BC Randonneurs Member #141
(Database)

I couldn't find anything in our own newsletter about the passing of Gord Bisaro (Member #141) in 1997. He shares a page in the VBC (Vancouver Bicycle Club) archive with John Hathaway - they died around the same time. There is also a brief obituary in the Vancouver Sun. I include them both here. I'm not sure the "flying dead cat" anecdote is the way I want to remember Gord, but it's what we've got. I remember Gord as being relentlessly possitive and cheerful. He was very attentive to me as a new rider in the mid 1990s. When we crossed each other as I was on the return leg of the my first PBP in 1995, he screamed encouragements at the top of his lungs. I'll never forget that big smile. [Eric F.]

From the VBC Archive:
[https://vbc.bc.ca/legacy/jhobit.html#a2]

Gird Bisaro: One of a Kind

Gordon Bisaro died prematurely of cancer on July 14, 1997. After attending a memorial service in his honour, I dug into my small stock of 'Gordon Memorabilia' and came upon an article in the Province's "Getting There" section which featured a contest for the best cycle commuter horror story. This contest was won by Gord for the following letter, which was illustrated on the cover of the section. I'd like to share his letter with you, as it is very much "Gord."
[by Helen Warn: hwarn AT radiant.net]

Riding my bike in traffic one day, I was smacked on the back by a heavy object. It caused me to veer sharply--but luckily--without mishap. Despite the shock, I managed to get a partial license plate number and a fleeting glimpse of the driver of the vehicle from which the thing, whatever it was, was thrown. I soon found that I had been hit by a flying dead cat--and a bloody one at that. My cycling jacket was covered in congealed blood.

I plotted my revenge. I got a list of possible license-plate numbers. I matched the car year and make. I then visited the owner, an old man who, he told me, had a son who drove sometimes. I hit paydirt on the second visit--the son looked just like the person I had glimpsed. I went to the police with my case. They interviewed the young man, who produced an alibi. My identification just wasn't good enough, so no criminal charges were laid. I then turned to the civil law. I started a small-claims action for $85-the price of a replacement jacket. I'm sure I had the right person when he didn't respond to my lawsuit, but I decided to let the matter drop.

Why all the effort? Over the years I have had all sorts of things thrown at me--from the usual pop and beer bottles, once a gas can and even a stuffed animal. But I had to draw the line at dead cats.

...signed Gordon Bisaro

[Additional from the VBC page:]

Gord had been an active Randonneur since 1987. He completed the PBP twice (in '91 and '95), and Boston-Montreal-Boston once. He was known for his determination, competitiveness, generosity and valiant struggle to learn French (which the rest of his family is fluent in).

Gord is survived by his wife Margaret, son Sandy and daughter Katie.

_____

The Vancouver Sun Obituary:

The Vancouver Sun, Friday, July 18, 1997
B5 BIRTHS DEATHS BISARO Gordon.

Gordon's life was cut short by cancer on July 14, 1997. He lived and died with grace and courage. Gordon was the loving husband of Margaret O'Brien and the devoted father of Sandy and Katie. Gordon is survived by his mother, Victoria Bisaro; brothers and sisters-in-law Terry and Connie, Norman and Beverly, Ray and Susanne; his brotherin-law John O'Brien; his aunts and uncles Roy and Flora Marchiori, Val and Tony Farnsworth; Alec and Peggy Colonello; Janet Miller; Dave and Aileen Miller and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Gordon lived his 50 years to the fullest, as his friends and colleagues in the fishing industry, the Maritime Bar, and the B.C. Randonneurs (cyclists) Club can testify. Margaret would like to thank friends and family for the outpouring of love and support during Gordon's illness. Special thanks also to Bev Spring, Pat Richardson and the Palliative Care Team. A celebration of Gordon's life will be held on Monday, July 21st at 1 p.m.

[Under Construction - check facts:]
Additional : Not mentioned or emphasized here is that Gord was an Engineer [Lawyer?] and advocate for indigenous rights. I believe he also sometimes taught classes at the UBC. [Eric F.]

Go to: UBC Cyclists unite... (The Ubyssey, 1971)