Community Cares Roy Smith

UPDATE 2/29/04 From the Smith Family: The Smith Family Chuck, Gary, and Aaron would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all of you who have posted their memories of Roy. And for extending your best wishes and prayers to our family at this time. We are still realing in shock and disbelief that Roy is gone from our lives forever but reading the postings has helped tremendously. We welcome your thoughts and memories of Roy, please keep them coming. A Celebration of Roy's life will be held Friday, March 5 at the Bear Mountain Arena - Juan de Fuca Recreation Center - Old Island Highway, Victoria, BC. -- 1 pm. Roy Smith, a four-time NASCAR Winston West Series champion, drowned when a commercial fishing trawler sank off northern Vancouver Island. Smith, 59, of Malahat, British Columbia, was inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame in 2002. He was a crew member of the 80-foot Hope Bay, which foundered in heavy seas early Thursday about 60 miles north of Vancouver Island in Queen Charlotte Sound. Two other crew members died, and one was rescued.

Prayers and Support For Roy Smith

• Larry Engert
  As a young boy, I grew up following the CAMRA cicuit. My step father was Dick "Casey Stangel". My fondest memories are of the times we traveled out of town and in particular to Canada participating in these CAMRA races. I remember getting together with Roy Smith, Denny Berger, Bud Gorder, Tom Sneva and more when getting ready to run the Daffadil cup. What a group of competitive guys! More then anything though, I remember how eager all those Canadian guys were to assist anyone from the states with parts, tires, whatever was needed to keep their "south of the border" friends running when mishaps occured. I remember every race fondly and wish things were still like this today.
• Troy Swindell
  Even though I never knew Roy he sounds like a great man and I would have loved to have met him. I can not wait to see his son Gary race on July 17 at Evergreen Speedway.
• Wade Bennett
  Roy you were the first racer i had ever rooted for at the first race i had ever been to,that first race you came in second behind Chad little. NOW I'm RACING, THANKYOU!
• Jack Cross & Family
  For certain an empty spot on the Trophy Dash! Roy will be missed by all.Years of trying to beat him in in sprint cars will have to wait For another race track----In the sky. Jack Cross & Crew CAMRA #83
• George and Julie Wade
  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chuckie and the family. We have not only lost a great champion but an even greater friend. Thanks for all the memories Roy, you will never be forgotten. You could do things in a race car most drivers could only dream of, you were the BEST!
• Eric Laporte
  My thoughts are with the Smith family. I will never forget the respect Roy drew when he signed my buds and I into the Nascar pits at Vegas 97'. Everyone was so happy to see him in the trailer. His nickname to me was not "Rocket" nor "Rapid", but "The King".
• Norm Streeter
  I was one of the lucky ones who had a chance to meet and spend quality time with Roy. From Victoria to San Fran to Tucson, Roy will always be the "King" to me!
• Bob & Kathy Butcher - MROA
  Our prayers go out to Roy's family and teamates he had through out the years. I watched Roy's career through the years way back in New York. Even there, I had many memories and wish I would have known him as I would have today if him and Gary were racing. May the peace that can only come through the Lord be with each one of you today. I also pray the message by Bill O'kell at the memorial today brings smiles and joy to those who attend along with the family.
• Bill, Beverly, Mike and Rick Strauser
  Chuck, Gary and Aaron - Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. We will always have fond memories of our racing days together. This is truly a sad day.
• Lance, Sarah & The Entire Wade Family
  Our sincere condolences go out to the Smith family. We are deeply saddened by your loss. You are not alone, Roy will be missed by many. It was an honour and a pleasure to have known and raced with one of the greatest racing legends that put Victoria on the map. I grew up watching and idolizing Roy race. My fondest memory was when Roy, Gary and I were racing at Evergreen and we were 1,2,3 at the beginning of the race that was a proud moment in my life and will always be with me. Thanks for all the memories. Our apologizes for not being there today to share in the celebration of Roy's life, as we are in Edmonton. You are in our hearts and thoughts today and always.
