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Don Perko, RIP


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#1 Cheater

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Posted 04 January 2017 - 01:50 PM

From OWH:

"With heavy heart I pass on the news that another Wing racer has passed away. My friend Don Perko passed away on Jan. 1. Arrangments are being handled by Two Rivers Funeral Service, Denver, CO."

Looking for an obit, but haven't found one yet. It seems that fewer and fewer obituaries are being published these days.


Gregory Wells

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#2 B.C.

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Posted 04 January 2017 - 02:10 PM

Stunned by this.

 

I was thinking of Don the other day. Of all the dozens and dozens of people I have had the pleasure to race against, Don was the only one I never finished ahead of. He was way good. Consummate Group 7 racer.

 

I learned so much about wing cars from him, mainly just by watching him prep, qualify, and race. When he was in the zone, he was totally focused.

 

Last time I saw him he raced Retros with us in Loveland, Colorado, on the hillclimb. After it was over he and I ran Eurosports for practice, very much enjoyed that.

 

Very saddened by this.

 

b.c.


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#3 Howie Ursaner

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Posted 04 January 2017 - 06:07 PM

Really shocked to hear this. I talked to Don a few weeks ago when he called me. He was a great guy and I will miss him. 


Howie Ursaner

#4 MSwiss

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Posted 04 January 2017 - 06:19 PM

Howie,

Had he been sick?

Mike Swiss
 
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#5 Uncle Fred

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Posted 04 January 2017 - 07:25 PM

RIP Don. 


Fred Correnti

#6 Howie Ursaner

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Posted 04 January 2017 - 07:36 PM

He actually sounded pretty good. He didn't talk about being sick. He wanted to get together with me when I was in Denver next.
Howie Ursaner

#7 A Reeder

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Posted 04 January 2017 - 07:40 PM

I spoke to a friend of Don's and mine a few minutes ago. From what he knows Don passed in his sleep.
 
Don had a stint put in December 2015 if I remember correct. I saw him about six months ago and seemed to be doing fine other than his knee bothering him.
 
Unfortunately I missed a phone call from him early December and we had been playing phone tag since.
 
RIP, Don.
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#8 Phil Donaldson

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Posted 04 January 2017 - 09:41 PM

RIP.
 
It's going to be one heck of a race with Don, Csaba, George, Craig, and Jon.


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#9 MSwiss

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Posted 04 January 2017 - 10:43 PM

Phil,

You can probably add Ray Nunes to that list.
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Mike Swiss
 
Inventor of the Low CG guide flag 4/20/18
IRRA® Components Committee Chairman
Five-time USRA National Champion (two G7, one G27, two G7 Senior)
Two-time G7 World Champion (1988, 1990), eight G7 main appearances
Eight-time G7 King track single lap world record holder

17B West Ogden Ave., Westmont, IL 60559, (708) 203-8003, mikeswiss86@hotmail.com (also my PayPal address)

Note: Send all USPS packages and mail to: 692 Citadel Drive, Westmont, Illinois 60559


#10 alainprost22

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Posted 05 January 2017 - 12:59 PM

Sorry to hear this. It was always a pleasure, talking with Don. Cool guy...

Al Pollack


#11 Phil Donaldson

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Posted 06 January 2017 - 12:00 AM

You can probably add Ray Nunes to that list.


Mike,
 
You are so very right about Ray. I remember he always ran well when he raced at Tom Thumb back in '80s.

Team Trend


#12 T.J. Smith

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Posted 06 January 2017 - 10:57 AM

I can tell you over the many years I got to spend with Don that he was a really great guy. Bill Price and Don had their moments but don't we all. So many good memories to reflect back on. 

 

I will truly miss these guys and look forward to seeing them again someday.

 

RIP, Don.


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T.J. Smith





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