Back to the John Heida Memorial main page
Thanks to Glenn Miller for his work in taking all these messages from the teammission.com forum for placement here.
Condolences to John Heida's family. John was killed this morning in a head
on car accident on the Patullo bridge when another car crossed the center
lane. John owned his own company Diversico Fabrication in Richmond. A lot of
people knew him in the racing community with his dyno and racing. Funeral
arangements will be announced as it becomes available.
God Speed!
JAMIE
In Bellingham
our heartfelt condolences go out to John's family and friends. you will be
in our thoughts and prayers. you will be sorely missed. love Ralf, Carol,
Bobby, Alisha and Nick
To John Heida's family and friends
Words can not express our saddness that we feel for you today. John was such
a funny man, his sense of humor will always keep him in our hearts and close
to us all. He will be TERRIBLY missed be everyone. Hadn't seen John for a
while and then a couple of weeks ago he dropped by our pit to see how we are
all doing. He always brought smiles to our faces!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the wonderful memories John......................
Love Bill and Shelley Mitchell
I am very sad and shocked to hear this.
As a fellow Super Stock driver, I can say that John will be missed. He was a
great guy with a fantastic sense of humor.
God Speed John!
Jeff Goss
6990 Super Stock
To the Heida family & friends, our deepest sympathy to you all.
We cannot express how we felt today when we heard. Shock, grief and extreme
sadness and loss. We have had many wonderful discussions and great times
with John. Shared many ideas and opinions. It will be an empty feeling not
to share these anymore. We will never forget you 6699.
Love Bill & Joan Wells
john will be sadly missed. i worked for john a few years ago at diversico,
and i learned alot from him. he was avery smart guy and alot of fun to work
for. around the track he always gave me great words of encouragement and
suppoted me greatly. ill miss you lots john.
dan maddaloni jr.
I got the call before anything was official and rushed to John's house
hoping it wasn't him. What a bummer.
I've known John for 20+ years and worked for him for several years. He was
easily the most talented and dedicated person i've known, when he'd set his
mind to something he did it.
My condolences to his mom, siblings and cousins. He leaves behind a lot of
friends. I'm better for having known him.
Thanks to Larry over at Horsepower for putting up a pic of John so everybody
will be able to put a face with the name. I am sure now alot more people
will know who it is.
Thanks Larry!
JAMIE
We got a call from LP tonight to inform us of this terrible news. We are at
a loss for words, such a shock to lose such a great guy in this racing
community.
We had so many great times with John and he had great stories to tell. It
was always so good to see John when he came to the track for a visit, and do
the "heida" yell when he approached our pit. Many many good times
of racing
and bench racing with his top fuel drinks. Memories we will cherish.
We will miss you and never forget you John!
Our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
God Speed John.
Dave & Vicki Strell
Well were do I begin. I have known John for about 15 yrs now. Back in the
old Ashcroft days of Rum and Cokes and monster Cobra Wheelies. John was such
a neat guy that made a huge impact locally on the race community. Boy we had
some great races together. To remember looking over at him smiling doing
those wheel stands was something. The old Cobra was a threat on any day to
win thats for sure. Then he built the SSMustang and that was something too.
I just talked to him a week or two ago about when he was going to return to
racing. He said" I aint coming back till the Mustang has the power to take
the National Speed and ET records."He said he had found the power and he
was
working out bugs for the future. There is no doubt he would have reached
that goal, what a shame. Damit I am pissed off at that driver that hit him
no doubt drunk and street racing. What a senseless loss. John I hope you
have the biggest baddest flowbench and Dyno up there. Someday we will all be
in the same place and will be needing advice,thanks old buddy and
goodby------
Greg Henderson
The drag racing community has lost a talented member and many of us within
the racing community have lost a close friend. John Heida was one of the
most highly principled and talented men I have ever met, I was very proud to
call him a Friend. He will be sadley missed by Jim, Dianne & I . To any
of
John's immediate family our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with you.
