It is with great sorrow that I post this. We have lost another very good man. His son John, who I work with asked me to let the POG world know. I will post info about arrangements and such when I know more. Godspeed Al, your family is in my prayers.
(http://www.pentonusa.org/images/homepage/2012/homepage_050912_OLD.jpg)
The late Al Born, 4th from the left, reading minutes at the recent POG
Meeting at the Packard Museum, Warren, Ohio.
My prayers go to the entire family.
Steve Minor
Wilmington, NC
I just got off the phone with John Born.
I am in a state of shock. I last saw Al Born on Thursday at the POG meeting. He was looking good and acting like his usual self. Most of you have no idea of the involvement that Al Born had with the POG. :(
He was the POG Secretary that was second to none. If you look at the meeting minutes that he kept and wrote for each meeting, you will see that he was meticulous in keeping notes and accurately described what transpired.
He was also the author of the "Way It Was" article for each newsletter. If you take a close look at each of these articles, you will see that each one took many hours of research going through old Cycle News papers and other magazines. Then many more hours were spent to type it all up. He enjoyed writing this article and never complained about doing it.
He was my associate editor for the POG newsletter. He assumed that job several years ago after a newsletter was mailed out and he found all kinds of misspelling and punctuation problems. He brought it up at the following POG meeting and told me to make sure that he proofreads everything that goes into the newsletters. And that is what he did. I would e-mail him the finished articles and he would let me know what was misspelled and correct any grammer errors.
My prayers goes out to Al's wife Margie who was down in West Virginia taking care of her sister. Her sister also passed away last night. Al died in his sleep at home in Ohio.
Alan Buehner
What a shock! I knew Al for too many years to count. He was always there when needed and ready to lend a helping hand. His energy, smiling face and quick wit were always welcome where ever he was. He will be sorrowfully missed.
Our prayers and thoughts go out to his familiy.
God bless you Al. Thank you for being my friend.
Amherst Paul
Our thoughts and prayers to Al and his family. I will always remember playing the harmonica with Al at POG meetings and family nights. He was quite the player and can imagine that he touched many people throughout the years with his musical talents. He will be surely missed by all...
Karen & Bill
Wow, I am at a loss for words, shocked to say the least:( The Born family is in our prayers.
In many of the early Penton pictures there was this one guy who was a bit of a mystery to me, the caption under the photos was always the same, Al Born. I will always he grateful to Norm Miller for bringing Al to an early meeting.
Al was one of the nicest, kindest folks you could ever want to meet, yet he must have been a fierce competitor "back in the day".
God Speed Al,
Paul
Not only a great motorcyclist, but a great man...period. I only knew Al through the Reunion Ride and his friendship was a gift to me. Rest in peace, my friend! God bless the Born family.
Jeff DeBell
Jeff DeBell
It is a very sad day indeed. There was no better friend to us all than Al. I never knew a kinder more friendlier person. I will truly miss him. I am so shocked at his passing. Thoughts and prayers to the Born family. :(
Scott Brogan
Quotequote:Originally posted by chicagojerry
it is with great sorrow that i post this. we have lost another very good man.his son john, who i work with asked me to let the pog world know. i will post info about arrangements and such when i know more. Godspeed Al, your family is in my prayers.
In the name of all our Canadian people who did know this great Gentleman,our deepest sympathy and condolence.
SPEEDY.........
My prayers go out to the Born family. Al was always cheerful to talk to and full of good stories. He'll surely be missed.
Lew Mayer
Al will be sorely missed. I always looked forward to spending some time with Al at the ISDTRR outings. You were always greeted with a big smile and conversation. He was the most open and friendly person you could ever want to meet.
My prayers go out to Al and all of the Born Family.
Gods Speed Al.
Tony
I first met Al at the 2007 Reunion Ride. What a great guy. He will be missed.
Ernie P.
Chattanooga, TN
Oh noooo! So shocked to read this news. Al was so nice to me when I finally got to meet him at a POG meeting. Our prayers are with his family.
