Rick Wasilko

[superstroke]

I was informed that Rick Wasilko has passed away. This has not been confirmed. I talked with Rick a few weeks ago, and he had struggled with the burdens that life presents. Rick loved the sport of racing and, as you all know, was a talented photographer and writer. Rick was also a signpainter and we worked together on a number of projects. The photo below, was taken in April, 2005. Rick and I had just finished lettering Harry Stone's modified. He will be missed by many.

Rest in Peace Rick Wasilko.

[webby]

I was informed that Rick Wasilko has passed away. This has not been confirmed. I talked with Rick a few weeks ago, and he had struggled with the burdens that life presents. Rick loved the sport of racing and, as you all know, was a talented photographer and writer. Rick was also a signpainter and we worked together on a number of projects. The photo below, was taken in April, 2005. Rick and I had just finished lettering Harry Stone's modified. He will be missed by many.

Rest in Peace Rick Wasilko.That's awful news. Rick was the guy who convinced me to start Auto Racing Memories. I hadn't been able to contact Rick for several months. If you hear anything else about Rick please let me know.

[TPF]

I am sad, Rick and I went to High school togetherfor a year or two. We used to run around together after H/S. With Dave Burn , Joe Prisalac , Tim Sherin. I had talked to Rick abought two months ago at a hobby swap meet. He was struggling to find work. He was a real nice guy and we had alot of fun together. RIP Rick Tim FOGARTY

[lakeside #29]

We are really going to miss Rick. Three years ago I got to ride with him to Cheyenne to a CVOR practice. Larry McLaughlin drove #29 and Greg McLaughlin drove #52. After the rain storm that came through Rick and Debbie McLaughlin were out on the track helping to dry it. Rick drove and had Debbie taking pictures with his camera. I will not forget the great visit the two of us had on the road. It seemed Rick really wanted to talk that day.

Rick was way too young to be going throught the problems he had. We will miss his stories, beautiful pictures and friendship.

We send our sincerest sympathies and love to Rick's family.

Miss Peggy and Chris Ertler

[VintageBuzz]

Superstroke,
Recently when I would ask Rick Wasilko how he was doing, he used to tell me that he had "hit a few speed-bumps in life" and that he was trying to put them in his past. Rest in Peace, Rick. You were an awesome friend over the past few years. I admired your many talents and all the help you provided me and others. My only regret is not meeting you in-person like we had always planned.
Buzz Wendzel

[Olen McGuire]

I've only heard about how Rick Wasilko had befriended and helped others when I got on the old ARM.When someone passes away so young it makes me appreciate my old age more.He will be missed by the racing community that he wanted to be around.RIP Rick.

[carc7]

I spoke with Rick's brother-in-law on Sunday as he was cleaning part of Rick's house. We're not sure of the cause of death at this time. Really sad, as I only knew Rick for about the last year. Dave Burn called me this afternoon and has asked that if you had lent Rick any historical racing items such as pictures or programs, you should send him a private message through ARM and he will get back with you when he gets internet capabilities once again. You can feel free to contact me but I don't have direct contact with Rick's family, as Dave does. Thanks!

My deepest sympathies to Rick's family, especially his son Ricky, and his sister, whom he spoke very highly of. Speaking for the CARC, we all will miss his additions to ARM and his smiling face.

Paul Bredenberg

[Mitch G.]

Terrible news, working with Rick on photo re-touching of some vintage midget stuff (I only knew him through the internet) was always enjoyable. Always pleasant, and easy to deal with, seemed he had quite a collection of vintage racing knowledge, and items. My wife went to high school with him, she was shocked to hear the news, very sad to lose a solid vintage racing fan/historian.
Tragic to lose someone that young, RIP Rick.

[Jerry Lee]

I had heard the news on Sunday of Rick's passing but didn't want to believe it. Sorry to hear that it's true. I'd known Rick since the early '90's, we had always talked off and on because of our love for collecting local racing stuff, and he was a welcome addition to my story on Englewood Speedway.

I had talked to him about 6 weeks or so ago, and it seemed like he was just starting to get himself back together again. We also discovered that our family's had grown up together and were neighbors back in the '40's & '50's in Sterling. Small world. Rest in peace Rick.

