Marcosson, Alan Kirby (72) experienced a heart attack and died while mountain biking on Sunday, June 25, 2023. Alan was born on July 31, 1950 in Willoughby, Ohio to the late Frederick F. and Miriam I. (nee Dickerson) Marcosson; devoted and treasured husband/dance partner of Patricia L. Gutwein; caring brother of the late Mary M. Marcosson Williams; beloved brother-in-law of Karen A. Gutwein, Gary (LeeAnn) Williams, Peter M. Gutwein and Kurt A. Gutwein; supportive uncle to Owen (Jaime) Williams, Meryl (Chuck) Williams-Clark and Andrew K. Gutwein; kind great-uncle to Hannah and Molly Williams, and Dax Clark; encouraging Bicycle/Skate Dad/Mentor to multitudes of athletes over his sixty plus years as an active competitor and enthusiast.
Alan will live on in the hearts and memories of everyone whose life he influenced. Growing up in Willowick, Ohio, Alan and his family bicycled with the Lake Erie Wheelers, and he developed a lifelong love of cycling. Alan trained with dedication and passion to become a nationally ranked bike racer. He achieved first place in the National Riding Championship (Best All-around Rider trophy winner) in 1971. Alan’s racing career was long and distinguished. No matter the competition type, you could find Alan in the race on the road, in the woods, or at the track. He most recently competed in the Senior Olympic Games with distinction as part of the USA Pista Elite team.
Skating was also a sport Alan devoted himself to year-round. He challenged himself on both land and ice. Alan frequented many local ice and roller rinks, as well as enjoying time on the myriad miles of area paved trails. He enjoyed his time spent representing Asphalt Beach at numerous events, especially the Apostle Islands Inline Marathon. Alan loved heading north to participate in the 24h Roller Montreal with the Flying Fossils. He and Patti had great fun designing and creating a T-rex costume to be worn by her in the parade lap at the start of the event.
Both cycling and skating allowed Alan the opportunity to spend time in nature, which he enjoyed greatly. He liked sharing his activities with others as well. Alan loved quad-skating with his wife, Patti. Watching them skate as a pair was magical. Alan also emboldened her to take up bicycling in a more determined manner. He shepherded her to the Cleveland Velodrome to learn track cycling, supported her road work, and they became a powerful tandem team as well. Alan and Patti even incorporated skating and bicycling into their wedding ceremony. Reciprocally, Patti taught Alan to waltz, contra dance and enjoy the company of horses. They indeed were a couple to be admired for their kindness toward and devotion to one another. Alan’s commitment to the cycling, skating and contra dancing communities was evidenced by his willingness to freely share his knowledge, time and talents with participants of any age. He relished introducing others to the
joys of the activities he appreciated, and was thrilled for all of their individual accomplishments. Alan was a thoughtful and patient mentor. Many refer to him as their Bike/Skate Dad/Mentor because of his gentle, nurturing approach to coaching. Alan always had a ready smile and a kind word to brighten even the toughest times. His ever-present cheerfulness will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Through his successful career as a designer and manufacturer of bicycling and skating apparel, Alan used his engineering degree from Michigan State University well. What originally began as Good Stuff sportswear in Woodsfield, Ohio, grew into the technologically advanced PYROapparel based in Cleveland, Ohio. Alan was continually innovating and growing the business beyond sportswear to include other clothing line opportunities as well. He had an artistic eye for color and design to the benefit of his delighted customers. Much more could be said to reflect on the wonderful person that was Alan Kirby Marcosson. Know that he is alive with each of you who knew, loved and will miss him, in your thoughts and memories. When you are out training on the road/trails/track, or skating at the rink/out in nature; as you feel an extra burst of air rush by your face, know that Alan is riding close by and cheering you to succeed.
Due to his sudden death, a celebration of life will be held at a time to be announced later. In lieu of flowers, donations in Alan’s name may be made to: The Cleveland Velodrome, 5033 Broadway Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44127 using the link: http://clevelandvelodrome.org/alan-marcosson-donation/ or to your local skate club. To donate by check, payable to Fast Track Cycling, send to mailing address: 20595 Lorain Rd., Cleveland, OH 44126. Condolences and special memories of Alan can be shared with his family online at www.heritagecremationsociety.com
Heritage Cremation & Burial Society
(216) 631-4500