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Many people have asked me over the years as to how I got into racing. Especially those who don't like or understand racing. The answer wasn't as much how, but who, got me into racing. And that answer has always been very easy to find. He was with me at racetracks for many years in many places around the country. He was my Dad. And now the reason for me being in racing is gone. Dad finally lost the physical and mental battles that started when he suffered strokes on December 30 & 31, 1999. Many people growing up in my generation always wondered where we would be when it turned the year 2000. I never once said that I would be in a hospital with my Dad after he suffered strokes. But that was exactly where I was. Dad started taking me to the races with him when I was two or three years old after he and Mom had split. We went two, three, and sometimes more times a week. We eventually began to travel to races farther away from our Western Pennsylvania home. We went to many racetracks in many states. Always having a good time together. As I began to travel to work more races farther from home, our roles seemed to reverse and he was the one asking to go along or for me to bring him home a hat or something from the track. He still had them all. Dad and racing are also the reasons I ended up with a college degree as a Design Draftsman and ended up in the sign business. I was always drawing race cars as kid. Finding the drafting classes in school was great, as now I could draw in school. It was during one of these drafting classes my senior year in high school that a classmate asked if I could draw and paint a racing dirt bike on a sign for him. Of course I said I could, even though I never painted a sign before. A picture of that sign is on my website. Painting signs was also a way for me to get more involved in racing as I could then letter race cars. Dad helped on deliveries and selling jobs for me. Even to the end, he would ask how business was and if I had any big jobs going on. I have had people that knew me, but had never met my Dad, tell me that I was just like him after they had met him. So, I guess I am who I am just because Dad took his little kid to the races all those years ago. And for that, I couldn't be more grateful. Even with Dad gone, I still have a constant reminder of him, as my son has the same look as him with the thin blonde hair and blue eyes. He may be gone but I will never forget him and our time together. I miss you already buddy!
-------------------- Dana Blair Blair Signs Wooster, OH www.blairsigns.com
If sign makers go on strike, is there anything written on their picket signs? Posts: 835 | From: Wooster, OH, USA | Registered: Jul 1999
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Dana, it sounds like you and your Dad shared many happy times - probably more than most people get to share with their Dads. I hope those memories will bring you peace. Blessings to you and your family.
-------------------- Jean Shimp Shimp Sign & Design Co. Jacksonville Beach, Fl Posts: 1266 | From: Jacksonville Beach, Fl. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Dana,so sorry for your loss.You and your family are in my toughts & prayers. Judy
-------------------- Judy Pate Signs By Judy Albany, Georgia USA 229-435-6824
Live simply...Love generously...Care deeply...Speak kindly...Leave the rest to God. Posts: 2621 | From: Albany,GA,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Sorry for your loss- our prayers are with your family.
you have just joined a special group of guys: after my dad passed away, I met so many guys who had lost their dads, who shared their stories and lifted up their heros- each one described an amazing bond that somehow molded and influenced their passage to manhood.
It seems your passage is just as amazing- thanks for sharing! Be sure to tell everyone you know these memories...
-------------------- Michael Clanton Clanton Graphics/ Blackberry 19 Studio 1933 Blackberry Conway AR 72034 501-505-6794 clantongraphics@yahoo.com Posts: 1736 | From: Conway Arkansas | Registered: Oct 2001
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Dana, sorry for your loss. I get the 'racing' thing and the bond that forms (we are also a racing family). You are so lucky to have that kind of Dad and now all those memories to draw from and share.
-------------------- Susan Banasky Source Signs Nanaimo, British Columbia sourcesigns@shaw.ca
When in need....go directly to the "Source"!
Proud Supporter of this "Knowledge Network"! Posts: 1323 | From: Nanaimo, B.C. Canada | Registered: Oct 1999
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I had a Dad, like that Dana, I was 10 yrs old the last time I seen him, but will always remember the places we went to. They are at a good spot to watch us now.
My prayers...
Jack
-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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Sorry for the new Dana, but grateful for your story & I it is encouraging that you can share it. I hope your peace and acceptance of this turning point in your life is as painless as possible. Thanks for your story too Michael as I am another of so many in that club as well!
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Dana...sounds like you guys shared something really special...I know you will miss him...thanks for sharing with us how much he meant to you...he must have been a wonderful Dad.
Sorry to read of this. May the memories of good things warm and heal your heart. I am not a race fan by any means, but I do know it is a glue between many father/son relationships.
Your story made me chuckle a bit. My dad sometimes accompanies me on a job too, and asks the same "how's business" question whenever he sees me.
Take care.
[ August 19, 2009, 08:55 AM: Message edited by: Rick Beisiegel ]
""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3486 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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Thanks for sharing, Dana. There's not much more fulfilling than having a dad you can share a large part of your life with. I envy you and the joy you've had. My dad passed when I was less than 5, but I still remember him taking me fishing and riding me on a special seat he built on his bike.
