Roaming Valhalla

Late last night I learned of the death of a great man, Kevin Bentz, aka Throbbit Kevlar.

From what I gather, he passed doing one of the things he loved, riding his motorcycle. I have been shattered by this news. I have sobbed uncontrollably many times since last night with this news. I slept only a few hours, waking up repeatedly in tears. I'm a mess right now. This picture was one of the last taken of him, just recently. It just might be the last photo of him ever. It is almost mythical in it's nature. But so was he. He was one of the greatest men who roamed this earth. He was the real deal.

May his children find solace in knowing his father was one of the best men I've ever met. May his family know he had many friends and anyone he knew, was touched by this man. And I am not alone in that sentiment. Some people come and go into your life and some leave permanent memories. This man did that. He would help anyone he knew in any way he could, including helping me move once when I was in a bind. All the gun range days. Coming to my old bands many shows. So many deep conversations about our lives and struggles, the darkness we both lived through and our battles fighting hardships.

I have deep regrets not reaching out before he passed. We had an argument about nothing long ago and that was our last conversation. It pains me that we never got together again since then. But I know he cared about me and he knew I did too. He said so in a message to my girlfriend.

Strangely enough, as I was driving home late last night from a wedding at a vineyard, I thought of him again. I missed him and wanted to get in touch to grab a beer. And when my girlfriend told me he died, I lost it. I would never have that beer with him now. Now he roams Valhalla with the Gods. You will never be forgotten. RIP Kevin, a warrior of the light.