• Jack Cross and Family
  For certain an empty spot in the "Ttrophy Dash" Roy will be missed by all. After years of trying to beat the Yellow#7 sprint car we'll all have to wait for anothe chance at another race track .....In the sky. Jack Cross and the crew of CAMRA #83
• Don Waterman & Family
  Some of my fondest racing memories are in the 70's & 80's when I raced with Roy in the Nascar NW and Winston West. He was a GREAT FRIEND and a TRUE CHAMPION. We are so saddened to hear of this tragic loss. Our thoughts and Prayers go out to his family. He will be missed. ~ Don (Autotruckwhsl@aol.com)
• Thea king
  Chuck, Gary, Aaron My deepest sympathie gose to you. Roy was a great guy. I Will never forget him. Love you guy's
• Vicki (Waterman) Mayberry
  My love and heartfelt wishes for your family at this time. I have known Roy since the early 70's. He was a competitor of my former husband Don Waterman, in both in NW Spotrmans and Winston West. He was always a gentleman on and off the track and I will always remember his terrific smile. The last time I saw him he was crewing for his son Gary and having a great time. When you live in a racing familyyou always fear that you will lose them on the track and when something like this happens it is so shocking.We will all miss him ,but we will always have his memories,so treasure them. GOD BLESS YOU ALL, Vicki
• Darryl and Erika Spielman
  our thoughts are with you in this sad time, we loved going to watch our Uncle Roy race, the memory will stay with us forever.
• HEATHER KAITLIN AND DAN RIDDER
  Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad time. I remember when I was a little girl we use to go watch uncle Roy race at western speedway, wich will remain with me forever. We love you very much and we will miss you. The best racing hero ever.
• Kenny, Marylou Smith & Scott, Kimberly Porter
  To the Smith family our hearts go out to you. Roy will really be missed!
• CT Hellmund & Family
  Our prayers go out to the Smith Family. Not only a great champion but an even better person from what we've heard over the years. God Bless you all.
• Marty Rosler and family
  Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families involved.Roy will be missed all over this land for all he seemed to do was make great friends and fans.It was an honor to know him and share his time that he was here.rest in peace Roy.
• Ron & Debbie Michaux and family
  Dear Chuck, Gary and Aaron, I just want to express my most sincere sympathy to you and let you know that we all are here to support you in any way possible at this very difficult time. Roy always made us proud to know him where ever he was racing, either in the old yellow Daffodil Special or went he went on to Sportsman cars and Winston West. He was the guy we all cheered for and looked up too,, We have lots of good memories of Roy racing side by side with various other drivers at Western Speedway and no matter who else was fast ,, Roy was always right there racing side by side with them to the checkered flag.. He will always be a real champion in our minds and hearts.. RJ
• Golden Wheels
  All of the Members of the GOLDEN WHEELS will miss Roy Smith. RIP our Friend
• Jordan Cooper
  Dear Uncle Roy, Thanks for the great times we have had at your house. We will take good care of Auntie Chuck for you. Lots of love, Jordan P.S. Say hi to Papa in heaven for me. Send me a message if there is really angels.
• Debbie, Colin and Jordan Cooper (Rand)
  Mere words cannot express the loss that we are all feeling at this time. Having known Roy all of my life and being able to share many funny "Roy stories" is what will keep usl going at this time. We are very honored to call Roy a friend and cherish the times that we spent together whether it be on a racing trip or just playing dominoes at his dining room table or even sharing a BEER! Chuck, Gary, Angie, Aaron,Tara, Mark, Avery and Alysha our thoughts are with you and please know that we will be there for you all at such a difficult time. We love you all! Debbie, Colin and Jordan
• Bobby Baker
  my prayers are with the Smith family. Roy will always be remembered as one of the fairest hardchargers from the n.w. He would race you clean but he handled any problem from others that did not straight forward. Fearless, Hardcharger. Worldclass driver, sprint,supermodifieds latemodel sportsmen,Winston Cup.--Western Speedway to Daytona . A long way giving us hundreds of stories along the way. God bless you Gary, you were the real thing--a hell of a man and a great racer.
• Ron Jay and Family
  From the time I started go-kart racing with Gary in the 70's .I looked at Roy as an icon on the westcoast.We have lost a great person and friend.My family wishes Chuck Gary and Aaron and all friends the best of wishes in this loss.He will be missed dearly.
• Lloyd Reynard
  What a loss !! A true gentleman, hard driving, quiet, dignified, unassuming champion in those sprint cars ( #7 ), we often chased Roy but we seldom caught him ! The crew of the 90 car ( Cal Arnold/ driver, Gord Minet pit/crew, Walt McCorkindale pit/crew, Lloyd Reynard pit/crew wish you only green flags .. Our prayers and best wishes go out to the family..
• Terry Brewer
  I followed Roy's career for years, finallylgot to meet him through our son Kent who was in Gary's pit crew.What a thrill! Had the honor of spending 2 days fishing off the west coast with Roy. Our son & his wife were along & we had so much fun, Roy kept us laughing the whole time. Good luck in your new series, Roy we know you will be a champ there too.
