Scott
SCOTT BLEIFER MEMORIAL RIDE
Date: Saturday, October 1, 2005
Time: 8:00 AM
Start Location: San Vicente & Ocean Bl (click here for map)
Route: PCH to Trancas. 40 miles round trip.
Rest stop at Zuma Beach parking lot.
End Location: San Vicente & Ocean Blvd.
Invitation from Amy Robertson, who was very close to Scott and is in charge of the Arthritis Foundation California Coast Classic ride (the "CCC"), for which Scott had been training.
The CCC riders will be doing the last leg of the 8-day, 500 mile (San Francisco to L.A.) tour on Saturday, October 1st.
In love and kindness - click on 'comments' below to add your thoughts and stories about Scott
Date: Saturday, October 1, 2005
Time: 8:00 AM
Start Location: San Vicente & Ocean Bl (click here for map)
Route: PCH to Trancas. 40 miles round trip.
Rest stop at Zuma Beach parking lot.
End Location: San Vicente & Ocean Blvd.
Invitation from Amy Robertson, who was very close to Scott and is in charge of the Arthritis Foundation California Coast Classic ride (the "CCC"), for which Scott had been training.
The CCC riders will be doing the last leg of the 8-day, 500 mile (San Francisco to L.A.) tour on Saturday, October 1st.
In love and kindness - click on 'comments' below to add your thoughts and stories about Scott
posted by For Scott at 9:50 PM
35 Comments:
I have to thank everyone for the outpouring of support for my brother Scott. I am overwhelmed and appreciate all of the well wishes and comments you have. I also must thank my dear friend Pat for this site, her time, and assistance at the hardest time in my life. May the memory of my dear brother cycle on in the words and love from all of you...his friends!
I will miss you Scott...Karen Bleifer
We all have one more angel looking out for us - riding along...
Scott, it has been a very difficult period here at work knowing that you will never be here to cheer us. Your parents and sisters are very lucky to have you and I consider myself lucky to know you. Where ever you are, I am sure that you are in a much better, safer place. I know that your birthday comes day after mine so I will blow the candles for the both of us. Your friend, Marilen.
Scott...keep on peddling brother, we love and miss you...but know that you will always be with us along the trails of life! Thank you for being such a great spirit. Best, Eric D.
Shock and pain do not begin to express the emotions I've been experiencing these past few days. Everything I see, hear, taste and smell reminds me of yet another memory I have with or about Scott. Last night as I struggled to fall sleep, I decided to recite the alphabet simply hoping to steer my mind away from Scott. Consequently, I then began to braintstorm words that I associate with Scott. The following list represents small things that remind me of Scott. Although much of this list may not make sense to those reading this blog, I know that Scott is watching me from Heaven smiling at every word I say:
A: Ali G, Alanis concert, art, avocadoes (Scott, the avocado lady will truly miss you), and ALWAYS available
B: Bali, benevolent, blondes and bicycles
C: Caring, cycling, cucumber salad, cheese, Cristina, calcium, Cafe Bizou, Curb You Enthusiasm and conversations (for hours)
D: Dependable, depositions, dog park and determined
E: Energetic, Elvis Costello
F: Frugal (in a good way), family, Farmer's Market and funny
G: Giving, genuine
H: Hollywood Bowl, honest, Helen's, handy-man, and hiking
I: Intelligent, investments, and informed
J: James Taylor, jersies
K: Kona, Kona, Kona (did I mention Kona?), knee replacements
L: Loft, Lance, Lakers, listening skills
M: Music, Mad Money, Mraz, Marmelade's, mold and mirrors
N: Noma, Nagao, neighbors
O: Organized and open-minded (most of the time :])
P: Peet's, patience, Prince concert, politics, Paul McCartney, property
Q: Quick-witted
R: Real Estate
S: Sushi, Seal, Sufjan Stevens, Summer Concert series, Summer Abroad program, sink, salads and sincere
T: Tomatoes (and the tomato lady), Tommy (and Lisa), Tuscany
U: Unforgettable, U2, USC (Now, even I will be rooting for a three-peet)
V: Villa, vacation
W: Wine, wild-patterned shirts, Wedding Crashers, weekends and walks
X: Excercise and extraordinary (I admit I'm cheating a little but Scott and I never talked about xylophones)
Y: Yoga
Z: Zealous
This list does not come close to encapsulating my memories of Scott. Words could never accomplish this. However, Scott will forever by in my heart and never be forgotten.
