Team Racecraft Patriarch Passes

[14-H]

May 11, 2009 – Edgewood, Kentucky

Team Racecraft has lost its captain. Robert “Ponch” or “Pop” Trolian, Sr., passed away today from complications following a stroke at the age of 64. Trolian began racing outboard boats in the 1960’s and then began making fiberglass and plastic molded design hydros and runabouts. Trolian was retired as a Vice-President of Manufacturing from the Glasstron and Wellcraft Divisions of Genmar in Gainsville, Florida. He was a long-time member of the American Power Boat Association (APBA) of Eastpointe, Michigan where he served as a participant, race director and officer. Trolian was inducted into the APBA’s Hall Of Champions in 1991 and into the Association’s Honors Squadron in January of 2009, receiving the APBA's highest honor for his contributions.

He is survived by his wife Linda, five (5) children, Robert Trolian, Jr., Paul Trolian, Sharon Kerr (Terry), Teniell Trolian and Brian Trolian (Tracy), four (4) grandchildren, Kayla Kerr, Danielle Trolian, Emily Kerr and Dominick Trolian and his extended boatracing family. His entire immediate family quickly gathered to his side in Kentucky following his illness and all were present when he passed from this life.

Funeral arrangements are pending. The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the APBA Junior Category Scholarship Fund.

[csh2z]

There are no words to describe our greif. Race in peace Ponch, we love you.

[ryan_4z]

I don't know if ever knew anyone who did more with the one life god gave 'em than Ponch did. He touched so many people.

[3rd Chance]

Remember

everything this man gave to our sport. What an all around great guy. You will be missed so very much. Race in Peace.

Shawn and Jenn

[Dave Young 94-N]

We love you Ponch

Thanks for inspiration and friendship over the years. We have all lost a great asset to our family. The tears shed will fill a race course in your memory.

Dave, Pam and the entire Half Moon team.

[Composite Specialties]

Many Thanks

From everyone at MJR Composites, we thank you for all your efforts to move this sport we love into the future with your composites knowledge and your constant availability to anyone wanting to learn more. You have taught me so much over the years during our conversations and I will never forget them.

Thanks for inspiration and the friendship over the years.

Marc Johnson

[boots205]

I will miss sitting with him at Dayton. I loved our conversations and the way that he and Linda made us feel part of their family. All our love to you Linda, Sharon, Paul, Teniell, Brian & Robert and your families.

Rob & Janet Zilka

[annahearn]

He was one of the greatest people that I have ever known. He was truly a man who believed in putting his family first. Bob practiced what he preached. He had a heart of gold. Thank you Bob for everything.

God had bigger and better plans for Bob in directing God's race from the heavans.

[adamallen]

Everyone has that person that they look forward to seeing when they get to the pits. Pops was that guy for me.

My condolences go out to the entire family.

[Tomtall]

R.i.p.

Even though we did not now Ponch very long he extended a warm welcome to our son and always helped out with our program when needed. He was a larger than life individual with many skills and a warm heart. Our prayers go out to the entire Trolian family and relatives during this trying time.

I snaped this picture of Ponch at Constantine 2 years ago. I thought he was going to tell me off. He just smiled afterwards and asked if the camera still worked after taking it. That was Ponch.


Rest In Peace Ponch

The Low Family,80M

[jsilvestri]

My sincere condolences. Bob was a great man and will be missed by all.

[aojesus]

This is devastating news to the boat racing community.

Bob was never too busy to answer his phone when we were having set up questions at the races. He told me it was called customer service, but it was just Bob being Bob. He was also instrumental in getting the paperwork for Joey to go to Whitney Point without his parents present to compete in the Nationals.

Boat racing never had a better friend than Bob Trolian.
The KIDS of boat racing have never had a better friend than Bob Trolian.

Thank You Bob for the great person you were.

Our thoughts and prayers go out the the Trolian Family and Team Racecraft.

[csh12M]

Ponch was a 1US type of person

It is hard to imagine going to a race and not seeing Ponch. He is a legend in our sport that will be deeply missed.

Ponch had his racing priorities straight. He was competitive and strived to win, but he used racing to keep his family and friends close. I used to think that Team Racecraft was a little nutty, all crammed into the same trailer. However, after watching them I learned what “real” family and friends were all about. I bought a boat last summer from Ponch and Brian just so I could be a part of Team Racecraft and one of Ponch’s racing family.

This season when you seen a Racecraft out front, besides remembering what great boats he built, remember your family and how important they are in your life. Ponch treasured his more than any wins on the racecourse.

Race in Peace, you will always be 1US in our hearts.

Love,
The Sutherlands

[Val16E]

Pop was such a sweet man. I always looked foward to seeing him at the races. He truly lived his life to the fullest, and contributed so much for everyone around him. I think that is the most important part of life and for that and so much more he will always be in our hearts and prayers. Race in Peace.

[MGallagher]

Thank God for gracing us with the presence of one of his many angels. To Brian and family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Race in Peace Ponch.

Matt, Rachel, Jackson, and Luke