MIAMI, FL (BRAIN) — Florida retailer Mary Jane Mark is asking the industry to join her in donating bikes to World Bicycle Relief in memory of Bill Keith. Keith, a SRAM product manager, died suddenly last week at his home in Chicago. Keith got his start in the industry in retailing sales in Florida.
Mack, the owner of Mack Cycle & Fitness in Miami, sent the following letter to BRAIN.
Like many in the industry, I was shocked to hear of the way too premature passing of Bill Keith.
Bill was my Cannondale rep many years ago, and was one of the best reps I’ve ever worked with. Whether it was at Cannondale as sales rep or in his most recent position at SRAM as product manager, you could always count on Bill to passionately explain the benefits of his products.
He was a true gentleman in a manner that is rarely seen today. Bill was a friend to so many and had a deep passion for our industry.
He followed all the rules to be healthy and somehow his number was called. How do you remember a man such as Bill?
Instead of just lamenting his loss, maybe we can honor his integrity and passion by doing something good for someone else. I will be donating 20 bikes (for the 20 years that I have known Bill) in his memory to World Bicycle Relief (WBR). WBR is a cause championed by Bill's employer SRAM, and if you watch their video you cannot help but feel moved.
I have been strongly moved by the loss of Bill in my life and our industry, and ask that others in the bike community join me (and others who have already donated to WBR on Bill’s behalf) to help make this an incredible tribute to a very special man. My heart goes out to his wife Pam, who is also in the industry working for Cannondale.
Sincerely,
Mary Jane Mark
Mack Cycle and Fitness
Miami, FL
A tribute page has been set up on the WBR website. Keith's wife Pam is planning a memorial service for her husband at a Florida beach in the next few weeks. BRAIN will publish details as soon as they are available.