Shock and pain do not begin to express the emotions I've been experiencing these past few days. Everything I see, hear, taste and smell reminds me of yet another memory I have with or about Scott. Last night as I struggled to fall sleep, I decided to recite the alphabet simply hoping to steer my mind away from Scott. Consequently, I then began to braintstorm words that I associate with Scott. The following list represents small things that remind me of Scott. Although much of this list may not make sense to those reading this blog, I know that Scott is watching me from Heaven smiling at every word I say:
A: Ali G, Alanis concert, art, avocadoes (Scott, the avocado lady will truly miss you), and ALWAYS available
B: Bali, benevolent, blondes and bicycles
C: Caring, cycling, cucumber salad, cheese, Cristina, calcium, Cafe Bizou, Curb You Enthusiasm and conversations (for hours)
D: Dependable, depositions, dog park and determined
E: Energetic, Elvis Costello
F: Frugal (in a good way), family, Farmer's Market and funny
G: Giving, genuine
H: Hollywood Bowl, honest, Helen's, handy-man, and hiking
I: Intelligent, investments, and informed
J: James Taylor, jersies
K: Kona, Kona, Kona (did I mention Kona?), knee replacements
L: Loft, Lance, Lakers, listening skills
M: Music, Mad Money, Mraz, Marmelade's, mold and mirrors
N: Noma, Nagao, neighbors
O: Organized and open-minded (most of the time :])
P: Peet's, patience, Prince concert, politics, Paul McCartney, property
Q: Quick-witted
R: Real Estate
S: Sushi, Seal, Sufjan Stevens, Summer Concert series, Summer Abroad program, sink, salads and sincere
T: Tomatoes (and the tomato lady), Tommy (and Lisa), Tuscany
U: Unforgettable, U2, USC (Now, even I will be rooting for a three-peet)
V: Villa, vacation
W: Wine, wild-patterned shirts, Wedding Crashers, weekends and walks
X: Excercise and extraordinary (I admit I'm cheating a little but Scott and I never talked about xylophones)
Y: Yoga
Z: Zealous
This list does not come close to encapsulating my memories of Scott. Words could never accomplish this. However, Scott will forever by in my heart and never be forgotten. I will always miss you Scott . . . Gina Simas
Like so many others in our neighborhood, I will dearly miss running into Scott and Kona on Montana Ave. My husband is one of the Peet's regulars and although I don't go often, I would always see Scott and Kona making their way to or from Peet's. It was rare I would see Scott without Kona. He always stopped to chat and share one of Kona's treats from his pocket with my pug, Spade. They were a constant, welcome and friendly sight in our neighborhood. We will truly miss them.
Adrienne Paletz
Scott was a good friend, cycling buddy and wonderful supporter of the organization that I work for. I will miss him terribly on the road, in spin class and at the many LA social events that we all attended. My love, thoughts and prayers are with his family. Please know that your brother and your son was a special person and great friend to many.
-Amy Robertson
I will miss you both on the road and and coffee. please know that your life made a difference and your work here is not complete. scott f
The special box of Stash creme caramel tea I bought at Trader Joes over the weekend to give to this past Monday still sits on my desk. Scott meant a lot to his co-workers here in the loan workout group. He shared his teas with me frequently, as well as his ideas and opinions, some of which started lively conversations. A few us us here on the 4th floor truly enjoyed getting into it between ourselves, sometimes ganging up on on guy, sometimes Scott but he really held his own, that was why he was so fun to poke fun at once in awhile. Scott did an excellent job for the bank, a very good negotiator and strategist, expert in real estate law and underneath it all, a really nice, friendly and generous person. We are all still is a haze, sometimes I catch myself wondering when Scott will walk into my office to talk about stocks, Kona, Ali G (he gave me his CD), how many germs are in the men's room, his family. Some of Scott is inside of me. Scott, let the big boss win a few. So long buddy. Rich
I am very sorry for the loss that all of you are feeling. I am a Peet's regular and have seen Scott and Kona around for some years now. Scott and I hadn't spoken with each other in quite a long time but last week we happened to find ourselves sitting together and talking about Italy. I was soon distracted and had to leave. After reading all that I have read about him, I realize that I missed an opportunity to get to know him better that day. I missed the moment but not the lesson. And so he continues to teach...My heart goes out to all of you who lost your son, your brother, your nephew, your neighbor, your colleague, your friend. You are all in my prayers and I thank you for sharing him with all of us.
perhaps Kona can make a cameo appearance at Peet's one day.
