Constance "Connie" Leora McAyeal, 70, of North Plains, OR passed away peacefully of natural causes May 9, 2012 at her daughter's home. Connie was born & raised in Hillsboro, OR to Robert & Virginia Robinson & enjoyed living on her organic farm in North Plains. She is survived by her brother Steven Robinson of TX; daughter, Laurie Smith of OR; son Billy of HI; & granddaughter Melissa Phifer of VA. Connie was a passionate advocate for cycling & co-edited a recumbent cycling magazine with her daughter. To honor her life, please consider taking a ride on your bike & "Share The Road" with those that do. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Washington County Hospice. As per her wishes, no memorial service will be held.
Our condolences, we remember her as a wonderfully nice person, with an enthusiasm for life! It was an honor knowing her. George and Carole Leone (former IHPVA President)
So sorry to hear about your mom. She was a mentor in a way for me - having the guts to do what was right - bikes on public transit. A small lady with a big personality and heart. Hope you are doing well. I write this note from France, biking along the canal du midi. Next week, bike over the alps - if the snow is gone.
Hans van Naerssen
My heart is saddened by this news.. I have missed her & often wondered how she is doing. I will never forget how much she has done for our recumbent community & her sweet voice & compassion for us Easy Riders.. When the time is right I think it would be wonderful for you to lead a ride (slow & easy) on the water front in honor of your mother. Please call on me if you need help with anything. May God bless you & other loved ones in this time. Terry Minor
I am so saddened & shocked to hear your Mother passed away. She was my inspiration & the reason I'm riding a recumbent. She will be missed. Kathy Szewc
Of course it is an understatement to say I am saddened by the loss of your Mom. I think its safe to say the cycling community will greatly miss her as will my wife and me. I'll keep both you and her in our prayers and our hearts. Let us know if there is anything we can do. With Love, Freddy and Dee Markam
Very sorry to hear about Connie. I told Lu. Jerome "Bad Bent" Knudson
So sorry for the passing of your Mother. She is one of the people who made a positive difference on this earth, and anyone who knew her is a better person for that knowing. Maybe she's riding with Gardner now. Stay strong. Regis Hampton
Connie was my friend. Given our respective temperaments, we might have seemed unlikely friends. There was a time where we stayed in frequent contact about various things including cycling, the Recumbent Retreat, photography, and other stuff (I still have over 300 e-mails from her). The very last time I saw Connie was at the OHPV Human Power Challenge two (maybe 3) years ago. I gave her a big hug, although that wasn't our custom. I think it surprised her -- and I'd completely forgotten about it. In prior years we had a little tradition of sharing our lunches. She'd bring sandwiches and I'd bring goodies from my local bakery. Interestingly, Connie popped into my mind a few days ago. I hadn't thought about her in a while. Since I was thinking of her, I found a recumbent T-shirt that she had given to me and wore it. I'm going to miss her. Chris Leck
My sympathy to your family. Your mom was extra nice to me when I began riding my first recumbent with OHPV. I will always remember her kindness. Jeff Krow
I’m very sorry to hear about your loss. Ron Kernan
It is with a very heavy heart that I have received your message about Connie. Judie and I are deeply saddened by this news. It has been a couple of years since I heard from Connie, but she was never far from my mind. After our sudden departure from Vancouver, our recumbent days became numbered. But Connie always kept us in the loop; always sent invitations to meetings and events and always remained a dear friend. You and Connie were just what the Portland Recumbent Riders needed in the 90's and you both worked hard to promote it. Without all of your hard work, dedication to recumbents and genuine friendship, Garden Martin would never have had the penetration into the recumbent market, that he received. I can only imagine the hours the both of you spent; the long nights and the long days. The recumbent community owes you all a major major thank you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Laurie. I just completed a short recumbent ride and will do a longer one tomorrow, in her honor. With deep sympathy, Gale and Judie Simpson
May I say I am very sorry for your loss. Connie was always a good, supportive friend. I will miss her terribly. Hal Ballard
Thanks for sending along the message. I remember rides in the last decade where Connie and I passed on rides. I'll miss her company. Gordon HotMover Teifel
I am so sorry to get the news It is always hard to lose a loved one. My condolences. My best - Nickie Augustine
So very sorry to hear of Connie's passing. Her love, passion, and energy - and generosity like I've never seen - will never be forgotten. Much love, Bill Stites
