"Big John" Landreau Jan 17,1953- Dec 17, 2001

A Eulogy to “Big John” Landreau by Paul “Gadget” Murray to the tune of "Big John". Every morning at the shop, you could see him arrive. He stood five foot eight, weighed two twenty five. Kinda’ wide at the shoulder and broad at the hip. And everybody knew that you didn’t give no lip, to Big John. Big John, Big Bad John. He loved workin’ on bikes, didn’t matter what kind. Harley’s were his favorite, when it comes to mind. Whenever there was, a Harley bike show. They always picked the judge, who was in the know, Big John. Big John, Big Bad John. Someone had said, he’d worked at cycle shops. Then came the time, when he had to stop. By opening his own place, down on Broad Street. A gathering place for bikers to meet, with Big John. Big John, Big Bad John. They all seemed to know, where John called home. ‘Cause he stayed at the shop, hardly ever alone. Folks brought him their bikes, when they broke down. ‘Cause he was a likeable cuss, they liked to always hang ‘round, Big John. Big John, Big Bad John. Then were the days, just before bike events. When John was backed up, with repairs that was sent. “I need my bike back, as soon as you can!” John was on it all night, to get it back to the man. Big John, Big Bad John. Through the smoke and exhaust, of this man made hell. Walked a giant of a man that bikers knew well. Grabbin’ a wrench, he gave out a sigh. He took care of our bikes, fixed them with a smile. Big John, Big Bad John. Then came the time, it got hard getting’ ‘round. John’s big heart was slowin’ him down. It happened quite sudden, workin’ in his shop. His heart slowed down, and it tried to stop, Big John. Big John, Big Bad John. With no “Jack” to drink, or cigars to smoke. After a while, he gave in to a stroke. “Don’t mourn at my funeral,” the big-hearted man said. “Celebrate my life and time instead.” Big John, Big Bad John. His ashes were placed, in his tank with care. Scores of bikers to pay, their respects were there. Rode his bike to the “Ranch”, for one last time. Doin’ burnout and donuts, for ‘auld lang syne. Big John, Big Bad John. So while we say goodbye, to a friend indeed. Who was always around, when there was a need. Years from now, when the memories gone. Just remember the legend, the legendary Big John. Big John, Big Bad John. “And behind this legend, lies a big, big, man, Big John.