Sorry to hear about Al. He will be greatly missed. He was always interested in everyone and always asked how everyone was doing. Our condolences to the family. Bud and Pat Green.
So sorry to hear this, Al was a great guy and friend.
Rod G
Godspeed Al...what a great person, always and I mean always he could get a smile out of you.
Damn, This is a shock. Al was a great guy that I considered a friend. I will miss him and his joking around. Godspeed Al.
Dwight
Al Born was my friend. There will never be another like Al. We will be praying for his family. Hank and Elaine Rinehart
Hank Rinehart
Although I only knew Al for only a short few years I loved seeing him at POG events and talking to him about the old days in WV.
The world lost a wonderful person.
"Almost heaven , West Virginia" Let's hope that John Denver was wrong and it is more than "almost" for our friend Al.
Conrad Pfeifer
of Mars PA, Home of The Paul Danik Presidential Library
Al Born was a great friend to the whole Penton family and Penton Group. I am honored and blessed to have spent my whole life around Al. A gentleman, funny and fun, caring and sincere a good Christian and a good man. We will miss you Al but you will be in our hearts each day!
To Al's family our deepest condolences.
Jack and Gigi Penton
I was never a champion back in the day, but Al made me feel like one in these latter days. See you on Heaven's starting line, my friend.
Mick
Sorry to hear this.
1986 ISDE Italy
1987 ISDE Poland
1989 ISDE Germany
1970 125 Six Day
1973 100 Berkshire
1973 Jackpiner 175
1974 Penton 250 Harescrambler
1976 Husky 250CR
1981 Husky 250CR
1982 Husky 250CR
1983 Honda CR480
1985 Husky 400WRX
1985 Husky 400WR
At the recent POG meeting at the Packard Museum I had the opportunity to visit with Al and reminisce about another of his great passions: The Ford Motor Company. I always enjoyed hearing about his time there, and this year we had a great talk about some of the exciting changes coming at Ford. I am grateful to have had an opportunity for what turned out to be a final visit with a remarkable individual who was so closely connected with the genesis of the Penton motorcycle.
My sincere condolences to his family and to all of the Penton family with whom he was so close.
Mike
I am shocked, As I read each and every post, I found myself with nothing more to say. Of course the Born family is in my prayers and all those who called him friend, you are in my prayers as well. Al rest in peace, well done a faithful servant.
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
I just found this out from a email Jeff DeBell had sent.I too am deeply saddened to hear this news. I thought of Al as a friend and truly enjoyed his company when I was able to visit with him. From Patti and I and the entire Hodaka family to Al's family our deepest condolences.
I will always smile when I think of Al.
Sincerely
Paul
Godspeed Al,and our Prayers to the family, Bill&Michelle
Al always greeted me with a smile and his cheerful disposition. Even a couple of hot evenings sleeping in the trailer at VMD didn't seem to phase him. I enjoyed the relatively short time spent with him while involved with the club and will miss him. My condolences to the family for our loss.
Dale Fisher
POG Memberships
74 Berkshire 100
70 Six-Days 125
73 Jackpiner 175
Very sad news. Al was a friend to everyone. He was a great guy.
What a shock,deeply saddened to here this. Condolences to Al's family
Godspeed Al
Sincerely
Tom
Tom Flores
72 Penton Berkshire
77 Penton GS6 250
07 KTM 300XC
hi everyone. here is the info for Al's funeral arrangements. it is not published in the paper yet so if you see a reference to "today" it actually means thurs may 10th.. i spoke to his son john again. the family is shocked but hanging in there. john was also deeply moved by the comments here. thanks to all... chi jer
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/morningjournal/obituary.aspx?n=albert-e-born&pid=157523395
It is with great saddness that I have read this, not only once, but several times in shock. I sincerely express my condolences to his family and dear friends in this trying time. May he rest in peace in the kingdom of our lord and savior, and follow the trails of other fallen angels that passed before him. Godspeed Al. 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
Condolences to family & friends
'12 Husaberg TE300
74 Yamaha TY 250
84 Yam IT200
75 Jackpiner w/ 250 eng.
82 KTM GS250II (import)
82 KTM 495 (2)
98 KTM 300mxc
04 KTM 125 SX
00 KTM Duke 2/rd. racer
06 KTM 950 Adv.
08 Suzuki DR70Z
here's another picture from mike rosso that he asked me to post here, with a note that he sent me.
