R.I.P. Tom Utman 16CE

[stu_racing]

I just wanted to let the boat racing community know that my father, Tom Utman, from Brockville, ON Canada passed away today around 1:40pm today.

My father started racing ASH in 1967 out eastern Ontario and attended many of the northeastern races between that time and about 1982ish in the outboard division.

He then moved to the inboard category in the newly established 2.5L division when the 2.3L cobra engine was introduced. He continued racing there until 1999.

Throughout the decades there are many that can say that he was a fierce competitor on the course and a gentle soul off it.

After his racing days he continued to crew for many boats, both inboard and outboard to the day he was diagnosed with cancer.

He fought the most aggressive cancer that I have ever experienced first hand; being diagnosed on Oct. 15 and passing away today, Nov. 13.

He was a gentle soul off the course providing his knowledge to those who needed it as a social worker but he was a fierce competitor on the course and I can only can hope that I can live up to his reputation.

He taught me how to build boats and build motors. I would like to think that he has thought the best of my designs. The motors may come later since I have left that up to him so far.

If you have any stories to share then they would be greatly appreciated! If you would like to send them directly to the family you can send them to stu_racer@hotmail.com or leave a message at 613-345-3949.

My father has had the greatest impact on my life and I would only like to pass that along to everyone else since boat racing was his greatest passion.

Service arrangements are still to be determined but I will let everyone know as soon as I can.

Thanks,

Spencer Utman - 19CE soon to be 16CE

[hydroid]

Spencer, deepest condolences to you and your family.
I didn't know your father long, but was taken by his calm, measured and purposeful approach, always ready to help hands-on, and generously offer advice when asked.
Vividly I see you in your Uppity sitting on coaming waiting for green flag, Tom ready to rope, to send you off, and welcome you back.
It was a privilege to know him, you emulate many of his qualities. I am confident he passed away in peace knowing the family is in his son's firm and capable hands; in the end, every Father's wish.

Erik and Kristian

[TPLACE31]

Our deepest sympathy goes out to Judy, Spencer and Kent.

As a young twenty something I had the pleasure of first meeting Tom in 1973 at Silver Lake, NY. Arriving in the middle of the night, I pitched my tent only to be awaken the next morning by voices with an accents that I could not detect. Tom and his Canadian Cronies took me under their wing and it established a friendship that would last almost forty years.

I would like to believe that we were more than just boat racing buddies, but were true friends. Tom would go out of his way to lend a hand and support the boat racing cause. It was never about him, but always the big picture and how could he contribute to the sport.

I know these past few weeks have been difficult on the family, but take solice in that Tom was one of the good ones. Our racing fraternity will miss him dearly and we will always cherish our times together with 16CE.

A true gentlemen, may he rest in peace.

Steve & Maureen Noury

[rumleyfips]

I'd like to express my sympathy to Judy, Spencer and Kent.

When I raced from 1966 to 1981, Tom was usually somewhere close by. For a couple of years, his ASH was on my trailer and after that his trailer was often beside mine. Always a friend.

John McManus

[charlie gonyea]

Spencer,
I met you and your family thru Steve Noury at a boat race and enjoyed our friendship for several years. My deepest condolances to you and your family. Your father always took the time to sit with me and enlighten me on the things he had learned over his racing career.

Charlie Gonyea

[Andrew 4CE]

Sorry for your families loss Spencer, he was a great guy. I can remember helping pit for him at the Hamilton, Ont event. He'd just got his 2.5L either finished or freshly painted I believe (he built it too if I remember right). The boat was getting close to the dock and I put my foot down to stop it from hitting. Sadly a stone was stuck in the tread of my shoe and scratched the fresh paint on the front sponson. Man did I feel bad. As he got deeper in inboards with Buzz and you weren't racing outboard yet we kind of lost touch with the family except at the odd Inboard event we managed to make it to. He obviously loved boat racing... being involved with CBF, inboard, GP, and outboards. Has been nice having your family back in the mix since you got back into outboards. You can definately see his great traits in you. I'm glad it was more less a quick and peaceful closing to what looked like a great but short life from my view.

Thoughts with your family,
Andrew, Valerie and Megan

[D_Allen_III]

Sorry for your loss.

[Jeff Brewster 59s]

Thinking of you Spencer...

I consider myself very fortunate to have been able to enjoy such a short time with this gentleman. I will miss our talks together my friend. Race in peace!

[johnsonm50]

I'm very sorry for the loss of your Dad Spencer. When I met you & him he seemed a fine gentleman. God Bless

[werners racing]

UTMAN FAMILY
im so sory for our loss Tom was the best a great long time freind on and off the corse
i will miss very much always joined me at the end of day for cold one and story
werner family

[bh/]

I have known and been friends with three generations of Utmans,
Toms father, Harry, and his sons, Spencer and Kent.
Their characters are similar, quiet,
not forceful, but not without opinion.
Never a runabout is seen on their trailer, hydros only.
But Tom had thoughts on runabouts also
He will long be missed.

[Hydroglobe17J]

Spencer,
So sorry to hear about your Dad, please give your family our deepest prays for love and strength at this time.
Earl 11J

[stu_racing]

Thank you all for your support. Between the phone calls, e-mails, posts on here and facebook the support that you all have shown has made this new transition for my family a little bit easier.

There will be visitation hours for the wake which will occur Friday Nov. 16th at Irvine Funeral Home on 4 James St. East Brockville, ON between 2-4pm and 7-9pm.

The funeral will be held Saturday Nov. 17th at Centennial Rd. Church in Brockville at 11am.

[ottawamercguy]

Tom Utman a racer and a gentleman

Tom's passing is a huge loss not only to his family and friends
but also to the racing community. Tom had one foot in the
inboard racing group and the other in stock outboards. Tom
always lent a helping hand and expert advice whenever needed.
He was a true gentleman in our sport and will be greatly missed.
Regards Patricia and Michael Rorke

[STEVE FRENCH]

He and John Webster are head'n in'ta the first turn on the other side.............full field from the last few years fer sure!!

Glad I got to meet him at the Waterford, Ont. Canada races.........