RIP John
Bob ,Dianne & Jim Behnke
I have been feeling numb since I received the news this morning.
I have spent countless hours discussing everything from engine theory to his
philosophy of inter-personal relationships, while running engines on John's
dyno. He had an incredible sense of humour and a keen ear for music trivia.
John always initiated thought provoking discussion. Whether you agreed with
him or not, you always came away from the conversation with a different
perspective. John was definately one who "thought outside the box"!
John was a man of uncompromising conviction, although he would say he was a
"hard headed Dutchman"! He believed what he believed and would do
everything
in his power to prove his theory to himself, with little regard for what
other people thought. If he had proven something to himself, it would work!
I think John felt there were those that did not give him the respect he
deserved. I feel the people that truely new him and listened to his ideas,
had immense respect for the man.
John Heida was a man who believed he was destined for great things and those
who knew him realize that once he set his mind to something, he would
accomplish the task at hand. It saddens me deeply that he has been taken
from us before much of what he had planned had been realized.
John will be missed by many. This is truely a terrible loss to all that knew
him.
I will always be proud to call John Heida, my friend.
Terry Bride
Our newspaper, the Vancouver Province, would like to give family and friends
of John Heida a chance to share stories about him and talk about him for a
story in our newspaper.
It's a difficult time, we realize, and we'd also like to extend our
condolences to Mr. Heida's family and friends. But we reach 500,000 readers
a day, and if there is anyone who would like to speak about what a great guy
he was, we're willing to listen.
We're also willing to publish funeral arrangements and other messages to
help inform those who can't visit this Web site or who simply don't know
yet.
If anyone is interested, they can contact:
Rob Shaw, news reporter, 604-605-2072, rshaw@png.canwest.com
or our City Desk, at 604-605-2030
The sooner the better (even before 11:30pm Sunday night), and you can phone
collect if you are out of the Vancouver area.
Rob Shaw
Our prayers go out to John's family and friends.
You will be missed John.
Godspeed.
MRP
I've known John for 20 plus years...Like a lot of people I will miss
him...He was always willing to lend a hand and help you work out a
problem....It is a day of sadness for our community...Dean Kilback
Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to John's family.
He always brought a smile to anyone's face the minute you saw him.
John, you will be missed!
Stew and Lorna Kienas
My heartfelt condolences to Johns family and friends. I will remember John
as an honest, friendly, hardworking, talented man with a very good sense of
humour. He will be sorely missed by all that knew him. Godspeed, buddy,
keeper of horsepower, king of wheelies. Chris Stone.
John Heida was one of the best in cylinder head work, and he loved playing
games on his big screen tv, he will be truely missed, Iam so sorry to hear
of this horrible tragedy, to his family and friends I offer my deepest
condolences, we will miss you....
It`s hard to believe that my good buddy of 20 years is gone. Through no
fault of his own, his life just ended in an instant.
I first met John Heida in the mid 80`s, when I moved to Richmond. He was
happy to have another Ford Nut to hang out with, as most of his other
friends were Chevy guys. He had a big ol` 429 CJ 4speed Torino. I remember
the time a group of us from the Richmond area went to the Dragstrip in
Bremerton Washington in 1986. John and his pal Martin raced their cars on a
dragstrip for the very first time. I think these 2 school chums were
“hooked” after that first outing. Both went on to do very well in
the
sport. John built a Cobra replica and virtually EVERYTHING on it was built
from scratch in John’s distinctive way. In it John was notorious for bumper
scraping wheelstands. He won the Pro class title at the brand new Mission
Raceway in ’92. He then walked away from a unbelievable wheelstand crash
over the guard rail at Mission Raceway Park.
