Some of you know but I'm sure a lot don't that our favorite Midwest Safety Crew leader Bill Ritger is not doing well.
Bill has liver cancer. He's at home and doing the best he can. A few of us got together today and had lunch with him. His spirits were pretty good today but you could tell the little bit of travel and being out took a toll on him. He was pretty beat when we left him.
His prognosis is not good. There isn't anything that can be done for liver cancer. It's pretty much a terminal disease.
I asked him what we or others could do for him and he just said calls and cards are good, he likes to talk to people and receive humurous cards and or letters, it keeps him occupied while at home.
Please, if you could find some time a few minutes each week to give him a call or write a note it will help him through this ordeal.
I don't know that he will be healthy enough to make the banquet by the time that comes around so don't plan to wait until then to see him.
Our prayers are with him and Claudia. I'm sure a call or note to her also would help.
Phone is 920-262-0857 and the address is 123 E. Spaulding, Watertown, WI 53098.
Thanks for posting up Gordy,
I'm sorry to hear this news about Bill and will send a quick well wishes to him and Claudia.
Paul Vondrak
Damn.
Most racers don't know this, but everything we love about the Midwest Safety Crew came about through the hard work and straight-up love for the sport that define Bill.
This is the worst news ever.
I love you very much Bill and Claudia. :kissy:
One other thing, I don't think Bill reads the forum much so don't rely on this to get a message to him. Take the time to write a note or make a call, please.
Holy crap..... that sucks.....
Thanks for letting us know Gordy.
Dawn :wah:
Thanks Gordie!!!
Bill has one of, if not the most, genuine smile that Ive seen on this planet...
Very Kind Man!!!
will call and find time to visit from Chicago for sure.
40
Sitting here stunned.
Can't quite put into words my feelings for Bill and Claudia - let's just say it's a little hard to read the screen right now.
For those of you so inclined please keep them in your prayers!
Rick
Bill,
My name is Julian Soell. I love racing with CCS, and although I rarely post much on this site, I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your commitment to CCS. Until now I didn't know your name, although I've thanked you a few times at various race weekends for your consistent efforts. I recognize your face as a familiar and helpful one, and I recognize your efforts, allowing me to race.
There are probably lots of people like me, who although may be relatively silent, deeply thank you for what you do and who you are...
Julian.
Damn... Like Julian, I didn't know who Bill is until I saw the picture.
You're in our thoughts Bill.
I went up there this morning and spent the day hanging out with Bill, Steve Hopkins, and a biker/corner worker friend of theirs named Allen. (Sorry, forgot the last name, and this was the first time I'd met him.) We cleaned out the garage and got all of Bill and Claudia's bikes parked in a nice, neat line. It was guy stuff, hanging out in the garage with your buds like men just need to do sometimes, and you could tell that Bill enjoyed it.
Bill is the same fun, happy, smiling guy he's always been. Problem is, the pain is kicking his ass, and he hasn't got a lot of energy. He and Claudia are both hopeful for a recovery, and doing all they can to point Bill in that direction. Rest assured that there aren't any Islamic women doing a death wail at the Ritger home. But at the same time, they both know the odds.
So hey, I know that Bill is near and dear to many of you. It's hard to visit someone and look them in the eye when they're in this much hot water, but if you really consider Bill to be a close friend, go see him.
I have been a freind to Bill & Claudia for almost 11 years. It tears me apart to here and see this man hurt like this. This man got me to stay doing what is fun in life thru racing and visiting many tracks of the U.S.of A. God willing Bill will beat this as beating being laid off from work or falling down on his bike. This glitch will not get him. I as his friend am going to do everything I can for this great fun person. He is on this planet for a reason & I especialy will not let any negative thing like this take control of people I truely love. Keep fighting Bill the cavalry is coming. Love you & yours, Bobby love
Crap.
Lost my mother and father to liver cancer. I know it too well.
Quote from: bobbylove on November 12, 2006, 03:07:01 PM
This man got me to stay doing what is fun in life thru racing
I hear ya Bobby. My self-esteem was at a lifetime low when I met Bill. Through corner working, Bill gave me respect, responsibility, and pride. All the cool stuff that's come since, the racing, writing, coaching, ect. would have never happened if Bill hadn't built me up, pointed me, and lit the fuse.
That's the defining characteristic of Bill's personality. He loves his workers like family, and he's such a good leader that his troops become better people just from having worked for him.
I'm not just saying this now because Bill is sick. I took the opportunity years ago to tell Bill how greatful I am, and how much difference his mentoring has made in my life. For those who have read Highside, the Gil Peterson character is obviously nothing more than a thinly-disguised representation of Bill Ritger.
