I have tried to write something now 7 times, and all I can say is to the Reiter family and friends (which is probabably everone Pat's ever met) I am so sorry for your loss. Pat was indeed a gentleman of gentleman as well as a True Sportsman, he will be missed by all.
Pat may you rest in peace and always watch over us from the heavens, and may you always remain in our hearts, as well as on our course.
To all the friends, enforcement officers and volunteers that aided in this time of need.....Thank you!
To Marcelo..I could not imagine how hard it was to keep us all updated during such a hard time, but I could only wish to be as lucky as Pat to have such a GREAT friend like you. Thank you!
To the Reiter family, I know no words can heal your broken hearts, but please be strong and know we are all here for you as a family. If there is anything we can do it would be an honor, please don't hesitate to ask.
God speed squirel.



Team Bounty Hunter

Billy, Thanks for writing what I couldnt. Well said.
MD

This is the first time I have been able to sit down at the computer since we found Pat. I’m feeling angry, sad and very alone. Bobby, Pat, Kenny and Josh, came to my house on Sunday to help me with my race boat. We weren’t successful that day but, the last thing Pat said to me as he was leaving my house that Sunday afternoon was, “bring the boat over on Monday, I’ll fix it”. Pat was the most selfless person I knew. Always willing to help out. Never say no attitude. Pat was my friend, my buddy, my mechanic. The squirrel. We have all lost too many of our family members, friends and comrades. We all take chances every time we Race, Test, or just GO FAST, in our boats. I think though, we have all learned a lesson, a very costly lessen that was taught to us by our fallen brothers. I believe that some of these tragedies could have been avoided if maybe they were wearing their life jackets. Maybe our fallen brothers are trying to teach us something? We all have had the time to start the grieving process, and it hurts, it hurts real bad. I don’t want to have my family and friends go through what we have all went through again. Therefore, I have made a commitment to my family and friends. That commitment is a promise for all on board to wear our PFD’s when my boat is on plane. We all live life on the edge, but at what cost? I don’t mean to sound pompous, but I do believe that some of our fallen brothers could have possibly been saved, had they been wearing some form life jacket. I have enough decals on my boat. I salute Smitty, Augie, Allen and the rest of the safety committee within the OPA for keeping us safe while racing. God Bless our fallen brothers.


Joe Peary
Crew Chief (07)
Hot Licks Racing 371

We have made the same commitment. Anytime we are running our pleasure, high performance boat, we will be wearing PFD's. Maybe we, along with OPA can start a "wear your PFD" program in memory of the squirrel to spead the word to our fans.

Rich
Cotnertrailers.com 611

Joe.....thanks for all the work you and others did to recover Pat.....


Pat... you now have the best seat in the house....looking over us....everytime we miss a bolt to tighten...I'm sure you will be up there trying to tell us what we have forgotten......everytime we are so frustrated trying to fix something and ready to give up...I'm sure you will give us a sign to never give up and take the attitude you have shown us.....I have never had any kids....but there is nothing better then to see the Father/sons relationship you had with Dustin and Cody.....you have taken care of us when we needed anything....and we will now do the same for your family....

GOD SPEED SQUIRELL.....NO FEAR......


Joe....it truley is amazing how many lives are lost every year due to not wearing life jackets.....the Coast Guard reports that over 80% of boating fatalities could be prevented if only a life jacket had been worn.....something positive should always come from lossing a good person.....and this great loss should not go without changing some boaters outlook on wearing PFD's...

Please let me know what I can do to help out with the PFD cause. I will gladly rally the troups here in Michigan and would love to see it supported by OPA.

Brian Kowalski
BWORA Member

We will have Pat in our hearts in Key West and we will run the Thunderstruck numbers on the boat. Anyone at all want a set come and see me in the Cleveland Construction camp in the pits. I will have a bunch on hand and if i'm not around i will try and leave a box on the steps between the sponsons. If anyone else wants a set just email me at [email protected] and i will send them out.

Billy, Geno that is so well put. Pat will be missed terribly

glassdave:

If possible I would like to order at least two dozen stickers for myself. There are alot of Pat's friends who are not comming to KW who would very much like to have one. If there is a fee, for the stickers, please add a little extra and donate it too, the Racers fund in the name of the OPA. Thank you very much.

Joe Peary
Crew Cheif
Hot Licks Racing 371

no fee to anyone that wants them. Pat was always there to help out, he helped us with the boat saturday night in Cambridge. Joe, its the least i can do.

Thank you very much. I'll see you in KW.

Joe Peary
Crew Chief
Hot Licks Racing 371