Scott,
Still numb with little to say... I know you only through the eyes of KB. I've seen pictures of you and Kona through many nights of iChatting and joking around with one of the Bleifer clan. I've heard of your accomplishments and greatness by someone who truly adores you (as only a sister could).
The pain I feel is nowhere near as deep as that shared by those closest to you - family, friends, co-workers... it sounds like there were so very many - but it feels all too reminiscent of those times when I'm caught off-guard with the news that someone special is gone. The inability to catch one's breath as if you've received a sudden blow to the abdomen... the inability to think clearly due to the shear disbelief that such an incident could happen... the inability to sleep due to the unjustness...
As distant as I am to you, I realize the power that family has in keeping your memory alive. The vividness of your life and the daily joy of just being has been made amply clear with the simple and casual words of your sibling. I'm sure having known you would have realized an even more incredible image than that which I have already.
Godspeed on the start of a new trek.
Dear Scott, it is hard to believe that this has happened. You are my cousin and always will be. We did not get to talk too often, but I know I could count on you. I remember you driving me to school when I was in the 10th grade, and you did it with a smile. You have tons of friends. You keep a lot to yourself, but what you shared was great. I know you will be so missed by all. I still cannot quite accept this random senseless tragedy, and I hope wherever you are there are scenic trails to ride and you can say hi to my dad, Pop Pop and Gracie too! Love from all of us, Caroline and family
Scott was a very special person, which is why I think his death has touched so many people, including people like myself who were not among his closest friends.
What I will always remember about Scott is his engagement in life, his quiet but devastating wit, his compassion for people and his goofy endearing love for Kona. He was supremely self-confident, without a single trace of being stuck up. There was also nothing flashy or phony about Scott – a quality that really stood out in this town. I met Scott six years ago through work and, even though I did not see him frequently over the years, when I did see him, he always listened with compassion to my talk of various travails and my hopes and dreams for the future. Scott had this wonderful and rare quality of really listening and being present in the moment.
I hadn’t seen Scott for quite a while, but two and-a-half weeks before his death, I had dinner with a friend in belated celebration of my birthday and she brought Scott along as a surprise. I was really touched and surprised that Scott had brought along a birthday gift for me. I almost cut the dinner short to run back to the office because a superior at work was insisting that a project be on his desk in the morning (more for his convenience, rather than for any true deadline), but half way into dinner I made a choice that I would rather linger in the restaurant with my friend and Scott than go back to work. Scott was bubbling over with reports about his recent trip to Bali, what was going on at work and his upcoming Arthritis Foundation bike ride. I remember we also discussed the recent cloning of Snuppy the dog in Korea, whether he would want to clone Kona and Snuppy’s attractiveness as a dog (I found Snuppy fetching, but Scott was not impressed).
A number of people here have expressed their regret that they did not get to know Scott better and I feel that regret myself, although I am so grateful that two-and-a-half weeks before his death, I chose the value of his company and that of my other friend over some worthless work project. I am also grateful that when Scott asked me at dinner for a donation for the Arthritis Foundation, I didn’t follow my first instinct, which was to tell him that it wasn’t a good time for me financially, but instead just wrote him out a check.
Rest in peace, Scott. I just hope there are a lot of Labradors in heaven – black ones and yellow ones and especially chocolate ones.
Diane Sherman
Scott, dear friend, I will hold on strongly to
the love and joy we shared.
I think appropriate to say, as I read somewhere
recently in my attempt to take strength from this
sudden inexplicable loss. Rather than mourn
the absence of the flame, let us celebrate how
brightly it glowed. Scott certainly lived each
day to the fullest. I am truly blessed to have had such a loving as well as demanding soul (always
demanding the best from himself and others) to bring a light into my life and to know that I brought a
light into his life while here on earth. We both
helped eachother grow.
