Just updating everyone on our dads condition. On Thursday he was admitted to the Hospice center in Lorain. He is having difficutly breathing as well as the swallowing has gotten much worse. He wishes to go home, so the medical equipment was sent up at his moms house. Today we are bringing him home. His condition (ALS) has gotten much worse over the past month or so. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you, Kelly
Kelly, thank you for the post and the update on your dad. Our prayers will be with him.
Lloyd
Kelly,
Never had the blessing of meeting your dad, but feel like I know him from all the pictures I have seen and all the messages he has posted and all the stories I have heard about him. The Lord has greatly blessed your family by giving you a loved one that will leave a wonderful legacy. You can know about a persons integrity and character and love for others by the the number of folks who love them. He has a great multitude. Please know we are praying for your family and for him. May the God of all comfort give you in great measure what only He can give!
Jim
Please let Dane know that all of us who have ever met or got to know him are thinking about him and all your family in this difficult time. Dane is a good man and has been a tremendous friend and asset to the cycle community for decades.
Jon McLean
Lake Grove, OR
Kelly,
Please take comfort in the fact that your dad is one of the most admired, respected and loved folks in the motorcycling community. I am sure that the folks that Dane has been associated with in the other areas of his life also have these same feelings for him, he is just that type of person.
I just have to tell this little story about Dane. Anyone who has ever been around Dane when a problem came up knows how he instantly goes into full "solve this problem" mode until the problem is solved. You can almost see his mind working as he analyzes the situation and evaluates the possible ways to solve the problem.
At the ISDTRR banquet a few years back the awards presenter, Jeff DeBell, was having a problem getting the Bud Ekins Pioneer Award
out of it's shipping box to present it. Jeff needed a screw driver, but in the middle of a banquet who would possibly have a screw driver? Dane instantly made his way to the stage and dug out his ever present Swiss Army knife type of tool from his pocket and removed the screws for Jeff. As Dane was starting to return to his seat, Jeff asked him to hang on a minute. Unbeknown est to Dane, he was the recipient of the Bud Ekins Pioneer Award that year, the highest award presented at the ISDTRR banquet. Everyone had quite a laugh over that deal, but it was typical Dane, solving a problem for someone else, and being recognized for his outstanding contributions to the sport he loved dearly and helped to shape.
Paul
God Bless you Dane, I can't thank you enough for the friendship and kindness over the years or the help you have given me restoring these bikes especially the "one off" prototypes. Whenever there was any question, I could always count on you for sound advice. I only wished I lived closer so that I could help out more. You are in our prayers friend.
thank you for the up date.. I have had a few dealings with your Dad over the last 9 years and have always found him to be the best.. I am praying for your whole family in these hard times, may the peace of God be with you all..
Thom Green,Still crazy after all these years!
76' 250 MC5 (orginal owner)
74'250 hare scrambler (project)
74' 1/2 440 maico
78' 440 maico
72' cr125 Husky (project)
93' RMx 250 suzuki
Dad came home (to his moms) on Saturday. The weekend started out rough for everyone involved. Lot's to get used to and he of course is isn't very much into "change". He was able to go to church on Sunday which made his day. Every day is something new. Today he was told that he is no longer able to drive well he sure didn't like that. But that's what the Doctor ordered and we all agree. He is looking forward to getting out a bit this week and maybe even the zoo this weekend. Kelly
Damn.................:( Dane and I have been friends ever since I rode my first ISDT Qualifier back in 1975. He and Teddy befriended me and I have considered myself a close friend ever since. Let him know that Dwight & Debbie Rudder are thinking about him. I know he can't talk or I would be calling.
Kelly,
I have always considered Dane to be one of my best friends. He was there for me anytime I had a problem. I have looked up to him as a top notch rider, mechanic, machinst and just plain doer. I can only pray that he knows how much he has meant to all of us who personaly know him and to those that have been involved with him in the industry. The offroad motorcycle community would certainly be much differnt had he not been involved in it.
