Ole Bach; epitome of the American Dream

Ole Bach was one of those people that left a mark on everyone he met.  His warm, infectious smile never left his face and he had the wrinkles to prove it.  

When I first met Ole what seems like a hundred years ago, or maybe only yesterday, he had recently arrived in America from Denmark.  You could see in his eyes that he understood what America had to offer a man with his skills and drive, and while at the time he didn’t have two nickels to rub together, Ole went on to make his fortune and mark here.  In fact, if you know horses and racing, you know why his name sounded familiar.  Ole Bach was a pillar in that community.

He would have been and undoubtedly was a pillar in any other business or social community that he chose to be involved with, because he embraced life with zeal and a work ethic that many only think about.  

If you had a problem or just had something good to share, Ole would help you out or wish you well in your good fortune.

I think my favorite memory of him was the time many years ago while I was living in NJ for a very short but special season of life and he asked to see my license because of the photo. At the time, it bore one of those awful DMV photos and made me resemble of all people, Adolf Hitler.  I didn’t really think much of showing it to him at the time until a few months later when he and a whole gaggle of our mutual friends showed up where I was working one evening and kidnapped me to take me out.  You see, I don’t like to share my birthday with folks because I generally don’t do much and they really wanted to know when it was. That’s how they found out…when he asked to see my 'picture’ he was really getting my birthday and that’s the day they 'kidnapped’ me after arranging it with my boss.  I couldn’t even get mad at him; it was a great night and he was a good guy to do it.  

Time moved on, I left NJ, visiting on occasion; I didn’t see much of Ole after that time, however we stayed in loose contact via mutual friends and I watched his career skyrocket.

At the end of the day, Ole Bach was a great guy, a loving husband and father of three, and the epitome of American success stories who will be missed by many.  The complete impact of his sudden and tragic death on Thursday evening may never be realized.  He leaves behind his wife, three wonderful children, countless friends, business associates, and admirers. 

It was a privilege and an honor to know him and be among those friends.

Until we meet again, rest well Ole.