Ben Spies' Grandfather Dies
our condolences
by evan williams
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Bill Barrett, grandfather to AMA Superbike competitor Ben Spies, died in Dallas, Texas on Wednesday. Barrett (whose interesting life included a stint in the FBI, ownership of beer distributorships in Texas, a 43-year marriage, and a myriad of world-wide charitable endeavors) died from complications after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Like many grandfathers, Barrett was a tad reluctant to encourage Ben to persue a racing career in the pre-teen days -- in fear of encouraging an activity that might injure him -- but he was always there if the young Spies needed a new set of leathers or tires. "As he saw Ben progress, his grandfather became a big supporter of Ben living his dream," said Mary Spies.
The funeral is set for Saturday in Dallas. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be sent to the Love For Kids charity organization, a group Bennett founded in the 1970s to help underprivileged children. Their website is www.lfk.cc.
Our condolences go out to the family from the 'Soup Army.
ENDS
<u>from superbikeplanet.com</u>
our condolences
by evan williams
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Bill Barrett, grandfather to AMA Superbike competitor Ben Spies, died in Dallas, Texas on Wednesday. Barrett (whose interesting life included a stint in the FBI, ownership of beer distributorships in Texas, a 43-year marriage, and a myriad of world-wide charitable endeavors) died from complications after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Like many grandfathers, Barrett was a tad reluctant to encourage Ben to persue a racing career in the pre-teen days -- in fear of encouraging an activity that might injure him -- but he was always there if the young Spies needed a new set of leathers or tires. "As he saw Ben progress, his grandfather became a big supporter of Ben living his dream," said Mary Spies.
The funeral is set for Saturday in Dallas. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be sent to the Love For Kids charity organization, a group Bennett founded in the 1970s to help underprivileged children. Their website is www.lfk.cc.
Our condolences go out to the family from the 'Soup Army.
ENDS
<u>from superbikeplanet.com</u>