Roy Blackwell passes

[Slowboat510]

1985 - Rookie Year

Here is a picture of Roy in his Rookie Year, 1985. He's racing the Karelsen 131-O in 20SSH. I think this is Oroville in Region 11. Note that he is right there for the start. Looks like Wart on the outside, US-2 is Jesse Lopez, I think. Don't know who is in lane 2. I'm guessing that Ray Hoot was probably the boat in lane 1.

I also see duct tape on the cowling...hmmm. Why is that not a surprise? He started out strong and stayed strong through his racing career.

[Redneckerson]

Bill,

My heart is saddened by the passing of your father. I remember when you and I rode together down to your fathers place in Sacramento. What I remember most about Roy is his big smile and friendly attitude. You were very blessed to have him as a father.

Take care my friend, your the best.

Jeff

[Al Peffley]

Goodby Roy, My Dear Friend

The memorial service in Lynnwood was very special last Saturday. It was wonderful hearing stories about Roy's life and his obvious love for his family and the people he knew throughout his life. I have never known such a gentle person with such a captivating smile. Roy always seemed to find time to stop to talk to me at the races even if he wasn't racing. We had many opportunities to race side-by-side in C-stock and OSY 400 heats at sanctions in Region 10. One of my favorite racing pictures is of Roy looking over the combing side at me tucked down in my blue CSH hydro as he decides how he is going to overtake me in the next corner at Silver Lake, Everett. We both crashed hard in different heats during a similar weekend race at Silver Lake a few years later (Wart used to call that boat race site the "Black & Blue" race, and we both proved it to be true). Roy was a "champion" and great role model in many ways that count as a father, proud grandfather, dear friend, and racer. Bonnie also competed with Roy in CSH one season. I will miss you Roy, but I believe that you are in a good place now in our Father's house. It was an honor to know Roy.

Thank you Bill for sharing the memories and pictures. Our prayers are with you and the family as you carry on with your lives, as Roy would want you all to do. It is obvious that he loved you all deeply.

Al & Bonnie Peffley
15-R/R-25