KC Memorial Page

KC

Our dear friend and fellow rider Khaliq Culbreath (known to everyone as "KC") was struck by a car while vacationing in France and unfortunately did not survive the injuries he sustained in the accident. Many club members have sent tributes and photos of their time with KC. Click here to view a separate page with longer tributes and eulogies from some of KC's closest friends, including Emily Littleton and Joel Gaskin.

If you have anything you would like to share that should be added to this page, please contact Greg.

Khaliq Culbreath of North Wales, PA, died of head injuries in Strasbourg, France, on July 18, 2001. He was struck by an automobile on July 13 while crossing a street to observe the cyclists racing in the Tour de France. A long-distance cyclist, Khaliq had ridden his bicycle coast-to-coast, from Los Angeles to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware; from Maine to Florida; across Pennsylvania; and across North Carolina. He was an active member of Suburban Cyclists Unlimited and the League of American Bicyclists.		Since we met you on Pedal PA in 1995, you have become a very dear friend. We've taken many trips together, celebrated lots of birthdays together, laughed a million "potty talk" laughs together. Hell, we've all slept together! You've helped us with projects that call for your special skills. When we ride, you're there. When we ski, you're there. When we just hang around, you're the life of the party. By now, we hope you know that you've been appointed our Guardian Angel! Watch over your friends, who love you. Keep us safe on the road. Set us straight, any time we get too serious. If there's a spontaneous moment, feel free to jump right in with us. And, of course, "throw it in the BIG RING," 'cause you can, any time you want to! Grace Glowka & Ed Hein *********** KC saw us as bikers and friends. KC made a difference in this world. Pat & Bill Rock	A master craftsman, Khaliq worked as a project superintendent for Viola Contractors Inc. of Blue Bell for more than 16 years, specializing in the design and construction of the most architecturally complicated residential and commercial buildings. A graduate of the Associated Builders and Contractors apprenticeship program, he later became a teacher with the same program and for several years taught new apprentices carpentry.
	Born in Norristown, PA, on June 24, 1958, Khaliq received his degree in ornamental horticulture from Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture. He was a graduate of Wissahickon High School.
	KC opened his arms in welcoming us to the club. He was a very warm and caring person and was always there with a laugh or smile and would always take time to stop by and ask us how we were doing. He was both a friend and a pleasure to be with and will be sorely missed by us all. Be at peace, good friend. You will always be in our memories. Doug and Linda Mueller		It is never easy saying goodbye to a friend, especially when that person is as vibrant, fun-loving and lively as KC was. I spent more time riding with Khaliq than anyone, and one thing I can truly say is that he loved the sport of bicycling and all the great friends he had at SCU. Joel Gaskin
The last time I spoke with KC he was telling me how excited he was about his upcoming trip to Europe. We both did CBBC's annual Beach Haven ride last May. He was great company on the ride and made us all forget the brutal headwinds that day. He made friends quickly and kept us laughing all weekend. He was generous of spirit, kind at heart, had a wickedly funny sense of humor and a warm smile. He'll be sorely missed. SCU won't be the same without him. Karen Hammers	He is survived by his mother Betty (Collins) Culbreath of Gwynedd, PA; father Joshua Culbreath of Mableton, GA; brothers Maliq Culbreath of Greensboro, NC, and Jahan Culbreath of Centerville, OH; sisters Sandra Penn of Columbia, MD, and Camille Culbreath of Mableton, GA; girlfriend Emily Littleton of Kensington, MD; and a large extended family.		If I've learned anything down through the years, it's that nothing beautiful in this world is ever really lost... that those we cherish will always live on in memory. We love you, KC. May your soul find the happiness that we can only dream of.
My most memorable time with KC was last summer's tubing trip. KC and Linda rented kayaks, and KC was dispensing Pez to all of us "tubers" as we floated down the Delaware. He claimed he was quitting his job and becoming the "Pez Man" of the Delaware River. He always made me smile and will be sorely missed. I will also miss him "complaining" as he averaged 17mph with us on his mountain bike! Jody Twer			Bill and Michelle McCoach
	KC once brought me a big chunk of concrete (which had caused Michelle & I really bad bike accidents) that he had dug from the shoulder of the road. "A remembrance," he said. At our tubing party last summer, he and Linda Johnson kayaked together down the Delaware. He helped Bill and I with our canoe long after everyone had gone. As we continue to bike along, always remember KC riding beside us. Pat & Bill Rock		Expressions of sympathy may be sent to KC's mother, Mrs. Betty Culbreath, 1121 DeKalb Pike, Gwynedd, PA 19436. Those who wish may make donations in his name to the League of American Bicyclists, a nonprofit national organization working through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. League of American Bicyclists, 1612 K Street NW #401, Washington, DC 20006. Tel: 202-822-1333.
The first time I met KC was on a Rich Terry ride several years ago. "Met" is perhaps a bit of an overstatement, since I didn't have much of an opportunity to chat with him on the ride as he effortlessly blew past the paceline of road bikes to take the lead - on his mountain bike! It was with no small amount of incredulity that I watched him not simply pass us, but do so with ease across the lawns of the homes lining the shoulder of the road we were on. All I could think was that if "that guy" ever got a road bike...! Well as we all know, he finally did get that road bike - a red and black Cannondale. During the ensuing years I had the opportunity to get to know KC. His mischievous humor (who will ever forget his Rastafarian appearances in the parking lot with requisite dreadlock wig) was outshined only by his genuine warmth and shared camaraderie. KC brought to the Club and those who knew him a joy of life and whimsical spirit that always made it a pleasure to be in his company. His passing is a great loss to all that had the good fortune know him, and he will be deeply missed. Michael Katz		E X T E R N A L L I N K S BBC accident report, July 19 Philadelphia Inquirer obituary, July 25 North Penn Reporter article, July 26 Intelligencer/Record article, July 27

KC

***********

KC saw us as bikers and friends.

KC made a difference in this world.

Pat & Bill Rock

It is never easy saying goodbye to a friend, especially when that person is as vibrant, fun-loving and lively as KC was. I spent more time riding with Khaliq than anyone, and one thing I can truly say is that he loved the sport of bicycling and all the great friends he had at SCU. Joel Gaskin

If I've learned anything down through the years, it's that nothing beautiful in this world is ever really lost... that those we cherish will always live on in memory. We love you, KC. May your soul find the happiness that we can only dream of.

Bill and Michelle McCoach

It is never easy saying goodbye to a friend, especially when that person is as vibrant, fun-loving and lively as KC was. I spent more time riding with Khaliq than anyone, and one thing I can truly say is that he loved the sport of bicycling and all the great friends he had at SCU.

Joel Gaskin