• Lumpy & Marilyn
  To Chuck,Garry,Angie,Mark,Alysha,Arron,Tara&Avery. During this time of sorrow may you be comforted in knowing that the memories of Roy will live on.May these cherished thoughts support & comfort you through all your tomorrows,and may you always find the strength to carry on through all of us whom so deeply care."REMEMBERING WHAT IS CHERISHED FOREVE...,HERO, HUSBAND, FATHER,GRANDFATHER, FRIEND" Love the Clement family.
• Ken & Donna Evans
  We only knew you for a brief time,but you will surely be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Roy's family.
• russ hubbell and greg hubbell
  Roy was a sports hero to us, we enjoyed watching his races and having someone to route for. But more importantly Roy was our uncle the "cool uncle" that we really enjoyed being around, because he was always smiling and enjoying life to the fullest. We will miss that part of Victoria on our visits. To auntie chuck, Gary, and Aaron we love you.
• janet
  I have struggled to write something fitting for the four-time Winston West champion. But it is hard. He was a personal hero. And I remember once at Sears Point sitting at a table outside the snack shack, and I was changing batteries or film in my camera. A man and woman were sitting there asking who my favorite Cup drivers were, who I was taking pictures of and I said, “nah, I am taking photos of the Winston West”. I didn’t get the usual, “what’s that”. Instead when I looked up I was talking to a hero, Roy Smith. I took his photo there at the snack shack and talked about it for years. He had my utmost respect. And I loved monitoring the scanner when he was spotting for his son, Gary. The last time I heard him was at a Winston West race at night at LVMS super-speedway. There was some misunderstanding in the pits with NASCAR, but Roy kept Gary cool (with that Canadian accent), telling him, not to worry, he would make up what he lost in the pits on the track. The story on Roy that is so deserving of being told is going to be on hold for a few days more. It has all hit me like a ton of bricks. I am sure there will be numerous recounts of his (Roy’s) life and stats, and all well deserved. But I intend to write about what I should have told him in life. Here is another case of words I left unspoken, that I wish I had said. Maybe they wouldn’t have meant a thing, but why is it so easy to say how much a person meant to us in our life when they pass on, be they a friend or a hero, and it is so hard to say the words I love you, or you are my hero to the same person in life. I think it was clear that day he was my hero. I couldn’t stop asking questions. But I wish I had reached out more. I am sorry for that. I am sorry my hero is gone. And my prayers are with Gary and the rest of his family and all the fans who like me are mourning the loss of their hero.
• Barry White
  I watched Roy race when I was a kid all up and down the west coast. What a great racer and a really down to earth gentleman. He was one of those guys who had no idea just how many people considered him as their friend. I think I last talked to Roy at Portland IR when his son (Gary) was on the front row for the tour race. His attitdue was really neat because he was quite proud of the effort, but at the same time he expected nothing less from Gary. Thanks for all the memories Roy, our very own Canadian 4 time Winston West Champion.
• The Smith Family
  Chuck, Gary, and Aaron would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all of you who have posted their memories of Roy. And for extending your best wishes and prayers to our family at this time. We are still realing in shock and disbelief that Roy is gone from our lives forever but reading the postings has helped tremendously. We welcome your thoughts and memories of Roy, please keep them coming. A Celebration of Roy's life will be held Friday, March 5 at the Bear Mountain Arena - Juan de Fuca Recreation Center - Old Island Highway, Victoria, BC. -- 1 pm.
• Bruce Mooney
  This truly is a sad day. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. 52 crew
• rob horne
  MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO ROY'S FAMILY; I GOT TO KNOW ROY AS A FAN ; THEN A FELLOW RACER AND BECAME A FRIEND. HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED BY ALL OF US STILL CARRYING ON THE TRADITION AT WESTERN SPEEDWAY AND THROUGHOUT THE NORTHWEST.YOUR RACING ON THE BIGGEST TRACK OF THEM ALL NOW ROY SAVE A PIT FOR US.ALL THE GUYS AT FORCE TWO RACING!!!
• Jason Jefferson
  I knew Roy in the days of the famous 79 car in which he won championships. The race shop for the 79 car was right behind my dad's shop in Naches, so I would hang out there a lot. When I think of Roy Smith, I think of a legend. He was a tenacious racer that got the job done when it counted. He was respected. A real racer that I idolized. Roy will be greatly missed not for just his racing but also his attitude. To all of Roy's family, I will keep you in my prayers!!
• Murray Jones
  My condolences to Diana, Aaron and Gary. Roy will always be a huge factor in my life. My mom, Leona Taylor, had this to say; "I was so sorry to hear about Roy’s lonely death. In the old days I hung out with the ‘Mount Doug gang’ and even dated Roy’s brother Norm for a time. Roy was a great guy." I had the privilege of being at the race at Phoenix International Raceway in Arizona, when Roy clinched his championship in 1982. My father knew him from his days at Western Speedway in Victoria, and so we were able to talk extensively with Roy after the days events. I am a race fan to the core because of Roy and others like him. I have raced at Western Speedway myself and feel honored to have driven on the same track as one of my heroes. God Bless you Roy.
