The Des Moines Register
Sunday, June 26, 2005
He died tragically on Thursday, June 23, 2005 when his bicycle was struck head-on by a pick-up truck in the hills of Colorado, when competing in the INSIGHT RACE ACROSS AMERICA. He was an icon in the cycling world, an esteemed member of the medical field, and a role model in the community. He was an inspiration to everyone who knew him, but above all he was an exemplary family man.
Dr. Bob, as he was most commonly known, spent his life demonstrating the qualities that he valued most in the people around him. He was a kind and generous man whose love of God, family and community drove him to be a success in every sense of the word. Bob's humor and positive outlook altered the lives of everyone he met. His list of personal and professional accolades is lengthy, but he would say his greatest achievements were accomplished in the context of his family. He will be greatly missed by his partners at Des Moines Orthopedic Surgeons and the entire cycling community.
He was born in Kewanee, IL and is survived by his parents R.E. and Katherine Breedlove, and his wife, Gretchen; his four children, Molly (Richard) Wince, Annie (Eric) Brown, Erika and Bill; his grandchildren, Adam and Haley Wince; his siblings, David (Karen)Breedlove of Minocqua, WI, Twin Brother, Bill (LaJean) Breedlove of Kewanee; and many much loved nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family has selected to honor Bob by requesting memorial contributions be made to organizations of extreme importance to him; Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, Dowling Catholic High School, Des Moines Parks and Recreation Trail Improvement Project, and the Bob Breedlove Memorial Kewanee Athletic Fund.
Funeral services will be at PLymouth Church, 4126 Ingersoll Ave. Des Moines on Wed, June 29 at 10 a.m. with burial to follow in Kewanee, IL at 6 p.m. ∼
Thank you Rosemary for giving me the birthdate for Robert Breedlove.
RAAM (Race Across America) Suffers The Tragic Loss of One of its Greats
June 23, 2005
Trinidad, Colorado – Tragedy hit the Race Across America today around 12.15 – 12.30 p.m. EDT, when Bob Breedlove, competitor #188, collided with a westbound pickup truck 28 miles west of Trinidad, Colorado. When paramedics arrived on the scene they pronounced him dead.
The incident took place on a section of road that sloped very gently downhill for cyclists in the race. According to the driver of the pickup truck, Bob Breedlove appeared to slump on his bicycle and swerved into the path of the oncoming vehicle.
The driver attempted to avoid Bob Breedlove, but the significant impact was made at the lower left part of the windshield.
At the time of the incident, Bob Breedlove was leading the 50+ category, and was 12th overall in the race.
Jim Pitre, the race director, decided after consultation with Bob Breedlove's brother, Bill, to continue the race. Bill Breedlove considered that his brother would have wished this. If a rider or team decides to pull out of the race, the management and officials will provide assistance wherever practicable.
Talking about Bob Breedlove, Jim Pitre said: "This is a terrible tragedy, just terrible. We all stand in awe of the memory of Bob Breedlove, who was a supreme cycle racer, an outstanding surgeon, and just a great human being. Speaking both personally, and on behalf of the entire management and all those associated with the race, I extend my most sincere sympathy to the family of Bob Breedlove."
The support vehicle was providing leapfrog support to Bob Breedlove at the time of the incident. Bob Breedlove was last seen by his crew members about a mile before the incident took place. They reported that he seemed fit to continue the race. "He seemed fine, we passed him a PowerBar and a Spizz (energy drink), and he went on his way," said one of the crew members.
Skidmarks leading off the road to the right suggest that the driver of the vehicle did what he could to avoid a collision. "It seemed like he must have passed out, he slumped on his bars. He just swerved right into our lane." Said the distraught driver of the vehicle, who hurried to the next town immediately after the incident and made the 911 call himself.
From the evidence and accounts, the incident is thought to have happened very quickly. While it is unknown whether or not it would have made a difference if a support vehicle had been present for Bob Breedlove, as an additional precautionary measure, a directive was issued from race headquarters that safety continues to be a primary concern and that all crew members are required to pay special attention, and to continue to conduct the race in a safe manner.
Married 30 years to Gretchen - wife, have 4 children, Molly Wince 27, Ann Brown 25, Erika Breedlove 21 and Bill Breedlove 20
Breedlove's palmares
1988 RAAM, 7th place 10d 12h 29m
1989 RAAM, 3rd place 9d 02h 04m
1989 Double Transcontinental 22d 13h 36m, record
1990 RAAM, tandem with Roger Charleville, 1st place 8d 10h 40m
1992 RAAM, tandem with Lon Haldeman, 1st place 8d 08h 08m
1993 RAAM, 2nd place 8d 15h 58m
2002 Transcontinental 9d 19h 47m, 50+ record
Sunday, June 26, 2005
He died tragically on Thursday, June 23, 2005 when his bicycle was struck head-on by a pick-up truck in the hills of Colorado, when competing in the INSIGHT RACE ACROSS AMERICA. He was an icon in the cycling world, an esteemed member of the medical field, and a role model in the community. He was an inspiration to everyone who knew him, but above all he was an exemplary family man.
