I got some bad news when I got back from the NHRA race Chicago. My friend Eddy Kiihnl lost his battle with cancer after a valiant fight.
Eddy reached out to me last year after doctors gave him the bad news and grim prognosis. Kiihl wanted to sell the Top Fuel Motorcycle he purchased from the late Shawn Garrigan because he wanted to see it go to a good home in his final days. I told Eddy to meet me at the Orange County Choppers OCC Road House for the big bike show and we would showcase the bike on Cycledrag and try to sell it.
It was a long drive for Eddy and short notice, but without hesitation, he said “I’m there.” I thought of the Tim McGraw song “Live Like You Were Dying” and how accurate it is and how we so often put things off or reschedule, assuming we have much more time in life. We were all praying for the best but Eddy knew time was running out. He knew he has to be there.
It was fulfilling to see Eddy enjoy himself so much during that weekend. The folks from the OCC Roadhouse put his bike on display, front and center right on the dance floor. Eddy was laughing as ladies of all ages asked to sit on the bike.
One of the highlights was seeing Paul Sr. of Orange County Choppers come over and spend some time with Eddy. I explained to Sr. what Eddy was going through and without hesitation Paul came over to tell Eddy how much he liked his motorcycle and wished him good luck with everything. Eddy said it was an experience of a lifetime.
We even sold the bike. It was a blessing when Wynn Thornhill saw our coverage and came forward as a buyer.
More than anything it was an absolute joy spending the weekend with Eddy as everyone loved his positivity, spirit, humor and infectious personality.
The highlight of the weekend for me was spending a few hours with Eddy after the event where all he wanted to do was show me photos and share stories from his racing days. It was a stark reminder that in the end, that’s what matters most – the people we love and the fond memories we make in this life. That’s what is held dear in our dying days.
Doctors gave initially Eddy six months to live. He fought back and made it a full year and half and spent much of 2023 living life to its fullest.
As Eddy became bedridden a few months ago he was still following everything I posted on CycleDrag and thanked me for all the entertainment. I’ll always be grateful.
Thank you Eddy for coming into my life. I am a better man for it and will miss you dearly. Godspeed my friend.
Eddy Kiihnl 1961 – 2024
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