by Mike Smith There is nothing quite like the experience of bicycling past the glistening shores of the Champlain Islands, pedaling through Smugglers’ Notch or over the covered bridge in Woodstock. You don’t get the same sights, smells and exhilaration of accomplishment riding in a car as you do riding a bicycle. For these precious opportunities, we endure long, dark winters and the challenges of a rural state. Tragically, for four Vermonters this year, the joy of bicycling took a deadly turn as they were hit and killed by cars while bicycling the state’s roads. These deaths play out quickly in the media, but they will impact families, friends and communities forever. I know. I felt the impact two weeks ago.
Chances are you never knew Tim Holden. But you have a friend like him.
Mike Smith, left, and friend Tim Holden, right, are shown in the 1970s while serving in SEAL Team Two. Holden was recently killed by a vehicle while riding his bicycle. Courtesy photo.
Tim was a wonderful father and grandfather, a loving husband, and a person always interested in the welfare of everyone in his life — family, friends, colleagues and even complete strangers.
He was my friend for more than 40 years and the best man at my wedding. We met while serving in SEAL Team Two. After my days in the SEAL Team we were often located far from each other, and it wasn’t unusual for us to go long periods of time before checking in. However, like all good and true friends, we didn’t need to speak or see each other every day for the bond between us to remain strong. It would always be strong.
As Tim’s friend, I knew he cared as much about me as I did about him. When we did talk or meet, the event was one that was cherished and enjoyed. We’d pick up where left off or start somewhere new. We’d talk about our young families, growing kids, empty nests, milestone birthdays and grandkids as the years wore on.
A few weeks ago I sent a text to Tim. He called my cell. I was in a meeting. I let it go to voicemail, because — you know — there would be time to catch up later.
The next day we exchanged a series of funny texts. One text asked when I was going to come down to D.C. for a visit. I texted back, “Let’s try to get back together later in the fall.” Because — you know — there would be always a chance to connect later.
After an accomplished career spanning more than 30 years in the Navy, the bulk of it in Special Operations including stints as commanding officer of SEAL Team One and commodore of West Coast SEAL operations, Tim Holden was hit by a car and killed in Bethesda, Md., as he rode his bicycle to meet with his oldest daughter, Kelsey.
Later never came.
There will not be another time to share experiences, catch up, or laugh with Tim Holden.
The truth is, you never understand how deep that void can be until a friend is gone, especially when it is so unexpected. But most tragic are the five girls that are now without a father, two boys and a girl are without a grandfather, and a loving wife is now without a husband. Their void must be immeasurable.
There are three lessons in these tragedies.
First, at a personal level they should motivate us all to call or talk to loved ones, today, and say how much they mean to us. These conversations should not be put off until later. You just never know.
Second, there needs to be more effort made to reduce or eliminate bicycling deaths. We all have a responsibility when we get in our cars to watch where we are going and to be aware of bicyclists and pedestrians. They don’t stand a chance against an automobile in a collision.
And third, someone needs to stand up and lead. Whether it is more effort in the area of public awareness, more signage, different roadway design, or more bike paths in dangerous sections we have to explore strategies to make our roadways safer for bicycles and pedestrians.
Of course, none of these efforts will bring back my friend Tim, or the four Vermonters who have lost their lives this year — but it’ll possibly save others.
I know now I’ll think twice when I head out on my bike. I wouldn’t give up bicycling, but rather I’ll savor my memories of Tim, the beauty of Vermont and the blessing of family and friends even more.
Mike Smith was secretary of administration and secretary of human services under former Gov. Jim Douglas. He is the host of the new radio program, “Open Mike with Mike Smith,” on WDEV. He is also a political analyst for WCAX-TV and WVMT radio and is a regular contributor to the Times Argus, Rutland Herald and Vermont Business Magazine.