Visian
look out!!!
At Paul's celebration, Enfoman read a eulogy that was written by Kevin Greenwald.
It was part of a book that Muriel Farrington put together for Paul's family.
The filesize of the whole book is a little too large to post, but it would be good if folks could read what was said.
So here is the text of Paul's eulogy by his beemer friends.
No Greater Love
A Farewell to BMW MOA Member Paul Bachorz
By Kevin Greenwald on Behalf of All BMW MOA Members
The hallowed quote “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” comes to us from the 13th verse of John, Chapter 15 in the King James Version of the Christian Bible, and is traditionally reserved for individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice in order that others might live a full life. Given his military background, certainly Paul Bachorz understood this as well as anyone, and might even protest that the phrase and his name be spoken in the same sentence. But I think it bares relevance, given the dedication with which he entered into so many life endeavors, always striving to benefit others in the career paths he chose, the interests he nurtured and the challenges he accepted. He lived a life of clarity and volunteerism that few today would have the energy to match, and his service to the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America represents yet another chapter in a living autobiography that Paul constantly ‘‘re wrote’’ with gusto, humor and genuine concern for the human condition.
I knew him ever so briefly, as the Touring Tips editor that graciously published more than a few of the suggestions I’’d submit. We met in person at the “Colors in the Catskills” Rally in 2009, where he introduced me to Vince (Winkel) as the “Champion Touring Tips Submitter,” though that was never my goal. He lobbied for me to take over the Touring Tips feature in the BMW Owner’’s News, intending to devote more time to family and other motorcycle interests. He offered unsolicited suggestions on photography and even snapped some pictures of my son and me, which he promptly shared via e mail. Several follow up phone calls later, I yielded to gentle persuasion and took over his role with the magazine, not as a replacement, but rather as someone who merely follows in his footsteps and hopes to be worthy of such faith.
The profound sense of loss that I expressed with his passing at first mystified friends and family, as if I had somehow known this gentleman better than I had let on. But I was quick to clarify that one did not need to know Paul long to have been left with a sense of wonderment at how great a passion for life he held –– his spirit of goodwill was contagious, to say the least.
A review of the impressive accomplishments dutifully noted in his obituary would cause anyone to admire the life he led –– husband, father, patriot, educator, coach, civic leader, photographer, motorcyclist and global mentor extraordinaire. Indeed, though Paul never had to make that split second decision on a battlefield to sacrifice himself for a greater good, he instead dedicated an entire lifetime to concern and service “for his friends” that stands as a testament of his devotion and hope for a better world.
Whenever I need to keep my ego in check, or ponder if my existence is truly making a difference, I take comfort in a quote arguably attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, as he struggled to define success. He concluded “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived –– this is to have succeeded.” Though he died in 1882, he did a pretty good job describing a talented individual from Hoosick Falls, NY who would not be born for another 60 years.
Some individuals mistake breathing for living –– Paul left a legacy that showed he understood the difference quite well. Ironically, in the end, it was Paul’’s inability to “breathe easier,” as Emerson phrased it, that closed the final chapter of a remarkable story that deserves to be retold and cherished. He knew that tomorrow is promised to no one, and committed his adult years to service and inspiration that will be missed by his loved ones, shipmates, students... and yes his friends, all for whom he spent a lifetime sacrificing himself.
“No Greater Love ….” honors first and foremost, those who have laid down their lives in a courageous moment of decision. But somehow, it seems to also sum up decades of service and encouragement that one cannot help but acknowledge when you remember Paul Bachorz. Rest in Peace, Senior Chief - you too have earned your place at this table of fallen warriors - now snap their pictures, infect all with your smile and regale them with a witty tale of your earthly travels on a German motorcycle, and how, for too short a period of time, you graced the BMW MOA with your personable nature.
It was part of a book that Muriel Farrington put together for Paul's family.
The filesize of the whole book is a little too large to post, but it would be good if folks could read what was said.
So here is the text of Paul's eulogy by his beemer friends.
No Greater Love
A Farewell to BMW MOA Member Paul Bachorz
By Kevin Greenwald on Behalf of All BMW MOA Members
The hallowed quote “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” comes to us from the 13th verse of John, Chapter 15 in the King James Version of the Christian Bible, and is traditionally reserved for individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice in order that others might live a full life. Given his military background, certainly Paul Bachorz understood this as well as anyone, and might even protest that the phrase and his name be spoken in the same sentence. But I think it bares relevance, given the dedication with which he entered into so many life endeavors, always striving to benefit others in the career paths he chose, the interests he nurtured and the challenges he accepted. He lived a life of clarity and volunteerism that few today would have the energy to match, and his service to the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America represents yet another chapter in a living autobiography that Paul constantly ‘‘re wrote’’ with gusto, humor and genuine concern for the human condition.
I knew him ever so briefly, as the Touring Tips editor that graciously published more than a few of the suggestions I’’d submit. We met in person at the “Colors in the Catskills” Rally in 2009, where he introduced me to Vince (Winkel) as the “Champion Touring Tips Submitter,” though that was never my goal. He lobbied for me to take over the Touring Tips feature in the BMW Owner’’s News, intending to devote more time to family and other motorcycle interests. He offered unsolicited suggestions on photography and even snapped some pictures of my son and me, which he promptly shared via e mail. Several follow up phone calls later, I yielded to gentle persuasion and took over his role with the magazine, not as a replacement, but rather as someone who merely follows in his footsteps and hopes to be worthy of such faith.
The profound sense of loss that I expressed with his passing at first mystified friends and family, as if I had somehow known this gentleman better than I had let on. But I was quick to clarify that one did not need to know Paul long to have been left with a sense of wonderment at how great a passion for life he held –– his spirit of goodwill was contagious, to say the least.
A review of the impressive accomplishments dutifully noted in his obituary would cause anyone to admire the life he led –– husband, father, patriot, educator, coach, civic leader, photographer, motorcyclist and global mentor extraordinaire. Indeed, though Paul never had to make that split second decision on a battlefield to sacrifice himself for a greater good, he instead dedicated an entire lifetime to concern and service “for his friends” that stands as a testament of his devotion and hope for a better world.
Whenever I need to keep my ego in check, or ponder if my existence is truly making a difference, I take comfort in a quote arguably attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, as he struggled to define success. He concluded “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived –– this is to have succeeded.” Though he died in 1882, he did a pretty good job describing a talented individual from Hoosick Falls, NY who would not be born for another 60 years.
Some individuals mistake breathing for living –– Paul left a legacy that showed he understood the difference quite well. Ironically, in the end, it was Paul’’s inability to “breathe easier,” as Emerson phrased it, that closed the final chapter of a remarkable story that deserves to be retold and cherished. He knew that tomorrow is promised to no one, and committed his adult years to service and inspiration that will be missed by his loved ones, shipmates, students... and yes his friends, all for whom he spent a lifetime sacrificing himself.
“No Greater Love ….” honors first and foremost, those who have laid down their lives in a courageous moment of decision. But somehow, it seems to also sum up decades of service and encouragement that one cannot help but acknowledge when you remember Paul Bachorz. Rest in Peace, Senior Chief - you too have earned your place at this table of fallen warriors - now snap their pictures, infect all with your smile and regale them with a witty tale of your earthly travels on a German motorcycle, and how, for too short a period of time, you graced the BMW MOA with your personable nature.
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