Bill is a great guy. Let's all send him something, he deserves it for all he has done for us racers.
Matt
that sucks. bad.
i only met him one time but ended up talking to him for about 30 or 40 minutes at the track that day. awesome guy. i never remember names, but i remembered his. like i said, i didn't know him well, but had the pleasure to meet him. my best wishes go out to him. i'll be sure to get something in the mail for him ASAP.
thanks for posting this.
keep us posted.
I know Bill and Claudia well. Mear words cannot even begin to express my shock and sadness. I am honored and proud to call Bill and Claudia my freinds! You two are in my prayers! Mark B.
Jester, your signature sums it up the best I've ever seen. I spoke with Bill and Claudia yesterday and they both seemed in pretty good spirits. I don't know them well as this is my first year in racing (motorcycles anyway) but I think I can safely say that they are doing what they love. All of us in this sport are but how many of your friends can say the same. Try everyday to help someone find the courage to do something that means as much to them as racing does to Bill and Claudia and all the rest of us.
Bill and Claudia, thank you for being my friends and for letting me be yours. I can never know if I'll see tomorrow but I'm grateful for knowing you today.
Hawk
Bill and Claudia are awesome! They are a big part of the CCS family that makes me keep on coming back! Get well soon Bill! There are so many more beers that I need you to introduce me to!!!!
Bill is back in the hospital again. He has an infection they are fighting right now. He was in last week and had another stent put in, went home but now is back in.
Dave Doe visited him yesterday and says he doesn't look good at all.
I'll keep news coming as I get it. I hope to get to Madison later this week to see him.
What hospital, Gordie?
Gordie, let us know when you plan to make a visit. We might tag along.
thanks for the updates.
Alexa,
How are my leathers coming along, I would like to pay Bill a visit and maybe stop by the shop at the ame time this week, I'm thinking Wednesday the 13th.
Paul
Oh... this is terrible news... Bill is an awesome guy. One of my first times at the track I spent with him corner working the kink at RA.
Just got back from seeing Bill and Claudia, They think the infection is coming under control and may be sending him back home on Friday. Bill seemed in good spirits and is definitatly looking forward to this spring. Everybody put in a good word to whoever your man upstairs is and let's get Bill through this.
And to Bill and Claudia, if you need ANYTHING at all please call 847-254-2845.
Paul
Bob and his girl Moe, Grace and I saw him a couple weeks ago too, we had a great lunch at the Hunt Club out there, nice view of the valley in the restaurant. It was great to see them. I have all confidence that he will recover. Claudia called me and told me to that that the tumors looked as though they were shrinking. That's awesome. We'll see you at the track Bill. :thumb:
Bill is at University Hospital but may be going home again soon. Check with Claudia 920-262-0857 or ritger@execpc.com
Oops, forgot.
Alexa, I wanted to go see Bill either Sunday or Monday evening but we are coming down with a flue bug or something here. Laurel is sick as hell and I'm on the edge.......so we don't want to go near Bill and give him anything he surely doesn't need. We'll have to see how things go around here.
Hi, this is Claudia signing in under Bill's log in.
He's coming home tomorrow. He will be still gettimg IV's at home so I've had to learn some nursing techniques. Give him a couple if days and then I think he'd like some calls. Our current email is ritger@sbcglobal.net if you want to drop a line.
Thanks everyone for all the calls, cards and emails. There's a lot of positive thinking going on out there and we appreciate it.
Quote from: weggieman on December 14, 2006, 06:30:45 PM
Oops, forgot.
Alexa, I wanted to go see Bill either Sunday or Monday evening but we are coming down with a flue bug or something here. Laurel is sick as hell and I'm on the edge.......so we don't want to go near Bill and give him anything he surely doesn't need. We'll have to see how things go around here.
Thanks for the heads up. Roger has a cold, so we're going to postpone our visit as well.
Bill and Claudia, we'll give you guys a call and keep that positive vibe comin'!
Claudia,
How about an update, How is Bill doing. And if you need any help I'm sure there are about 5000 hands more than willing if we only knew what you needed. :thumb:
Well, the latest on Bill is that the chemo and other treatment has just been making the situation worse, so they've stopped. Now instead of telling him how they intend to treat him, they're telling Bill how much time he has left. I'm heading up there New Year's day for a quick visit. We seem to be just about to last call, so if you need to see or call Bill, it's time to stop dragging your heels.
:wah:
Thanks for letting us know, Chris....
:wah:
Very sad, indeed. It's a good reminder to live life to the fullest in the short time we all have on this planet.
