In Memory of Rebel DiMaio


It is with the Saddest of hearts that I must let all of the DVBRC
know that Richard ( REBEL ) DiMaio passed away on September 21st
2008. Rebel was home from Florida to paint a secret boat project
for this spring. He died in his sleep. I had talked to Rebel the
Friday before and we made plans to get together on the 11th of
October. He had to work that Friday or I would have been down
their to see him that weekend. Rebel was the start of the Stock
outboard class. He was a big friendly guy who always had time
for everyone. As many of you know he was a party animal. Some
of you probably faced his late night bar jumping scenes. However
Rebel never ever had anyone upset with him. He really went with
the Flow. In 1999 when Dave and I began racing Rebel was our competion.
He beat me the first run, However you would have never known it.
I got him back through the years, but he didn't care. I didn't
get to see Rebel a ton but he always knew when to call. If I was
having a bad day the phone rang with a voice saying yo its Rebel
what you doing. Rebel was like a best friend to all. I attended
REBS funeral on Friday. There were more people than you can believe.
He was loved by many. Rebel passed with litte money so they set
up a rebelfund to pay for his services. 2008 will go down as a
terrible year. I lost my best friend Dave McCleland in June. Now
we also lost Rebel. To my friends in Heaven, I will miss you guys.
Dave you know I loved you. You were like my brother. Rebel, I
can't even tell you how much your friendship meant. Goodbye my
friends. I only hope you are waiting when I get there.
- Ben Lerew
Link
to Rebelfund to help reimburse the good folks who put up money
for the funeral
__________________________________________________________________
June 29, 2008 - Sunbury Race Recap:
Most driver/owners arrived at the race site on Saturday so we
took advantage of that and started full registration early and
that really helped us on Sunday. We were ready for the drivers
meeting at 11:00am and started the race on time at 12:00 noon.
We were hanging on trying to dodge some bad weather which was
forecasted for Sunday afternoon, and reduced the race program
to single eliminations and no multiple classes. Some of our drivers
were disappointed with that decision but later on in the afternoon
found grudge races kept our program going and drivers happy. As
it turned out, everyone went home happy, and early Sunday evening
the bad weather moved in.
We want to thank all drivers for their cooperation and also for
traveling to Sunbury during the fuel cost crisis. Thanks to all
of the volunteer workers, course set-up, patrol boats, stager,
starter, finish line, shut-down boat, ramp help, and race operations,
announcer, and help from the Sunbury Social Club. We had the help
and as everyone observed, it was an outstanding race. Please visit
the Results page for class winners.
__________________________________________________________________
7-June-2008
Remembering Dave McCleland

David E. McCleland, 37, of Nazareth, died June 7, 2008 in his
home. Dave left this world peacefully in the loving arms of his
family and friends. He and his wife, the former Andi Sandt, were
married March 23, 2007. Dave was a probation officer in Lehigh
County for the past 10 years. He was born July 16, 1970 in Abington,
he was a son of R. Edward McCleland Jr. of Lansdale and the late
Joy (Bethard) McCleland. He was a 1988 graduate of Quakertown
High School and a 1992 graduate of Shippensburg University. Dave
was a firearms instructor for Lehigh County. He was an avid fisherman.
Dave was a speedboat racer on the Susquehanna River. Survivors:
In addition to his wife and father, he is survived by two brothers,
Brent of Quakertown, Mark of San Francisco, Calif. Services: 1
p.m. Thursday, St. Johns Lutheran Church, 200 South Broad St,
Nazareth, PA, (610-759-3090. Calling hours 10 a.m. until time
of services in the church. Arrangements, Reichel Funeral Homes
Inc., 220 Washington Park, Nazareth (610) 759-0160
. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to
William J. Tauschman Memorial Cancer Volunteers, c/o the funeral
home.
Published in the Morning Call on 6/10/2008
--------------------------------------------Backert,
Judith A. (McCoach) --------------------
BACKERT JUDITH A. (nee McCoach) on Sept. 19, 2006 of Churchville.