Dr. Bob, as he was most commonly known, spent his life demonstrating the qualities that he valued most in the people around him. He was a kind and generous man whose love of God, family and community drove him to be a success in every sense of the word. Bob's humor and positive outlook altered the lives of everyone he met. His list of personal and professional accolades is lengthy, but he would say his greatest achievements were accomplished in the context of his family. He will be greatly missed by his partners at Des Moines Orthopedic Surgeons and the entire cycling community.
He was born in Kewanee, IL and is survived by his parents R.E. and Katherine Breedlove, and his wife, Gretchen; his four children, Molly (Richard) Wince, Annie (Eric) Brown, Erika and Bill; his grandchildren, Adam and Haley Wince; his siblings, David (Karen)Breedlove of Minocqua, WI, Twin Brother, Bill (LaJean) Breedlove of Kewanee; and many much loved nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family has selected to honor Bob by requesting memorial contributions be made to organizations of extreme importance to him; Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, Dowling Catholic High School, Des Moines Parks and Recreation Trail Improvement Project, and the Bob Breedlove Memorial Kewanee Athletic Fund.
Funeral services will be at PLymouth Church, 4126 Ingersoll Ave. Des Moines on Wed, June 29 at 10 a.m. with burial to follow in Kewanee, IL at 6 p.m. ∼
Thank you Rosemary for giving me the birthdate for Robert Breedlove.
RAAM (Race Across America) Suffers The Tragic Loss of One of its Greats
June 23, 2005
Trinidad, Colorado – Tragedy hit the Race Across America today around 12.15 – 12.30 p.m. EDT, when Bob Breedlove, competitor #188, collided with a westbound pickup truck 28 miles west of Trinidad, Colorado. When paramedics arrived on the scene they pronounced him dead.
The incident took place on a section of road that sloped very gently downhill for cyclists in the race. According to the driver of the pickup truck, Bob Breedlove appeared to slump on his bicycle and swerved into the path of the oncoming vehicle.
The driver attempted to avoid Bob Breedlove, but the significant impact was made at the lower left part of the windshield.
At the time of the incident, Bob Breedlove was leading the 50+ category, and was 12th overall in the race.
Jim Pitre, the race director, decided after consultation with Bob Breedlove's brother, Bill, to continue the race. Bill Breedlove considered that his brother would have wished this. If a rider or team decides to pull out of the race, the management and officials will provide assistance wherever practicable.
Talking about Bob Breedlove, Jim Pitre said: "This is a terrible tragedy, just terrible. We all stand in awe of the memory of Bob Breedlove, who was a supreme cycle racer, an outstanding surgeon, and just a great human being. Speaking both personally, and on behalf of the entire management and all those associated with the race, I extend my most sincere sympathy to the family of Bob Breedlove."
The support vehicle was providing leapfrog support to Bob Breedlove at the time of the incident. Bob Breedlove was last seen by his crew members about a mile before the incident took place. They reported that he seemed fit to continue the race. "He seemed fine, we passed him a PowerBar and a Spizz (energy drink), and he went on his way," said one of the crew members.
Skidmarks leading off the road to the right suggest that the driver of the vehicle did what he could to avoid a collision. "It seemed like he must have passed out, he slumped on his bars. He just swerved right into our lane." Said the distraught driver of the vehicle, who hurried to the next town immediately after the incident and made the 911 call himself.
From the evidence and accounts, the incident is thought to have happened very quickly. While it is unknown whether or not it would have made a difference if a support vehicle had been present for Bob Breedlove, as an additional precautionary measure, a directive was issued from race headquarters that safety continues to be a primary concern and that all crew members are required to pay special attention, and to continue to conduct the race in a safe manner.
Married 30 years to Gretchen - wife, have 4 children, Molly Wince 27, Ann Brown 25, Erika Breedlove 21 and Bill Breedlove 20
Breedlove's palmares
1988 RAAM, 7th place 10d 12h 29m
1989 RAAM, 3rd place 9d 02h 04m
1989 Double Transcontinental 22d 13h 36m, record
1990 RAAM, tandem with Roger Charleville, 1st place 8d 10h 40m
1992 RAAM, tandem with Lon Haldeman, 1st place 8d 08h 08m
1993 RAAM, 2nd place 8d 15h 58m
2002 Transcontinental 9d 19h 47m, 50+ record
The Des Moines Register
Sunday, June 26, 2005
He died tragically on Thursday, June 23, 2005 when his bicycle was struck head-on by a pick-up truck in the hills of Colorado, when competing in the INSIGHT RACE ACROSS AMERICA. He was an icon in the cycling world, an esteemed member of the medical field, and a role model in the community. He was an inspiration to everyone who knew him, but above all he was an exemplary family man.