I am saddened at the news of your mother's passing. She was a great champion for the recumbent community. I will always remember her as one of the original Golden Girls with one of the three special GRR that Gardner made, and I am lucky enough to have owned one. Take care Kathryn, aka Bentkat
Sorry to hear - my condolences - may she ride (rest) in peace - Hugs - Steve Delaire
I'm sorry for your loss but thankful I got to meet the wonderfully spirited lady. I'll cherish her memory. slo joe recumbo
We are so sorry for your loss. The Marion's, Jaime Debbie and Nathaniel
A life well lived is enough of a memorial. I share your sadness in hope that it will be a little less overwhelming. John Stephens (riding today, of course)
I'm very sorry for your loss. She was a great lady and the entire community will miss her presence. Bryan Ball
I can't believe that your mom is gone. I am so sorry for you, all your family, and the many people that she touched. She truly changed my life. Without her encouragement, I never would have participated in the Wasco races or found out how much I love touring. She was so full of life and energy and such a driving force in the recumbent movement. I am really going to miss her. Cindy Van Dusen
My deepest condolences. You know I admired Connie greatly. She did more for cycling in general and recumbent cycling particularly than most of the recumbent "stars" put together. I always held her as a role model for myself. I will miss her. Sincere love to you and Happy Trails, Connie. Sandra Sims-Martin
I am glad you were able to take care of her in the end. I remember your mom when I got my Tour Easy. I never knew there were "rules" about riding a bike. I just thought you got on and pedaled. After learning about spinning I was so concerned I wasn't going to be able to do it right and I wrote her and she just told me to get on it and ride. Not to worry about it. I did. I will never forget her. Francine Abbey
I'm sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. I'll be sending you and your family kind thoughts as you go through this difficult transition. I'll think about you and your Mom as I ride tomorrow. All the best - Derryl Cocks
My sincere condolences! Tony Anthonisen
So sorry for your loss hon. She will be missed by thousands. Walt Wermuth
My sincere condolences to 'Wo' and your family. I will always remember Connie's spunk for biking and the pleasure of riding with her in SequimWA and at the Recumbent Retreats. Bob "Ti-GRRrrrrrBob" Parker
My heart goes out to you and your family. I so remember your mother as a wonderful person. I am glad to have known her. With all my love and condolences, Henri Socha
I am wordless with shock. My condolences to you Laurie. Let me know if I can do anything for you. Hugs to you - Lonnie Morse
So sorry to hear this news. She was a real force for cycling. Curt Coleman
I never had I a chance to meet your mother in person, but I always had the impression of knowing her really well. Certainly not from the few times we exchanged e-mails, no, it was from the wonderful contributions she gave to the magazine, and I read them all. Some of them I will ALWAYS remember, one being the "Chicken" comment. I send you my heartfelt condolences, dear Wo, and I hope, that you will be able to overcome this so terrible loss as soon as humanly possible. I will start a 2,000 km - tour next week, going from the Dutch border along the German coastline to the Polish border, from there to Berlin, where will be, on the weekend June 2/3, the largest biker gathering of Germany (they expect 1 Million participants!). Me and 2 other bent-friends right in the midst of it. During this trip, I will carry the spirit of your mother with me. Ray Funk
I am so sorry for your loss. Don Connolly
I'm so sorry to read of your mother's passing. I'm heading out right now for a Connie's Tribute ride. Many years ago (10?) she wrote me the kindest note after reading a tour account of a trip I took with my son. I still remember the warm and fuzzy feelings generated by her taking the time to write me. What a wonderful woman and mother. Remember the good times. Kelly Iniguez
My sympathies to you and your family. The photo with the obituary says a lot about what an active and vibrant mother you had. Ted Borstad
My heart sank when I saw this subject line in my email queue, and I feel so, so sad, and surprised, considering how well she ate and took care of herself. I was so looking forward to getting to know your mom better at future cycling gatherings after our conversations at the recumbent retreat a few years ago. She was so nice, and I felt a kindred spirit with her with the love for cycling and veganism and the outdoors. I'm so so sad that I won't have that chance. And I'm so sad for you and your family too; she's gone way too soon. Her essence most definitely lives on, and she left wonderful memories for all who knew her and her energetic spirit. On May 10th I pulled out the bright orange jersey I got at the recumbent retreat to take on the road with me (bringing my folding Bike Friday which is what led us to buy a house in Eugene) and will always think of her as I ride... My heartfelt condolences to you and your family, my thoughts are with you. With a sad heart, Anni Maver
