| How to help: |
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| Donate Thru GVCC: |
You can either paypal or mail donations to help the Dechau's immediate needs via the addresses below. Please be generous, as this tragedy has left a young family without a husband and father. Check back here often for updates on other efforts dedicated to Jon by the GVCC.
Paypal your gift to: gvcc@frontiernet.net Or mail to: |
| Donate Thru Jon's Church: |
Jon's pastor up in Livonia has set up a memorial fund, with a focus of setting aside some college funds for the children. The information follows:
Payable to: Lilian Dechau |
At 6:15 PM on Wednesday, September 9/13/06 Jonathan Dechau was tragically killed while riding his bicycle on Routes 5 and 20, less than 2 miles from his home. "Jon-boy" was a great champion, not only as a bicycle racer, but as a person. He was the nicest guy in the peloton...always with his big smile and big heart. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jon's family, friends, racing competitors and all those who were fortunate enough to have known him.
Photos:
see http://buffalop.
Messages:
Messages posted on the JW Dundee's Team Site
I took some time today just to put down some of my favorite memories of Jon over the years we spent together.¬Ý John Roden is assembling a lot of things people wrote, so email him or me and we will make sure it all ends up at Jon's family. - TS
John Roden is collecting stories... "I am going to pull together a collection of memories and stories from people about Jon to share with his family. We were talking today and he is just one of those guys you have a million stores about. If you have some memories you would like to share, can mail to me: john at johnroden dot net. I will attribute them to you or not, as you wish. Thanks. -- John Roden
Remembering Jon - By Ainslie MacEachran, October 20, 2006 on VeloNews
Cyclist Killed Near Rochester, NY
By Alan Cote
Every cyclist's worst fear was realized for Jon Dechau on the evening of September 13. Dechau, 33, was killed after being struck from behind by a motorist. The accident occurred in Lima, New York, about 20 miles south of Rochester.
The Livingston County sheriff's office said that Dechau was riding westbound on the shoulder of route 20 approximately two feet to the right of the white line.A sheriff's spokesman said a westbound vehicle driven by Sharon Cameron, 61, crossed the white line and struck Dechau from behind at approximately 45-50 mph, and Dechau died at the scene.
Cameron could not provide an explanation to police as to why her vehicle drifted from the travel lane to the shoulder. She freely submitted to a blood test as part of the accident investigation, and police do not believe she was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Results of investigation will determine if charges will be filed against Cameron.
Dechau was a champion cyclist who began racing with the Genesee Valley Cycling Club in 1989. His cycling accomplishments included winning numerous medals at the Empire State Games and State Championships, competing in the 2000 Olympic trials, and two top-20 finishes in the US National Time Trial Championships. In late 2000 signed to ride as pro for the ill-fated Noblehouse team, before turning his attention to family and work in more recent years. A man of deep Christian faith, he leaves his wife Debbie, 9 year old son Tyler, and new born baby (Lillian Page). Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.