[rapid30]

I will miss Rick's knowledge and humor. Rick had a vast collection of photo's and memorabilia and helped me by scanning my photo's and posting my stories on the old site. Rick had lots of input into me getting started writing some of the stories that are posted on here. I hope Rick finds the peace that he was looking for.
R.I.P brother you will be missed by many of us.
Bruce "rapid30" Rhoades

[cns_fan_jr_75]

I am sadden about the loss of Rick.
I got to know Rick a few year ago. We would talked about the photo's I would take at CNS, he always had something good to say about my photo's. I loved the photo's he took as well, he is one of the racing photography guys I looked up to.
You will be missed my friend, RIP

Greg

[nitro4dave]

as a liason for the family, they are having a very difficult time dealing with all of this, as could be understood. rick and i had been friends since grade school. the family has made several requests which i will try to help with and explain...they ask you do not go by the house, i have been asked to gather as much of the meomoribialia as possible and get it back to the rightful owners, this will be a large undertaking and to insure that everyone who had items gets as much (hopefully all) their items back i will gather as much as possible in the small time frame i have access to house.(an immediate family member must be there along with deputy from the county, this is why it is important no one else is present to ask questions and slow the process down!) i realize most of these items are irreplaceable memories, so bear with me so i can sort thru and get it back to the proper owners i'm not going to have an open house that you just grab what ever you feel like.

[nitro4dave]

JUST POSTED A LETTER FROM THE FAMILY ON BIG WEST, THANKS FOR YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT NITRO4DAVE

[lakeside #29]

If some of you are wondering why some of these posts have the name of Rick Losh on them, it is becaouse he started the post on his own sight and the rest of us just went along. Thank you Webbmaster for moving all of our posts to Rick Wasilko under The Checkered Flag.
Miss Peggy

[parrot]

Just got back from a long road trip to Indy Goodguys, and was shocked to hear about Rick's passing. Sorry I never got to meet him in person. His stories were always an inspiration to me. Gonna miss his style. BP

[superstroke]

I am sorry if I misled people with posting Rick Wasilkos picture and story on my site. At the time, it was not confirmed, but the person that informed me was as close to Rick as I was. I had that picture of Rick and wanted to share it with the racing community. I did not think it was right to post it in the checkered flag forum at that time. Thanks Eric for moving it to the correct forum.

Rick Losh

[webby]

I am sorry if I misled people with posting Rick Wasilkos picture and story on my site. At the time, it was not confirmed, but the person that informed me was as close to Rick as I was. I had that picture of Rick and wanted to share it with the racing community. I did not think it was right to post it in the checkered flag forum at that time. Thanks Eric for moving it to the correct forum.

Rick LoshNo problem Rick, when these kinds of things happen it's always so hard to handle from every perspective.

[lakeside #29]

Rick, You did the right thing getting confirmation first. It's good that you used good judgement. It wsn't too long ago that somebody declared Clarence Krieger dead. Right name wrong person. Or the case of Figure 8, Modified, Supermodified star Craig Moore. It as reported he was killed in a traffic accident. He was in car wreck but not injured. Imagine his surprise fielding phone calls regarding his funeral while drinking a cup of coffee in his shop.

Chris Ertler

[coloradonativegrl]

Regarding my brother Rick Wasilko(w).........First of all I want to take the time to thank our long time family friend, Dave Burn (nitro4dave), for his help and support at this time of loss. He has posted a letter on BigWest on my behalf asking for any and all donations to help me pay for Rick's cremation and service and some food to serve to folks afterwards. Any amount is greatly appreciated. Should you have any questions, please contact Dave, check out his post on BW that has my paypal address or write to me directly from this site. Also, a big thank you to those of you who have already donated. God Bless every one of you!!! Linda PS........it will be very nice to meet those of you who can attend the service. I will post details as soon as everything is set.

[superstroke]

Hello Linda.

The entire racing community has lost a friend with the passing of your Brother, Rick. I do not have to tell you that Rick was all about circle track racing. His memories of past racing events, tracks and the people that had anything to do with it, were vivid. His photography and stories were my wake up call every Sunday morning when he wrote for Colorado Racing Memories. At times, Rick and I worked on projects at my home, and we would go back and forth about who drove what and where. During these conversations, Ricks eyes would light up, especially when I could not remember a drivers name or car number, and he would snap with the correct answer. Rick was also a talented signpainter. I worked with Rick at Colo-Graphic Sign Co. and Stans Sign Co. Rick and I lettered a car for Harry Stone in 2005. He was just healing up from some surgery and was struggling with the brush, but he fought his way through it and the end result was a beauty. His great sense of humor was a bright spot in my life as well. We enjoyed e-mailing each other jokes. He most always had that wonderful smile. When he worked mixing paint at the auto paint store on 49th and Lowell, he sponsored Jim Browns stocker with paint. In turn, I lettered the paint stores name and the name of Ricks dream sign co, Rix Signs. He thanked me for that for years. It was all my pleasure!

