subject: another Bronze pic/memory
In 2002, Bronze accompanied me on the first leg of my road trip down to
California & back. The Portland area crowd met us for lunch at the
nifty little pizza joint near Roger & Mark's place.
I asked him if he was riding with me to keep me out of trouble, or to
make sure I left the state. He just grinned.
![[img]](Bronze102-0249.jpg)
Sue
I met Ken in a top secret Army Reserve communications center in the
Federal Emergency Management Agency. I had just moved to Seattle and
was "making up" a drill that I had missed. Ken was working a six month
special active duty tour and was the only one in the center at the time.
It was a slow day, so we spent the whole time talking about a lot of
things like politics, the Cold War, Russian history, our regular army
days, mountain climbing, friends, and all sorts of things. And, oh so
funny! We laughed about so many things.
The next year, we met only at drills and a few social functions. We
also took a leadership class together and I remember sitting in the back
of class with him across the next row, cutting up, laughing, causing
trouble. He set it up so that I could "fake sneeze" at a fresh young
recruit with no hair sitting in front of me. He had the water ready so
that I could flick it at the back of the guy's neck. When it came time
for the test however, he received the highest score. We were all amazed
th |
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