• Tracy (Swayze) Stansbury
  To Chuckie, Gary & family my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I will always hold the special memories we shared close to my heart. Roy, you are racing with the angels now, God Speed.
• Danny Mackey
  Deepest sympathys to Roy's family. Had great times on the Winston West Circuit.
• Ken Longley
  Our prayers go out to all involved with this tragedy.
• Bernie & Stephanie Hilber
  To Chuckie, Gary and Family, our deepest sympathies. Some of our fondest racing memories will always be of the time spent racing with the Smith Family and the great crew that Gary and Roy assembled from Canada and Washington. God Speed Roy.
• Ron and Marsha ESAU
  Our Prayers go out to Roy's Family and Friends. Had many great times racing Riverside and the West coast with a GREAT Gentleman Racer and Person.
• Jim Kornemann
  My prayers go out the the Smith family. Rest in peace, you will be missed
• Richard Gerard
  It would be difficult to name others who had represented West Coast racing better than Roy Smith did. Regardless of who he was racing against you could tell that he was in a class among few others. Thanks Roy.....we'll all miss you.
• Troy Pendergrass
  I grew up watching you when WW came to Portland. You were one of the reasons I got hooked. You will be missed. God Bless
• Michele (Swayze) Foster
  My prayers our with all the Smith family. We truly have lost one of the good old boys from Nascar. Roy you also left me with many good memories of what racing really was and is about. Rest in peace .
• wilbur bruce
  first seen roy race the idc series in the late 70's he was a great one rip roy .our thoughts are with your family
• Curtis Langer
  Special prayers for his son Gary & other members of the family. A real class of people & wonderful racers. God Bless!
• Chuck Heaton and family
  It is truly a sad day in the entire racing community when we lose a racing friend and a true champion. We have watched Roy compete here in the Northwest and California over the years and enjoyed his competitive spirit. We will certainly miss Roy. Our sympathies go out to the Smith family. We are praying that the Lord gives you comfort, strength and guidance through this difficult time. Thank you, Roy for the memories.
• The Swayze Family
  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Roy and his wonderful family. We will never forget the wonderful memories with our Canadian friends. Rest In Peace Roy, you will be missed.
• Dean Bowers
  My thoughts are with all of Roys family and friends. Victoria has lost a racing hero.
• Greg & Pendergrass
  You will be dearly mssed by our family, Thank You for all the precious memories! Our thoughts are with the family at this time.
• Bob Bradshaw
  So Sad I used to watch him race at shasta speedway in the late 70s and early 80s he was always fast !!!!!!!!!
• Bill Munroe
  My thoughts and prayers also go out to Roy and his family,As a youth I also grew up idolizing Roy Smith, It is truly a sad day,Roy will never be forgotten and he will be missed by all. R.I.P.
• geoff tipton
  roy, you helped raise the bar out here in the west coast. you were a gentleman & a class act. I let ray elder & family know... you died doing what you liked to do. My prayers are with your family.
• Bill Shaw
  Roy will never be forgotten, and will always be one of the greats. I'm sure he will be racing with the Lord now.
• Jim Randolph
  Roy Was One Of The Best Racers And Champions I Ever Saw, He Will Be Missed By All. R.I.P.
• Chris Stephenson
  As a youth in small town B.C I grew up idolizing Roy Smith.It is truly a sad day,thank you for the memories
• Tim Meyer
  To send flowers: Roy Smith Family 1011 Rocky Mtn. Road Malahait, BC VOR2LO Canada phone 250-478-0169
• Tim Meyer
  I'm going to miss you buddy.
• Bluemotorsports and family
  Roy raced with our cousin in Winston West, and was one of the best competitors around. God's blessings to Roy's family, he will be missed.
• Performance Motorsports
  Our prayers go out to the Smith Family. We've been friends since way back at Riverside Raceway. An eternal champion.
• Kurt Parker
  Here in the Northwest when you heard the name Roy Smith...you knew you were going to see one of the best....RIP
• Jackson Race Cars
  Our prayers and sympathies to Roy's family, thank you for the memories.
• Butch Gilliland and family
  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Roy and his family. Roy is my biggest racing idol. I will never forget racing with you at the Monroe 500 races in Washington. Roy you will be missed. Rest in peace.
• Jason Gallaugher
  Sympathies go out to Roy's family, he made quite a mark on auto racing not only for Victoria, Canada, but the entire west coast, he will be dearly missed.

Leave Your Support