I believe that Scott's eternal soul will glow brightly
A truly adventuresome person, Scott is likely
already treking and exploring some trails up in heaven.
As read recently, "From Judaism's perspective, our eternal soul is as real as our thumb. This is the world of doing, and the "world to come" is where we experience the eternal reality of whatever we've become."
My deep heart felt sympathies go to Scott's family and friends who will miss Scott dearly. His life and the fullness with which he lived while here on earth is truly a life to celebrate and cherish. Aliza Sorotzkin
Three years ago, I used to live on 20th Street and Wilshire. In the evening I would take my dog out for walk. A number of times I would run into a fellow, still dressed in a business suit walking his chocolate lab. Our dogs would stop to acknowledge each other and in the interim, the humans would chat. Mostly about the dogs. What first struck me about this person was that he reminded me of my brother in-law, physically. The similarities went further. My brother in-law also had a chocolate lab. Two in fact. The conversaton never went further than discussing the dogs. Reminding each other of their respective names.
During this period and till present I have worked at HRL Laboratories in Malibu. I have known Stas Ionov, the other cyclist, for several years. Have run with Stas at lunchtime on trails of Malibu.
On Monday morning I was shocked to hear of Stas' passing and of course by the manner of his passing. I heard that another cyclist was also involved in the accident.
Yesterday, Wednesday September 14th, as I read the L.A. Times article, I was further drawn into the tragedy when I discovered who the other cyclist was.
I searched my memory for all encounters of this business suited man walking a chocolate lab named Kona in an attempt to verify my suspicions.
Like all of Scott's friends and especially his family, I too am trying to make sense of this tragedy.
I wish to convey my sympathies to Scott's family and friends.
Joe S.
I didn't know Scott, only through his sister Karen many decades (!) ago, but as a fellow cyclist and old friend of Karen's I want to honor his memory by wearing his picture on my bike in the Ride for the Roses next month. I'll ride for you Scott. I only wish I had known you as a cyclist.
Robin
I didn't know Scott but I wish I did. I found out about the accident from a posting on the Tandem @ Hobbes tandem cycling listserve...and we share Scott's love of Peet's Coffee (there's no retail outlets here but we have it mailed regularly).
The world's a little more empty without Scott in it.
Team Clarkin
Detroit, MI
Today was your funeral and I again am filled with a sense of disbelief. I am getting to know so much about you and your loves and desires from these posts. I know if I stilled lived in LA I would have likely gotten to know you even better. I always could count on your wry humor and big smile, and willingness to go out of your way for anyone in need. Your loss will always be felt by your parents, sisters, family, friends and Kona. Whenever I see a cyclist now I will tip my imaginary helmet to you, and hope you are at peace. There are no words to even express what something this sudden and tragic feels like to those who love and miss you. The Bleifer family is certainly going to miss you greatly. Ride on in peace and safety for ever more...Love, Caroline, Greg, Daniel Adam and Jordan
Scott surprised me in his life by reminding me of the incredible joy that can be shared by living one's life to the fullest and appreciating the people you might take for granted as customary visitors. Scott had and still seems to have such a light to him to touch all of us. he was a pleasure to know and his candle was prematurely snuffed out but lives in all of our hearts in myriad ways and will for years to come, i think we all overwhelmingly experience a real appreciation that we knew him in during his lifetime. his light is a beacon to us all to remind us to be good
I’m sitting here having a belt (as my Grandfather would say) from a bottle of Bourbon that Scott brought me and thinking about how much I will miss him. I knew Scott from the neighborhood - we would grab sushi together, beers at Father’s Office, skiing in Mammoth and coffee at Peet’s. Melissa and I had Scott over on several occasions for holiday dinners. - He could be a bit cynical about religion, but he was charmed by a good brisket and a bowl of matzo ball soup and he relished the warmth and company of friends.
I didn’t know many of Scott’s other acquaintances, and it is amazing to see the number of people who called him a friend, who relied on his counsel, enjoyed his companionship and shared his experiences. But more amazing is how effortlessly he traveled between different circles. No doubt, each thinking they had a monopoly on his time, but he was not constricted . He seemed to somehow have an infinite amount of time for friends within this finite world.