I will miss Rick...
I wanted you to know that everyone will miss Rick.

Sincerely
Rick Losh

[coloradonativegrl]

Hi Rick. Thank you so much for caring about my Bro. You were always a "household" name in our family and whenever Rick and I would go the races he always pointed out your beautiful work on all the cars. When it came to racing, he had a mind like a sponge. I couldn't believe the details he could remember. He was proud of his sponsorship from Allen Paint that you mentioned. As soon as I know the time of the service next Saturday, I will post it and hopefully will be able to meet you in person if you are able to attend.

Again, thank you for everything.

God Bless,
Linda

[Quick Time]

So sorry about the passing of Rick.......I did not know him but felt like I should! He made such a GREAT contribution to the racing sites, both CRM and ARM.

RIP

Chuck

[coloradonativegrl]

Hi Peggy. Well I just woke up and can't go back to sleep. I wanted to thank you so very much for your kind and generous offer of cooking and all if we needed it for Rick's service. His service is going to be this Saturday, June 27, at 1:00pm at Spirit of Christ Church. The Church ladies will be serving lunch after the service. I couldn't believe when I heard that! What a tremendous help to me. I feel like I am going in all directions at once. The Church is located at: 7400 We 80th Ave, Arvada, CO 80003. Phone number is: 303-422-9173. Hope you will be able to attend. Good night and God Bless. Linda

[coloradonativegrl]

Regarding RICK WASILKO:

Memorial service to be held at SPIRIT OF CHRIST CHURCH, 7400 W 80TH AVE, ARVADA, CO 80003, 303-422-9173 at 1:00pm IN THE CHAPEL. Lunch to follow provided by the Church ladies.

Thanks,

Linda

PS......I posted this info again somewhere on this site and on Big West.........Lord only knows where it will show up!!!!

[coloradonativegrl]

Good Evening all. Please bear with me as I think I need to post a few more things in order to be able to put a link to Rick's obituary on here so you can visit and post comments there if you like, but I'm going to give it a try anyway, because I am exhausted and overwhelmed and I have 2 more 10 hour days to go. I really hope I will get to meet many of you on Saturday. OK......if you would like to view his obituary which is posted online at ALL STATES CREMATION, here it is. http://allstatescremation.info/obit.aspx?obitID=764 Either search ALL STATES CREMATION and click onto obits or copy and paste the above address into your browser.

Have a great evening, and again, thank you for all of your support!!

Linda

PS......Please, could someone pass this info and post it on Big West.......I would truly appreciate it

[coloradonativegrl]

Hello. Rick's sis Linda here just trying to take time to post an annoucement.

Dave Burn does have all of the racing memorabilia that he could gather. If anyone has been to my brother's (ever.....but more so recently) house knows this is a ENORMOUS undertaking and Dave deserves a medal of honor or some kind of trophy for even offering to do this for all of you on my behalf.

Your pictures, albums, whatever, are going to need to "air out" for a long while and please give Dave time to sort through and organize your belongings and to figure out what Rick had stored on his computers.

Anyway, thank you all for the kind words you have posted for my brother. It has helped me tremendously to work my way through all of this and I hope to get to meet many of you at his service this Saturday, the 27th, at Spirit of Christ Church, 7400 W 80th Ave at 1:00pm........lunch to follow, thanks to the generous and giving ladies of the Church. I believe it would also do my nephew Ricky much and needed good to see that his Dad did leave a positive lasting impression in the world.

Anyone, Anyone battling the alcohol demons, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, assess yourself and BE HONEST. Acknowledge that you are NOT in control, because YOU ARE NOT..........THEY are. Those demons will make a fool of you, play mind games with you, promise you the world and things they cannot possibly ever even close to deliver, to you, suck you dry of life, make you a liar, make you a fool and make you live in filth and dementia, trap you into some "fantasy" world of promises and then they walk , run and skip away laughing at you uncontrolably and mocking you and taunting you.....their job done and on to the next victim all the while keeping you on the hook as a fish and giving you just enough water/air to survive until you are devoured!!!!!!