My thoughts and prays go out to Dane and his family.
Amherst Paul
Kelly,
I have known your Dad for many years. I know his journey is tough right now and he is in our daily prayers. He is a great enduro/trials rider as well a great motorcycle technician and friend. We worked together at R&D on Elyria Ave. in Lorain during the Penton heydays. I rebuilt engines that dealers returned and Dane was working in the Machine shop with Uncle Ted and taking care of the Motoplat business. The motorcycle industry will not be the same.
God Bless!!
Bob Rush
Back in 'The Day', it was always great to see Dane put that little Berkshire through the paces. He was a great rider. Although softspoken, he let his riding speak for him. He was always eager to help others. I consider Dane a good friend and I offer my support during these difficult times.
Dane has been a Hero of mine since the 100 days.Great rider,technician,and a nice guy to boot.God Bless,Dane.
Ric
Our thoughts and prayers to Dane and the rest of the family. It was a privilege and honor to have met him at VMD. We wish you and the whole Penton family the best.
Robert Manucy
72 Berkshire
72 Six Day
82 Honda cr250r
04 BMW K 1200 GT - KIA in N. Ga. - 32987 smiles
08 BMW K 1200 S
Kelly,
The first time that I met Dane was in the spring of 1997 at the farm house. The purpose of my meeting him was to obtain his ISDT medals, to have them framed up for a display that I was putting together for Mid-Ohio. When I got there, he had 2 cartons of ISDT memorabilia on the back picnic table. After showing me what was in each box from all of the ISDT events that he was at, he went into the barn and brought out a home made wooden box with a glass top. Inside it were his ISDT and qualifier medals. I thought it kind of strange that he kept them in the barn but at least he took the time to put them in his own "show case". He unselfishly allowed me (a complete stranger) to take those medals home with me and I had my sister professionally mount and frame them. I hope that they will always be prominently displayed in a family home.
Dane is also a charter member of the Penton Owners Group. When we were working on trying to put together the first newsletter, Dane volunteered to help out by writing an article about himself for the first "member profile".
As the years have gone by, I have gotten to know Dane through the POG monthly meetings and some of the events that the POG has been involved with. He is a quiet kind of guy who jumps right in to help out with getting things done when help is needed, without having to be asked.
Seeing Dane's condition deteriorating the past couple of years has been hard for me to witness. I am grateful to him for sticking it out and attending the POG functions for he is truly one of the POG family.
Dane and his family are in my prayers.
Alan Buehner
I know I have posted this picture before, but it perfectly sums up who Dane is. Its at the '08 ISDT Reunion Ride, he cheered me the whole race and he didnt really know me from Adam.
(http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x348/kartwheel68/DSC_0166.jpg)
The whole weekend he was helping people he had never met before with bike issues, all without them ever having to ask.
Brian
I would like to thank all of you for your support, kind words, and prayers. I will keep all of you updated. Thank you.
Kelly,
The first time that I met Dane was in the spring of 1997 at the farm house. The purpose of my meeting him was to obtain his ISDT medals, to have them framed up for a display that I was putting together for Mid-Ohio. When I got there, he had 2 cartons of ISDT memorabilia on the back picnic table. After showing me what was in each box from all of the ISDT events that he was at, he went into the barn and brought out a home made wooden box with a glass top. Inside it were his ISDT and qualifier medals. I thought it kind of strange that he kept them in the barn but at least he took the time to put them in his own "show case". He unselfishly allowed me (a complete stranger) to take those medals home with me and I had my sister professionally mount and frame them. I hope that they will always be prominently displayed in a family home.
Dane is also a charter member of the Penton Owners Group. When we were working on trying to put together the first newsletter, Dane volunteered to help out by writing an article about himself for the first "member profile".