Scott came to our Sunday wedding in Santa Barbara, but he had a commitment to be at a trade show in Vegas the same weekend. I told him to come the night before and relax on Sunday morning, but he didn’t want to miss a moment of either event. He said, “Nah, its only a five hour drive. I’ll jump in my car at 6:00 a.m. and change when I get there.” I know our experience wasn’t unique; after all, Bali is further. He always wanted to be there for his friends, he was selfless and he was enthused to participate in life.
A lesson in Judaism teaches that we are supposed to taste all the fruits of life. Scott lived this idea and his life is an example to us all.
You are in our hearts always. We love you.
Marty & Melissa Reiner
I got to know Scott and Kona at Peet’s over the past two years and Scott’s warmth, kindness, and adoring chocolate lab made him a welcome encounter on my morning jog on Idaho. Wherever we crossed paths, Scott always took the time to stop to ask me how my various projects were going and to share his knowledge, enthusiasm, and experience with construction, real estate, and development ventures. I’ll never forget how proud Scott was of his ongoing work on his own home and him taking me on the grand tour this spring (while careful to warn me about Kona on stairs). Also very special was seeing Kona parked outside the door to Whole Foods on Wilshire; you knew you’d get to see Scott inside.
Corinna Knight, neighbor on 19th
What a wonderful guy, such a great sense of humor, a heart of gold, a self assured, easy going style, a great athlete, and a true adventurer with a philanthropic spirit, and of course, Kona's dad. So much to so many, we will miss you, Scott.
Always in our hearts.
Last Wednesday was my first day back in the bank after returning from a trip to Italy. Scott had loaned me some of his travel books and I was looking forward to telling him about the trip and tying to explain why I hadn’t brought him back a bottle of his 1997 Brunello di Montalcino. Scott evidently refined his taste for expensive Italian red wines last year on his Trek bicycle trip through Tuscany. I had run out of room in my luggage but knew he wasn’t going to buy it.
Early Wednesday morning I was at the Downtown Y waiting for my wife and happened to pick up a section of the morning paper. I saw a nice picture of a Chocolate Lab with a woman and thought that that was cool because my friend Scott had a Chocolate Lab (I had never met Karen or Scott’s family, so I didn’t recognize Karen in the photo). Then I saw the dog’s name was Kona and I thought that it was a huge coincidence. It was only after 20-30 seconds out of my jet-lagged haze that I saw Karen’s last name and realized why the picture was there. I still can’t believe or accept what happened.
Scott’s family and many friends outside of the bank may not fully realize what a great banker Scott was: very smart, quick, and tough as loan workout people need to be. Others of us within the bank may not know how compassionate and generous Scott always was. I was lucky to be within two of Scott’s many circles of friends/ acquaintances/colleagues and saw at least these two sides. Scott was the sharpest and most knowledgeable real estate person I know, and we were constantly looking for decent investment opportunities over the past few years.
It is very difficult to lose a friend – I can’t imagine how tough it must be to lose a son or brother. One thing that I will echo from last Thursday’s service and some of these other messages is that Scott set a good example for living. I was always amazed when we discussed what he was going to do on any given weekend. Scott packed more events, exercise, galas, concerts, gallery shows, charity functions and other activities with friends and family into a weekend than I could do in six months. Scott is a remarkable and accomplished person in many different ways; he even had Kona believing that carrot slices were delicious dog treats, much to my disbelief.
We will miss you Scott. I will find your Brunello and toast your remarkable life. We will remember you and hear your voice in important moments. –Richard Faulkner
Dear Scott's family,
I'm a high school classmate of Scott's. I'm glad to have met Scott. I remember him as friendly and happy, ready with a smile, and ready to make us laugh. I remember him as smart, witty, a loyal friend, and always cheerful. He brightened and touched many many people's lives. My deepest sympathy to you; you and Scott are in my thoughts, my heart, and my prayers. Yours truly, Olivia (Weinstein) Karlin
Dear Scott's family,
I'm a high school classmate of Scott. I'm glad to have met Scott. I remember him as friendly and happy, ready with a smile, and ready to make us laugh. I remember him as smart, witty, a loyal friend, and always cheerful. He brightened and touched many many people's lives. My deepest sympathy to you; you and Scott are in my thoughts, my heart, and my prayers. Yours truly, Olivia (Weinstein) Karlin
11:22 AM
My wife and I read all of the beautiful comments about our son Scott. It helps us know that a part of his life touched so many many people.