Beloved wife of Robert H.; loving mother of Karen A. McCartney
and Gary R. (Laurel); dear grandmother of Matthew Backert; sister
of Carolyn Wolf. Relatives and friends are invited to her Viewing
Thursday 7 to 9 P.M. and Friday 10 to 11 A.M. at the Campbell
and Thomas Funeral Home. 905 Second St. Pike (at Bustleton Pike),
Richboro. Funeral Service 11 A.M. Interment Forest Hills Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations in her memory to the Fox Chase Cancer
Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Phila. Pa. 19111 would be appreciated.
Published in the Philadelphia Inquirer & Philadelphia Daily News
on 9/20/2006.
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
__________________________________________________________________
------------------------------------------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.
_________________________________________________
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.
________________________________________________________________
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
___________________________________________________________
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
________________________________________
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
___________________________________________
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
____________________________________________
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
Marion Braithwaite, 2-25-2006
Marion A. Braithwaite‚ 90‚ went home
to be with the Lord Feb. 23‚ 2006‚ in Elm Terrace
Gardens in Lansdale. She was formerly of the Mayfair section of
Philadelphia‚ Mainland and Jensen Beach‚ FL‚
returning to the area in 1994. She was married for more than 55
years to the late Walter Braithwaite‚ Sr.‚ who died
in 1991.
Born in Philadelphia‚ she was a daughter of the late Alfred
and Anna (Oliver) Fiedler. She graduated from Olney High School.
Surviving are three children‚ Walter Braithwaite‚
Jr. and his wife‚ Florence‚ of Warminster‚ and
Arlene M. Lukens and her husband‚ Clifford W. and Barbara
A. Hartmann and her husband‚ Edward W.‚ Jr.‚
all of Hatfield Twp.; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren;
and one great-great-granddaughter.
Relatives and friends are
invited to attend the service at 11 AM‚ Tuesday‚ Feb.
28 in Lansdale United Methodist Church‚ 300 N. Broad St.‚
Lansdale‚ PA 19446. Interment will be in Whitemarsh Memorial
Park. The family will greet friends from 7 to 8:30 PM‚ Monday‚
in the Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home‚ Lansdale‚ and
after 10 AM‚ Tuesday‚ at the church. In lieu of flowers‚
contributions in her memory may be made to Lansdale United Methodist
Church at the above address.Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home‚
701 Derstine Ave., Lansdale, PA, 215-855-3311
Main Street, east or west, in Lansdale to Cannon Ave., go south
on Cannon Ave. for half a block.
Shotwell Family Receives Gift from Racers Emergency Support
Club
member and long time racer Wayne Shotwell received a gift for
his family from the Racers Emergency Support of Riverside California.
The organization was formed to collect donations and provide financial
support to racers in need. As you may be aware, Wayne and his
family have had more than their share of tragedy in recent years,
and we're thankful that Wayne was able to receive their generous
gift. The following is a letter of thanks sent from the DVBRC
President to Phyllis Ermshar, who represents Racers Emergency
Support:
| Dear Phyllis,
The Delaware Valley Boat Racing Club
would like to thank you and Racer’s Emergency Support
for your generous help to one of our club members, Wayne
Shotwell and his family.
Wayne is a very dedicated member of
the drag boat racing family even through the most difficult
time in his life. Since the spring of 2000, he has been
involved in three accidents which all have required three
major surgeries on his spine, and also surgery on his feet
and hands. In July, 2000 he lost his twenty one year old
daughter, Tonya, in an automobile accident. After the accident,
Wayne and his wife Ruthann took on the job of raising their
four year old granddaughter, Kelsey. Several months had
passed when they noticed some bruises on her body. Doctors
diagnosed her with a very serious case of leukemia, known
as “the blast”. Kelsey has been through long
treatments of chemo therapy and has been in remission for
about a year and a half. All of this has caused a great
hardship to the family. They have survived with a reduced
amount of income from Workman’s Compensation and help
from friends and family members.
Your support meant a great deal to
the Shotwell’s and has been greatly appreciated by
all of the members of our club.
Sincerely,
Walt Braithwaite Sr.
President
D.V.B.R.C. Inc.
|