Burry Stander's sacrifice should not be in vain

During on a family outing to watch the "Life of Pi" (how appropriate considering the unfolding events at the time) on the 3rd January 2013, I received an SMS asking "Have you heard the new about Burry?" from a good friend. My immediate response, however irrational, and in the wake of the last years revelations was "surely not Burry". Vaughn, my wife pressed me for more. Considering our source of the news, I quickly reviewed the days news. I was met with a headline that took the wind from me...Burry Stander had been killed by a motorist somewhere near home on a training ride. At first the news was sketchy, so I turned to Twitter (not as if it were more authoritative, but certainly more local). Shelly Beach, taxi etc. etc. My wife was devastated. I charged off to tell Matt (against Vaughn's better judgement), my 10 year old, a mountain bike fanatic and talented rider who has now lost three significant influences. Two through more dubious means and Burry.

I have met / greeted Burry on a number of occasions - mostly to ensure that I got a photo opportunity for Matt with Burry. Burry never ceased to amaze me on every and all of these occasions in that he was gentlemanly, interested and attentive with yet another photo moment. Those who know Mr Stander know that the rest of us have much to learn from this diminutive giant. Thanks Burry.

Burry and Matt after Argus MTB challenge 2012

I trolled the web this morning (4th Jan 2013) looking for something, possibly anything to give me more insight into what happened yesterday. Although reports are still conflicting, the general idea is that Burry was heading home after a training ride and collided with a vehicle when (apparently a taxi driven by a 25 year old who did stop at the scene) it cut him off. Burry apparently went through the passenger window and died at the scene. It is unclear whether Cherise or Burry's dad were there although it was in the vicinity of his Dad's shop.

As I worked through the posts on the hub I got a sense of Burry and what he represented. There was not a single post that had any negative sentiment (except for the taxi driver of course, or the state of driving in general in SA). Those that have had the opportunity to meet and chat to Burry will remember the fleeting moments of those stolen moments forever...

Matt (aged 10 as mentioned earlier) does not deal with these intense emotional moments well. I could see the absolute devastation in his entire being. Shoulders slumped and a general teary, angry disposition.

2011 EPIC final stage at Lourensford

As we were luckily somewhere you can write on the table clothes Matt and I drew up out personal memorials for Burry.

My take-away from this all is:

1. Life is short.
2. You don't control the when and where no matter what you do.
3. We remember our heroes and villains - maybe the former more, the latter less - but remember none the less.

But be vigilant:

1. Enjoy every moment. Those with family and friends more so.
2. Work is just that - a means to an end.
3. If you can find work that you are passionate about and love, then do it.

Burry, the five minutes we shared with Matt were awesome. You may have impacted our lives in those short moments more than you would have thought. Journey forth, young Stander, your job here may be done but your memory will remain for a long time. I am hoping that Matt and his mates will carry forward some of what you you given us.