I am very sorry to hear of your mother’s death. I am also deeply saddened that I was not able to meet her. We lived in Battle Ground, WA from 2000 to 2005 and was an avid bike rider when there having competed in the 2002 STP and other events... it just wasn’t on a recumbent as I didn’t get into ‘bents until 2009. Had I jumped on this incredible ‘bent bandwagon when I first thought about it (2001) I’m certain I would have met your mother (and you) and would have greatly benefited from her/your passion for this incredible sector of the human population...we are like no other in many ways. May she rest in peace! Very Sincerely, Larry Steinmetz
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, I’m so sorry for you loss. Connie was an extraordinary, amazing lady and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to spend some time with her. Maryann Killmer
It saddens me to hear of our loss and I'll no doubt shed a tear or two when I remember things we shared. One of the hardest things as we age is losing our contemporaries. It makes me wish I would have called her one more time or gone to see her. Thank you for sharing this with me. I will be celebrating her life all weekend and more. In lieu of a memorial service, I'd like to share something about Connie with everyone. Most of you probably knew this about her as well. She was fiercely dedicated to the health of her people and tried so hard to get us all to eat right and care for ourselves. She shared passionately the books she had read and tapes she listened to about all things healthy for our mental and physical health and for the health of the planet. Though you are pretty famous for your books, I remember you, Covert Bailey, only because of her. She was one of your biggest fans.She fed the coyotes her food scraps so they wouldn't eat her precious cats and though sometimes she wanted to move closer to town, she didn't want to leave those feral cats on their own. This story is one I especially remember: She called Macheesmo Mouse founder William "Tiger" Warren after she had been to Hawaii to visit your brother. She told him how many different kinds of healthy foods they served there. I only wish he would have listened to her as I really miss that healthy Mexican Food they served. Also I remember what a strong advocate and supporter she was to her brother Steven. He was her hero. It would be lovely to hear from others who had stories about her. She never told me why you were "Wo". Did she give you that nickname?With love in my heart for you and your family, Christi Van Nuys Thomas
So sorry to hear about your mother. I always looked forward to reading her columns and comments. Terry Gaines
That is a wonderful photo of your Mom, Laurie, she would have liked that you did that. I have always sensed how important your Mom was to you, and I am so sorry that you have lost her. Thinking about you, and we WILL take a ride in Nevada (we are leaving tomorrow) in her honor. Dave Olson
I am sorry for your loss. I know the loss of a parent is painful, but the pain will heal in time and only the memories will remain. Martin Falk
Joan and I were so sorry to hear of Connie's passing. She - and you were such good friends to us and a great influence on our interest and growth in recumbent cycling. It goes without saying that you both have had a tremendous impact on the greater recumbent community. We have such great memories of rides and events we've done with you and Connie. Her energy and enthusiasm toward whatever was important to her was incredible - as well as her compassion and caring for others. We will always have fond memories of the times we shared with you and Connie. She will remain in our hearts forever. Best wishes, Syd & Joan Smith
Wow. Didn't see this coming. I'll miss Connie. She was my photography pen-pal. I recently purchased a Sony Alpha 77, and was going to share the news with your Mom, and a few pictures. We had a very nice dialogue going. Really sorry for your loss. Thanks for letting everyone know. Must have been a hard e-mail to type. God speed. Gary Rechtin
So sorry to hear of Connie’s passing. I met her only once but remember her dedication to riding and her Easy Racers. She will be missed by all. Bob Bissell
Our hearts and prayers go out to you during this time. We so enjoyed riding and sharing time with your Mom. She is an inspiration to us. We will certainly take her with us on our rides. We will also continue to send you thoughts and prayers. Anne and Wayne Larson
I am shocked and saddened by your note. I am at a loss for words, but that is no excuse for not saying that I am thinking of you in your sorrow. Connie was a lovely lady and I am richer for having known her. Maxi Starr
Let me offer my condolences for your mother. She was a spirited lady as well as an enthusiastic cyclist. May she be remembered for that. Best wishes, Melanie Vizzusi Free Form Fashions
