To my DVBRC Family,

I'd like to thank ALL the members of the DVBRC for your strong support through prayers, flowers, and heart flet love during our darkest hours. Even though Judy & I are apart until the Lord takes me home, it's a great comfort knowing I have all of you, my friends, to help me until that day. From my family to your family, We Thank You from the Bottom of our Hearts.

-Bob Backert

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------------------------------------------IN MEMORY OF JUDY BACKERT-------------------------

Sept. 19, 2006: We are deeply saddened to report that Judy Backert, wife of Bob Backert, has succumbed to her illness early this morning. This was a great shock because of the swiftness of the illness that took her. Judy and Bob were the remaining two Charter Members in the club, and Judy has been active in the club since it's inception. Judy was always at the meetings, and made many contributions to the club over the years, not the least of which assisting Bob at the races by most recently operating the computer and helping to manage the race program. Judy has also been one of our T-shirt sales people, spending many a race day behind the table to help boost the finances of the club. Judy was one of the club's greatest supporters, by always being there, and ready to do whatever was needed or asked. All of this is shadowed, however, by her smile and warm friendship shared by all. We will miss Judy because of this more than anything.

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Because our guestbook is down, I am offering anyone with thoughts to share to email them to the club address dvbrc(at)dvbrc.com, and i'll get them posted here as separate items. Thanks.

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I met Judy Backert 16 years ago while attending my first boat race with my husband John. Judy had a warm welcoming spirit about her. I had the occasion to spend several New Year's eve parties with Judy and Bob, though I will miss her, my heart goes out to Bob. I know where Judy is now and I know she is happy and not in pain, it may be a different kind of happiness then you and I are use to but it is happiness. I could always see the love Bob and Judy had for each other by the way they looked at one another. I hope everyone can experience that at least once in their life. Judy was a gracious lady that will be missed dearly by John and I... I just wish I would have told her.
Debbie Kiefer
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To Bob, Karen, Gary, Laurel & Matthew,
Our prayers are with you in this very difficult time. We were deeply saddened by Judy's illness and then her passing. She will always be remembered for her infectious laughter and kindness to others. She was amazing because she knew all of the racers by name & boat. She was also a trooper as Floss and Laura would take her on marathon shopping trips... she was not fond of shopping and never complained. Judy ~ we love you and will miss you, but we know that you are at peace and no longer in pain and we will meet up with you again in heaven. Please keep our racing waters calm and your hand on our shoulder as we struggle through life on Earth. We raise an Amaretto Sour in your memory! God Bless you!
With deepest sympathy and love,
Laura, Buzz & Bill Thomas

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In 1999 I was introduced to drag boat racing in the Dvbrc by Paul Evans. At the very first race I ever attended I know the first people ever to welcome me aboard were Bob and Judy. Ever since that time I always find it very important to go up to see Judy's smile and Bob's hand shake. This husband and wife team were the foundation for what and what boat racing is all about. However, more than that they represented what a ( husband wife, friend, companion, and good people are. ) Judy will be very missed by all. There is not one member of this club that will not be saddened by her loss. It is a very sad year when two of our very good friend both Judy and Pat pass on. May they both rest in peace and there loved ones carry on with wonderful memories. Godspeed Judy! We love you. May you and Pat sit where you both belong.

Pat Fiedler 2006
Judy Backert 2006

a year we will never forget !!!???

odba23@aol.com

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Judy Backert

God saw you were getting tired,
And a cure was not to be,
So he put his arms around you,

And whispered, “Come to me”.
With tearful eyes we watched you,
And saw you pass away,
Although we loved you dearly,

We could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard working hands at rest,
God broke our hearts to prove to us,

He only takes the best.

Forty years ago, Floss and I met Judy and Bob and a strong friendship started and has never wavered. Some of our best times together were spent on vacations at Walt Disney World, Florida, and traveling to National Parks in Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado. Judy enjoyed visiting Glen Canyon National Park and Lake Powell.

We also traveled together to all DVBRC boat races and always volunteered our time to the Boat Club to help with each race.

We remember Judy feeding the neighborhood squirrels, making meatballs for our dog, who didn’t want to come home again, pizza nights with the gang, nights at Red Lobster, homemade vanilla pound cake, and her travel bag of candy for the trip.

She loved roller coasters, and made us laugh more than once, especially the first time on the Rockin Roller Coaster at MGM. She said it was the worst ride ever and I’m not going on that again. Ten minutes later she was riding it for the second time and was hooked for life. At Sea World she loved talking to the Clydesdale horses and we noticed when she looked them in the eyes, they loved her too. At Universal Studios she looked forward to Happy Hour and while Bob and I were drinking a beer, Floss and Judy were enjoying Strawberry Daiquiris with whip cream.

One thing we will remember most of all was her beautiful smile and her love for Bob, Karen, Gary, and her special grandson, Matthew. We will never forget you Judy. We Loved You.

Walt & Floss

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Judy Backet was like a second Mom to me. When I was in diapers Judy and Bob was my Grandparents next door neighbor. They took care of my Grandfather like he was their own, like family. After 40 years of knowing them I can say, they are my family. I am honored that I had the opportunity to know and share many great moments with Judy. They introduced my Father and I to boat racing, they are my Mom and Dads best friends. Words can't decribe the feeling I have today, knowing how missed she will be and at the same time happy knowing she is with her Lord whom her and Bob have very strong faith in. Judys soft smile, happy hello's, kisses and hugs will always be part of what I will remember, but most of all how happy she was with her husband Bob. She and Bob were role models for me growing up, and their love for Drag Boat Racing was the beginning of a 40 year friendship which they shared with all of us. Judy is Family and we will miss her every day. Her and Bob is what made our club special. They had an amazing relationship and showed their love to eachother and all those around them.

My tears have cried today, and my heart is broken and sad but I know with all of my heart that Judy is in heaven with her Lord Jesus and if anything that gives me peace inside. She lived her life by her faith and touched us all. Judy, words will never describe how much you will be missed. I thank you for the love you have showed my family and the many lives that you have touched.

God Bless Judy, Bob, Karen and Gary.

Our Prayers go out to our extended family.

Walter and Angela Braithwaite and Walter