Ride in Peace, Dre.

He wasn't on the Chainlink, but I'm sure many of you knew Andre Gordon. Dre was a dreadlocked rock star, an old-school bike messenger who worked hard and played harder. He was one of the most warm, generous, and genuine people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.

I'm not sure where I first met him, but I really got to know Dre at Cal's bar on Van Buren and Wells, one of my regular after-work haunts. He was working there until maybe August or so, but even after he quit he was still a regular. More times that I can count, he made sure I made it home safe after a hard night of partying. More times that I can count, he was a sympathetic ear for my hopes and heartbreaks, always ready with bear hugs and sage advice. He gave me so much comfort when my boyfriend passed away in May, and I can still hear him telling me that, "tomorrow ain't guaranteed to nobody!" He understood that himself, and lived a full life in his 53 years.

Dre passed away recently. I don't know many details, but after he didn't show up for a few days of work, he was found this weekend in his apartment, presumably a victim of cardiac problems. The Cuttin' Crew has also posted about him at http://www.chicagocuttincrew.com/2010/11/15/dre, and there are more memorial plans in the comments there.

Today, Monday 11/15, Dre's friends are gathering to celebrate DRE DAY at Cal's bar. Cal's usually closes by 6 or 7 on Monday nights, but I suspect things will be going for a while tonight. I'm so sorry I can't be there, but I wanted to post something here in case any of you would like to stop in.


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Permalink Reply by Jim Behymer on November 15, 2010 at 11:07am
oh man. I spent a really nice couple of hours one afternoon before I ever even moved to town sitting at Cal's after a job interview, waiting for a train back downstate, chatting with and getting to know this guy. Spoke to him a couple of times since then--I don't believe he recalled the first conversation we had, I'm sure he's had random conversations with hundreds of strangers at Cal's over the years, but I remembered him, though I never learned his name until just now. What a sad thing. RIP.
Permalink Reply by T.C. O'Rourke on November 15, 2010 at 4:56pm
Dre was a really friendly, upbeat guy.

It saddens me to know I won't pass him on the street again, with his infectious smile.

My condolences to his co-workers, friends, son and other family.
Permalink Reply by Michael Malone on November 15, 2010 at 8:21pm
dre was a great great great dude. i've been a messenger for almost 3 years and knew dre for pretty much that long. he was one of the first guys to welcome me to the community of messengers, i've heard similar stories from dozens of messengers in the last two days. workin the streets often leaves us all a bit disgruntled but somehow dre always managed to do it with a smile on his face. there will be a memorial ride from cal's to union park tomorrow 11/16. meeting at five thirty ride at six.

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