Racing News - Health and Welfare
6/5/13:
Marion Deist passed away over the weekend. The celebration of life will be at the NHRA Museum in Pomona on 06/29/13 at 2:00 p.m. Please contact Maggie Green-Summers Peace or Donna Deist for further details.
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4/2/13:
Services for Mike Waters are as follows:
LACo Fire Department Flag ceremony:
Monday April 8th – 10am
Fire Station 84
5030 West Ave L-14, Quartz Hill. CA - Map
Viewing:
4 – 7pm with rosary at 7pm
Joshua Memorial Park
808 East Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster CA - Map
Mass:
10am Tuesday April 9th
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
565 West Kettering St., Lancaster CA - Map
Gravesite following Masst:
Joshua Memorial Park
808 East Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster CA - Map
Reception to follow:
Leona Valley Community Center
8367 Elizabeth Lake Rd. Leona Valley - Map
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Save The Salt in the name of Mike Waters. Donate Here
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3/30/13:
The last words that he spoke to me this afternoon were about the future and welfare of the SCTA.
Cree
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3/19/13:
Margaret Bryant recently passed away. Tom and Margaret are a long time family in LSR. Married 62 years, Tom is a former SCTA President.
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2/28/13:
Johnny Wofford of Eustis, Florida, passed away December 15th after a 5 year battle with cancer. He was 69 years old. Johnny ran a 1928 Ford Roadster – 4 cylinder flathead at both Bonneville and the Ohio Mile. You might remember Johnny – always wearing overalls and a straw hat. He will be missed.
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2/26/13:
Robbie Cohn is in the UCLA Medical Center with kidney problems.Elaine has asked that anyone who wishes to contact Robbie to use his cell phone # (818) 601-1396. He will be under observation for a few more days and would welcome a cheerful conversation.
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2/5/13:
Al "Shakey" McKee, Russetta Timing Association Screwdriver, passed away recently.
For further details contact Ed Safarik at esafarik@calneva.org
Thanks, Ed
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1/10/13:
Robert C. (Bob) Westbrook, Jr., longtime land speed racer (modified roadster and motorcycle) and record holder, passed away on October 21, 2012. A copy of his obituary is attached. Bob was a friend and employee of and mechanic for Don Vesco and later for Kurt Weber.
Thank you.
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Don W. Riske, BNI member
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12/27/12:
We just received word from Fred Dannenfelzer that our good friend Tony Waters has passed away. Tony passed on Dec 22 due to complications of pneuomonia. Tony, well know by nearly everyone, he was a long time Drag Racer and Bonneville Racer. Tony had the first roadster over 200 mph at Bonneville set in 1957. Tony was notified by his son just before he passed that he was slated to be indoctrinated into the Gold Coast Hall of Fame this spring. Tony was 85 years young and was still going strong with his Nostalgia Dragster with his Son Darrell driving. Tony was a Racers Racer and it was an honor for most of us to have known him. God Speed Tony.
Services will be held at Hill Crest Cemetery in Bakersfield on Jan 5th ay 11 am
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12/14/12:
Hunt, John Wesley, "Big John,"
73, of Buena Park, CA passed away surrounded by loved ones on Sunday November 25, 2012. Beloved Father. Grandfather, and friend he is survived by his girlfriend, Louise Boyd; his three sons, Jim (Donna); Ron (Lynn); Don (Nadine); and thirteen grandchildren. A celebration of his life will be held late January.
Published in Orange County Register on December 9, 2012
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12/3/12:
Max Romero, John Bradley's partner called us at about 2:15 today and advised us that John Bradley passed away yesterday. John lived in a trailer park and had a friend and neighbor that checked on him every day, and especially since he was bed ridden these past months, he informed Max today. I understand John was 86 years old and Ed says that he had no family to speak of.
John still had the record for flathead lakester ( Bradley and Morrell ) at El Mirage.
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11/27/12:
One of our favorite ole’ racing friends, Bud Jones, passed away on November 9th. Bud was 84 years young. He died at home, according to his longtime best friend and wife, Judy. He went very peacefully after long suffering from emphysema. Bud had many lifelong friends like Jack Costella and Bob Lindstrom. He partnered for many years with Ed Shadle in a lakester. We will remember our talkative friend, Bud, as a great story teller and will miss his laughter. God Speed, Bud.
