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Copyright © 2000 John Dillon
Lu Ryba was a character in the most complimentary sense of the word. As a racer he displayed talent and dedication. As a friend he'd do all he could to help. I received a note from Mary Anne Slick this morning, who described Lu as "a helluva driver.... so intense, and rather brilliant and daring."
I can't presume to recite Lu's racing resume (even though I once helped him write it!) but I know that he loved all forms of motorsport. He raced in the solo community, at the club level and professional level on road circuits around the country, and even in the performance rally arena. I remember that for a time he kept his race car in my garage. Oh, man, the neighbor kids loved it. They'd look in every time I came home and opened the door. When he showed up to take it to the track, driving that old beat up Chevy with the shattered windows, you can imagine how the kids were disappointed.
Part of what made Lu such a special racer was Eeke. The two made one heckuva team. Not only was she a dynamic support group, a crew chief, and his number one fan, she was a fellow competitor, driven to excel in the same way Lu was.
Today's words are not only a remembrance of Lu Ryba, but a tribute to the love shared between Lu and Eeke and the dedication and commitment each made to the other. Lu was a tough guy, a strong guy, able to lift Mazda engine blocks on his shoulder and juggle transmissions like they were oranges. But Eeke has grown stronger these last couple of years, with a deeper strength than can be provided by mere muscle. She's got strength of character, strength of love, strength of heart. Every ounce of that strength is being put to test during this time of great loss, but we're here to tell you, Eeke, that each of us here today, in person or in spirit, is here to provide a little help and support.
Lu has so many friends throughout the world, and every one is in mourning. We are here for you, Eeke, to share your grief, to show our support, to offer you what little comfort that our words can convey.
The passing of a loved one is a time of pain and anguish, but together we can all pull each other through the loss. There is a void next to Eeke where Lu used to stand, but he still dwells in each of our hearts. Let us all share our hearts with one another. Lu was a character, all right, and he's given us each a bit of character as well.
Rally on, my friend.
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