Rocky Aoki Dies at age 69

BattleCry · 07-12-2008, 02:43 AM

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080712/...i_ge/obit_aoki

Here's Johnny · 07-12-2008, 06:31 AM

So sad to hear this.........R.I.P Rocky.......

LubeJobs42 · 07-12-2008, 08:06 AM

How terrible. What an incedible guy! I remember the first time meeting him when I was 8, it was like meeting a movie star. I saw him again a few years ago at the NY race and I was as excited to see him than as when I was 8. It seems that so many famous guys that live fast their whole live end up dying at pretty young ages.
RIP! I'm very sad today over this.

LubeJobs42 · 07-12-2008, 08:09 AM

Just reading through the article and it says He was an avid wrestler, balloonist and backgammon player. Family members said Aoki crossed the Pacific Ocean in a balloon with his Double Eagle V crew on a flight from Japan to California in 1981.
What did they leave out?

DollaBill · 07-12-2008, 08:11 AM

Well, most of us would agree Gino that they left the most important part out

Here's Johnny · 07-12-2008, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LubeJobs42

What did they leave out?

I was thinking the same thing........

Rice Hauler · 07-12-2008, 08:25 AM

I must admit he's one of the few I'd wished that I could have met.

Not too many of us asians anyway and I always enjoyed his color and character.... if just from afar.

That's the end to a chapter that will never be penned again.

R.I.P.

Rice Hauler

CIG3 · 07-12-2008, 08:31 AM

Pioneer of the sport and all around great person.

He will be greatly missed.

God Speed.

Top Banana · 07-12-2008, 09:19 AM

Rocky was one of the best. May he rest in peace.

When he took over the 35 Cigarette that was called Spirit, he bought it with Smitty included as the throttleman in the deal. One of the first races they had, Smitty said the boat caught a bad wave and he dropped to the floor thinking the boat was going to barrel roll. He looked up for Rocky and there he was, just holding on to the wheel smiling, still going for the win.

I was able to be with Rocky and Bobby Saccenti one last time in Pt Pleasant last year, and it was so good to relive the old stories. He was a one of a kind that built the sport into the colorful sport it is today.

RIP my friend.

7xchamp · 07-12-2008, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top Banana

Rocky was one of the best. May he rest in peace.

When he took over the 35 Cigarette that was called Spirit, he bought it with Smitty included as the throttleman in the deal. One of the first races they had, Smitty said the boat caught a bad wave and he dropped to the floor thinking the boat was going to barrel roll. He looked up for Rocky and there he was, just holding on to the wheel smiling, still going for the win.

I was able to be with Rocky and Bobby Saccenti one last time in Pt Pleasant last year, and it was so good to relive the old stories. He was a one of a kind that built the sport into the colorful sport it is today.

RIP my friend.

So sad to hear and so near to Al Copelands demise. We are losing our great Offshore legends and friends to fast. Rocky and I raced together, and had several exciting moments together, He will always be a hero, and one of the bravest guys I have ever had the priveledge to be associated with, I am proud to say I knew him and he was a dear friend. RIP with the rest of the Legends and hero`s. Love to the family from my family. Richie Powers