JoAnn and Greg Carlson
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11/21/12:
We are very sorry to bring you the sad news that Jerry Tanberg passed away on October 13th. He was a Rod Rider in the past. He and his late partner, Dave Blayney, ran a Monza at the Lakes & Bonneville in the 90's. He was a nice guy and always had a smile.
You are invited to join his family on Sat Dec 8th for a celebration of Jerry's life. Hope to see you there.
An invitation to the Celebration of Life and a copy of Jerry’s obituary are below.
Cards and/or memorials may be sent to:
The Family of Jerry Tanberg
12101 Wilken Way
Garden Grove, CA 92840
Map
Questions should be sent to: comet65yellow@gmail.com
Sincerely,
Carol (Jerry’s sister 602-206-2805)
Jerry's Celebration Of Life / Jerry Tanberg Obituary
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10/31/12:
Phil Freudiger's Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, Nov. 11th, after the El Mirage event.
He lived in Acton. So – stop by on your way home and share stories, etc. If for any reason El Mirage is cancelled – it will still be held on that date, but at his home address shown below.
2706 Bent Spur Drive
Acton, CA -
Map Available Here
All are welcome
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Dan Chilson was released from the AV Hospital yesterday, is in good spirits and is resting at home.
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Update on Georgia Fenn:
Georgia is out of hospital and is back at her house. Ed is bring her home to work with the family doctor and to keep an eye on her. She is much improved and happy to be out of hospital!
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10/30/12:
Phil Freudiger passed away on Monday October 29, 2012. He was the first person to run 200 MPH at the lakes during the Rusetta meet. Phil was a founding father of the El Mirage 200 MPH Club in 1973. He was also a member of all three 200mph clubs. Phil was a member of the SCTA Sidewinders club.
Phil joined the Bonneville 200 MPH club in 1958. He was also the first member of, what I believe to be, the only Father, Son, Grandson combo to join the Bonneville 200 MPH club. Phil's son Willie was followed by his son Shane as members, all in a modified roadster. He was also a member of all three 200mph clubs.
Phil was Inducted into the Dry Lakes Hall of Fame in 2005. He set many records on the dirt and on the salt. His son William and grandson Shane still run car "50" , a modified roadster. His nick name was "wackenit" and I swear that salt ran through his veins and any road would lead to Bonneville. God speed Phil you are a hero and a legend!
I have no information concerning services at this time. Maybe Willie will report soon on a pending Celebration of Life.
DW
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10/28/12:
Dan Chilson update:
I visited Dan this morning for a while. I must say he has really turned the recovery corner.
He looks great. He can get up for the toilet and seems to be in minimum pain. They have removed his chest tube and feel that the lung has healed itself.
He is talking release in a couple days.
Roy Creel
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10/26/12:
Georgia Fenn has just been admitted to hospital in Dameron Hospital, Stockton, Rm 401, with bloodclots in her left lung. Ed is heading up tonight to keep an eye on her. Please keep her and Ed in your thoughts and prayers.
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10/25/12:
Spent some time this afternoon with Dan. He mostly slept.
His is progressing normally per their treatment plan: Pain meds + steroids and antibiotics for the Pneumonia.
He is not hurting much and breathing OK He is as comfortable as can be expected.
He will likely be at AV for at least another week.
Cree
Roy
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10/24/12:
Update on Dan Chilson: Just talked with his wife Denise at the hospital and confirmed that Dan has developed pneumonia in his left lung. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Roy
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10/22/12
I spent some time this afternoon with Dan at Antelope Valley Hospital.
He is resting fairly comfortably for the ride he took and in good spirits.
He suffered 7 broken ribs, 6 on left and one on right side and it appears one of them punctured his lung, which was collapsed when he arrive, but has since been re-inflated.
Of note is that the rest of him is in good shape other than bruising.
He felt he was running close to 200 MPH, felt the car slewing left, then right and after trying to correct, looking straight down on the front end.... then the lights went out.