As the years have gone by, I have gotten to know Dane through the POG monthly meetings and some of the events that the POG has been involved with. He is a quiet kind of guy who jumps right in to help out with getting things done when help is needed, without having to be asked.
Seeing Dane's condition deteriorating the past couple of years has been hard for me to witness. I am grateful to him for sticking it out and attending the POG functions for he is truly one of the POG family.
Dane and his family are in my prayers.
Alan Buehner
I know I have posted this picture before, but it perfectly sums up who Dane is. Its at the '08 ISDT Reunion Ride, he cheered me the whole race and he didnt really know me from Adam.
(http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x348/kartwheel68/DSC_0166.jpg)
The whole weekend he was helping people he had never met before with bike issues, all without them ever having to ask.
Brian
I would like to thank all of you for your support, kind words, and prayers. I will keep all of you updated. Thank you.
This is a very rough time for Dane and his family, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Paul
I just wish I could express myself to Dane and how much his friendship and inspiration has meant to me over the years.
I'll keep them in my prayers.
Lew Mayer
Dane has crossed the finish for another gold.
God Speed Dane
[V]
Good bye my friend. See you down Old Dusty.
Amherst Paul
Godspeed my friend. Say hello to Teddy for me. I will miss you.
Godspeed my friend[V].
Tom Flores
72 Penton Berkshire
77 Penton GS6 250
07 KTM 300XC
See ya soon Dane. However I will miss you in the interim. Kelly, we are praying for you and your family.
Hank Rinehart
[V]mit Gott gehen mein Freund
I was very sad to read the news about Dane reaching the final checkpoint and that his score card was being tallied for the last time. His passing is certainly untimely and he will be greatly missed. My condolences and deepest sympathy to the family. God Bless you Dane.
Dave McCullough
GOD BLESS DANE AND FAMILY
BUD GREEN
goodbye freind. God bless you. you are already sorely missed. i will keep your family in my prayers. jerry
I am almost speechless, and that does not happen very frequently. It is difficult to lose a good friend, and past competitor. joe
I am sitting at the keyboard crying,and yet,through the tears, I find myself smiling as I recall so many special times & memories of our dear friend. Guess that is Dane still workin' his magic and watching out for everyone else. May his family find comfort in knowing how many lives he has touched. They are in our thoughts & prayers.
Meet you at the end of the trail, will miss you until then.
Toni Roach
I was having spark problems at the Zink Ranch ISDTRR and Dane came over....introduced himself and ask if he could help. We'd never met but he acted like we were longtime friends. Thanks to him, about an hour later I was back up and running. That's Dane and that's how I plan to remember him. Thanks for your help Dane, see you in the pits.
My prayers to the family.
Steve Minor
Wilmington, NC
Some very special people have a light that shines on those around them, instead of putting themselves in the spotlight. Dane was one of those very special people, and will be remembered fondly for all they have done in this life. His family and dear friends will be in my prayers. Mike
Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1980 KTM 175-400'S
1975 Can Am 175 TNT & 77 250 Black Widow
1979 Husqvarna OR390
1976-78 RM & 77-79 PE Suzuki's
1974 CR250M 07 CR125R 79 CR250R
The measure of a person's success in life is not the placques that hang on a wall, or the money in their bank account, but rather the people they touch and the fond memories they create. It's obvious that not only is Dane a success, he is an artist. God speed Dane, you are loved by all you touched.
Mick
A true champion, by definition and example, in every facet of his life. It was such an honor that one of the heroes of my youth knew me by name. My prayers are with his family.
Jeff DeBell
Wow - we knew this was coming, but it is still so hard to accept.
I like many of you have felt honored to have a chance to become friends with one of my heroes.
Words can't express the loss of Dane to our sport.
I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to Dane's family, friends, and all the rest of the Penton clan during this difficult time.
Clark Gristina
Covington, La
I met Dane exactly once when I sat next to him during the POG meeting at Vintage Days. He smiled and shook my hand. I was at a complete loss for words as I sat next to...The Man. The Myth.
