Wolfgang Reinhart
On the sad issue of our friend Wolfgang Reinhart: Half of Wolfie’s ashes were interred in a vault at Arlington National Cemetery, the other half scattered at sea befitting his Naval Service. Special thanks were extended at the meeting to Mike Breed and his lady, Susan, for the exceptional floral arrangement at the interment. It had a Rolling Thunder theme, with our special cloud/lightning bolt motif. That, and the 21-gun salute, were an appropriate sendoff to one classy individual. Wolfie, as TDC Greenbacker reminisced, was as Chris himself an early joiner to the USNOA (Wolfie was member #12). Both attended the very first National Rally in 1978. Wolfgang Reinhart was a man with no enemies, his involvement in our organization stands as a fine example of comradeship and friendliness.
–Dave Walsh in the November 1995 NCNO Flyer
Wolfie
Wolfgang Reinhart
Gentle person that you are
Gone but not forgotten
Looking on from afar
In your red vest
And leather chaps
Holding a cup of beer
Is how I remember you
“You see”
is what you say
I will pull the clutch
Not once, but twice
In your honor
Always
–Michael Anikis
October 22, 1995
Newspaper Obituary for Reinhart, Wolfgang J. “Wolfie” (Age 48)
Of Springfield, VA, on Wednesday, October 18, 1995 at Fairfax Hospital, beloved husband of Helen A. Reinhart; devoted father of Christina M-E Reinhart; son of Alfred and Margot Reinhart; brother of Gary A. Reinhart and Caren Ramsey. Friends may call at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 8304 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, VA on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. where services will be held on Saturday, October 21 at 1:30 p.m. Interment private. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the American Heart Association, 7203 Poplar St., Annandale, VA 22003. Arrangements by Money and King Funeral Home, Vienna, VA.
Two days before his death, I spoke with Ray by phone (at that time I had a slight throat infection & didn’t want to expose him to what could have been a fatal bug). We spoke of the USNOA Rally & his excitement of our adventure was real, even though taxing to his weakened condition. He was genuinely happy about the honors earned by our club at the rally, but he frankly said, “I won’t be here for Rolling Thunder.” No remorse, no sadness–just the facts.
Ray’s dedication to Norton motorcycling extended to the point of requesting that his ashes be spread off the rear of his old Commando, while traveling down one of Ray’s favorite mountain roads.
This month, I’m changing my usual salutation & dedicating this flyer to Ray. His joy of motorcycling and his fellowship with our group was unending. I hope this sums it up the way he would have wanted it.
Ride to Stay Alive, Breed
-from the August 1985 NCNO Flyer