Like a candle blowing in the wind ...
The light went out, before the story came to an end

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
 I am a thousand winds that blow,
 I am the diamond glints upon the snow.
 I am the sunlight on ripened grain and I am the gentle autumn rain.
 When you awaken in the morning hush,
 I am the swift uplifting rush,
 of quiet birds in circled flight.
 I am the soft star that shines at night.
 Do not stand at my grave and cry.
 I am not there, I did not die.

Those of us who were lucky enough to know Ivan will always remember him.  From his first crit and its amazing crash to the 2007 season where, until his death, he was the Texas Bicycle Racing Association's Junior Open competition leader.  But, it was more than his power on the bike ... it was his dedication, it was his progress, it was his promise and his attitude.  Exceedingly polite and shy, every interaction was defined and quiet.  Sleeping on the floor with the other juniors at Fayetteville his was the smile and quiet voice among the raucous laughter.  Ivan's life was defined by cycling.  From a troubled past and uncertain future, Ivan's discovery of bicycle racing and its community (the team, the participants, the shop guys - too many to list) gave him a new view of life - a view he worked with and for.  Ivan graduated from High School and made it into the school of his choice - Midwestern State University.  He died two days before his first class.

He was always on a bike - always.  It was him. A collection of Ivan's trophies will be on display in Birdville High School.  We will race in his honor, every year.

While many people were involved with Ivan's life, Tom and Bobbye Hadley were committed.  It was they who came in and brought form and structure to our generalized concern.  It was they with whom Ivan lived and prospered.  It is they who have lost a son whereas we have only lost a friend.