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NEWSLETTER 8 - October 18, 2007 |
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Editor's notes: The Newsletter is being sent out a day early due to technical problems. Due to the volume of email, a second edition for this week will go out on Friday. |
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Dear Friends and Family: My brother David and I want to thank you for your emails, letters and phone calls regarding our father's passing. We visited him on September 23 and he was ready to come home, but an infection developed. David and Marilyn saw him on Thursday, September 27 and he was in critical condition. On Friday, September 28, around 7 pm, he passed away in the presence of about 18 of his family and friends. It happened so suddenly that we were unable to send out word except by the www.NHRA.com website. My Dad, brother and I were nearly finished with his book on the origins of the SCTA (Southern California Timing Association) and after that he was going to finish his memoirs. Our loss is also a great loss for all those who knew and loved him and looked up to him for guidance and wisdom. Plans to honor him are being formed by the NHRA, family and friends. We look forward to knowing more about him through your memories of him. My brother and I hope to complete his life story, though we know it will never match the story that he wanted to leave to us all. Since his lifelong goal in life was to perpetuate safety in racing and to get young people to use safe racetracks and stop street racing, that is the way to honor his memory. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, you can send a donation to the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and support the museum, whose goals are to foster the ideals for which he dedicated his life. Thank you again for your love and support at this time. Our thanks to you all for your kind words and concern. Richard and David Parks and our families |
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You can use my website: www.landspeedproductions.biz to store the photos, newsletters and stories for the group. I have plenty of space on a highly secure server. How do we start. Speedy Regards, LandSpeed Louise Ann Noeth Landspeed: All you need to do is copy the newsletter and photos and put them in a section of your website. There are no forms or requirements. I will post www.landspeedproductions.biz as a newsletter website. Evelyn Roth has been posting various car racers Newsletters and the SLSRH Newsletters from the beginning on her site, www.oilstick.com. There are two other websites and they are welcome to post the newsletters and photos as well. The only thing I need to know is when they appear so I can post the websites to let people know where to look. Thank you for your kindness in doing this for us. |
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The Speed Record Club is UK based and was first formed in April 1991 by a core of enthusiasts to provide a forum for all with a common interest. Whatever type of speed record appeals to you and whatever level you are interested in, the SRC is the only Club that is not associated with any one project or organization. The Club’s 44 page quarterly magazine, Fast FACTS, will keep you up to date with all reported projects. It publishes in depth historical perspectives and technical features and exclusive reports. There are readers offers, modeling news and free advertising to members which includes everything from books to aircraft engines, models and even full size jet cars. Our web site www.speedrecordclub.com is currently being up-graded and you can contact us via this or on membership@speedrecordclub.com for more details. Whatever you are doing to the Newsletter now is fine with me, no more worries about margins and opening, thanks. The content just gets better and better! Mike Stanton (Chairman SRC) |
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Editor's notes: Tributes received for the recent passing of Wally Parks, past president and secretary of the SCTA. |
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28 Sep 2007 It is with a heavy heart that I offer my condolences to you and your family. Wally was one great man. We will all miss him dearly. I am sad to say that I lost a great friend today. Wally Parks passed away at approximately 7:00 PM. I am happy to say that I am a better person for having the opportunity to have known Mr. Parks. He was truly a great man and a humanitarian. He would say to me to just call him Wally, for that is how he is best known to all his many friends in the world of Drag Racing and all forms of auto racing. At 94 years old, Wally had the sharpest mind of anyone I have known. He is the father of drag racing and we all know, that without Wally Parks, the NHRA would not be in existence today. He is the NHRA. He had a vision in the early 50's and nobody knew that it would develop into what it has become today. Wally Parks will be remembered for ever and he was truly an icon in the world of auto racing. My thoughts go out to his family. May he rest in peace. Big John Morehead CAL-RODS BigJohn@calrods.com, www.calrods.com |
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28 Sept 2007 Sorry to hear about your Dad. Jack Dolan |
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28 Sep 2007 Wally died tonight God bless. Linda Vaughn |