And now I sit here and weep quietly. Thank you for the homepage photos.
Godspeed, Mr. Leimbach.
I only met Dane once, also at VMD. He taught me a lot about Pentons history with the Mudlark. Can't say I knew him, but enjoyed my short time with him.
I never had the opportunity to meet Dane, but the weight of his friend's words tell you what kind of person he must have been.
God Speed Dane, and God Bless the Family.
Patrick
God bless you, Dane, and my heartfelt condolences to his family during this very difficult time.
Lew Mayer
And now, his race is run,
His Six-Days are done,
Beloved father, beloved son.
Challengers in his sport, equals in his vocation few of peer,
Yet associates and friends, many, many held him dear.
A champion, a student, a teacher, he taught us all,
His strength, his courage, never did they fall.
May he now find peace, may he rest,
His heart having withstood every measure, every test.
Gone now from our lives we all shall grieve for him as one,
Beloved father, beloved son.
Mine is a better soul for having known you, Dane. RIP
Ted Guthrie
Godspeed Dane. It was my utmost pleasure to have met you at VMD, and for that I am greatful.
God bless the Leimbach and Penton families, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
(http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu69/samsdad57/PICT0098.jpg)
Robert Manucy
72 Berkshire
72 Six Day
82 Honda cr250r
04 BMW K 1200 GT - KIA in N. Ga. - 32987 smiles
08 BMW K 1200 S
This is very sad news. An inescapable consequence of human mortality is that we must leave behind, and be left behind by, our friends, colleagues and loved ones. It always has seemed a shame to me that such a remarkable concentration of skill and wisdom, so carefully amassed and honed in one such as Dane, is partly lost to the world. The enduring beauty of writing is that some vestige of one's knowledge and identity, unavoidably incomplete, can be left to betoken what one has accomplished in his allotted time. If you take a moment to search for Dane's posts on this board, the members and doings of which he clearly held dear, I think that you will find, as I have done, that Dane's fundamental spirit and concern for others continues to shine brightly through.
Godspeed Dane,Our thoughts & prayers to the family, Bill & Michelle Hanks
Quotequote:Originally posted by OhioTed
And now, his race is run,
His Six-Days are done,
Beloved father, beloved son.
Challengers in his sport, equals in his vocation few of peer,
Yet associates and friends, many, many held him dear.
A champion, a student, a teacher, he taught us all,
His strength, his courage, never did they fall.
May he now find peace, may he rest,
His heart having withstood every measure, every test.
Gone now from our lives we all shall grieve for him as one,
Beloved father, beloved son.
Mine is a better soul for having known you, Dane. RIP
Ted Guthrie
That was beautiful Ted.
My sincerest condolences to his family.
Respectfully,
John Hubbard
Will the services be kept private. If not, will you post the arrangement details here ? Thank you, Bob
My mom and I are trying to find the services and funeral arrangements,
but with no luck either.
Has anyone heard anything?
RIP Dane... The Leimbach family is in the Bush family thoughts and prayers.
Hopefully Dane is up there ripping up the trails with my dad.
They sure have a good crew up there.
i live here locally and it has not been published as of yet in either of the two local papers, including the online sections. i will keep an eye out for any news. chi jer
Hey Robbie. I am sure that is some reunion! Two very fine men getting together again. Ya'll take care.
Hank Rinehart
The initial word was that there would be a memorial service held after Thanksgiving, unconfirmed at this time is that there will be a memorial service on Sat. Nov. 26.
Confirmation, and additionial information should be posted shortly.
Paul
I have been following this tread because of my great respect for Dane and prayed for him on a regular basis. I read of his Passing several days ago but frankly, I have been in shock and I did not know what to say. I still do not know what to say but please extend my condolences to the family and all of his loved ones. At times there seems to be no apparent reason for the passing of someone so loved, all I know is that the rain falls on the Just and unjust and that God loves us all. living in the Northwest, it makes days like this even more difficult because I can do so little, I would love to send a card if that is permitted. Know this too, I am praying for the whole family that The God of all comfort, comfort them and give them grace and peace in this time of morning.