He expressed great appreciation for the help of Lee Kennedy and John Bjorkman in the recent chassis improvement project completed on the car. He also says he is thankful for the head and neck restraint and the extra time they spent making sure all the belts and straps were properly adjusted and corrected to "pull" properly.
He offered to be our 2013 SCTA rules "poster boy". Remarkable to have a sense of humor left, 'eh?
I would say at this time, he needs to rest a couple days before getting many visitors. I sat and waited nearly 2 hours before he awoke, and could tell he was tiring quickly.
He took a Hell of a ride.
Roy Creel
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10/05/12
There was a spin and fire on Course One this morning. Happy to report that the driver was released from the ambulance with no injuries!
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10/03/12
A motorcycle went down on Course 2 this afternoon at World Finals. He was transported to SLC to get checked out, suffering what appeared to be some deep scrapes and abrasions. He called Miriam later to check on his bike and planned to be back sometime tomorrow - in theory. We will update when we know more.
Update - The rider was checked out at Elko Medical Center yesterday and apart from a knee injury is ok. He will be getting further treatment at home for his knee.
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09/18/12:
CLARK (BUTCH) PHILLIPS Clark passed away on September 10, 2012 at age 75 at his home after a long and courageous battle with melanoma cancer. Clark was born in Riverside on September 4, 1937, the first son of Clark and Ruby Phillips. Clark is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Vicki; his son Steve; daughter Stephanie; and their spouses Julie and Dean; granddaughters Morgan and Rylee; and his brother Craig and wife Diana. Clark graduated from Polytechnic High School class of 55 and Riverside City College. He joined the Air National Guard in 1959 working as a jet airplane mechanic. In 1956, Clark began his career at AT&T at age 19 where he met many life long friends and retired as a manager 33 years later. He began a second career as a manager of school bus contracts for Mayflower and Laidlaw Transit Services, retiring 10 years later. Clark’s passion was building engines and car racing. With son, Steve, he raced at El Mirage Speedway and Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats, earning membership in both of their 200 mile per hour clubs. Clark also enjoyed golf, traveling with his wife and travel group friends, gardening and hanging out with his beloved granddaughters and dog, Charlie. He was a loving husband, proud father and grandfather and best friend. The family wishes to thank his incredible, caring doctors, Dr. Omid Hamid, Dr. Leland Foshag, and Dr. Steven O’Day at the Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, Santa Monica working in melanoma research. Clark and family would be honored if you would donate to their continuing research in his name: Angeles Clinic Foundation, 2001 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 560 W, Santa Monica, Ca. 90404. (310) 582-7909 A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 22, 2012 at Harvest Christian Fellowship, 6115 Arlington Avenue, Riverside.
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09/11/12:
Drag racer / Dry Lakes / Bonneville racer Clark "Butch" Phillips passed away last night after a long battle with melanoma. He will be greatly missed. Doug Peterson ...
The funeral will be on Saturday, Sept. 22, at 11 A.M. at the Harvest Christian Fellowship, corner of Arlington Ave. and Adams St., Riverside.
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08/15/12:
Former SCTA president Jim Lyon passed away this afternoon of respiratory failure. I miss him already and I know he’s already in heaven watching everybody at Speed Week.
A big fan, Fred Butler
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08/9/12:
Larry Burford passed away about 11:30pm last night - Aug 8. He was surrounded by his family. He will be greatly missed by everyone.
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07/18/12:
Ron Hammel, 81 of Lancaster, CA passed away Friday July 6th, 2012 he was a Pioneer in the early days of Hot Rodding. Ron opened 10,000 RPM Speed Equipment in 1964 located in Hot Rod City Torrance, CA. He developed a Engine Dyno capable of handling 8,000 hp drag racing engines, he was one of the first to develop Nitrous Oxide power enhancing systems for racers and most recently he built the Lightest Racing Clutch Assemblies for all types of racecars. Ron has also been involved in many forms of racing as a car owner, crew chief, sponsor and consultant for many Bonneville Land Speed cars, both Top Fuel and Funny Cars and NASCAR stock cars.