Although the comments bring tears to our eyes it helps us to know that Scott was so admired.
To all of the friends of Scott who blogged and those who are internet challenged and did not read these comments My wife and I thank you.
Selvyn and Charlene Bleifer
I was fortunate enough to have had a dog come into my life about a year ago. It seems that from the first morning I walked him, and more often thereafter than not, I would meet up with Scott and Kona. He seemed to always be in good spirits, always smiling, and always ready with carrots for my dog.
I was out of the country when the accident happened. I barely knew this man but, since I learned of his death yesterday, have been unable to get him out of my head.
The tragedy of his passing in such a senseless accident has left me depressed and disillusioned.
My sincere condolences to his family and friends, whose feelings of grief and loss I can only but imagine.
David Weiss
I'm so, so sorry about your brother and my friend!
He and I went on countless rides and would spin together quite frequently. It was devastating to hear the news. I found Scott to be so refreshing. Genorous, kind and smart, he always offered great advice. Scott changed the direction of my life. Literally, Scott found the apartment I live now which I moved in 2 weeks ago. I had a very hard time finding an apartment. He totally helped me. He found it walking Kona. He told me that we would be close and could ride together in the am. I had a gift for Scott that he never picked up that still sits in my new apartment. I am very sad to lose a new friend. I would love for you to have the gift even though it is very small. He did not even get a chance to see my place. I feel like it is a dream that he is gone. It stings…he touched my life like he did too many others. I look forward to meeting him in the astral world.
Andrea Guardino
I just found out the news about Scott this morning. I met him in the neighborhood when I first got my golden retriever, Kiwi. At our first meeting, Scott was kind enough to give Kiwi carrots as I struggled to keep my new puppy from jumping on him. After that, he would always stop with Kona and give me encouraging advice on dog parenting. He never failed to have extra carrots for Kiwi.
When I joined the Spectrum Club's spinning class, Scott again gave me great advice on where to buy the proper equipment and what classes to take. He always made me laugh when he commented that he was gonna ride "the three bitches", a trail in Pacific Palisades.
Like Scott, I'm also an alum from USC. He came over to my barbecue for last year's National Championship game. He also came over for USC's season opener against Hawaii a week before the accident. My friends and I really enjoyed his sense of humor, strong opinions about the world, and the stories of his travels.
The world has lost a beautiful person. He will be missed. My condolences to your family.
Sincerely,
Yoolie
I saw Scott at the beginning of September...it had been a while. I used to see him and Kona each morning at Peets. Have not seen Scott and Kona much since I moved from Santa Monica to Brentwood. I still ran into Scott on occasion at the Spectrum Club...I was lucky enough to see him a few days before I left for Italy on September 9th. When I told Scott I was spending two and a half weeks in Italy he asked which cities I would be visiting...when I told him I was spending four days in Tuscany he insisted I visit Piensa and Sienna...well, I visited both cities and they were as breathtaking as Scott had described. My wife and I said a prayer for Scott and his family today while in Piensa...Deanna and I will miss you dearly! Heaven is now a better place!
Noel & Deanna
We just heard the news today about Scott and we are saddened to have heard about such a tragic loss to such a wonderful guy and friend to the neighborhood. This event was unfair and uncalled for and should have been prevented! My wife and I met Scott several years ago while living on 20th street. Our dogs became good friends and they would play every time they would see each other. Scott was also kind and generous and not to mention an excellent cook who liked to entertain and had great taste for fine things.
Scott thanks for the plants we will treasure them and remember you forever.
Aylon, Joanna, Maya, Ginger and Roo ROO!
We will not let this catastrophe be in vain and will hope to use it as a catalyst to make it safer for those who shared Scott's love of cycling. As a cyclist, I appreciate Scott's sister taking up this cause and promise to do everything I can to help it.
Your memory lives on, still... Thank you to all those you've touched and left an indelible mark.
Scott was a room mate in college at UCSD, and was always very kind hearted and friendly to everyone.
He talked and talked about his semester at Sea program, and we endlessly ribbed him for taking cruises instead of going to college. All in good fun however, and his sense of humor and smile always betrayed him. RIP Scott, you will be missed.
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