MADISON, Wis. (BRAIN) — Harry Rayfield Spehar, Trek's first product manager and a major contributor to the development of its bicycles and company culture, died on Oct. 13 at age 80 as a consequence of an aphasic stroke in June 2024.
Spehar was born in Vallejo, California, on July 13, 1946. His father, Harry, was a mechanic in the Mare Island Naval shipyard in Vallejo; his mother, Elsie, worked as a licensed vocational nurse.
Little League Baseball, model cars, and playing the accordion were three of Spehar's early passions. Later, his love for Eastern European music and dance led him to play in many folk bands.
He attended Humboldt State University in Arcata, California, earning a degree in oceanography, which he never used. His first sports industry job was in product development for Puma.
Spehar started as the West Coast sales rep for Trek Bicycle in August 1981, covering a territory from Washington to Southern California. His retirement date was Aug. 16, 2011, totaling 30 years and 15 days.
Throughout those years, Spehar brought some of Trek's most consequential products to life, often doing all of the work on his own, from colors to spec' to buying.
After retirement, Spehar moved to Hayward, Wisconsin, for many years of north-woods recreation. As long as he was able, he enjoyed road and mountain biking, cross-country skiing, kayaking, cajun zydeco music, and dance. His daily pleasures included good coffee, reading, as well as following and discussing politics.
Spehar was a well-known practical joker who loved to laugh. His generosity was widely beloved across the industry and beyond. He's survived by his sister, Claudette Smith, and a niece, Gwen Sadler, as well as two nephews, Wade and Brian Smith, and many younger great-nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations in Spehar's name can be made to:
- Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR)
- Public Broadcasting Service — Wisconsin (PBS)
- Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA)
Spehar had a positive influence on thousands of people inside and outside the Trek family during his decades in the industry. We asked some folks who knew him well about his impact.
Mike Jacoubowsky, owner, Chain Reaction Bicycles, Redwood City, California
Harry Spehar was everything that was ever right and wonderful and honest and transparent in the bicycling biz. He signed us up as a Trek dealer in 1983.
Harry always had time for others. He understood the industry's past, present, and was keenly interested in where it was going.
Harry made me feel like I'd made the right choice, becoming part of the bicycle industry. Perhaps the greatest thing I can say about our friendship: I don't hold that against him today.
Trek understood that, in Harry, they had access to the soul of the product. Not so much the industry, but the bicycle itself.
John Burke, Trek Bicycle CEO
Harry Spehar is a Trek legend. His influence looms large over the company and has been felt here every day since the 1970s. He cared deeply about his friends and colleagues, the products he brought to the world, and the company — and Trek cared deeply for him. He's one of the people who made Trek what it is today.
Jerry Norquist, former Trek colleague
I met Harry Spehar in the early 1980s when as a dealer rep for Trek, he called on the bicycle shop I managed. I respected and admired his commitment, passion and dedication to the brand that would define his life.
Harry became a co-worker, mentor and life-long friend. He was generous to a fault and one of the best pranksters I have ever known. He was one of the best product developers in the industry.
In June, we helped Harry attend Trek's 50th Anniversary. After his stroke, Harry couldn't communicate verbally, but he spoke with his smile. I will miss you, my friend, and I am glad we got to enjoy this journey together.
Bob Burns, Trek Bicycle VP advocacy
Always positive and upbeat, Harry was a natural teacher and a good friend. If you were a cyclist, you were Harry's friend and he would teach you how to ride a bike, how to fix a bike, and how to have fun on a bike! A Trek evangelist, Harry's relentless energy and positive outlook stand as timeless examples to everyone in the Trek family and everyone in our industry.
