The passing of a member and dear friend... Melody Marchbanks

**glwilson** · 12-19-2011, 07:56 PM

To those that had the opportunity to meet Don (bluekaw1600) Marchbanks's wife, Melody, you knew you couldn't keep-up with her energy. You knew you couldn't out-wit her, or liven-up a group as fast as she.

Don informed me this morning that Melody suddenly and unexpectedly passed away from unforeseen complications early this morning. There was nothing anyone could do for Mel's ailment.

Mel joined Don on our North Central Regional Rally back in July of 2010 -- although they lived in Indiana's region -- and I can speak for many that we are glad they did as all of us have been friends with Don and Mel since that first meeting.

Don and Mel were part of the North Central Region's caravan down to Maggie Valley for the 2011 National Rally this past June. Mel, always being the trooper, rode all the way on the back of Don's Nomad -- and even survived our group's "Terror Ride" in the major storm that hit that area.

Several wonderful things have been created and blossomed from Trip's concept of KawaNOW -- one of which is the meeting of Don and Mel -- which clearly would never have happened otherwise.

Don, Mel, my wife, and I often talked about how this organization has allowed us to experience new people and have new friends for life -- which may never have been discovered otherwise.

Memories and pictures of Mel will be kept close to our hearts forever -- as I am sure it will for many.

We will not allow our extreme sadness of Mel's passing overtake the joy her life brought to many, including ours.

With that, we will celebrate Mel's life and the memories she indelibly etched into our hearts and memories -- for that is what will keep her with us forever.

For those wishing to know details of services for Mel this coming Wednesday, December 21... you can send me a PM and I'll get you the information.

Rest in peace Mel...

Sincerely,

Greg & Kendra Wilson
glwilson

**cnc** · 12-19-2011, 08:18 PM

What sad news. Our thoughts are with Don and family.

**ringadingh** · 12-19-2011, 08:19 PM

Im very sorry to have read this, my deepest condolences go out to Don and his family.

Loafer · 12-19-2011, 08:25 PM

Condolences to Don and family.
I read this once and thought I would pass it along.

As you comprehend this profound loss, let yourself cry knowing each tear is a note of love rising to the heavens.

**BudMan** · 12-19-2011, 08:25 PM

Very sad news. Don and his family will be in our prayers.

**Top Cat** · 12-19-2011, 08:34 PM

Our deepest condolences go out to Don and his family.

blowndodge · 12-19-2011, 08:45 PM

this time of year makes it even tougher. All my best Don... things will be ok..

usranger74 · 12-19-2011, 09:18 PM

My condolences to Don and his family. Sad news.

Yellow Jacket · 12-19-2011, 10:03 PM

My condolences go out to Don, his family and friends.

Bdog · 12-19-2011, 11:01 PM

I'm sorry to hear of your sad news. I know what state of mind your at Don. I went thru this last year with my father and two very close friends. It does get better with time..hang in there..John

audiogooroo · 12-19-2011, 11:19 PM

I am so sorry.

kawgirl · 12-19-2011, 11:31 PM

I'm so sorry to hear this. My condolences and prayers are with Don and his family.

waterman · 12-19-2011, 11:51 PM

My condolences and prayers to Don and his family in their darkest hour.

Monkeyman · 12-20-2011, 12:21 AM

Unfortunately, I didn't know either of them. My prayers are with Don and his family. I've lost those close to me before and know it's a very difficult time. Just know that this too shall pass. You'll always love her but the pain will lessen as long as you keep her in your heart. I'm sure she's looking down on you.

darksider · 12-20-2011, 01:01 AM

My condolences and prayers to Don and his family .