Dr. Bob, as he was most commonly known, spent his life demonstrating the qualities that he valued most in the people around him. He was a kind and generous man whose love of God, family and community drove him to be a success in every sense of the word. Bob's humor and positive outlook altered the lives of everyone he met. His list of personal and professional accolades is lengthy, but he would say his greatest achievements were accomplished in the context of his family. He will be greatly missed by his partners at Des Moines Orthopedic Surgeons and the entire cycling community.
He was born in Kewanee, IL and is survived by his parents R.E. and Katherine Breedlove, and his wife, Gretchen; his four children, Molly (Richard) Wince, Annie (Eric) Brown, Erika and Bill; his grandchildren, Adam and Haley Wince; his siblings, David (Karen)Breedlove of Minocqua, WI, Twin Brother, Bill (LaJean) Breedlove of Kewanee; and many much loved nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family has selected to honor Bob by requesting memorial contributions be made to organizations of extreme importance to him; Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, Dowling Catholic High School, Des Moines Parks and Recreation Trail Improvement Project, and the Bob Breedlove Memorial Kewanee Athletic Fund.
Funeral services will be at PLymouth Church, 4126 Ingersoll Ave. Des Moines on Wed, June 29 at 10 a.m. with burial to follow in Kewanee, IL at 6 p.m. ∼
Thank you Rosemary for giving me the birthdate for Robert Breedlove.
RAAM (Race Across America) Suffers The Tragic Loss of One of its Greats
June 23, 2005
Trinidad, Colorado – Tragedy hit the Race Across America today around 12.15 – 12.30 p.m. EDT, when Bob Breedlove, competitor #188, collided with a westbound pickup truck 28 miles west of Trinidad, Colorado. When paramedics arrived on the scene they pronounced him dead.
The incident took place on a section of road that sloped very gently downhill for cyclists in the race. According to the driver of the pickup truck, Bob Breedlove appeared to slump on his bicycle and swerved into the path of the oncoming vehicle.
The driver attempted to avoid Bob Breedlove, but the significant impact was made at the lower left part of the windshield.
At the time of the incident, Bob Breedlove was leading the 50+ category, and was 12th overall in the race.
Jim Pitre, the race director, decided after consultation with Bob Breedlove's brother, Bill, to continue the race. Bill Breedlove considered that his brother would have wished this. If a rider or team decides to pull out of the race, the management and officials will provide assistance wherever practicable.
Talking about Bob Breedlove, Jim Pitre said: "This is a terrible tragedy, just terrible. We all stand in awe of the memory of Bob Breedlove, who was a supreme cycle racer, an outstanding surgeon, and just a great human being. Speaking both personally, and on behalf of the entire management and all those associated with the race, I extend my most sincere sympathy to the family of Bob Breedlove."
The support vehicle was providing leapfrog support to Bob Breedlove at the time of the incident. Bob Breedlove was last seen by his crew members about a mile before the incident took place. They reported that he seemed fit to continue the race. "He seemed fine, we passed him a PowerBar and a Spizz (energy drink), and he went on his way," said one of the crew members.
Skidmarks leading off the road to the right suggest that the driver of the vehicle did what he could to avoid a collision. "It seemed like he must have passed out, he slumped on his bars. He just swerved right into our lane." Said the distraught driver of the vehicle, who hurried to the next town immediately after the incident and made the 911 call himself.
From the evidence and accounts, the incident is thought to have happened very quickly. While it is unknown whether or not it would have made a difference if a support vehicle had been present for Bob Breedlove, as an additional precautionary measure, a directive was issued from race headquarters that safety continues to be a primary concern and that all crew members are required to pay special attention, and to continue to conduct the race in a safe manner.
Married 30 years to Gretchen - wife, have 4 children, Molly Wince 27, Ann Brown 25, Erika Breedlove 21 and Bill Breedlove 20
Breedlove's palmares
1988 RAAM, 7th place 10d 12h 29m
1989 RAAM, 3rd place 9d 02h 04m
1989 Double Transcontinental 22d 13h 36m, record
1990 RAAM, tandem with Roger Charleville, 1st place 8d 10h 40m
1992 RAAM, tandem with Lon Haldeman, 1st place 8d 08h 08m
1993 RAAM, 2nd place 8d 15h 58m
2002 Transcontinental 9d 19h 47m, 50+ record
Sunday, June 26, 2005
He died tragically on Thursday, June 23, 2005 when his bicycle was struck head-on by a pick-up truck in the hills of Colorado, when competing in the INSIGHT RACE ACROSS AMERICA. He was an icon in the cycling world, an esteemed member of the medical field, and a role model in the community. He was an inspiration to everyone who knew him, but above all he was an exemplary family man.