He later built a Super Stock Mustang and again built everything in his own
unique style. I believe his highlight came when he won a NHRA divisional
race in Seattle, & won the much coveted NHRA “Oscar”
A short time later, he almost became one of the few Canadians to win an NHRA
National event, after defeating the almost unbeatable Camaro of Dan
Fletcher, a touring professional from New York. Unfortunately, John lost in
the semi final, to another “big name” from North Carolina, but Johns
abilities were by now undeniable. He kept working with his car, until it was
one of the quickest in its class in North America.
He sat out of racing the last few years, expanding his businesses. He still
came out to Mission regularly to keep in touch with everybody. He was
working towards returning soon, with his ’85 Mustang set to dominate.
I had just talked to John , Saturday evening, unaware that this was to be
our last conversation. He was in good spirits, he had bought a house a
couple of years earlier, his businesses were doing well, life for John was
turning out pretty good. A friend called early Sunday morning to say that he
had seen the news and there had been a bad accident on the bridge. It looked
like Johns car. I jumping in my car, hoping that when I got to Johns house,
that his car would be in the driveway, sadly, it was not. Numbness set in
quickly. The news said that the lone male driver of the Ford had died at the
accident scene.
He was almost home, you could see the bridge from his back yard. I`ll miss
ya, buddy, your spirit will be riding shotgun with me, everytime I go down
the track.
Rory McNeil
I first met John on No. 3 Road in Richmond 28 years ago. He was driving a
Fairlane and the battery cable shorted out and started a small fire. He
opened the hood and pulled the red hot wires out with his bare hand. I drove
him home so he could bandage up his hand. The next time I saw him he had a
beautiful orange '70 Torino with a 429 CJ 4 speed. We spent a lot of time
with the "hoods up gang" on 3 Road.
John was also with me and some other friends on my first date with my wife
Shellie. He was always quite the character and spent a good part of the
night teasing her.
We had many long conversations on all subjects including things like how my
wife and kids should obey me, although he didn't have his own but that's the
way he was. He truly was an expert on many things. And when he decided he
was going to do something, he did it. Like when he said he was going to win
a divisional race with a super stock car. He did it in the first year.
Much of my success in racing is a result of John's help and pushing me to
make it better. He even had ideas on how to make Brandon's car work better.
We still find it hard to believe he's gone. We'll miss seeing him show up at
our house unexpectantly right at dinner time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his Mom, sister Anita, brother Dick and
many other family and friends.
Martin & Shellie Rachel
I am sorry to hear about this tragedy and our sincere condolences to John's
family and friends.
Something needs to be done about Pattullo bridge. Whenever I drive over it I
can not help to think how easy it is for someone to make a wrong move and
cause an accident like this. It is not like this is the first time either,
it happens all the time. All they need is a slim barrier between the lanes,
it seems like such a simple thing.
Between 1990 and 2001 seven fatal collisions were recorded and I am sure
others have happened in the last few years. Studies have been done and
nothing has changed?
http://www.translink.bc.ca/files/board_files/meet_agenda_min/2002/02_21_02/0
20221_3.15_Attach.pdf
Maybe something can be done about it and maybe this tragedy can change that.
Glenn and Lee Miller
I had just heard about John this morning.Derrick Johnstone just told me.Also
as many others, me and John go way back to his Fairlane to his Torino days
and on to other cars.I also lived with John a couple of times as some of you
others have too.I held his video camera when he first had his Cobra,and ran
it down the track with wheels up and bumper draging.Very exciting car to
watch and be a small part of.John was a big part of me early automotive life
as he was with so many.Living with him was always a challenge,but John had
his own style and ya gotta love em for it.I moved to Port Moody and bought a
Townhouse and John didn't care for me to much after that and wouldn't talk
to me.I always felt a loss because of it and always wanted to be his
friend.I have great memories of John and will miss him terribly.
Steve Cleave
scleave@shaw.ca
stevecleave@tya.ca
This sucks...
I was sitting in my car in the water box waiting for George to give me the
thumbs up when John climbed the wall with his Cobra. After all was said and
done John said "Hey, 6699 is 6699 upside down too"
Laughter is good for the sole and John lifted a lot of soles in his short
life.
