REMEMBERING OUR FRIEND TONY

by Linda

December 23, 1964 - October 14, 2000

The words you are about to read are my own. I speak for no one but myself. This past October 14th (in addition to being my 39th birthday!) was the five year anniversary of Tony's death. I hope I have expressed through my words and pictures, the loss I feel as a result of Tony's death. Five years later, Tony's passing is still difficult for all of us. This is just a small tribute to a man who meant so much to all who knew him, me included.

This page is dedicated to our friend, Tony Roper. Tony died October 14, 2000 at 11:55am as a result of injuries sustained in a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race the night before at Texas Motor Speedway.

Kevin and I met Tony in 1993 when Tony was racing in the ASA series. We became friends immediately. Tony's charming smile and magnetic personality drew people to him. Everyone who met him liked him. Kevin began working for Tony as a crew cheif on his ASA car the following season.

Tony and his wife, Michele (married since December 30, 1995)

Tony and Michele soon moved to the St. Louis area to be near his car owner and crew. Kevin worked with Tony until 1997, when Tony moved on to the NASCAR Craftsman truck series. Tony and Michele moved to North Carolina.

In June of 1998, we took a trip to North Carolina to visit Tony and Michele. Tony took us around to see all the race shops of all the Winston Cup race teams. We spent alot of time at Tony's race shop and visiting the racing museums.

I cherish that time we spent with Tony. It would be the last time Evan and I would ever see him.

TONY AND EVAN, JUNE 1998

I was six and a half months pregnant with Jameson at the time, so they would never have the honor of meeting one another, something I regret.

Tony would go on to race in the NASCAR Busch series, as well as in the truck series. Through the years, he and Kevin stayed in touch. In August of 2000, Kevin met Tony at Gateway International Raceway, where the Busch cars were racing.

Kevin and Tony spent the day together reminiscing about old times. Kevin commented when he got home, how happy he was to have spent that time with Tony. He had no idea, two months later, his friend would be gone.

I was vacationing in California when Tony suffered his fatal injuries. Kevin called me to tell me he had been watching the race in Texas and saw Tony's accident. He was afraid we had lost our friend. I prayed that night for Tony's young life to be spared. The next morning, Kevin called to tell me Tony was being taken off of life support as we spoke. Tony died on my birthday.

I came home from my trip and we drove to Springfield to pay our respect to Tony and his family. I have to share something about the day of the funeral. Evan, who was still somewhat confused about Tony's passing, was questioning me about why Tony wouldn't be coming back. He told me he missed Tony and wanted to tell him something. I told him whenever he wanted to think about Tony to look to the sky and tell Tony he was thinking about him. Evan asked if Tony would know he was thinking about him. I told him yes. Evan looked up to the sky and said, "I miss you, Tony." Just then, the sun shone brightly through a tree already rich with autumn color. Evan pointed to the bright display of sunshine and said, "Look, Mommy! Tony is smiling at me!" Evan is wise beyond his years!

Tony and Michele's wedding picture ~ December 30, 1995

As we walked through the funeral home and saw the endless display of flowers, I wanted to scream, "THIS IS WRONG! We don't attend the funerals of 35 year old men!" Men who hadn't even had a chance to have children of their own. A man who had yet to realize his full potential. A man who meant so much to so many.

Tony's death did not become a reality to me until several weeks later. Kevin found some old racing tapes when Tony was racing in the ASA series. One race in particular had an interview with Tony. When I saw him being interviewed, I stopped in my tracks. There was Tony! Smiling, laughing, talking. He had that twinkle in his eye that I remembered so well. His infectious smile touched my heart the way it did the day I first met him. It was then that I realized... Tony is gone and isn't coming back. I cried then for the first time for the friend I would never see again.

Tony, we miss you and fondly remember the times we shared with you. You will live in our hearts forever. Rest and race in peace.

Tony and Dean Roper (my all time favorite picture of Tony!)

Anthony Dean Roper

1964 - 2000

You're listening to "One Sweet Day" by Mariah Carey

Click HERE to visit the official Tony Roper website

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