ANDY KNAPP MEMORIAL

Andy Spencer Knapp†
Life member and webmaster of the BAR
Your presence and creative talent will be missed

A Final Farewell - But Not Forgotten

This week was emotional and especially the moments of giving Andy Knapp
a most fitting tribute to his memory.

Andy said that his favourite place was being on the Grand St.Bernard Pass
and what gave him enormous pleasure was riding that pass on his motorbike.

At Andy's funeral I finally met his long time friends Tony and Ruth.
Tony had known Andy for more than 30 years, brothers in arms, biker and work mates -
renowned followers of good whisky, good food and good music.
Andy was part of the family and was known with great affection as
"Uncle Andy" by Tony and Ruth's children.

It became apparent in conversation that Tony and Ruth had never been to Switzerland
before so Cristelle and I invited them to come over to see for themselves where Andy
had spent many pleasurable times over the years.

It was a most solemn moment and fitting place to what we believe Andy would have wanted.
His ashes were dispatched to the Alpine winds and mountain pass that he loved.

The occasion and this moment in time we all felt very moved and humbled

Vic and Ann joined us for the ride up to the Grand Saint Bernard's Pass

Eulogy

When I think of Andy I think of
Motorcycle adventures, Website Creation, Intensive Conversations,
Good Food & Drink, Music, Learning Tolerance, but most of all - Respect.

Now all of these things are just a large barrier of memories surrounding my heart.

Andy faced his life style with courage and a determination that left me in awe.
He was determined and independent.
He was stubborn as a mule.
Woe to the person that tried to control him.
To talk down to him, to make him be what they thought he should be.
He kept himself in check largely with a mental self discipline
that I can only admire.

Andy first came to Switzerland to tour the Alps in 1991.
I knew my friend enjoyed these trips immensely because
he returned for the following 10 years.
Over this time I could see that his love for
touring the Alps intensified so much so
that he regularly extended his summer vacations to make
Switzerland his home from home.
He was indeed recognised from afar and well loved
by many of the local inhabitants of Martigny and Saxon.

Andy’s last trip to Switzerland was made just a few years ago when, secretly,
he got together with Wendy, Geoff and Vic and came to visit…
I came home from work to find Andy sitting there
with a smile on his face that went from ear to ear.

He always said it was well worth the effort to be there again and
to see that gob-smacked expression on my face that day.

Andy and I shared many “up’s and down’s” during our active motorcycling times
and when we were no longer busting Alp’s and Passes
together he stayed actively involved with the motorbike scene.
His hunger and desire never entirely diminished for the biker life
style and he turned his talent to creating a number of motorcycle website’s
which remain today for all to see as some of Andy’s creative legacy’s.

Over many years Andy and I talked daily over the internet.
He was often to be seen on the web-cam with a wry smile.
I can not remember him ever being bitter with his words.

Andy had incredible patience and always good advice.
I looked up to him in many ways as my mentor.

He was always ready to advise me on many things.
Like what kind of camera or lap top to buy.
Even good beer’s and outstanding single malt whiskey’s.
I know Andy enjoyed doing my shopping for me!

He would often say “use the “KISS” method Jed
Keep It Simple Stupid”

“A legend in his own lunchtime”

He ended his email correspondence with the words:-

All The Best.
ANDY
A car is a means of transport but a motorcycle is a way of life
Happiness is not around the next bend... Happiness IS the next bend

”Eat Right, Exercise, Die Anyway.”

Andy’s catchphrases that described his outlook on life were

“Sounds Reasonable”
or
“No Worries Cobber”

Andy you have left a space - and a large one at that.
I hope you are at peace in heaven now or knowing you
you are probably riding your
GoldWing over some distant Swiss Alp or Pass.

I am here to grieve for you today
I am also here to celebrate and remember our time together

To have know the man and my good friend
Andrew Spencer Knapp.

I would now like to read a poem from Vic and myself in memory of Andy

“The Seasons Gone By”

In spring - We call to see a friend,
To start a new journey
Try to amend
But things happen
The Seasons Gone By.

In summer – A chat on the internet,
A telephone conversation,
A post card from a far off land,
The laughter, fond memories
Like the good times
The Seasons Gone By.

In autumn – The days grow shorter
leaves fall from the trees
Friends are so far away
The Seasons Gone By.

In winter – The nights are long
Seasonal greetings are in the air
Friends rejoice and try to remember
The Seasons Gone By.