[Goin' Topless]

My father passed from lung cancer on the 18th, had the funeral on the 23rd. He was quite a guy and did a lot in his life. Here's an excerpt from his obituary:

Leon’s natural mechanical inclination and curiosity found a home in the ‘Hot Rod’ movement of his time. Starting in his early teens, he found ways to squeeze more power out of every car he owned. As his knowledge grew, so did his ambitions. He soon found himself competing at NHRA and AHRA sanctioned dragstrips in an A/Comp dragster where he garnered a reputation as a competitor worthy of the sport’s top tier. Leon later moved up to AA/Fuel Dragster where he crossed paths with some of the sport’s legends, like Don "Big Daddy" Garlits, Tom ‘The Mongoose’ McEwen, Don ‘The Snake’ Prudhomme, Tom "Showtime" Hoover and Bill Shiksky. He was a one-time winner of World Series of Drag Racing as Little Eliminator Champion. Later years found him racing locally with his sons at N.E.I.T.A. Raceway while honing his skills as a master welder, engine builder and fabricator. He continued racing in the snowmobile ranks with his son Jeff, earning two runner-up finishes at the sport’s largest national event. After retirement, Leon returned to the car show circuit where he garnered numerous class wins, places and Best of Shows. Through all of this Leon was a father. He taught his children the lessons they needed to know and spent his remaining years enjoying the company of his grandchildren.

He had a lot of interesting cars over his life, like a 57 fuelie Bel Air, a 59 Impala with an early 348 motor, a 62 Corvette that he street raced, the A/Comp and AA fueler listed above and a 1964 GTO he bought new and kept all these years. He got into the local car show circuit and held his own show the past four years. Everyone enjoyed his the best, because there were no trophies or competition, just friends getting together for an afternoon. He loved his grandchildren and they loved him back.

We'll miss him.

[hurryinhoosier62]

My condolences to you and your family. I lost my father nearly 30yrs. ago and STILL miss him.

[David Jones]

My dad was proud of his kids. I miss him looking over my shoulder....though I think he still does.

My condolences for your loss.

[David Holmberg]

Sounds like he led a great life. I'm sorry for your loss.

[nashcar]

That is a great tribute to an obviously great man, my condolences to your family especially the grandchildren. I also lost my dad to cancer 30 years ago and think of him often. Now I have grandchildren of my own and have pictures of them helping me - The torch is passed.

[fyrffytr1]

You have my sympathies. I also lost my father over 30 years ago but he still tells me what to do when I need him to.

[Lemans64]

Real sorry to hear about your Father, May he rest in Hot Rod heaven.

[cuz68]

I am so sorry to here this sad news, I bet he touched a lot of peoples lifes. My dad has been gone 12 yrs and i miss him.

[The Boss]

There is no shame in a life well lived! Peace to you & your family, continue to celebrate his life.

[Txbobcat]

Prayers sent for the family.

[Simple Man]

Sorry for your loss.

[RamAir]

Sounds like a real Renaissance Man. Prayers for you and yours through this difficult time.

[brians]

Sorry to hear and prayers sent.
Definitely a man to be proud of.

[carcrazy]

Very sorry for your loss. Sound like a great Dad!

[JG'SGTO]

Sorry for your loss.

[Bob Dillon]

Condolences on your loss. He'll be with you always, I guarantee it.

And my compliments to the obituary writer. All too often they are dry and boring, just mundane recitations of facts with no sense of who the person was. This one is not.

[2002Z4CSS]

My condolences. He sounded like a great car guy.

[boltbuster]

Sorry for your loss. I lost my dad 14 years ago this month, and like the other folks, I still hear his lessons and advice in my head.

[ctgross]

God speed to him. Sounds like a fine man! Prayers up for your family.

My dad passed way too young 40 years ago this coming Valentine's Day. Miss him every day. He was 63.

[SRR]

Sorry for your loss. Your Dad had great taste in cars.