RIP Pat Willey

[David Cole]

Received this email last night:

It’s with the upmost sadness for me to let you all know the passing of our dear, dear friend Pat Willey. Pat left us this morning after a lengthy illness. Pat was a real trooper who valiantly fought the good fight. He sent the last 6 weeks or so with his youngest daughter Trish and tried so hard to not be a burden for anyone. Typical Pat, didn’t want to be the center of attention.

There will be a service for him this Saturday, February 16th at the Weise Funeral Home, 7210 Part street, Allen Park, MI. 313 382-1150. Visitation then a service is from Noon till 4PM. A memorial “banquet”, in Pat’s honor, will follow the service directly across the street. Details will be at the funeral home.

Please pass this on to anyone in the Karting community that knew Pat as he touched so many lives in the 55+ years he was racing, making friends and forging relationships. Please keep his wife Norma and his two daughters Peggy and Trish in your prayers. He will certainly be missed by us all.

Pat was a great man and also a great ambassador to the sport of karting. He would always bend over backwards to help anyone. I have many great memories at the track with Pat, and I'm sure many around the country can relate. Our thoughts go out to the entire Willey family.
_________________
David Cole
News Desk Manager
eKartingNews.com
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[Greg Wright]

Godspeed Pat, you are a true gentleman and will be missed by many.
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Greg Wright
Rapid Racing Inc.
NKN Columnist & Host "Karting News Live"

I AM INDY!!

"When in doubt, gas it. It won't help but it ends the suspense."

[Tom Barth]

I remember how I met Pat.

It was in Mansfield, Ohio at the Mansfield Hotel. We did not know each other but agreed to share a room during a weekend event at Mid Ohio (long, long, time ago).

We got up to room and made small talk then Pat grabbed the phone and called his wife. He seemed a little nervous being with a stranger and I felt that he just wanted a little comfort from home. I soon found out what a great guy he was.

I will miss him....
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Tom Barth
http://www.greenflagkarting.com/

Power is good...more power is better... too much power is just right!

[Rod Williams]

When i was just a lad at the track, Pat was always around helping out. He was usually out front leading his races in C-OPEN. I knew growing up if i could be just a little like him i would be happy. Thus started my racing career at the young age of 6. Pat was a mentor to many young lads such as myself. I will do my best to carry on his spirit on and off the track.

He will be truly missed.

I only ask one thing from everyone who knew Pat. Before you hit the track the next time, look up and pay homage to Pat. He is surely looking down upon us and wishing us to Race on.

[Dan Meray]

Like many others, Pat got me started in Karting. For me it was New Years day, 1959. I was at my Grandparents house on Niver when we heard someone using a chainsaw. The only thing was it was winter and the chainsaw was traveling up and down the street. I ran out to see this go kart flying down the street....I was HOOKED!! I ran to his house and was asking a bunch of questions while admiring his '58 Chevy Impala, '32 Ford coupe and the go kart. Every penny from my paper route went to building and racing karts. Pat even helped by being a customer on my paper route. He was one of a kind and will be missed...Godspeed Pat.

[Jim Fry]

Many fond memories racing with Pat. RIP buddy.

[Ronald Kuhn]

RIP Pat, I remember many conversations with pat at MKC meetings and drivers meetings. A good friend and racer you will be missed.

[alan brasher]

...knew pat well, for a long time, had many good times, had dinner at steak house by mid-ohio...was a good time, so sorry about his passing, many regretts to his family and loved ones.....alan brasher