"Life's Journey" Ends for MiniRocketman

[SiteAdmin]

On Saturday December 17th 2005, around 12:00 noon, MiniRocketman died at my side in an ambulance on route to Big Bend Regional Hospital.....Life flight had been dispatched but could not get to him in time...Every effort was made to save him by the other riders and Big Bend National Park EMS team but his injuries, although still unknown, were too great...

Steve Jr was my riding partner for the last 6 years.....At 20 years of age he was the youngest child of myself and Linda and the light of our lives...

We were on our third day of riding in the Big Bend area and he was enjoying every moment of it...He was riding closely with his elder brother, who had flown in from Canada for the ride, when he caught a partially buried rock and "High sided"....

He never regained consciousness and passed peacefully....

Steve was a third year student at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and an avid Dual Sport Rider....A veteran of many desert trips....His love for riding was matched by his love and appreciation for the desert....

I'm sure that at some point in the future we will take comfort in the fact that he died doing what he loved most....That time cannot come soon enough for all who were priviledged to know him....

Although not original the following would seem to be a fitting epitaph.....

LIFE'S JOURNEY IS NOT TO ARRIVE AT THE GRAVE IN A WELL PRESERVED BODY, BUT RATHER TO SKID IN SIDEWAYS, TOTALLY WORN OUT, SHOUTING ' HOLY [email me].....WHAT A RIDE'

I'll post the cause of death after the autopsy....

We'll hold a memorial service later this week, in Round Rock, to which all are welcome to attend.....I'll post the time and place a soon as possible.....

Please feel free to attach or post any photos of Steve Jr that you may have....

Thank you....

Steve Smith


(GATLIN5 -This could very easily be my family or anyone one of us. Give them an extra hug tonight and say a little prayer for the Smith Family.)


http://x10.putfile.com/3/6610515733.jpg
the photo was taken the night before the accident.....That's Jr at the left then his eldest brother Joel then me and Linda.
His favorite place to eat and hang out in Big Bend was at La Kiva.....Here he working on a big plate of chicken and just soaking up the ambiance....

http://x10.putfile.com/3/6610525125.jpg

[Tatonka]

MiniRocketman Tribute Fund
12/19/05 09:20 AM

At this time I know how difficult it is to find any words that express your feelings.....The posts and emails we've received so far really do help and we thank all of you so much.....

It's most important to Linda and I to try to find something good to focus on in our time of loss....

In memory of our son Steven Andrew Smith we would be honored to accept donations to the MiniRocketman Fund.

We have chosen the Rider Down Foundation as the vehicle for this fund.

Please visit their site at http://www.riderdown.org/

We will work closely with them and ,in your name, will help direct the donations to do the greatest good within the extended family world of motorcycle riders, and their families.

As you will see on their site their good work has been felt very close to home for those of us here in Texas in the past....

Collectively I think we can use the Rider Down Foundation to best celebrate our son's life and help others in their time on need...

I know Junior would be supportive of this effort.....His time with us was so short but maybe we can make some of difference for others in the future..

Thank you so much...

Steve and Linda Smith and family.

[Anonymous]

Steve and Linda~

No one knows what you are feeling but the few that have lost a child. I am so sorry for you - I can only imagine...I lost both of my parents this past year within 6 months time. We were extremely close and my dad and I shared lots of motorcycle memories from my Trials days in the 70's.

I just wanted to say it was an honor to race at CCMX for the foundation and to ride the memorial lap.

Noone knows the day or the hour in which the Lord will call us home.
For Steve Jr, God rest his soul, he was doing something he dearly loved. What a blessing for him and for you.

Sounds like ya'll were all very close and although it makes it hard, I have found that it also makes it easy. No regrets!

I will continue to keep each of you in prayer as the lump in the throat and the tears seem to come at the strangest times.

Love and hugs to you all.
Never take for granted one flower, one sunrise, one really good meal, or most treasured of all - time with those you love!

"Father God, I ask You to mend broken hearts, fill voids and use this to touch the lives of many as You already have! In Jesus name, Amen!"

Love ya'll,
Tina Roberts (Will's mom)

[Gatlin5]

Tina

Thanks for sharing your story and courage with us and being there for the Smith's.

God Bless!

[xr650rocketman]

Southern Methodist University will be including Steve Jr in it's annual memorial service on Thursday March 9th at 12:05 pm in the Perkins Chapel on campus.
Steve was a third year student at SMU and is greatly missed by his fellow students with whom we are staying in touch.
Tony Eeeds and I will be attending the service and then with Steve's blessing we'll be heading to West Texas for some Dual Sport exploring for the weekend.
Tony and I are part of the Development Committee for the new TMTC OHV park in Ozona, Crockett County. Our first meeting will be on March 11th at the 3300 acre property.
Steve loved the desert and he is uppermost in all our minds now when we go riding.
Thanks to all for your thoughts and kind words and God Bless MiniRocketman.

Steve Smith

[Wysong]

Have a great ride Steve and know that Steve Jr, aka; MiniRocketman is right there with you at every turn and down every straight. As much as you guys liked riding together, I believe Steve Jr will be by your side on all those special riding adventures, he wouldn?t miss it.

Have a Great Day,

David

[Gatlin5]

Hi Steve and Linda,

I hope all is well.

John Herne and David Wysong will be at the Garrett Berg memorial the end of September, Bruce and I are really going to try and be there too. Can't wait to meet all of you!

Joe

[xr650rocketman]

Hey Joe.....I'm planning to be there, it'll be good to see the guys again.....

Steve

[Tatonka]

Steve - I'm looking forward to meeting you in person! See ya in TX...

Bruce

[Gatlin5]

Hi Steve,

I have tickets in hand and looking forward to it. Should be a lot of fun.

Joe

[Gatlin5]

Dear Steve, Linda, Joel, Jennifer and family,

Just wanted you to know our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you on this day. We also thank god for letting Steve Jr have a wondeful 20 years with a loving family. You will be together again, of that I have no doubt!

God Bless!

Joe

There is a light in this world, a healing spirit
more powerful than any darkness we may encounter.
We sometime lose sight of this force
when there is suffering, and too much pain.
Then suddenly, the spirit will emerge
through the lives of ordinary people who hear a call
and answer in extraordinary ways.
Mother Teresa

[Gatlin5]

Dear Steve, Linda, Joel, Jennifer and family,

Just wanted you to know our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you on this day. We also thank god for letting Steve Jr have a wondeful 20 years with a loving family. You will be together again, of that I have no doubt!

God Bless!

Joe

There is a light in this world, a healing spirit
more powerful than any darkness we may encounter.
We sometime lose sight of this force
when there is suffering, and too much pain.
Then suddenly, the spirit will emerge
through the lives of ordinary people who hear a call
and answer in extraordinary ways.
Mother Teresa


http://www.riderdown.org/forum/photopost/data/500/Steve_Smith_jr_1_copy.jpg

http://www.riderdown.org/forum/photopost/data/500/Steve_Smith_jr_9_copy.jpg

http://www.riderdown.org/forum/photopost/data/500/Steve_Smith_jr_8_copy.jpg

http://www.riderdown.org/forum/photopost/data/500/Steve_Smith_jr_5_copy.jpg

[Tatonka]

To the Smith Family - you are all in our thoughts and prayers, may you find comfort and peace together on this day. I am sure that Steve, Jr. is riding high and exploring the trails that together we'll all share someday.

God Bless

[50ccMoM]

Steve and Linda,

My prayers are with you and the rest of your family on this day.

God Bless,

Angie

[mxsMom]

A wonderfully touching tribute.
God bless the Smith family this Holiday season.

[xr650rocketman]

In the days before the first year anniversary I gave much thought to posting a fitting tribute to Steve....When the time finally came I couldn't do it but I'm so appreciative of what you guys did here....He is in our thoughts always and accompanies me on all my rides....

Some of the photos of Steve that were posted are at the end of a three day 800+ mile ride accross the desert of West Texas....He was so happy to have made it through that ride even though he was on his 250!!!!

Another photo has him with his trusty dog Jake......They were real close.

I started all his bikes last week just because he would want me to keep them up and running.....

Thanks again all.....

Steve Smith and family.

[xr650rocketman]

Hi y'all.....I've been following most everything that's posted here, but I don't reply much.....It's still really tough.....However it's time for a little update from the Smith family....

I was thinking that by now I'd feel strong enough to really get involved in the RDF.....I guess it was just wishful thinking...

The big news around here is the arrival of grandkid # 4....

Along with me, our eldest son Joel was riding with Stevie when he died and, as with all of us, it has had a profound influence on his life......

At the time Joel had a new baby son and he suggested to his wife Jenny that they change his name from Ryder to Stevie, to honor his fallen brother...

Well Jenny didn't skip a beat and said "No Joel, wouldn't it be easier to just have another kid?"

I don't know what Joel's reply was but...Our 4th grandchild is now two weeks old....

Three Gransons and now a Grandaughter.....I'm in hog heaven....Well maybe Dual Sport Heaven....

Oh yeah.....Her name....."Stevie Addison"....Pretty special...


General News.....

Joel moved from Canada, back to Texas....They've been living with us since November, 06......Next week they move into their own house that we have just renovated, top to bottom..

Grandson Bailey(9yrs) placed first in his class at the Waco Arena X...Actually came home with 3 trophys from other class races......He's now a part of 5Magic Racing team...

I just can't stop riding, thanks to Linda's support.....

9 days ( 1700 miles) in Mexico in January.

4 days ( 460 miles ) in Mexico and Texas in February .

1 day (360 miles ) in Texas and Louisiana in March.

Next week I'm taking Linda to Jamaica for a week of R & R.

April it's back to Big Bend, Texas, for 4 days of off road fun.

May.....Not sure yet....But we'll do something...


Tomorrow may never come.....Live for today !!!!!


On a different note.....


I was really saddened by the death of Elmer Simmons....We crossed paths in Nevada last year and got to visit and ride together....A real soul mate....I hope he got to hook up with Stevie and compare stories...

On a final note....For today anyway.....

Keep up the good work Rider Down Foundation....Let's not any of us give up on "Life's Journey"

Steve Smith

[Gatlin5]

Hi Steve,

Thank you for taking the time to let us know how you are all doing and congratulations on the new grandchild that is awesome!

You and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers more than you know. It is good to see you get to this next big step of this life's journey.

We look forward to spending time with you and your family, working, riding and having fun together.

May God keep blessing you and your family!

[xr650rocketman]

In the days before the first year anniversary I gave much thought to posting a fitting tribute to Steve....When the time finally came I couldn't do it but I'm so appreciative of what you guys did here....He is in our thoughts always and accompanies me on all my rides....

Some of the photos of Steve that were posted are at the end of a three day 800+ mile ride across the desert of West Texas....He was so happy to have made it through that ride even though he was on his 250!!!!

Another photo has him with his trusty dog Jake......They were real close.

I started all his bikes last week just because he would want me to keep them up and running.....

Thanks again all.....

Steve Smith and family.




Hello all.....

Well here we are at the second anniversary.....It's actually not at all unlike any other day really. Stevie is missed just as much today as yesterday and the day before.

The nightmares of two years ago are few and far between now. We talk about Steve and the good times a lot.

I am so fortunate to have some of the greatest friends anyone could wish for. They will ride with me and talk with me or they'll just give me some space sometimes, whatever I need. Thank you all.

It's not all about me though....Stevie's life touched many people. Our extended family, his brothers and sister, his friends and girlfriends. His riding partners remember all the good stories. His College gang still stay in touch with us.

The extended family at Rider Down have been amazing. Steve's two nephews are now RDF sponsored racers and so proud to be doing it for "Uncle Stevie"

Steve's older brother's daughter carries the name Stevie Addison, in his memory.

The end of the story may take a long time to write but for now I want to say thanks to all for just remembering "minirocketman".

Ride on Stevie and watch over us all, we'll be there when we catch up.

Steve Smith

[mommotox]

My heart is with you and your family today...

[BOLT]

Steve as I read your post I could hear your voice.. My mind painted the picture of you standing in the sun looking at the Husky uttering these words calm but emotional. My arm is on your shoulder.

Stevie and all your family are in our prayers. :)

[Tatonka]

Steve - our thoughts and prayers are with you & your family. MiniRocketman is for sure with us, riding ahead and scouting trail. :cool

Ride On...................

[char393]

Steve, my thoughts are with you and your family today.

[50ccMoM]

Thoughts and prayers sent from PA.

[Motodad393]

Steve & Linda,

My heart was heavy and my thoughts were with you both on the 17th. I considered posting, but decided to wait even though I am not sure why. I know the anniversary of Steve's passing will always be tough. I have had 5 anniversaries of Garrett's death and they remain difficult. Perhaps, we learn to "live with it" at some point - I am not there yet either.

Steve I know this - while we both wish we had not met under the circumstances that we met, I can say with confidence that I am a better person for having the pleasure of meeting you and Linda. You two share something special in your children - all of them and our world is better for knowing such strong people who "did it right" as is clearly displayed by the legacy of Steve. Take comfort in knowing that this world of ours is a better place because "Steve was Steve" and he touched [still does] the lives of many in very positive ways. Steve while being his own man, is a reflection of those who raised him.

I am there if you ever need me Steve.

Sincerely,
Mike Berg
"Motodad393"

[xr650rocketman]

Mike, thanks from all of us who enjoyed Steve's much too short a time with us.
We talk of you guys often and know you are always there for us and all the Rider Down families.
Just knowing we can always fall back on your help at tough times, when we may need it, is one of the reasons we just keep going and moving on.

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Steve & Linda Smith

[xr650rocketman]

The older I get the more I'm inclined to believe that none of us are in a position to even begin to understand "Life's Journey".

Two years ago this thread was started with the worst news I could ever imagine having to share.

With the love and encouragement of new and old friends we have been able to continue our lives when all seemed totally pointless.

Our Children and Grandchildren have been inspirational to say the least. Hudson and Bailey are so proud to be RDF sponsored riders. Their dad, Plouffster, keeps the memory of his brother Stevie up there in all the family does.

In 2008 I'm planning a return to the Baja 1000 along with some other old guys. We're riding in Class 60, under the "Lost Trail Riders" banner in memory of Stevie, minirocketman, he so wanted to get to Baja one day.

Before that happens though we need to get one more thing done....

This Christmas we are proud to announce that my wife, Linda, is pregnant.

The doctors are not anticipating any problems that will interfere with a full term due date of early August 2008. Right around minirocketman's birthday.

My doctor is on record as saying I should be good for another 30 or 40 years so I intend to hold him to it, if he's still around.

That we should be blessed this way is way beyond my understanding, but I'll take it!!!!!!!

I guess there'll be more to this story as time moves on.....

Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year to all.

[mommotox]

Wow!! Congratulations! That is amazing news. I wish you all the very best with this most fantastic development!

Kim

[50ccMoM]

Wow ! Congrats ! What wonderful news !

[Tatonka]

Steve & Linda - Congratulations!!

That is wonderful news, good luck and best wishes with everything!!! :thumb

Happy New Year!!

[Motodad393]

Steve & Linda: This is most AWESOME news. This is just so cool. Congratulations.

[char393]

Holy Cow!!!!

This is one of the coolest things I've read lately!! Congratulations Steve & Linda!!!!

[xr650rocketman]

Today's visit to Linda's specialist resulted in an ultrasound exam that confirmed she is 4 months pregnant with another boy. Mom and baby are in great health. Dad is walking around in a daze!!!!!!

Looks like we'll be able to add another rider to the MiniRocketman team.

My Dad is 85 years old and this year he'll be getting another Grandbaby and another Great Grandbaby, almost in the same week.....

So y'all dont have to start trying to do the math....Linda and I are both 59 years old.....What a blessing that we'll never understand but will willingly accept.

[mommotox]

Congratulations!!!! Can't wait to see pictures of the little guy when he makes his debut!

[char393]

WOOHOO...a boy!!!!

What an incredibly cool thing... having a baby at any age is a miracle, but this just seems extra special.

[xr650rocketman]

Congratulations!!!! Can't wait to see pictures of the little guy when he makes his debut!


He'll be coming home in a Rider Down Tee shirt for sure!!!

[xr650rocketman]

Was written today July 14th 2008.

Linda delivered a 5 lb 11oz boy at 11:00 am this morning. Mom and baby are doing great.

This guy is the newest brother for our son, plouffester and our daughter, tinkerbell. He's also the younger Uncle for Bailey and Hudson.

We've named him Django Tressider Steven Smith. The "D" is silent!

Here's a couple of pics.

[char393]

Welcome to the world, Django!!! I'm very happy to read mom and baby are doing fine. Congratulations Steve and Linda!!

[50ccMoM]

Congrats ! He is beautiful. Im glad to hear that everyone is doing well. :)

[Tatonka]

Welcome Django! Awesome, just awesome!! Congratulations!!! :) :thumb

:bhat:

:bounce:

[mommotox]

Congratulations!! That is just awesome news!

[Gatlin5]

Linda and Steve,

Congratulations!!! What an amazing journey you both have been on these past 3 years. With the loss of a child the world can seem so bleak and cold that we may never see the light again, then those small miracles start to occur followed by something truly amazing like this. You two and your whole family are an inspiration for those of us still a little behind you in our own journey. And I couldn't think of two more deserving people.

God Bless and I am so happy for all you!!

Joe Frontiero

[xr650rocketman]

Linda and Steve,

Congratulations!!! What an amazing journey you both have been on these past 3 years. With the loss of a child the world can seem so bleak and cold that we may never see the light again, then those small miracles start to occur followed by something truly amazing like this. You two and your whole family are an inspiration for those of us still a little behind you in our own journey. And I couldn't think of two more deserving people.

God Bless and I am so happy for all you!!

Joe Frontiero

Hey Joe, thanks!

You are in my thoughts on a regular basis. I get such a charge just seing you post. As I've said many times before just when we think we've got life figured out it proves how little we really know about it.

You just can't give up!!!!!

[Macho393]

congrats to the both of you.

[Motodad393]

Linda & Steve,

That is simply incredible! Congratulation to you both. Suzette and I wish you all the best of health and happiness.

Sincerely,
Mike Berg
"Motodad393"