I hope everything works out for for Bill and Claudia. I registered on this site to get more info on contingency money and this was the first thread I read. The money seems very unimportant now. For those that know Bill, How would he like a random racer calling just to bench race and chit chat about racing in general? I don't want to bother him or his family.
Awesome thought, and there would have been a time that he'd have loved that. At this point, Bill isn't taking calls or visitors. Instead, why don't you drink a beer in honor of, or say a prayer for the guy. He'd appreciate either or both.
I am sure he deserves more than one beer in his honor. Consider it done.
Talked to Claudia today.
Bill is in a bad way. He doesn't have much time left, only days, if that.
He is no longer responsive, not taking intravenous fluids or anything. he is on comfort (pain) meds only to keep him comfortable during his last days. The visiting nurse came in last night to put in a morphine pump because he is no longer able to swallow pills.
Family is with him, his mother is there and Claudia's mother was coming in today from Florida. I believe Dave and Lina Fanning are there also to support Claudia.
Please say some prayers to whatever God you pray to. He will go peacefully which is all any of us can ask.
I will post more as I get news. They are keeping in touch with us. Please do not call or anything anymore. Give Claudia and the rest of the family their peace and privacy at this time. Thanks.
Thanks for the update, Gordy. Again, this is very familiar to me.
I think we're all praying.
:wah:
I visited them New Years Eve, and knew that it was really grim. 48 hours later they stopped taking visitors.
Bill is one of the finest guys I've ever known. His great pleasure has been helping everyone else. He's mentored so many of us, and enjoyed doing it. Truely, the man has not squandered his time on this earth.
As racers, we flirt with mortality in ways that would strike horror into the hearts of "sane" folk. Perhaps that exposure makes us more comfortable with it than most. But a sneak thief like cancer defies the rules of engagement. It sneaks up and slashes the oil lines, not allowing you to go down with honor or dignity. I can't really wrap my mind around all this. Of all people, Bill really deserves better.
He is truly a wonderful man. I'm honored to have been given my award from him. We got to work the gate together at BHF this summer, it was a blast. He gave respect and care to everyone unconditionally. :wah:
Pic is courtesy of Scooter.
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Quote from: Suzy on January 06, 2007, 10:36:26 PM
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Picture is too good not to quote it again.
Bill passing surrounded by loved ones, with great praises from people across the country such as is seen here is what counts.
Death is a part of life. I cherish Bill for the man I have known, even but for a brief few years.
Bill, wave a flag and have a beer for us when you get there my friend!
I just talked to Claudia a short time ago. And she said that he's not doing well, but is hanging in there. It's a matter of time, but he's being kept comfortable as best as it can be.
Thank You Bill for all you have shared and given! I am afraid to look here for the news I might find next, but that's cowardly. I look forward to talking more cornerworking and track stuff with you. Let me know if God rides an R69US! I guess I'll get to see myself, soon enough. Love you man!!
T. Erickson &
The Madison BMW Club
This is my very first posting on the forum...Just reading the postings about Bill and Claudia is proof enough that all of us in the CCS circuit are one big family!! The racers, staff, friends, and fans are all a great group of people.
I spoke with Claudia, yesterday, and she and Bill really need everyone's thoughts and prayers, especially at this increasingly difficult time.
We'll all hold a checkered flag deep in our hearts for what Bill has given to all of us over the years.
God Bless you Bill...Love ya!!
Welcome aboard Cindy. Sorry it has to be under these circumstances, but nonetheless, you're welcome here...
Bill is a super wonderful guy from what I have known of him. Sad to see him & Claudia & their families going through this rough time. Bill is going to a better place and like they say God takes the good ones from us early.
My prayers are with you & your family. Can't wait to see you again up there. When we get there he will have to show us around the track!
Godbless & Godspeed Bill! :thumb:
Quote from: Super Dave on January 06, 2007, 10:50:11 PM
Picture is too good not to quote it again.
And again....
Here's to you, Bill.
I tried to thank him every weekend, although now it doesn't feel like enough.
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Bill is a great guy! Always with a smile and ready to help. I asked him probably 20 times for scanner codes to the same track over and over...always happy to give them to me, all 20 times! :biggrin: Took my Dad and showed him the ropes to cornerworking too. Dad has nothing but respect for him as well.
Claudia and Bill,
Bev and I think of you two each day. Bill, it's been my pleasure to work with you these last 5 or 6 years. Your commitment to the corner workers and buying the wierdest named beer around is legendary. Even though it was always unintentional by me, I still grinned when you would radio me in the morning and ask that I not make announcements during your cornerworkers meeting. God's speed friend. I'll never forget you.
Godspeed Bill.
Thanks for all the years that you gave us all. You wont be forgotten.
Matt