On July 9th, 2024 we lost a great friend and ABATE leader. Panama Novitski has been an icon
in the biker community since the founding days of ABATE of SC. Panama knew no stranger.
With his unique smile and infectious laugh he touched everyone in his presence.
I was 19 when I was introduced to ABATE and met Panama for the first time. I had recently
arrived in SC from NY. Jim had arrived a couple of years before me and was in the Sumter
chapter. Obviously we bonded with Panama as fellow New Yorkers and Jim for being Polish. It
was 1985 and Panama was a big part of the Midland ABATE chapter which covered all of
Columbia, Lexington, Elgin and Eastover. The chapter was filled with super dedicated freedom
fighters who were a close knit group working tirelessly for biker rights and expanding ABATE
and the right to PARTY! We were right at home and spent a whole lot of time with them in
Columbia while we still lived in Sumter. Oh the fun we had at Pop’s Place 😁!
Panama was always involved at the state level, having held several offices and helping with
functions and events. I don’t think he ever missed a rally, lobby event or party in ABATE history.
He was particularly proud when our governor proclaimed May as Motorcycle Awareness month
and we added our Safety Rally to the annual ABATE statehouse visits. His dedication helped us
to fill those statehouse steps back in the days when we had half the number of motorcycles in
South Carolina than we have today.
Along the way Panama became a Carolina Rebel along with some other ABATE members. He
has always been the ABATE poster child within the club.
Over the years we have been with him at so many ABATE and CRMC events, it is no wonder
that I think of Panama as my brother. I have spent more time in my life with him than my actual
brother. The loss of Panama has profoundly affected me in the same manner as losing him did
15 years ago.
Panama’s dedication spanned decades co-ordinating the ups and downs of his chapter while
organizing, raising awareness and money at his annual membership drives and veteran
fundraising events. But that’s not all. He was also ever present supporting other chapters’
events and needs. He really was his beloved Superman to us in SC as he spent his life fighting
for everything that is A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments.
Fly FREE my friend. ABATE of South Carolina will never be the same without you.
Wanda & Buffalo Buczkowski