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29 Sep 2007 We just wanted to tell you how saddened we are to learn of your Father's death. We feel as though we lost a member of our family. He has always been an inspiration for us and we will miss seeing him at the NHRA Twilight Cruises. Our prayers are for you and your family. Your friends, Bud & Lynne Rasmus |
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29 Sep 2007 Richard and Epi, Just a note at this time to say we are so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was an icon who touched so many. We were blessed to have known him. Please let us know what we can do to help. You are in our prayers. Love, Norman and Anita |
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29 Sep 2007 Both Dick and I would like to give you and David our sincere condolences. We were especially fond of your DAD and will also miss him. We want both you and David to know if there is anything we can do we are here for you. We love you, Dick and Fay McClung |
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29 Sep 2007 Hi Richard, Just heard about your dad's passing. Sorry to hear the news. Kat and I send you and your family our most heartfelt condolences. Best Regards, Bill Moore |
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29 Sep 2007 I grieve with you on the loss of your father as do all of the hot rod community. Vic Enyart |
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29 Sep 2007 I saw in the news today that your Dad had passed away.. he will be missed by the racing world. Please know that he is in the thoughts and prayers of the Andersen family. Robby and Sherry Andersen |
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29 Sep 2007 So sorry to hear about your dad. He was a special person with the love and dedication to the sport we all love. He made it happen and made it last. There are never enough words to express his loss. The many times I talked to him over the years are memories I will always cherish. His name will always be a part of history and never forgotten. Carol and I send our prayers to you and the family. GOD SPEED WALLY PARKS Glen & Carol Barrett |
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29 Sep 2007 What an unexpected awakening this morning when I read about your Father's death in the paper. I know his health hasn't been good for some time but it's still a shock. He will be missed by the millions of people that he has crossed paths with. Please know that our thoughts are with you and your family. Drive 'em safe! Curt Rigney |
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29 Sep 2007 It is with great sadness that I write to you with our condolences on the loss of your father. Jim and I have always respected his amazing job of building the sport of Drag Racing. We know, along with everyone ever associated with Drag Racing, that it would not be except for Wally. We saw him many times at the races and were proud that he could see the fruits of his labor as the sport grew. We are also proud to be part of this wonderful sport still. We attended breakfast at the SEMA show in 2004 and so enjoyed his participation along with John Force and Don Prudhomme in a witty fun telling of memories. It was so obvious that he loved everything about Drag Racing. Your friends, Jim and Betty Green, The Green Elephant AA/FC, The Assassin AA/FD |
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29 Sep 2007 Dear Richard, I was so sorry to hear of your fathers passing. He has made contributions and has given so much to the Hot Rod sport in so many ways that will never be duplicated. My deepest condolences to you and the rest of you family, you all will be in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Gary Vail |
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29 Sep 2007 My most sincere condolences...please let me know if I can personally be of any help to you with any of what comes now. He was a hero to all of us. I know that you've been proud of him all your life. Take care! Wally Parks, the true statesman of motorsports, has passed away. He will be deservedly noted as a great leader. He was also one of the most gentle of gentlemen. He was a man who got things done by consensus, by example, by personal leadership, and with honest respect for every person that he ever met. His legacy is one that will continue as long as motorsports continues. He was a tall man who stood even taller in everything that he did. I have never been more proud to call anyone “friend” and to have them call me that in return. The temptation here is to say something about “...Not seeing his like again.” The thought has never been better applied to any man. Doug Stokes |
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29 Sep 2007 I have so respected your efforts to bring the sport to us. It’s tough to lose a father and a legend. I’ve been there. Thanks again for your unflagging efforts for us. I sent the following to NHRA: I happened to be at the Museum a few years ago when the Suddenly car was being pushed out for its trip to the Chrysler Museum. Wally was there, and I helped push the car out. Afterwards, I bought a Wally Parks Shirt at the cashier, and asked him to sign the shirt. “Are you sure you want me to wreck a perfectly good $35 shirt?” Oh yes, I said, this is the closest I’ll ever get to getting a Wally. Dick Wagner |
