Brian Shay, a beloved fixture of the Lawrence, Kansas community, passed away, leaving behind a profound legacy as a passionate environmentalist, devoted family man, and the driving force behind The Re-Cyclery. His dedication to keeping bicycles out of landfills and empowering his community continues to echo through the streets of LFK.
Brian’s life was deeply rooted in a shared love for family, friends, and cycling. He is survived by his two sons, Morgan and Devin; and wife Kristie and her children.
To Brian, the local bicycle community was an extension of his own family. He will always be remembered for his tireless efforts to save and repurpose thousands of Bikes including the famous VEOs after they were abandoned at the local junkyard in 2020. That monumental effort—rescuing salvageable bikes and ensuring they were repurposed for the community—remained one of his many achievements. Seeing those saved bicycles being pedaled around town brought an enduring smile to his face. He spent his life ensuring that cycling remained accessible and affordable for everyone in the area. His legacy of turning old bikes into joy for kids and adults alike highlights the true spirit of his generosity.
Brian’s spirit, ingenuity, and passion for all things on wheels will be sorely missed, but his mission of community service and sustainability will pedal on through the lives he touched.