For your sake and the sake of your family and friends........take action, be strong, and GET help!!!! I can guarantee you that they are NOT going to go away on their own.

Be safe racing, appreciate one another for who you are even when your fellow driver cuts you off and causes you to wreck and God Bless, and thank you.

With much love,

Linda Easton, Rick Wasilko's sister

PS........I work 4 ten hours days at the county and our son was in a horrific motorycle wreck 2 weeks prior to Rick's body being discovered........if anyone cares to write to me, please allow me ample time to respond. Thank you for your understanding.

Wishing you God's Eternal Blessing and Love.......always, Linda

[coloradonativegrl]

I was informed that Rick Wasilko has passed away. This has not been confirmed. I talked with Rick a few weeks ago, and he had struggled with the burdens that life presents. Rick loved the sport of racing and, as you all know, was a talented photographer and writer. Rick was also a signpainter and we worked together on a number of projects. The photo below, was taken in April, 2005. Rick and I had just finished lettering Harry Stone's modified. He will be missed by many.

Rest in Peace Rick Wasilko.
Hi. Rick's sister here. I just wanted to thank you for posting that pic of him. It's good to see him out and about and doing something he loved instead of being ravaged by the "bottle demons". Thank you again. Hope to meet you at his service tomorrow.

Linda

[coloradonativegrl]

I am sadden about the loss of Rick.
I got to know Rick a few year ago. We would talked about the photo's I would take at CNS, he always had something good to say about my photo's. I loved the photo's he took as well, he is one of the racing photography guys I looked up to.
You will be missed my friend, RIP

Greg
Thanks Greg for sharing about your experience with Rick. I know he felt purposeful when he could work with folks and help them. Maybe we'll meet at his service tomorrow if you can attend. Take care. Linda (Rick's sister)

[coloradonativegrl]

Well it's just me again......

I wanted to thank all of you that were able to attend the service for my brother, Rick, last Saturday. It was such a pleasure and honor to meet you and for those that were able to contribute......well, needless to say, it was MUCH appreciated. There was an anonymous donation of $100.00......thank you to whoever gave that. What a Blessing.

Please feel free to write to me anytime. It may take me a while to respond, but I promise I will eventually.

Life sure throws some curve balls at you.......but it is what it is and we all must go on and make life better for all that we come in contact with.

God Bless you and keep you safe.

With love,

Linda Easton

[Nostalgic Mike]

I really don't have much to say or add to the glowing words every one has had about Rick. I got to know him for only a very short period of time and his knowledge of local racing history and racing in general was incredible!!. RIP Rick.. You have left behind some wonderful photos and stories that all of us should take time to re-read and enjoy looking at. My hope now is, that there might be a little memoriam at the CVOR show in August at CNS displaying some of his photo work and memorabilia to pay homage to a man that really loved the sport of auto racing and wanted to spread the word as much as possible about the local history of the sport.
I also would love to see a memorial decal made up for him.. I will be happy and honored to display such a decal on our Mod Coupe for all to see!!

[schafer1]

I have been trying to contact rick for quite a while, he was in possesion of a video cassette of my family history with many photos and live action at lakeside, cdr and my family history, if any one knows who to contact to see if I could possibly get it back I would sure appreciate it, I also send him hundreds of images that are now lost by computer posted on the old web site, sorry to hear of his passing, old arm site member'
Harold Schafer p.o. box 2217 Page Az 86040 1 928 645-2841

[schafer1]

Igive rick a video tape of my family history has lots of racing history and all of my famly memories if you happen to find it please send it to me my mailing address is p.o. box 2217 page Az 86040 thank you Harold w. Schafer.as a liason for the family, they are having a very difficult time dealing with all of this, as could be understood. rick and i had been friends since grade school. the family has made several requests which i will try to help with and explain...they ask you do not go by the house, i have been asked to gather as much of the meomoribialia as possible and get it back to the rightful owners, this will be a large undertaking and to insure that everyone who had items gets as much (hopefully all) their items back i will gather as much as possible in the small time frame i have access to house.(an immediate family member must be there along with deputy from the county, this is why it is important no one else is present to ask questions and slow the process down!) i realize most of these items are irreplaceable memories, so bear with me so i can sort thru and get it back to the proper owners i'm not going to have an open house that you just grab what ever you feel like.

[nitro4dave]

unfortunately i did not recover any video tapes