Randy Niere, 1955-2009: Bicycle Advocate & MoBikeFed Board Member

Randy (Ranj) Niere, longtime MoBikeFed board member and supporter, passed away June 21st of a heart attack.

Randy was a member of the Missouri Bicycle Federation Board of Directors and also has served on the advisory committee of the Riverfront Heritage Trail. He photographed many events for MoBikeFed. He attended meetings too numerous to count to speak up in support of better accommodation for bicyclists and pedestrians.

 
Randy bicycled and raced in his youth and returned to bicycling in 2001 after he suffered a simultaneous stroke and heart attack.
 
During his recovery he started riding a recumbent tricycle, taking it on his first Katy Trail ride in Spring 2002. That was a solo ride--an experiment to see how far he could go living and traveling independently with his new disabilities--and the first of several trips he took on the trail.
 
Later he improved his balance and stamina enough to ride a regular recumbent bicycle--and (typical of recumbent owners) rode a string of different models over the years.
 
Randy liked to say, "I'm living your future," meaning that the average American lives 7-10 years past the time they can drive--exactly as Randy did--and it might be wise to spend some time and effort now to prepare our neighborhoods and towns for that future.

I first met Randy when we worked together in support of the Bike KC plan in 2002. It's unfortunate Randy didn't live to see Bike KC fully implemented--that may happen later this summer--but it was typical of Randy to be thinking in the long term.
 
During Randy's career, he worked as an emergency room technician at KU Med Center and software/database engineer with Borland.
 
He was active in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), playing a key role in the establishment of the Kingdom of Calontir.

Randy was an accomplished guitarist, lutenist, and photographer.

The KC Star death notice for Randy:
Randy Niere, 53, died June 21. Ranj was born October 9, 1955, and preceded in death by his mother, Virginia, and brother John. He is survived by his partner, Cat Wilson; sister, Judy Poe; nieces Gina, Kelly, Erin, and his many friends. A memorial will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 3, at the RenFest grounds.
Information about the memorial service, which will be held Friday, July 3rd, 2009, at 6PM:
A Falcon Flies
Far above our heads into the Summer land

There will be a memorial service to celebrate the life of Randy Niere on Friday, July 3, 2009 beginning at 6:00 pm.

The format is informal and if you wish to bring something to contribute to a potluck, you are welcome. Please bring pictures and stories to share and especially bring cameras if you have them. Ranj would have loved so many of his friends taking pictures.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a contribution to one of the following:

[Donations for a bench on the Katy Trail in Randy's honor.]

Or if you prefer, please make a donation in his name to the American Heart Association

The Memorial for Ranj Niere will be on July 3rd. The site will open at 5:00 pm and the Memorial ceremony will begin at 6:00 pm.

The site is on the grounds of the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, in the Society for Creative Anachronism Dell.

The address is: 628 North 126th Street, Bonner Springs, Kansas 66012. Please use your favorite mapping system for directions.

Parking will be in the performer’s lot.

Dress is informal.

If you have questions please contact Ariel at ariel [at] kc.rr.com

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