My Hero
 

It was a beautiful sunny morning, I was taking my hero to the Dayton hospital to see if they could help his weak heart. We had some conversation about how nice the winter was and how the last time we went to this hospital he lost his wife a 62 years. I told him this trip was going to be different but God had different ideas. Five blocks from the hospital I looked over at him and with two big breaths he was gone. He is now is with God, wife and eldest son.
My hero was born Christmas day 1924. He was in WWII at age of 18 and was at the landing of Normandy, Battle of the bulge, and one other battle. We were told in 1981 after open heart surgery that we could expect max of 15 years to live. The old Vet and God showed them, it would be 31 years. He took me to the races at Eldora at a young age and I have been fascinated since. In a blink, my hero and family was going but I have a great wife, kids and friends who are helping me through this.
I am posting this because many of my friends are on this site and have asked many times how my hero was dong? He is now doing great.

I will miss you Dad
Love Mark

Re: My Hero
 

Heroes live on forever in our hearts.

Re: My Hero
 

thought's and prayer's to you and your family

Re: My Hero
 

I'm sorry for your loss.
He sounds like a great man!
Peace be with you. You are in my prayers.

Re: My Hero
 

Very sorry for your loss, Mark.
I'll share my similar hero story with you in a race track parking lot soon.
Godspeed to your Dad.

Morty

Re: My Hero
 

Please do not take this the wrong way...I really loved reading that...in an apologetic way..Im so sorry for your loss

Re: My Hero
 

hang in there Mark, prayin for ya

Re: My Hero
 

Sorry to hear about your loss.

Tim Wolffrum aka Cowboy

Re: My Hero
 

Mark,
sorry for the loss of your hero.

Re: My Hero
 

I also am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Re: My Hero
 

Thinking of you, Joyce and the boys at this time.
Love
Bob and Monica

Re: My Hero
 

A lot of us can relate to that, Mark. We share your loss and grief. My good friend, may God be with you and yours.

Danny Burton and family

Re: My Hero
 

Thoughts and Prayers to you and your family.

Re: My Hero
 

My most sincere condolences.
I lost my father/hero 33 years ago next month.
He was only 49 when he passed.
He took me to my first race, and many more.
I miss still everyday and always will, but the memories will last my lifetime.

Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

Re: My Hero
 

Mark,

Sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Re: My Hero
 

Mark,

Sorry for your loss, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Re: My Hero
 

sorry for your loss mark.

Re: My Hero
 

I feel your pain Mark and can identify with your loss. When he was here on Earth, he couldn't always be there with you. He'll be able to now. He must have been a real special guy, because his son turned out to be a pretty darn good guy. The apple must have fallen real close to the tree.

Jerry

Re: My Hero
 

Thoughts and prayers for you Mark. Those wonderful memories of time shared with your dad will help sustain and comfort you.

Re: My Hero
 

My Condolences, Mark......

Thoughts and prayers for you.My father took me to my first race also when I was just 6 days old and have been hooked for 44 years now.

Posted via Mobile Device

Re: My Hero
 

Thoughts and prayers are with you, Mark and your family at this difficult time. Cherish all those memories of you and your hero.:22:

Re: My Hero
 

Very heartfelt condolences to you & your family Mark.

Re: My Hero
 

We lost Dad in '99. If we had dug his grave every time the doctors told us to get ready, we'd have been in China by the time he left us. I know what you are going through Mark,and I can tell you this: You never really get over it,but in time it gets better. So sorry for your loss.



Joe Ott

Re: My Hero
 

I know how you feel Mark. I lost my hero October 19th 2011. This racing season is going to be a tough one for me. My Dad has never missed one of my races since i was 11 years old, I am now 34. Never towed to the track without him.

God Bless my prayers are with you.

My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family mark..

Posted via Mobile Device

Re: My Hero
 

Mark,

So sorry to hear of your loss. Heros are few and precious in our lifetime. They seem to leave us much to soon but their memories remain with us for all of our lifetime. The torch passes on and like most it is now your turn to accept the challenge.

Thoughts and prayers for you and your family in this most difficult time.:13: May you find peace in the coming months and reflect back on all of the great things your hero provided.

Re: My Hero
 

mark i just got to meet you once at eldora and i will have to say one thing dad did well of a job. you have made you father proud. all of the indiana dirt track fans wish you and your family the best.

Re: My Hero
 

thought's and prayer's to you and your family

Re: My Hero
 

Mark- A huge loss. My thoughts @ prayers with you @ family. So sorry.
Best Regards,
John

Re: My Hero
 

So sorry for the loss of your hero Mark, stay strong and the Watson's are thinking of you and your family. :9:

Re: My Hero
 

I want to say thanks to all of you. I showed my wife all of the responses. I told her it’s not just about the races. It's as much about the great people that you meet and hang out with that makes this sport so great.
My dad (John) would have been impressed.

Again thank you

Mark Fritz & Family

Re: My Hero
 

What a wonderful tribute to your "Hero" Mark. I submit without fear of being mistaken that you, my friend, are one of his "Heros" as well. Thoughts and prayers.

Re: My Hero
 

Is there any ideal when Charlestown Speedway opening up and would be the date .Went there a lot when it drit and black top .Was one hell of track in it days. Would to see it reopen. See sonmething another then the Sportsdrome all the time.

---------- Post added at 6:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 6:05 PM ----------

Hate to hear about your also. Just one good race fun who cares.

Re: My Hero
 

So sorry for your loss Mark. But what a great tribute to your father. Stay stong my racing friend !!!!!!

Re: My Hero
 

A wonderful Tribute Mark. Your Father was a highly accomplished American. And, by the sounds of this great tribute, a wonderful Father.

We wish you the very best during this difficult time and hope that the future brings you great memories of your Hero.

The Gulick's

Re: My Hero
 

hang in there Mark, thoughts to you and yours.

Re: My Hero
 

One of the nicest post in years. G.b. You.

Re: My Hero
 

Mark: I know your pain, and thoughts are prayers are with you

Re: My Hero
 

Mark we are thinking of you and your family.