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| Gord Lowe 1944-2008 |
| From different racing forum in US & Canada
or Racing buddies ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I didn't really know Gord that well, but I know that I'll never forget him. He was the kind of guy that you were always glad to see and to talk with. Always had a smile and a joke for any topic, also sent me some of the most disgustingly fabulous emails I've ever seen! One weekend at Mosport while I was crewing for someone else I had the opportunity to help Gord with a wheel bearing repair....one of those just keep going and maybe we'll make the session, which he did. It was no big deal, but he was so gratefull...not gushing or blowing smoke up the appropriate orifice, he just always seemed to find a way to let me know how much he had appreciated it. A class act with a true message on how we all should live our lives. WFO Gord Mike Taberner OFFC driver # ? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ It wasn't the same at Mosport last fall as we completed the season, someone was missing. Hope against hope it was not to be, we have lost one of our own. Gord represented what club racing is all about, doing it for the love of it. With sometimes just his rubber chicken as crew he was the benchmark for the competitors in the B class. It won't be the same on the track or in the paddock without him. The emails with jokes that made me laugh or just cringe always made my day, Gord was an original, I feel privileged to have called him a friend. Brian Graham. Brian Graham Racing OFFC cars # 2, 4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Article from the wheels.ca http://www.wheels.ca/article/60416 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ There will be a Memorial Celebration on Sunday, February 17th (the new Ontario long weekend) from 10am to 5pm at Guelph Place Banquet hall, 492 Michener Road, Guelph. More details to follow, but an Open House format is planned so that people can stay for a short time or the duration as desirred. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gord Lowe It's been there for a few years now, the picture hanging on my wall of number 7, Gord Lowe in corner 9 at Mosport. In fact, my desktop background is also a picture of Gord, passing me, sent to me by him of course, along with some unprintable adjectives reminding me of that fact. I met Gord when I joined Varac, he was the kind of guy I loved being around and when it came to parking at the track I always looked for Gord�s trailer, that�s where I wanted to be. He brightened up my weekend and not just on the track as we had plenty to talk about, his concern about driver safety, his help if you needed something or the laughter especially when Karen and Marcel Lowe were there. I also witnessed the love and support he had from his non-racing friends when they made the trip to Mosport just to be around him, it was the measure of the man. Gord set the mark in the Formula Ford "B" grid. He was a great driver and not just because he could go around a corner fast but, more importantly, because you could put your wheel within inches of his anywhere on the track and be absolutely confident in his ability and driving wisdom. The most fun I have ever had racing was during my duels with Gord. We were almost always parked near each other, when he won he would come in fist pumping and so excited that I didn�t feel that bad about coming second, and, on the days I was lucky to beat him he would offer his congratulations in his way with some pretty colourful language and there would always be hug. At the end of the summer I flew out to Guelph to have lunch with Gord. He had raced his last race at Mosport and had another fight to fight. We did not talk about that though, we talked about the things that brought us joy, cars, the F1 pool we were in, our Jack Russell�s, the many trips he had taken with Karen to places we were both familiar with. It was a beautiful day and we wandered around outside a bit, talking aeroplanes and then I left. As I took off I looked down, Gord was standing next to his truck off the end of the runway, looking up as I flew by, looking up at the clear blue sky and the heavens. He is there now, flying free. That image will always be with me as will his spirit, the memories and the friendship he gave me. Thank you Gord. Glyn Walters, OFFC Raynard 84 # 88 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ It comes with a heavy heart to write about the passing of a dear friend and true people�s champion, Gord Lowe. It seems impossible that Gord is gone; many weeks later, we are all still reeling in disbelief. Heart attacks, prostate cancer: he had fought off the grim reaper many times before and seemed destined for another victory. I was fully anticipating to be writing something for his celebrity roast and not a memorial. Gord Lowe was a true inspiration for me. Whether it was driving his legendary yellow racecar on the limit to his many championships or enjoying life home and abroad with his soul mate, Karen, and family, it was always to the fullest and with such love. He honestly lived life on his own terms, right to the end. Although I, like many here, have many fond memories of Gord, the best memory I have is the last time I had the privilege to enjoy Gord at his best. Joyce, my wife, had organized a surprise birthday party for me last summer and the image of Gord and Karen that night, surrounded by my friends and family, as he held the crowd speechless and riveted to his every word, will be forever etched in my mind. Even in tremendous pain, this was pure Gord: his "yarn" was intoxicating and his wit was as sensational as ever. Gord's big, canary-yellow birthday card to me which read "HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY YOU TOTAL PENIS", in big bold letters, was put front and center on the mantle and enjoyed by all, at my expense, that night. The message inside was priceless and spoke volumes of this great man. In it, he wrote, "Frankie, Remember, nobody can make you grow up! Gordo" I will always cherish the great races we had together and the good times we shared together. I have since saved all of his outrageous e-mails and will never forget one of the most genuine and compassionate people I have ever known. Our paddock will never be the same. I feel privileged to have known Gord Lowe and to have called him a friend. My most heart-felt sympathies go out to his loving wife, Karen, and family in this most difficult of times; please know that you are not alone in your sorrow. Frank Petti (OFFC Van Diemen #12) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Send your messages to: [email protected] |
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| OFFC Class "B" (cars 84 and older) Champion in 2001- 2004 - 2006 |
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| Having just learnt of Gord's passing it's with a very heavy heart that I wish to add a few words out of respect and remembrance for him.
In all my years of racing, all over the world, Gord stood out as one best guys I have ever met. Gord raced for all the right reasons and I loved seeing how much it pleased him. He seemed to just exude a warmth and passion for what he was doing. That attitude and energy of his was and is inspirational. It was pleasure knowing you Gord. Aaron Povoledo ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |