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Posted by Pilgrim
- May 26, 2018, 10:50:50 AMGood pics Tracy, I only met Andy one time ..at the Pikeville rally but have kept in touch since then, I regretfully missed the Norhtern rally and was looking forward to the Soo rally 19. Andy loved Drifters (800s for some reason) lol. and he knew allot about them. He had a sense of humor that you sometimes didnt know how to take unless you knew him. I know his health was bad , he had many issues, but never let them stop him from doing what needed to be done. He recently built on to his house while building his beloved Raven doing all the work himself. Andy was a wonderful person, a proud veteran, a friend, and a valuable member of this forum. We will all miss him and never forget him. Ride free my brother....
Can you feel the wind in Heaven
Can you hear me call your name
Can you see the tears that fall
This world wont ever be the same
Can you feel the wind in Heaven
When we gather in our group
Can you hear the sound of silence
When we look where you once stood.
Can you feel the wind in Heaven
Can you hear the ladies cry
Can you feel our broken hearts
When we have to say goodbye
Can you feel the wind in Heaven
While the men hold back the tears
Leather clad and watery eyes
And know we'd rather have you here
I hope there is a Biker Heaven
And we will meet again someday
I hope to feel the wind in Heaven
And shake your hand again that day
~author unknown
Posted by greenbarn
- May 26, 2018, 09:54:12 AMI'm going to miss the old guy
Posted by 2beers
- May 25, 2018, 19:12:08 PMFrom Blue and Princess
Posted by greenbarn
- May 25, 2018, 19:08:56 PMI just spoke with Andy's sister, Liz. The calling hours will be at the funeral home, and it doesn't sound like there will be a "funeral procession". She said the coroner ruled the death as a heart attack, complicated by his diabetes, and he died peacefully in his sleep.
Posted by greenbarn
- May 25, 2018, 17:53:04 PMThe Obit says to donate to Ride For Dad, which is an upcoming ride for prostate cancer that Andy regularly supported.
http://www.ridefordad.ca/nipissing/
Calling hours Wed, 5/30. Anybody planning to go??
Posted by Old Drifter
- May 25, 2018, 16:26:35 PMQuote from: kw-retrorider on May 25, 2018, 14:29:06 PMHere's the obituary. https://www.mcguintyfuneralhome.com/notices/Andrew-RatkaiGreenbarn: If you hear anything else or there is anything we can do...an obit; a place to contribute; anything...please post.
I can't believe it man....just shows none of us know how much time we have. Ride while you can.
I will now go toast the Ratman...
Posted by kw-retrorider
- May 25, 2018, 14:29:06 PMGreenbarn: If you hear anything else or there is anything we can do...an obit; a place to contribute; anything...please post.
I can't believe it man....just shows none of us know how much time we have. Ride while you can.
I will now go toast the Ratman...
Posted by kw-retrorider
- May 25, 2018, 14:18:05 PMThis is very sad indeed and a shock. Always had great conversations with Andy on and off the forum. He was always looking out for everyone else. Makes me really sorry I missed his northern Drift-In...at least we have the video.
Did he have a health condition we were unaware of or that he didn't make common knowledge? It didn't occur to me that he was punching a bucket list. Just so sudden and unexpected.
Rest in peace my fellow 800 rider....
Posted by shunter v8
- May 25, 2018, 13:59:30 PMI am gutted to hear this sad news, I only got an email from him last week with many pictures of Raven, we loved the guy over here with his wicked banter that got us in trouble on the uk forum but who cares it was funny, Andy had a heart of gold and will be very sadly missed.
Posted by chief
- May 25, 2018, 11:07:12 AMAnother friend waiting for us down the road.
Posted by 2beers
- May 25, 2018, 06:16:24 AMSympathy to friends and family...RIP Ratman. I think of you each time I see the tank badges you helped me find for Blue.
Posted by The Bride
- May 25, 2018, 06:13:26 AMRIP Andy! What a sudden loss. Sympathy and prayers to his loved ones. I'll miss his comments and helpful advice, I know I send thankful thoughts his way each time I refer to the 800 manual he shared. So glad to was able to take that long ride last year.
Posted by greenbarn
- May 24, 2018, 23:09:09 PMQuote from: RockinRollin on May 24, 2018, 08:44:59 AMAndy was a friend to just about everyone and one of the most popular members of our Drifter community.
He was planning to visit me this summer. He just got his new bike finished. I wonder if he had a chance to ride it?
Rest in peace Andy.
Sadly, I think he just got the last bolt on Raven, and was planning to get it outside Wed or Thurs. He has had Red out for a couple weeks, since about May 12th, I think maybe he took a ride or two, but Raven has not had the champagne bottle broken on her yet. I know for a fact, though, he had a damn fine time building her, and I think he had a much better winter because of it. I am thankful for that.
Posted by Jobi
- May 24, 2018, 13:14:15 PMTerribly sad news. May his soul find peace and rest.
Posted by jmbo
- May 24, 2018, 11:16:31 AMR.I.P Ratman. You will be missed.