Thom Green,Still crazy after all these years!
76' 250 MC5 (orginal owner)
74'250 hare scrambler (project)
74' 1/2 440 maico
78' 440 maico
72' cr125 Husky (project)
93' RMx 250 suzuki
Thank you for all of your kind words,stories and prayers. It is nice knowing that he touch so many lives in such a positive way. He will be missed by many.
Danes obituary is posted in the Lorain Journal and the Chronicle Telegram today. His service will not be private.
Dane Penton Leimbach, 60, of Vermilion, died Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at New Life hospice in Lorain, following an 18 month illness with A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig's disease). Mr. Leimbach was born in Lorain, graduated from Firelands High School in 1970 and attended Wilmington College.He was co-owner of Penton Racing Products in Amherst. An avid motorcyclist all his life, he excelled in the off-road endurance sport, achieving both national and international acclaim during the 1960s and 70s. For seven consecutive years, he won a place on the United States team competing in the International Six Days Trials in Europe winning six gold medals and a bronze. In addition to his own racing experience, he often worked national races as a pit crew member for the Kawasaki Team Green racing team.
One of the special joys of his middle life was traveling to races with his son, Paul, who was also an accomplished racer. Dane was a member of the Brownhelm United Church of Christ, served as a member and officer of Amherst Meadowlarks Motorcycle Club, and the Penton Owners Group.
In addition to his family and his sport, Dane enjoyed the family farm in Brownhelm Township, where he lived out his life, and where he served 16 years as a township trustee.
Dane is survived by his four children, Kelly Bland of Vermilion, Sarah of Lakewood, Liesel of Amherst, and Paul of Amherst; grandchildren, Michayla and Riley; his mother, Pat Leimbach; and his brother, Orrin.
He was preceded in death by his father, Paul; and his brother, Ted.
A memorial will be held Saturday, November 26, 2011, at the Brownhelm Congregational Church, 2144 North Ridge Rd, Vermilion, with calling hours from 1 to 4:30 P.M., followed by the service at 5 P.M.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the ALS Association, Development Dept., 27001 Agoura Rd. Suite 250, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301
Would just like to add my condolences, thoughts and prayers for Mr. Dane Leimbech and his family. There is not much you can say about loosing some one of his stature. I got started in dirt bikes like most of you guys with a small bore Japanese bike, but my second bike was a Penton 100 square barrel, and then a 1972 125 6-Days. It's not often mentioned but back in the day, enduros started by engine displacement with the 100cc class riders going off the line in the early minutes, and guys like Dane Leimbech were a great source of inspiration for us "regular guys" to get out there and break the trail. When I got back into motorcycles with this vintage thing, i was having troubles with a Husky shearing flywheel keys, and Dane Leimbech contacted me through the VINDURO list with the source of the problem and how to rectify it. I had the pleasure and honor of sort of repaying him at a later ISDT Reunion Ride banquet by providing him with an extra banquet ticket that I would not be using. I'm going to go out to the garage an pull out the old Penton Banner that I have been collecting 6-Days vets autographs on, and see if I had Mr. Leimbech sign it. I haven't had it out it a while and can't remember, but I sure hope it's there with the rest of the Penton gang.
With Deepest Sympathies,
Daniel P. McEntee
and Family
Florissant, MO
My prayers are out to Dane and his Family. He was a great man and we all will miss him.
It was a Friday evening at my first Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio in 2002. All of the day's activities had wound down, it had turned dark, and most all of the folks that leave and go elsewhere for the evening, had already left.
I was killing time wandering the lanes of the swapmeet alone, and I stopped by the POG tents to see if anyone else was hanging out. There was'nt anyone there, but while I stood there for several minutes, someone did appear out of the dark, approached me and said hello. It was Dane.
