Roy Blackwell passes

[Nilsen Racing]

Rest in peace Roy

Roy was one of the classiest people I ever met in boat racing. He was a terrific competitor, worked tirelesly for his local clubs and APBA and was the prototype for what we now call a Risk Manager. Aside from that, he raised a great family with children he and Henriette can be very proud of.

One of the best people in racing, and he cannot possibly be replaced. We will all miss you so much....

R-19

Ditto. Could not say it any better.

The Nilsens

[afterplane]

Roy was the kind of person we would all like to emulate in life. And he got to school a lot of boatracers along the way. Roy schooled me at Cullaby 1990 in the DSH Merc Challenge. There were 18 DSH's entered and neither Roy or myself was fast that day. But we both hung in there and at the end I got 5th and Roy ended up 4th. And I thought "that guy just outdrove me". It was a pleasure to know you Roy.
jim hoban

[daveracerdsh]

Cullaby

What a neat memory of Roy.....Up until now i had forgot that he ran DSH once in a while....

[Joe J]

In almost 20 years of marraige, the best piece of marital advice I have yet to receive came from Roy. He was truly a special person, and will be greatly missed.

We love you Roy!!!!!!!!!

Joe

[propnuts]

One of the truly great gentlemen I've ever met

I never really know what to say on occasions like this. I had the privelege of working with Roy on the SOA BOD when he headed an audit. I learned a lot about being thorough from that, and as a risk manager he made sure we did exactly what we said we were going to do, period. I also believe he won the national high points in 20SSH without going to nationals that year, I thought that was pretty remarkable. What I mostly remember is the warm smile that made ME fell warm every time I saw him. We'll miss you Roy.

[seanp3]

I started racing rather late in age. Roy was at my first race and gave me my first driving lessons. He always had a smile on his face and was always an encouragement. He didn't race that year. But I got to race against him the next year at the same race site. Bill, I was glad to know your dad. Roy is a true Gem!

[dsprint2000]

So sorry to hear. Condolences to the Blackwell family. I only met Roy a couple times, but enjoyed talking with him.

David

[Dave M]

Sorry

I am sorry for your loss. It is hard losing folks we know.

[SeaBat]

Bill and family

Our prayers and deepest sympathy go out to all of your family and all Roys close friends. Though I only met Roy several times I feel like I've lost a member of my own family.

Bill Thomas and Family

[1100-one]

Sorry

Bill
I had the priveledge of working many races with your dad over the years when in was here in Ca. Like everyone has said your dad was a great person and teacher to me as well as many others. My condolences to you, Mark and all your family.

Todd

[QUINAULTRACING]

Oh so sorry to hear

The best and will miss him deeply. As most people know Doug Reed and myself started racing ten year ago. Roy was still in his prime one of the guys to beat. When we came into racing everyone says they will help you, oh yes some help you in and out of the water or load a boat. But not Roy he made we were safe and was getting faster, it took four years or so to even catch Roy. He still helped us get faster. That is my kind of man. He will be miss by so many you could not name them all on this site in a year. You will be missed, god be with you. Steve August

[voodoo]

I never met Roy, but if his son is half the man he was it is truly a great loss. Times like this words can't say enough. Remember the man may be gone but the memmories you have with him will last forever.... Brant Policar

[ram95]

Way out here on the East Coast, I too am saddened by Roy's passing. We have lost too many of our members and supporters of our sport so recently... all of them being remembered here on Hydroracer.

These folks have all been "champions" in their own right... of our sport.

We need to pull the throttle back for a moment and reflect upon the things which these men and women have done and take it upon ourselves to work together.

The Mad Russian 12A

[Slowboat510]

Memorial Service

Hi everyone,

We have set up a memorial service. It will be at Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills on Saturday, July 9th at 1:00 PM. It's in Lynnwood, WA.

Here's a link where you should be able to get directions. Go to the "About Us" pull down menu and select "Directions". It provides a map and allows you to enter your address and obtain directions.

http://www.floralhillslynnwood.com/d.../overview.page
(425) 672-1800

Thank you so much for all the messages and posts. It really means a lot to the family.

I've found some pictures that I'll post later.

Sincerely,
BRB

[CSR4C]

We were privileged to have Roy in region 11 for a number of years. I can remember when he was working with the insurance company as their “risk manager” and got that program going. Linda and I are saddened by his passing. It was a honor to have know such a fine person.

Darrell, Linda Sorensen and family