12-19-2011, 07:56 PM	#1
glwilson Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 8,575	The passing of a member and dear friend... Melody Marchbanks To those that had the opportunity to meet Don (bluekaw1600) Marchbanks's wife, Melody, you knew you couldn't keep-up with her energy. You knew you couldn't out-wit her, or liven-up a group as fast as she. Don informed me this morning that Melody suddenly and unexpectedly passed away from unforeseen complications early this morning. There was nothing anyone could do for Mel's ailment. Mel joined Don on our North Central Regional Rally back in July of 2010 -- although they lived in Indiana's region -- and I can speak for many that we are glad they did as all of us have been friends with Don and Mel since that first meeting. Don and Mel were part of the North Central Region's caravan down to Maggie Valley for the 2011 National Rally this past June. Mel, always being the trooper, rode all the way on the back of Don's Nomad -- and even survived our group's "Terror Ride" in the major storm that hit that area. Several wonderful things have been created and blossomed from Trip's concept of KawaNOW -- one of which is the meeting of Don and Mel -- which clearly would never have happened otherwise. Don, Mel, my wife, and I often talked about how this organization has allowed us to experience new people and have new friends for life -- which may never have been discovered otherwise. Memories and pictures of Mel will be kept close to our hearts forever -- as I am sure it will for many. We will not allow our extreme sadness of Mel's passing overtake the joy her life brought to many, including ours. With that, we will celebrate Mel's life and the memories she indelibly etched into our hearts and memories -- for that is what will keep her with us forever. For those wishing to know details of services for Mel this coming Wednesday, December 21... you can send me a PM and I'll get you the information. Rest in peace Mel... Sincerely, Greg & Kendra Wilson glwilson __________________ "During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." "You can have your own opinion, but not your own facts." *Former VBA NCR Assist Regional Leader* Formerly: 2004 1500FI Bronze Nomad: 2009 & 2014 HD Ultra Current Rides: 2017 HD Ultra Limited & 2011 Can Am Spyder RTS-SE Attended: VBA National Rallies 2009, 2011, 2015; VBA/NCR Regional Rally 2010, 12, 14, 16 and several rides throughout with regional members. VBA Member #652 HOG Member #3935417 Login or Register to Remove Ads
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12-19-2011, 08:18 PM	#2
cnc Join Date: May 2009 Location: Montreal QC Posts: 12,034	What sad news. Our thoughts are with Don and family. __________________ Norm Ward 2008 blue / silver nomad kawanow / VBA #01136
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12-19-2011, 08:19 PM	#3
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	Im very sorry to have read this, my deepest condolences go out to Don and his family. __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951
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12-19-2011, 08:25 PM	#4
Loafer Sr. Contributor Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 18,287	Condolences to Don and family. I read this once and thought I would pass it along. As you comprehend this profound loss, let yourself cry knowing each tear is a note of love rising to the heavens. __________________ Gerry Martineau / 802 VT / VBA #0892 /[email]glmjgm@gmail.com[email]
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12-19-2011, 08:25 PM	#5
BudMan Join Date: May 2009 Location: Greenwood, Ark. Posts: 4,736	Very sad news. Don and his family will be in our prayers. __________________ Dave Jesse 2012 1700 Gray/Black Voyager 2006 1600 Nomad Green/Silver Sold VBA #1108 2010- Eureka Springs - Antlers - 2011- Maggie Valley - Antlers 2012- Margaritaville Ride - Van Buren - Antlers - 2013- Estes Park - Antlers 2014- Mountain View - Antlers - 2015- Eureka Springs - Antlers 2016- Salem - Antlers - 2017- Eureka Springs - Lake George - Antlers - 2018- Custer - Antlers Login or Register to Remove Ads
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12-19-2011, 08:34 PM	#6
Top Cat Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of New York State Posts: 15,154	Our deepest condolences go out to Don and his family. __________________ Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4]
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12-19-2011, 08:45 PM	#7
blowndodge Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Washington City, Utah Posts: 16,474	this time of year makes it even tougher. All my best Don... things will be ok.. __________________ I love my Victory Cross Country Tour 106. Smells like Victory! Ultra's are Limited There are two types of Harley riders. Those that trailer them and those that push them. The most Interesting Man in the World "Find the things in life you don't do well and don't do those things" Member # 0005
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12-19-2011, 09:18 PM	#8
usranger74 Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: La Vista, NE Posts: 4,060	My condolences to Don and his family. Sad news. __________________ Bill (usranger74) Blake 2016 Goldwing VBA # 1505
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12-19-2011, 10:03 PM	#9
Yellow Jacket Top Contributor Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Fayetteville, Georgia Posts: 5,792	My condolences go out to Don, his family and friends. __________________ Bob KawaNOW/VBA 210 Green/Silver 2006 Patriot Guard Riders 2009
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12-19-2011, 11:01 PM	#10
Bdog Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Ft. Mcmurray Ab. Posts: 1,447	I'm sorry to hear of your sad news. I know what state of mind your at Don. I went thru this last year with my father and two very close friends. It does get better with time..hang in there..John __________________
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12-19-2011, 11:19 PM	#11
audiogooroo Sr. Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado/Las Vegas, NV Posts: 3,390	I am so sorry. __________________ Audiogooroo - Daryl Porter Colorado Springs, CO VBA #248 VROC #17261 1999 Grn/Grn Nomad
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12-19-2011, 11:31 PM	#12
kawgirl Sr. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 2,729	I'm so sorry to hear this. My condolences and prayers are with Don and his family. __________________ Amy "kawgirl" Neal Greenville, NC 2002 Nomad
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12-19-2011, 11:51 PM	#13
waterman Top Contributor Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 6,530	My condolences and prayers to Don and his family in their darkest hour. __________________ Joel "Waterman" 2017 HD Road Glide Ultra 2006 Nomad - Sold VBA 213 VROC 16913 Custer 09: Cortez 10: Crescent City 11: Kanab 12: Estes Park 13: Tahoe 14: Red Lodge 16
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12-20-2011, 12:21 AM	#14
Monkeyman Top Contributor Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Wilkesboro, NC Posts: 6,289	Unfortunately, I didn't know either of them. My prayers are with Don and his family. I've lost those close to me before and know it's a very difficult time. Just know that this too shall pass. You'll always love her but the pain will lessen as long as you keep her in your heart. I'm sure she's looking down on you. __________________ Christopher "Monkeyman" Gray ---------------------------- Widows Sons "Overseers" Patriot Guard Rider USArmy 1987-1990 2021 Can Am Spyder RT 2018 Can Am Spyder RT Limited - SOLD 2014 Nomad - SOLD 2012 Victory Vision - SOLD 2007 Black Nomad - SOLD VMC #9367 VBA #1860
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12-20-2011, 01:01 AM	#15
darksider Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Vancouver ,B.C Posts: 81	My condolences and prayers to Don and his family .
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