This past week I lost my mentor, hero, and father. It has been a tough time for myself and family. I only look at the 6 and wish he can see me race one more time. For those who have known me, know my parents mean the world to me. I cherished every moment I spent with my dad. He was a great man, and excellent father. He was taken too soon, but earned his right to eternal peace. Here is part of his obituary that I posted yesterday.

Manuel was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great grandfather. Manuel moved to Idaho in 1951, and then on to Arizona. Manuel was a tremendously hard worker who successfully worked 20+ years for Del Webb Corp, and later was owner of Andrade's Lawn Service for over 20 years. He had a passion for classic cars and drag racing. Manuel would spend his free time shining up one of the many classics he owned over the years. He also enjoyed attending the NHRA nationals and many car shows and car swap meets. Manuel always found time to attend church and open his doors to who God put in his path. Manuel was a father, hero, mentor, and best friend to many. May God enjoy his company as much as we did.


My best mod yet is a tattoo of a little cross on my right hand. It's a little memory of my father's smile each time I glance at my hand. He had the tattoo on his had as well. This mod was to me, and not the six. I have an angel pushing the wing now. 11's here I come.

 

Sorry for your loss.My dad has been gone since 93 and i still think about him everyday.I wish you and your family the best

 

Sorry about your father man.

 

 

Sorry for your loss... wishing you and your family well through a difficult time, cruzin

 

I'm sure he's in a better place, looking down with a smile as you win the next race.

 

Cruzin, I am sorry to hear this. Best wishes to you and your family. I know the emptyness that comes with loosing someone so close. I am still trying to cope with loosing my wife last year. May God give you strength in this time of need.


MikeR

 

My prayers are with you sir...

 

I'm sorry for your loss my prayers are with you and your family.

 

It's never fun hearing about anothers loss. My thoughts and prayers are with ya man!

 

Memories are forever. Our prayers to you and your family.

Randy

 

Be thankful for the relationship you had with him. So many people now do not have that closeness with family. Best wishes to you and your family.

 

My condolences buddy….You and your family will be in my prayers!

 

Sorry to hear about your families loss. It's cool that you share the same passion as your dad's.

 

grt tribute, I miss my Dad as well. he liked the same things...Dad's are grt, aren't they....

 

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

 

From what I've read, he was definitely a great man! Being in the middle to me I can see how you feel and how I felt about my dad and how I feel now about my son. My son goes to the track with me in his car and me in mine. I just hope that I am as fortunate as your dad to have my son write something about me like what you wrote from the heart. And like everyone, I hope to pass away way before any of my children do, hopefully at a ripe old age. My very last race last week was against my son in his SRT4 and I had to play catch up and pass him in the end. Memories like these lasts forever. That is a nice write up and my heart goes out to you and your family for that special person who is at peace watching from above. Now every race you participate in will be a special race just for him!

 

Sorry for you're loss, our prayers are with you and you're family.

 

God Bless you and your family Cruizin. I'm sure Dad will be watchin each and every race !!!

 

So sorry for your loss. Be happy of the times you had together you have some wonderful memories. I loss my dad to cancer when I was 6 y.o.