WEST BEND – Last September Special Olympian August Stark of Kewaskum received the thrill of a lifetime as he was selected to ride with "Ice Road Truckers" star Alex Debogorski in the World's Largest Truck Convoy for Special Olympics.

Over 100 semis participated and drew attention from the Richfield Truck Stop to the EAA grounds in Oshkosh.

Stark climbed aboard the rig and rode on cloud nine the entire route, waving and smiling.

On Thursday morning, Dec. 10, at the Kathy Hospice Stark died after a long battle with cancer.

“He was just an inspiration to everybody,” said Special Olympics’ coach Mary Fiegel.

Since 1973 Stark actively competed in Special Olympics. In June he attended the opening ceremonies of the 2009 Summer Games at UW-Stevens Point.

Stark was also a long time volunteer with the annual Jam for Kids in West Bend, an event held Memorial Day weekend to raise money for Special Olympics.

Funeral services for Stark are still being determined. August Stark was 48.