chi jer
I got Al to sign a friend of mine(steve)Penton gas tank at one of the pog meetings.(he got Rod Bush and Jack Penton into M.D. Anderson Cancer Research in Houston....) When I told Al he needed to sign it too he said in his normal humble "why me?" and I said you are as much responsible for this part of motorcycle history than most I've ever met, so sign it, we laughed.
(http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx339/chicagojerry/th_alborn.jpg)
Although such a loss, Al was/is a Christian so he is in a better place. I will miss his calls and how he always had such great stories of history on his racing, which included other brands of bikes other than Pentons. Always a Smile and happy to have time to visit. In the early Penton pictures I will always remember the red coveralls (Ford) and how he told me how well they worked for racing.
My condolences to his Family.
Ron Carbaugh
As everyone that has written Dot and I too are in deep shock and sadness.
Al meant so much to me and my family.
Our two grandsons Bryan and Robert were very fond of Al and enjoyed being around him. Our two sons Tony and Hawk(Robert Jr.) thought he was the kindness and most friendly man in Ohio.
I am going to miss our phone conversations and receiving emails from my pal Al.
For this we are certain God was looking out for Al even in death.He allowed Al to go peacefully in his sleep. No suffering No pain. For this we are thankful.
Our prayers and heartfelt thoughts go out to Al's wife and family.
Stay Strong - Bob Gilman & family
I was very saddened to see this bit of news about Al. I had a nice conversation with him at the POG meeting in Warren a few weeks ago and it's so hard to believe he's gone. Absolutly without a doubt one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet and I will miss him. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the Born family during this difficult time. Godspeed my friend !!
Dave McCullough
I first met Al and the POG in 2000 at the VMD when Penton was the Marque that year. I brought my then semi-restored '72 Jackpiner with me to display alongside the many other Penton Sport Cycles at the Penton tent. Al must have recognized that I was a newbee and came over to introduce himself. I remember that Mr. Penton (John) was scheduled to attend the induction of his son into the AMA all of Fame and that John was running late in departing VMD for this ceremony. Nevertheless, Al made sure that I met John and even suggested I ask him to autograph my fuel tank. Well I'm happy to say that because of Al's persistence I did met with John (and many other POG members) and yes, John did autograph my Fuel tank. Talk about first impressions...! Since then I've always looked forward to meeting and chatting with Al and the POG at every VMD thereafter. Unfortunately for me (and perhaps many others..) I only got to see Al and my POG friends once a year at the VMD event. Thank you Al for introducing me to the Penton family and I will miss you and your great smile... God bless you, your family and your many friends.
Stephen Markley
Charlotte, NC
I am very sorry that we lost Al, he was a true gentleman and will be missed.
YOUR; FAMILY HAS OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY, PENTON OWNERS GROUP WILL MISS YOU,THANKS FOR THE GOOD CONVERSATIONS WE HAD TOGETHER WILL MISS YOU. JAKE AND GINNY FISCHER
Sincere condolences to Al's family+friends in this tough time.Godspeed Al.
Ric
i am still trying to come to grip with myself over Al's passing, i have been in a fog since i got the sad news, he will be so dearly missed by me and Mike Jr. :(
it was always such a treat to see him at Mid-O, first words out of his mouth, "Gallagher what are you feeding the boy, he grew another foot" we would laugh and say it was great too see each other :)
he will be smiling down on all of us this year :)
GOD Speed Al
regards,
Mike Gallagher, NJ.