These were my earliest days with the POG, but months before this I attended my first monthly POG meeting where I briefly met Dane for the first time.
It had just started to rain a little bit, and Dane said to me, "would you like to help me carry some things from the van". I remember having a load in my arms, and when I approached some light, I looked down and saw that I was carrying a case full of ISDT Gold Medals. Holy carp! It startled me a bit, I could barely believe what I had in my hands.
Then Dane said to me, " before I left home, I grabbed a box of some old stuff out of the attic – I have'nt gone through it, but I think it's mostly old Penton stickers - would you like to go back to the van, and check em' out " ? I said, " Are you kidding, I'm the biggest sticker freak you'll ever find"
Picture this - one minute I'm all alone wondering why I'm in a field in the middle of Ohio - what this VMD & POG stuff is all about, and wondering where my new found love of vintage motorcycling is going to take me....AND the next moment I find myself sitting in a van, with Dane Leimbach, a couple of flash lights, and a box of old Penton stickers. It was like a dream. Dane would grab a hand full, and we'd go through each one, he'd say "remember this one?" - and I'd be "oh my gosh, I forgot all about those, I used to have that one" - then Dane would hand it to me, and say "here you go, for your collection"
We probably hung out, and spoke to each other for more than a hour that night. I knew the allure of meeting all these legendary Penton riders attrached me to the POG as much as any reason, but this was a fantasy come to life. I know of no words to actually discribe what a special moment in my life that was for me.
Bob W
I think this is a wonderful picture of Dane. I have never seen this one before. I swiped it from Charlie Morey's Facebook page
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/BobWardlow/POG%20pictorial/danepic.jpg)
Remembering Dane Leimbach -- great rider, great guy -- as I knew him best: an International contender for Team Penton. This photo's from the 1976 ISDE in Austria, and instead of a moment of silence, I recommend 30 seconds of a well-tuned Penton/KTM racing motor going through the gears at full RPM...I think he'd like that. ;)
Charlie Morey
Bob W
Bob,
Visually and phonetically perfect...
Rob, Great photo of Dane. If that is a 175cc Penton, that is the Penton which Dane told me was his favorite ISDT bike. joe p.s. Can you "share" that photo to my FB page?
Wow! Just heard about this. What a loss
g
72 six-day
79 KTM MC80 250
At the memorial service for Dane, his Mom mentioned that she had heard that there were numerous nice comments about Dane on the POG website. I have just finished printing out all of your posts and will be giving them to Mrs. Leimbach tonight at the POG Family Night meeting.
I am sure she will appreciate all the wonderful things that you folks have written about Dane. :)
I would also like to mention that Al Born had a beautiful 100cc Steel Tanker at the memorial service, it was actually rolled into the lower level of the church where the reception area was, also, Dane's family had a very nice slide show of photos constantly going during the entire time of the reception.
The church was filled to capacity, plus....
Thanks,
Paul
Well, I am looking forward to visiting with Pat Leimbach at tonight's POG meeting. She is such an uplifting, spirited person. I will personally offer her to try some of my home-baked oatmeal/raisin cookies. joe
Bob W. could you E mail me a copy of the pic of Dane that you posted on the web site? I'm starting a collection for possible use on next years shirt design. If any one else has any good pictures as well could you shoot me some copies?
Thanks evryone. Scott B
God Speed Dane. Thanks for the enrichment. See you soon I expect. Cliff
Quotequote:Originally posted by scott brogan
Bob W. could you E mail me a copy of the pic of Dane that you posted on the web site? I'm starting a collection for possible use on next years shirt design. If any one else has any good pictures as well could you shoot me some copies?
Thanks evryone. Scott B
Scott, Don't think I can upload and send images through the POG's email system. Can you get me your email address - I'll send the photo. Thanks, Bob