I am so sorry to read this. I very much enjoyed seeing the photos of you and your mom working on the magazine. You were both great ambassadors for all of us riders, and I feel honored that I was able to share some time and some words and thoughts with both of you. Thank you for your kind thoughts on ways we can honor her life. Sadly, George Hecht
A true loss. Mike McMillan
We're sorry to hear about the passing of your mother, Connie. She sounded like a force of nature, and we know you will miss her. You have our condolences. Sincerely, Judi Marley and Russell Pillard
Karl & I were very sad to hear about your loss. Your Mom is one of a kind and she will be missed by all that knew her. I hope she met up with Gardner and that he built her a new recumbent. Much love, Debbie Herr & Karl Abbe
Sorry to hear about your loss. I will think about your mother on my next ride. Laible Blutman
So sorry to hear about Connie, i only had the pleasure of meeting her once , and she was the most gracious, friendly person. She touched me in those few brief moments we spoke. All the best to her family and friends. I will miss her even though I hardly new her. I only have warm and positive feelings about Connie. Denton Coetzee
Very sorry to hear about your mom's passing. Mothers are important, and it's hard to lose them. We all will miss her, but you only have one mom. Thinking of you, and your family, and your mom, --Pat Franz
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. while we don't know you (except through the written word) and never had the privilege of meeting your mother, what we do know of you reflects so well on her. Your sadness is shared. While these words won't take away the pain, just know that others who you've never met, care. Scott & Lin Williamson
Sorry to hear about Connie. We had the pleasure of meeting her at the Return To Freedom events. A very delightful person. You were lucky to have her in your life. Chris and Janet Crosby
I just read of your Mother's passing. So sorry for your loss. I hope that you have many years of wonderful memories of her. Mark Damiani
So sorry to hear you and all who knew her have lost a bright smiling energetic and passionate person. Those are the words that come to mind for me. She was a gift to your life. I know you will treasure who she was for you. Big hug to you. Mike Porter Thank you so much for letting me know about Connie. She was always so healthy it's just hard to grasp. I have a BikeE because of her. Before we moved to Baker's City, we would ride to DawsonPark or Mountaindale. I met her through horses (through a neighbor) and we used to go riding all the time. I still have horses and still ride my bike. Keep me posted. Carol Delsman
I am Connie’s cousin and I live in Alaska. Her mom and my dad were bro and sis, obviously, so we were our only cousins plus my two brothers Terry and Dan... We got together always at Christmas and a couple times a year for special occasions, growing up in Oregon. Although we haven’t lived close for the past 30 plus years, we have always kept in touch, as usual, Christmas and emailing a couple times a year.
What I remember most about Connie as a child and a teen was the twinkle in her eye and that devilish smile. Her spirit filled the room. And if you knew our grandpa and grandma... who, God Bless them, I never remember smiling... Connie was that breath of fresh air that put life into a somber room.
She made her mark in my life by turning me on to horses. I wanted a horse like nobodies business and my parents would never have it. I’m sure I begged Connie every time I visited to let me ride her horse. I remember that we were so little, she had to get “Sissy” down into a ditch so we could get on, or near a fence. Connie was such a take charge person, I remember me and my little brothers all piled on that horse and her leading us around. It was a highlight of my young life.
Then there were the pictures of her riding in the local parades... all duded up like Annie Oakley. I always envied and admired her. Because of her, I attached myself to several friends in high school who had horses we could ride, and therefore got my horse fix. Now I have a granddaughter who is horse crazy and I’m doing my best to feed that need... we go to riding lessons every week, and she “jumped” for the first time yesterday.
I was so impressed by Connie’s physical health over the years... riding bikes all those years, back and forth to work! Again I admired her from afar! What a dedicated person!!! Anyway, she will be dearly missed and Laurie I know you will miss her most of all, and I just want to say how blessed you and she both were to have each other, and to have stayed close. So many mom’s and daughters don’t have that, and you two have set an example for many folks. God Bless you, and thank you for sharing, she will always be remembered for her passion for animals, health and people, and without a doubt that twinkle. Sincerely, Cousin Deb (Johnston) Buzdor