[email protected]
Al Born was one of the nicest persons I ever met around motorcycles, and that is saying something. He is also a big reason that I joined POG some 10 years ago. What a loss. Cliff
Sorry I did'nt jump in earlier, every time I thought of Al and tried, my emotions got the best of me. It was absolutely, and truly a pleasure to have known Al Born. From the very first POG meeting I went to, I walked away saying to myself, here are some of the most wonderful people I've ever met, due in great part from individuals like Al. Whenever I saw Al was at a POG function, I made a immediate beeline to shake his hand, and say hello. He just made me feel so welcome.
I would definitely consider Al, as a piece in the history of the Penton motorcycle. And, as for the Penton Owners Group, my gosh - he gave so much of his time as an officer, and dedicated tireless work towards the newsletter. I thank him so much for that.
Al's racing days were before my time, but I know during the onset of the Penton motorcycle, and before that on a small displacement Honda, Al Born (along with Ollie Martin) were some of the fastest 100 & 125 cc scrambles racers in the nation.
The world would be a more perfect place if it had more Al Borns'. I would like to think I'm a better person for having known him, and I will always remember Al for the good man he was.
To all of his family and friends, I'm sorry for your pain.
Bob Wardlow
Quotequote:Originally posted by chicagojerry
I got Al to sign a friend of mine(steve)Penton gas tank at one of the pog meetings.(he got Rod Bush and Jack Penton into M.D. Anderson Cancer Research in Houston....) When I told Al he needed to sign it too he said in his normal humble "why me?" and I said..........
That's exactly what Al said to me when I asked him to sign one of my tanks also.
A few years back at Mid-Ohio when the POG was giving away small posters of John Penton's record cross country ride - I wanted to have Mr. Penton autograph it. But I was probably gabbing to much with everyone, so when I went to find Mr. Penton, he had already left.
So I went up to Al Born and said, "since you sometimes get mistaken by people for John Penton, would you autograph Mr. Penton's name on this for me". And he did - it was another fun and memorable moment with Al.
It didn't matter if you met Al once or knew him for years, he made a lasting impression and he will live on in our fond memories. Al put so much pride in every single thing that he did. From bikes, church, POG and family! I had just washed up some ball hats that Gary had found in the garage, we were going to send him for his cool hat collection...Al will always hold a special spot in our lives as the friend that played the harmonica at our wedding! I am so glad that Al got to enjoy the steal tank Berkshire that we sold him. I will miss getting all his e-mails and his caring calls. Al always had a story, always had a warm hug and always could make me smile. That twinkle he had in his eye will stay with us always. Our deepest symapathy to his wife and family-they will be in our thoughts and our prayers. May they find comfort in knowing how special Al was to so many.
Toni & Gary Roach.
"Courage under the Fire" requires the utmost respect, what do you want? Listen to your Heart......
Beneath Still Waters a "Deep Undertow".....a message, sent, a long time ago......
Tom Brosius
Such sad news. One of the kindest,most sincere gentleman i have ever met.Godspeed Al
David Duarte loomis, Ca.
Never had the pleasure to meet Mr. Born, but as always after reading all the kind words and memories you all have of him I really get a sense of what a genuine guy he was. He must have been one of the good ones they speak off and they're always a little extra hard to lose. God rest your soul Mr. Born.
74 250 Hare scramble
68 Six Day
For those of you that never had the pleasure of meeting Al face to face.
(http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad130/eyemanrandy/AlBorn.jpg)
Al was one of the nicest, friendliest, humble, hard working, humorous, energetic... people that I have had the priveledge to know. Remembering just a few of his many great attributes and that special smile, especially when he regularly referred to Auggie, Bob, Ryan, and me as the "Mischevious boys" brings me even greater sadness to hear of his passing. What a special and gifted man he was.
My sincerest sympathy to his wife, children, and grandchildren all of whom he spoke of so proudly.
Pat Mickevicius
The POG has received a "Thank You" card from Al's wife, Marjorie. The following is what she wrote on the card:
"P.O.G.
Words cannot express what I want to say.
Al truly loved each and every one of you and gave his whole heart to support the P.O.G.
I appreciate all that showed your love for him. May God bless each and everyone. Marjorie"
Alan Buehner