SARASOTA – Hundreds of bikers comes together when one of their own is tragically killed in a motorcycle crash on I-75.
“He was just amazing, he was bigger than life, he was a wonderful man we’re all going to miss him,” said Dave “Hollywood” Mashia.
David “Salt” Boland dedicated his life to helping others, giving back to the public, and riding his Harley Davidson to his next adventure. His friends and family remember the tough man who they say had soft heart for those he loved.
“David was one of a kind. Big personality, biggest heart you’ll ever find,” said Troy Roberts.
Boland worked as tour guide and distiller at Siesta Key Rum Distillery. Roberts, owner of the distillery, says Boland was more than an employee…he was family.
“Dave was always doing something for people,” said Roberts. “He always made a positive impact in everybody he came into contact with.”
Boland founded the Widows Sons Crusaders a motorcycle club that donates their time to charities that give back to veterans and those in need.
“He was a larger than life guy, a patriot of this country,” said Steve “Smasher” Clark.
Boland served 30 years as a Master Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Corps. Clark, a member of the Widows Sons Crusaders, says Boland’s was the type of guy you looked up to.
“We should emulate him and what he did and basically seizing the day and trying to squeeze the marrow out of life,” said Clark.
Boland’s friends describe him as the type of person to be blunt but caring, tough but yet kind to others, and a bit hard headed but loyal.
“That’s why he got his name ‘salt’ being part of this group let him be charitable to everybody and still be rough around the edges cause that’s exactly who he was,” said Mashia, a member of the Widows Sons Crusaders.
Amy “Moose” Akins and Boland traveled everywhere together on Boland’s Harley. She says she’s touched by the communities outreach during these tough times.
“We went on a lot of adventures that’s what we did together,” said Akins. “We rode the motorcycle and we went on a lot of trips. He was just a big hearted guy.”
Boland’s was a member of the Sarasota Masonic Lodge# 1478 and helped raise hundreds of dollars towards Shriners Hospital for Children.
