Indiana Open Wheel

Indiana Open Wheel (https://www.indianaopenwheel.com/index.php)

- Indiana Open Wheel Forum (https://www.indianaopenwheel.com/forumdisplay.php?f=3)

- - Sad Day (https://www.indianaopenwheel.com/showthread.php?t=68284)

As I was getting on the road this morning & not far from the warehouse I received a text that my Dad had passed. He and my mom are the one's responsible for my passion of the racing that we think is the greatest.

He loved to go Fishing, Bowling & to watch the races, Looking back now I don't see how he found the time to do as much as he did.

I just told him the other day about Stevie Smith getting some races in this year, He was a big Stevie Smith fan as well as his dad. Now sadly he won't know the results of the physical kind.

Speaking of fishing he used to get so mad at me when we used go to the Church Camp in St. Mary's, Ohio back in the channels. He tried to fish I threw rocks in the water. These trips usually resulted stopping at a place called Slim's for some eats. Sometimes we would go by there as we went the back way to Eldora in the late 60's early 70's.

I'm really surprised he kept taking me to the races when I was little because when we did get to Eldora I played in the crevices where you used to park on the hills in turn's 3 & 4. I did pay attention at other tracks though.

Dad was a pretty good bowler too, Along with some other guys he bowled with would win the leagues in the late 60's at Westgate lanes in Lima, Ohio. Although never good enough to go pro he had fun & went to some tournaments.

I was kidding around with him Saturday before last around 3:30 that if I was going to Eldora I'd best get going, he said are you going & I smiled & told him no, They ended up cancelling anyways.

I'm going to miss my racing buddy, I love you Dad.

You have my sympathy and prayers, it's tough to lose a parent. You have wonderful memories no one can ever take away, savor them all you can.

You have my condolences...

I am very sorry for your loss! You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers!

Sorry for your loss. It sounds like he enjoyed a good life, glad you have you so many fond memories.

Posted via Mobile Device

Sorry for your loss and racings loss as well. Thoughts are with you and the family.

Thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this difficult time.

Our thoughts an prayers are with you and the family. Lloyd & Gail

Sorry to hear this. My condolences ...............

I'm very sorry for your loss. You'll always cherish those memories of times spent with your dad and they'll help you through this.

Your situation sounds like mine. I lost my racing buddy two years ago, this coming June. I found that going to the tracks dad loved to go to, especially in the beginning, was the best medicine. Because I knew he was there with me in spirit, when I would go to those places. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

Jerry

Sorry to hear about your loss John. In your situation, it is really a double loss.:13: You lost not only your father but also your racing buddy. As the pain and sadness of losing a parent starts to subside, may the great memories of your times together shine through and brighten your days ahead. Just remember that the seat next to you at the track will be reserved for your racing buddy. Thoughts & prayers for you and your family.

Very Sorry for your Dads passing. My dad was my inspiration to always being tinkering with mechanical things. Although he didnt have any racing in him he got me started riding and racing motorcycles, which ended up being my lifes passion. My parents are both long gone, but my wifes parents recently passed. Both died within two years and it was hard on her so I/we know what your going thru. Life goes on, so will you. Eventually the pain fades to the great memories and the ones of your Dad will make you enjoy racing maybe even more.

thoughts and prayers...

Sorry to hear of your lose. Thinking of you and your family.
Bob and Monica

Sorry for your loss!

Posted via Mobile Device

So sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolences. Your post above is so very well said and brings to mind thoughts of the relationship I had with my Dad. I'm sure he was and is very proud of you. Marv & Judy Fish

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad ,, my prayers are with you and your family and fans ... GOD BLESS YOU ALL... 'Rhonda Chapman

Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, sorry for your loss

Posted via Mobile Device

Very sorry for your loss. Deepest sympathies from everyone at the OTS.

Very sorry for your loss! Have you you and your family in our thoughts and prayers

Very sorry for your loss. I know the sorrow you are going through and it will get better. I lost my Hero 14 months ago and I think of him everyday.

Very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

First of all I want to thank all of you that have posted & anyone else that does. Some of you I know on a personal basis & some I don't. I've cried while reading these the last couple days & today starts the final goodbyes. My wife put a collage together with a Stevie Smith photo right in the middle of it. I have printed out all the post's from 4 message boards to show my family how much the racing family comes together. The wife might get mad at me for using all her paper. Again Thank You, John

Very sorry for your loss. I lost my father two years ago this july he was my racing buddy and I miss him very badly. May God comfort you at this dark time. Best wishes.