Bruce Rossmeyer - May 1943 - July 2009
Famed Harley-Davidson dealer Bruce Rossmeyer was killed in a motorcycle crash in Wyoming Thursday. He was on his way to Sturgis, the biker mecca in South Dakota.
According to the Wyoming State Patrol, Rossmeyer, 66, tried to pass a truck that was pulling a camp trailer. The truck was trying to turn left when the accident happened. Rossmeyer was thrown from his Harley after striking the driver side door and landed under the truck.
Rossmeyer, who was not wearing a helmet, was thrown from his bike and came to rest under the trailer. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Children were a big part of Rossmeyer’s life and he was a supporter of several charitable causes. He was a founder and served on the Board of Directors of Camp Boggy Creek, a camp for children with life-threatening illnesses. The largest fundraising event that benefits the Camp is his very own “Ride for Children”.
Bruce also served on the Board of Directors for Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties. His involvement led to the creation of naming rights to specific B & G Club locations. The Boys & Girls Club unit located in Holly Hill has been named “The Rossmeyer Family Unit.”
“He was a champion for kids,” said Joe Sullivan, chief professional officer for the Boys & Girls Club of Volusia/Flagler Counties. “He overcame challenges and got in trouble when he was young and said the kids remind him a lot of him.”
Rossmeyer was a long-time resident of Ormond Beach. He and his wife, Sandra, also lived in Fort Lauderdale.
Bruce began his career in the motorcycle industry with the opening of Daytona Harley-Davidson in January 1994.
Over the next 15 years, he became one of the nation’s largest Harley dealers with 15 dealerships in Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, Mississippi and Tennessee.
Additionally, Rossmeyer co-owned three car dealerships. He also owned a complex in Daytona Beach that includes shops and restaurants which employed about 500.
The news “is a terrible tragedy for our area,” said Daytona Beach Mayor Glenn Ritchey. Not only was Bruce Rossmeyer a prominent businessman, he was also involved in several charitable activities within the community. My heart goes out to his family. He will be greatly missed by many.”
Today, his family released a statement saying his name would remain on his 15 Harley dealerships. The family will have a private funeral in Ormond Beck on Tuesday.
Bruce and his wife Sandra Rossmeyer have five children -- Mandy, Wendy, Randy, Will and Shelly. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. #