Thanks for the memories John...peace be with you
MBog
Like many others John and I go way back. I remember hanging out at Time
Square in Richmond and seeing John and his Orange Torino go cruising by.
John had been in to Best Buy to say Hi on Friday. Now on Monday he is gone.
It won't be the same without you John.
Brian Saumer
Best Buy Performance
John's funeral hasn't been set yet but his brother says it will probably be
on Thursday in Ladner. I'll post it when i know.
I didn't sleep a wink last night.
Nice to hear from Steve Cleave, I hope all John's other oldest friend's are
notified.
Anita, John's sister just called and asked me to post for the family.
The Memorial Service for the Celebration of John's Life
will be held on Thursday, August 26th at 1:00 PM
at the Ladner Christian Reform Church, 4594 54A Street, Ladner
They have been reading the posts here and are overwhelmed by all the
comments. They would like to thank everyone for the support.
Wow, what a loss. John will never be replaced, his death leaves such a void
in our hearts. He had such an innate characteristic of reading people. He
could always look through the bull **** and see what was really going on
inside of people.
Yes, he was one of the most intellegent men I have ever known. I remember we
did IQ tests and he scored way above the genius level. But what I remember
most about John, was that he was a very spiritual man. We would sit around
inside Jimmy's house and have intense discussions about God. He knew the
bible better than I did and I would often turn to him for advice. He had
such a way of explaining God to us, that made such perfect sense. God was
such a huge part of his life. No, he wasn't perfect, but he never claimed to
be.
I remember talking to him a few weeks ago , recalling the monster wheel
stand that put him over the guard rail, years ago. He said, you know, if
that ever happens again, I'm going to jump up on top the the car, throw my
arms up in the air , and yell at the top of my lungs. I'll always remember
the infamous Heida yell.
To John's family, please know you will be in our constant prayers .
Tonight I will raise a glass of rum and coke, up to the heavens.
We will forever miss you Johnny.
Jilly Walter and Jimmy Behnke
Jil Walter
'73 440 'cuda
What can I say that has not been said. I have known John for about 20 years.
We met in Richmond where a lot of his friends from the early days knew or
hung out with him. Great memories. We spoke a week and a half ago about
starting a project together and I was to call him this week after my
holidays. I returned yesterday to hear this horrible news. My wife and I
recollected how John always had something funny to say, maybe a joke or just
the way he said something to put a smile on your face. This is a reminder to
all how each day should be treated and how important friends are. He will be
missed by all. Heartfelt condolences go out to all the family and friends of
John Heida.
Greg & Heather Stevens
Cloverdale BC
I came in to work this morning and read the news, what a shock!
In the 90,s John and I seemed to always end up together when everyone else
went to bed at the track. during those (rum discussions) I learnt a lot
about him. He was a great man.
More than once he helped me to stay focused about my driving and car.
John heida will be missed by myself and my family. May God be with you John.
Wolf, Ruth and Andrew Sickinger
Les and I have known John since the early 90's. We were the ones who went to
bed early when the Wolfman (and some other rowdies) would stay up with John.
We got to see him in Mission about 2 months ago, and I can't believe that
was the last time. How do you put this stuff into words, other than to
extend all of his family our deepest sympathy, and the rest of his many,
many friends.
God Rest, John.
Otto & Leslie Schulte
I've known John for what is probably less than ten years. From a
professional level, John was a real treat to work with. For someone who was
never personally involved in the magazine publishing business, he seemed to
have a profound knowledge of how the trade really worked, and more often
than not, would literally drop everything in order to help. Equally
important was the fact John was a sounding board for technology. And an
excellent one at that.
But business wasn't the most important issue. From a personal point of view,
I'll really miss those telephone calls from John that came out of nowhere -
and with no agenda, other than to just to say: "Hi - How are you doing?".