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29 Sep 2007 I am so, so sorry to learn of the passing of your father and other family members. Perhaps they will be together in the next life. Your father gave us all a better life. He will be missed. Let me know if I can help smooth out anything for you or your family during this time. Stan Goldstein |
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29 Sep 2007 Please know that our thoughts are with you & your family. Bobbie Colgrove & Dusty Brandel |
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29 Sep 2007 Sorry to get the news this afternoon that Wally had "Crossed The Finish Line." It came as a big surprise. Please accept our condolences for your loss...and all of Drag Racing. Bob Falcon |
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29 Sep 2007 I'm getting many phone calls, as you can imagine. Among the requests: Mailing addresses for you and David (people who want to send cards and notes). If you want to provide the addresses, I'll give them out discreetly. On the other hand, I do respect your privacy and will understand if you'd prefer not to make the addresses readily available to anyone. Dick Wells |
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29 Sep 2007 Stan here! Sorry to hear about your dad! A true pioneer! Call any time if you feel like it Richard! Stan |
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29 Sep 2007 Richard, to let you know – the whole GasUp group stood in silence for your father. Some extremely kind words were said. You would have been proud. Again, sorry for your losses. Evelyn Roth |
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29 Sep 2007 I'm sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. Wally was a great friend and someone who has left an indelible mark in the world of motorsports. He accomplished so much and stood tall among its giants. I have many fond memories of our friendship. True leaders are never forgotten. Johnny McDonald |
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29 Sep 2007 Our deepest condolences to you and your family ... what a tragic week. Please know that you have many friends who are thinking of you and are here if you need us. Please let us know what we can do of the services. Jack & Mary Ann Lawford |
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29 Sep 2007 Just heard about the loss of your father today and wanted to express my condolences to you and your brother. May God be with you in this trying time. Jim Miller |
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30 Sep 2007 Dearest friend we are very sorry to hear of your loss. When you can please let us know how we may be of service at this very sad time. Beat regards, Ron and Mable Henderson |
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30 Sep 2007 I was looking forward to visiting with you at the Gas Up when I learned of Wally's passing. I know you are saddened, as we all are, that Wally is gone. Wally Parks will never be forgotten. It was an honor to know your dad. Dick Martin |
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30 Sep 2007 My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. I had the occasion to meet and talk with your father a couple of times. As a fellow old coot, I shared with him my remembrances of buying a $2.00 membership in the NHRA. All the best. Gil Bouffard |
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30 Sep 2007 We are all so sorry to hear of Wally's passing. I can't believe that I never put it all together that you were his son. However you are very much like him, in that he was so smart and able to do things that seemed impossible at the time, and you seem to have an excellent grip on what is wrong with our great country. I will be happy to help in any way that I can. We certainly do need a new approach to this national problem. Our sincere condolences to your family in this time of grief. Sincerely, Don & Pat Garlits |
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30 Sep 2007 So sorry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Joyse Ann/Bud Evans |
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30 Sep 2007 I am very sorry to hear about your dad. My dad was an original NHRA member in Massachusetts back in the day. Hope things get better and as they say your dad had a great life. I hope u got the book done u two were working on. Your friend James Drew |
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30 Sep 2007 Your father is the greatest person I've ever met. I was very fortunate to meet him. Albert Wong |
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Members: Jonathan Amo, Brett Arena, Henry Astor, Glen Barrett, Warren Bullis, Gary Carmichael, Jack Dolan, Ugo Fadini, Robert Falcon, Rich Fox, Glenn Freudenberger, Bruce Geisler, Stan Goldstein, Walt James, Wendy Jeffries, Mike Kelly, Dick Martin, Ron Martinez, Tom McIntyre, Don McMeekin, Tom Medley, Jim Miller, Don Montgomery, Mark Morton, Louise Ann Noeth, David Parks, Richard Parks, Wally Parks (in memoriam), Eric Rickman, Willard Ritchie, Roger Rohrdanz, Evelyn Roth, Ed Safarik, Frank Salzberg, Charles Shaffer, Mike Stanton, David Steele, Doug Stokes, Bob Storck, Al Teague, JD Tone and Jack Underwood. |
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Copyright 1999 - 2007 Hot Rod Hot Line All Rights Reserved |