Dr. Bob, as he was most commonly known, spent his life demonstrating the qualities that he valued most in the people around him. He was a kind and generous man whose love of God, family and community drove him to be a success in every sense of the word. Bob's humor and positive outlook altered the lives of everyone he met. His list of personal and professional accolades is lengthy, but he would say his greatest achievements were accomplished in the context of his family. He will be greatly missed by his partners at Des Moines Orthopedic Surgeons and the entire cycling community.
He was born in Kewanee, IL and is survived by his parents R.E. and Katherine Breedlove, and his wife, Gretchen; his four children, Molly (Richard) Wince, Annie (Eric) Brown, Erika and Bill; his grandchildren, Adam and Haley Wince; his siblings, David (Karen)Breedlove of Minocqua, WI, Twin Brother, Bill (LaJean) Breedlove of Kewanee; and many much loved nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family has selected to honor Bob by requesting memorial contributions be made to organizations of extreme importance to him; Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, Dowling Catholic High School, Des Moines Parks and Recreation Trail Improvement Project, and the Bob Breedlove Memorial Kewanee Athletic Fund.
Funeral services will be at PLymouth Church, 4126 Ingersoll Ave. Des Moines on Wed, June 29 at 10 a.m. with burial to follow in Kewanee, IL at 6 p.m. ∼
Thank you Rosemary for giving me the birthdate for Robert Breedlove.
RAAM (Race Across America) Suffers The Tragic Loss of One of its Greats
June 23, 2005
Trinidad, Colorado – Tragedy hit the Race Across America today around 12.15 – 12.30 p.m. EDT, when Bob Breedlove, competitor #188, collided with a westbound pickup truck 28 miles west of Trinidad, Colorado. When paramedics arrived on the scene they pronounced him dead.
The incident took place on a section of road that sloped very gently downhill for cyclists in the race. According to the driver of the pickup truck, Bob Breedlove appeared to slump on his bicycle and swerved into the path of the oncoming vehicle.
The driver attempted to avoid Bob Breedlove, but the significant impact was made at the lower left part of the windshield.
At the time of the incident, Bob Breedlove was leading the 50+ category, and was 12th overall in the race.
Jim Pitre, the race director, decided after consultation with Bob Breedlove's brother, Bill, to continue the race. Bill Breedlove considered that his brother would have wished this. If a rider or team decides to pull out of the race, the management and officials will provide assistance wherever practicable.
Talking about Bob Breedlove, Jim Pitre said: "This is a terrible tragedy, just terrible. We all stand in awe of the memory of Bob Breedlove, who was a supreme cycle racer, an outstanding surgeon, and just a great human being. Speaking both personally, and on behalf of the entire management and all those associated with the race, I extend my most sincere sympathy to the family of Bob Breedlove."
The support vehicle was providing leapfrog support to Bob Breedlove at the time of the incident. Bob Breedlove was last seen by his crew members about a mile before the incident took place. They reported that he seemed fit to continue the race. "He seemed fine, we passed him a PowerBar and a Spizz (energy drink), and he went on his way," said one of the crew members.
Skidmarks leading off the road to the right suggest that the driver of the vehicle did what he could to avoid a collision. "It seemed like he must have passed out, he slumped on his bars. He just swerved right into our lane." Said the distraught driver of the vehicle, who hurried to the next town immediately after the incident and made the 911 call himself.
From the evidence and accounts, the incident is thought to have happened very quickly. While it is unknown whether or not it would have made a difference if a support vehicle had been present for Bob Breedlove, as an additional precautionary measure, a directive was issued from race headquarters that safety continues to be a primary concern and that all crew members are required to pay special attention, and to continue to conduct the race in a safe manner.
Married 30 years to Gretchen - wife, have 4 children, Molly Wince 27, Ann Brown 25, Erika Breedlove 21 and Bill Breedlove 20
Breedlove's palmares
1988 RAAM, 7th place 10d 12h 29m
1989 RAAM, 3rd place 9d 02h 04m
1989 Double Transcontinental 22d 13h 36m, record
1990 RAAM, tandem with Roger Charleville, 1st place 8d 10h 40m
1992 RAAM, tandem with Lon Haldeman, 1st place 8d 08h 08m
1993 RAAM, 2nd place 8d 15h 58m
2002 Transcontinental 9d 19h 47m, 50+ record
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