I'll miss John's sense of humor. I'll miss John's oft-brilliant perspectives
of both motorsports technology and business. I'll miss John's entertaining
wit. I'll miss John's persistently upbeat attitude. And most of all, I'll
miss John's friendship. You were special John. And Godspeed. I considered
you one of the best of my friends.
Wayne Scraba
This isn't right.... this outrageous tragedy.
I've been so fortunate to have had John as my good friend for the past 28
years... I could write a book on all the things we did together. I will
value our friendship, all the memories and the laughs we had together.
John had "blue ovals" in his viens but if he had to use parts from
a "skoda"
to make more horsepower, he would. I admired his knowledge and all his
advice, even tho some didn't make sense to me at the time... he was usually
right.
John will be sadly missed by Mony and myself. We will treasure our visit
with him last Thursday where we talked and laughed until the early hours of
the morning. This just isn't right................
We send our heartfelt sympathy to John's mom and family...
Goodbye John and thanks for everything... Godspeed to you.
Jerry & Monica Brabander
777
iv only knowen john for 7 years of my life since i lived above hime on the
house on ekersly. he toght me many life leassons like no one rides for free
and that last time i talked to him was on fri night and he called to see how
i was after i injered my self at work and i was looking forwerd to working
with him this mon but wen i wok up i couldent belive the news its like i
lost a father i knew if ther was any thing happining at home he would have
an idea on what to do it may not have always been serious but he did help me
out a lot and for that i will be at the funaral to pay my respecs.
Dana Dineen
I met John sometime in the late 80's while watching cars racing around
pylons at the Lansdowne parking lot. I was with Phil Declerck and John
roared in with his blue Cobra. Little did I know at the time how much I
would get along with and enjoy the company of this tall, loud, skinny guy
who was wearing a scarf and dumb hat driving an open car in November. He had
noticed Phil and steered over to where we were standing, got out of his car
with a huge coffee in one hand and a cigarette in the other, stood up and
looked at me with a grin from ear to ear showing all his teeth. I can
remember thinking at the time, who the hell are you, when Phil introduced
him as John Heida. He thrust out his right arm and grabbed my hand which
turned into a hand shaking contest to which I wouldn't back down. While we
were shaking hands he was giving me the once over, all the while with that
same grin that was emoting- 'well this is me'. The whole time John stood
there talking, his chest was pushed forward, his arms were flailing around
as though he was landing planes on an aircraft carrier and he would rock
from side to side with straight legs. Every once in a while, he'd whip his
head around, look right at me, crack that smile, then go right back to the
conversation. What I wasn't able to realize in those few minutes was that
this guy was real, nothing phony, no facades, no glamour, just the real
deal, large as life and lovin it. Then as quickly as he arrived, he jumped
back in the car, fired it up, cast out that grin one more time and roared
off. I looked at Phil and he at me and without a word, we both just had a
good laugh. Somehow we clicked that day and I am grateful for that because
even though we didn't 'hang out' together, he sure became what I would be
able to say was a true friend.
My deepest sympathy and condolences to John's family, you should be proud
for who he was.
Sincerely
Powell
john has done flow work and dyno work for me and was top notch and very
intense at his work.he also liked to laugh and we had lots of good times and
chats.
the short time i new john was memorable and unforgetable.he was the kind of
guy that would give the shirt off his back to help ya.
horrible to hear about his tragedy.dave leib
From Phil Declerck
Dear John;
I write this letter to you because, after all, it is your story. In our
lifetime we get to have certain experiences and meet certain people. It's a
shame that it takes so long to realize that these experiences and people
make us who we are today. Many of us were fortunate to have had this with
you and for that, I will always be truly grateful.
Phil
I have to write and respond to Powells comments.If there ever was away to
describe our freind John,you have done it.I can see him as I read your
comments and I thank you for the vision.I will miss him as you all will.
John would certainly have been impressed by today's service. Having 400
people at a church memorial service is a fine measure of what a great guy
John was.