My Dad, Dick Rees

[Heliarc]

Some of you knew my Dad, Dick Rees. And some of you not only knew him, but also raced with him in Stock Outboard runabout and hydro.

Dad always had one project or another in progress. That's just the way he was - always busy building something or fixing something. He would work on almost anything. Additionally, he has built many race boats over the last 60+ years. He built his first race boat when I was a baby. Today I'm 64. He has even built a number of racing boats including classic reproductions since he retired from racing over 20 years ago. As a matter of fact, 2 years ago at 82 years young, he built himself a picklefork hydro to run his recently acquired KG-4H. He was incredible.

Early yesterday afternoon while working on a new project, Dad experienced a brain aneurysm and was air lifted to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA. They have an amazing staff at Lehigh. But as skilled as they are, there was sadly nothing that they could do to help my Dad. The damage was simply too great. Dad peacefully passed this morning into the loving arms of God. I'm going to miss him.


Schumacher & Benner Funeral Home
359 King Street
Pottstown, PA 19464

Friday, December 7th.
Viewing: 10:00 am -11:00 am.
Service: 11:00 am.
Burial following service.


Barry

[Matt Dagostino]

My Condolences

I always remember your dad wearing his waders all the time.......he was one cool cat and always kept Big Don Pontius on his toes!!

He always looked half his age!! Must have been all the racing that kept him young.

Matt D'Agostino

[Tim Sidor]

Sorry for your loss !

I remember your Dad as one of the Top drivers in CSR & DSR when i started racing in 1971. Always a tough competitor and a gentleman. Watched many good races of the 80-P . Tim Sidor

[jtower3941]

Dick Rees

I knew and raced against Dick for many years. He built me one of the Best CSR I every had. I am sad to lose a fine racer and friend. I will shall say a prayer for Dick.
My condolences to Olga and Berry. I am sorry for your loss.

The Tower Family
Jim, Judy, PJ and Jim Jr.

[G Stillwill]

Barry Im so sorry to hear about your Dad he was a great guy and Im proud that I was friends with him. May he rest in piece and Im sure he is up on Lake Paradise now with with all his old friends.

[PopPop]

Dick Rees

Our condolences to Olga and Berry. Dick was one of the first people I got to know in racing and remained one of the finest people I've known. Dick was a good and clean driver who built quality equipment and just an all-aroung fine gentleman. He'll be missed.
Again, condolences to Olga and Berry.
From Phil Doerle, Ray Hastings and R C Hawie

[johnsonm50]

Sorry for the loss of your Dad Barry, God Bless

[Ron Hill]

I Rember His Smile

I always remember your dad wearing his waders all the time.......he was one cool cat and always kept Big Don Pontius on his toes!!

He always looked half his age!! Must have been all the racing that kept him young.

Matt D'Agostino

It has been a long time since I saw Dick, but I remember his smile. I'd forgotten the waders, but remember them now...I recall him as an honest competitor and clean driver. He was always friendly to me.....I just have this image of him, standing in the water (Yes, in waders) watching the races and smiling...enjoying Boat Racing and life.

Sorry for your loss, Barry.

[xcsp700]

Sorry for your loss a truely great craftsman he will be missed

[sbowman]

The 'Screamin Deamon' When I was ten heroes didn't come any better than him. We'll miss him too Barry. Shanon

[csh2z]

I remember, when I was a kid, asking my father why Don Pontius and Dick Rees always beat him in CU. The answer "They were the best". He was a great boat racer and one of the nicest people I've ever known. Lots of great memories. Race in peace, Dick.
Our condolences to Olga and Barry.

[CaptainLarry]

Dick may you rest in peace

I purchase a DU boat from Dick when living in Beach Haven, N.J. in 1958.He was a great guy. Moved to california n 1966 and lost contact with most of back east friends. Larry Cranmer

[Heliarc]

.

Thank you for all the kind words, everyone.

.

[nuch 9f]

To the Rees family I am very sorry for your loss.I never had the privilege to race with your dad,but had the privilege to know him. Tom Nuccio

[Heliarc]

Retired boat racers sometimes never really retire.

These pics of Dad were taken in August 2010 at an undisclosed location friendly to 'green tanks', gold colored engines, and former racers that really don't know how to completely retire.