Ron was born February 11, 1931 in Alexandria, IN to Leonard and Helen Hammel of WI. Ron went to be wife & business partner of 38 years Betty Jean Hammel (Burchett) she passed away in 2002. He fought a long and painful battle with Prostate Cancer that later spread to the Bone Marrow. His last days were spent in the comfort of his own home with his family and friends by his side. With his humor, smiles and wisecracks right until the very last day. He is Survived by his Younger Brother; Elton Hammel, Son; Rick Hammel (Kimberly Wickerd), Daughter; Becky Hammel (Boyd), Three Granddaughters he Loved Dearly, Mikayla Peters, Alexandrea Hammel, and Rebecca Hammel. Special Thanks to Francisia Carranza and Tony Alvarado for their loving care with our Father in his last days.
Becky Hammel
becki1009@aol.com
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06/21/12:
Sad news. Glen Hill passed away yesterday. He was a wonderful fellow and was a member of the Bonneville team of Heathcoat, Thyer and Hill for many years. They raced the 141 Comp Coup. - Glen
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05/21/12:
Willie GLASS
GLASS, Willie H., of Sandston, passed away May 13, 2012. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Glass; a daughter, Sheri Balderson and husband, John; a son, Timmy Glass and family; grandsons, Johnny Balderson Jr., William A. and Kevin W. Balderson; and a sister, Frances Conway of New York.
Mr. Glass was the retired owner of Watkins Welding Supply. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to New Song Church Youth Program, 7450 Colt's Neck Rd., Mechanicsville.
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05/16/12:
It is with deepest regret that I have to inform you that Neil Thompson Sr. passed away early this morning. I personally, will miss him deeply. If some of you didn't have the privilege of meeting or hanging out with Neil, Glen Barrett sent me some background on
Neil via Tom Burkland:
Neil was a fierce competitor through our early days of Studebaker comp coupe land speed racing. At one time he held every
class record in the comp coupe category except the X vintage class. He even ran a 170 slant six Plymouth engine in his
Studebaker to achieve this feat. Greg Frazier drove this car with an injected small block Chevy to get in the 200 mph club
with identical speeds in both directions, makes the timers job of averaging easy! The rear axle was a V-8 quick change
converted to swing axle configuration and anytime the car went fast using plenty of power it seemed to end up on jacks
getting a ring and pinion replacement. The 271.78 one way speed gold leafed onto the roof was half of the 1969 A class
record average of 265 that we bumped in 1985 with our B210. There are rumors of faster time slips approaching 300 mph
but I have not seen them.
Neil later had what may well have been the first 34 Ford Highboy Roadster with similar blown fuel Chrysler power. He also
supplied engines for the Hoy Brothers Lakester through the early 70's. His engine building and tuning skills with the early
iron Chryslers helped many rookie land speed racers. He also had one of the tow trucks with character that are so common
among land speed racers. It was a long wheelbase Dodge panel truck with dual wheel one ton rear axle and 392
Chrysler power.
Freud has been searching his files for an action shot of the Thompson Studebaker at speed in the timing lights on two
wheels. Neil claimed it was over 300 mph at the time.
Heather
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05/2/12:
John Kilgore reported that Julian Doty passed away at 2:55 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012.
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04/23/12:
Mike Waters is recovering slowly from knee replacement. The doctors discovered that he was going in circles with the new knee so he has been transferred to Ballard Rehabilitation hospital in San Bernardino. He is in therapy three times a day, but available on his cell phone. He is expected to be out by 30 April or when he can chase the nurses down the hall in a straight line.
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04/22/12:
Rudy Eleff passed away 3-29-2012, He crewed on Al Teague's streamliner in it's hey-day. He also
helped on the BMR coupe and roadster.
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04/17/12:
After two false starts, (insurance problems and knee parts were unavailable) Mike Waters received his new knee this morning. The surgery went well and he is resting comfortably. We are hiding the ice chest in different garages on work days to ensure he receives enough exercise during the recovery phase. The only concern is he will walk in circles since there will be only one good knee.
04/14/12:
Bob Oppermann lost his battle last night in Lake Havasu. He was surrounded by friends and family and will be fondly remember by many.
04/13/12:
Bob Biehler 1472B Buell Blast 500cc APG passed away April 13, 2012 of an apparent heart attack. Bob was working on his bike in preparation for a run at both El Mirage in May and Speedweek in August.