I've been a racer for many years too, and I've watched several friends who had sons (and some daughters) grow up in the sport, and get to love the fun, and join in the work. It's a good teacher, in many respects.
You'll always have his memory in your heart; God gives us that. Helps keep your heart alive. Think of all those who never knew their father; how blessed you've been.
-------------------- Dale Feicke Grafix 714 East St. Mendenhall, MS 39114
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Posts: 2963 | From: Mendenhall, MS | Registered: Apr 1999
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So sorry for your loss Dana.... but what a heartfelt story illustrating how loving relationships affect people and have no generational barriers.
Your story makes clear the point that 'love endures.'
Fond memories of the relationship you enjoyed with your father may sadden you now, but will provide you with joy as you see his life lessons being realized through your son as you naturally pass them along.
May God's comfort and love bless you and your family in this sad time.
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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My Dad went home in 2000, and I still miss him today. I worked under my Dad for many years, then I started my business and Dad was my number 1 assistant for many years.
Dad's favorite saying was,"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, where in the hell will you find the time to do it over?" Any time I consider letting something slide, I hear that line, and I just kinda look up and say,"Yeah...I know." and then I proceed to take as much time as needed.
Still very sorry to hear of your loss, but welcome to the club.
-------------------- Don Hulsey Strokes by DON signs Utica, KY 270-275-9552 sbdsigns@aol.com
I've always been crazy... but it's kept me from going insane. Posts: 2277 | From: Utica, KY U.S.A. | Registered: Jan 1999
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Dana I'm so very sorry for your great loss. I lost my dad when I was 26 and I distinctly remember the pain that I felt. But I can tell you this: you never really lose him. I have a photo of my dad here in the shop and I look at it every morning. I have my dads tools (that was somehow very important to me) and most all the family photos. I also have wonderful memories of him and I see him in my children, just as you see your dad in yours. Time will help the pain; just don't fight the grieving process.
-------------------- Ricky Jackson Signs Now 614 Russell Parkway Warner Robins, GA (478) 923-7722 signpimp50@hotmail.com
"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Sir Issac Newton Posts: 3528 | From: Warner Robins, GA | Registered: Oct 2004
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Thanks for sharing your story, Dana. I was "Daddy's girl" and I think of my Dad every day. But I also see him every day in the wonderful things he taught my children and the values that he taught all of us. I'm sure you will never forget him and you will always miss him but your grief will be replaced by your good memories after a time. So sorry for your loss.
[ August 19, 2009, 10:04 AM: Message edited by: Jane Diaz ]
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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Sorry about your dad, Dana. He sounds like the kind of dad every father should be -- one who enjoys his kids and likes having them with him. His influence on you will be passed on through the generations, just as it has with you and your son.
You didn't mention how old he was.
-------------------- Bill Diaz Diaz Sign Art Pontiac IL www.diazsignart.com Posts: 2107 | From: Pontiac, IL | Registered: Dec 2001
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-------------------- Tony Vickio The World Famous Vickio Signs 3364 Rt.329 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 t30v@vickiosigns.com 607-535-6241 http://www.vickiosigns.com Posts: 1063 | From: Watkins Glen, New York | Registered: Sep 2001
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Dana, I could join in the sorry for your loss sentiment, but I'd rather rejoice in the closeness you shared. He took the effort to develop common interests and use them as a catalyst for relationship. I'm thankful for men that set that standard. Dana, you have a treasure....invest it wisely.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6718 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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My condolences and prayers- I lost my Dad, very suddenly, in 1990
-------------------- Catharine C. Kennedy CCK Graphics 1511 Route 28 Chatham Center, NY 12184 cck1620@taconic.net "Look at me, Look at me, Look at me now! I't's fun to have fun, But you have to know how!" Posts: 2173 | From: downtown Chatham Center, NY | Registered: Feb 2004
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Keep those happy memories with you when you miss your dad. And take the time to do the same for your kids.
-grampa dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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Sorry for you loss, Dana. Your dad will always be with you in his favorite seat in the bleachers, watching guys like Opperman, Lou Blaney and a host of others.
-------------------- George Perkins Millington,TN. goatwell@bigriver.net
"I started out with nothing and still have most of it left"
-------------------- Jimmy Chatham Chatham Signs 468 stark st Commerce, Ga 30529 Posts: 1766 | From: Commerce, GA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Dana, our deepest condolences to you and yours.
-------------------- Bruce Bowers
DrCAS Custom Lettering and Design Saint Cloud, Minnesota
"Things work out best for the people who make the best of the way things work out." - Art Linkletter Posts: 6451 | From: Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Registered: Jun 1999
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I offer my condolences and can see you're there for your son, too.
-------------------- Frank Smith Frank Smith Signs Albany, NY www.franksmithsigns.com Posts: 807 | From: Albany, NY USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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So sorry about your father, Dana; Thanks also for sharing. It reminds me of thinking about my father also; good to keep the spirit alive and bond together to do so.
-------------------- Deb Fowler
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Walt Disney (1901-1966) Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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