Jeff Nadler Remembered

Today is my birthday, which I'll celebrate with friends.... graveside. Jeff Nadler died on Sunday night from a concussion when he slipped while picking up an ice chest. Apparently he fell out of his van at Buttonwillow Raceway Park at the end of the weekend.

Jeff was a friend, not just to me, or the flaggers, or the other workers, but to all of Cal Club and the Sports Car Club of America; indeed, he was friendly with everyone he met.

How do you say goodbye to someone snatched away so unexpectedly? And how can you describe the churning in your heart? Which of man's many emotions seem appropriate? Sad? Yes, but he was where he loved to be, helping at the race track. Angry that he left so abruptly? No, because he was a Formula Ford driver (Jeff raced a Swift) whom you expected to go fast. Shocked? Naturally, but the cynics amongst us always remind us to expect the unexpected; the more tragic the more likely. As I count down the feelings like a five minute board, one stands out more than any other--loneliness. I already miss him, his cheerful attitude, his open mind and welcome handshake and warm heart. Those who know me know that I've whined my trivial complaints of personal loss, but this is different--Jeff is a man with a million friends who's value to the world is priceless. We need people like Jeff in all walks of life, in all stations of authority, in our every endeavor, to help bring balance to this unstable world, but instead, the globe has careened ever more wildly to throw us all akilter.

Mundane statistics, as best I remember them, don't define this man at all. Loving husband to Phyllis, loving and generous father to Matt, the Flag Team's "Ace Race Chairman" (and he looked so stylin' in that jacket!), member of the Cal Club Board of Governors for some number of years, he was a professional automotive photographer in real life. If you've looked at new car brochures, you've probably seen his work.

But all of that is meaningless now. Jeff is gone, lost forever in a simple accident that could have claimed anyone anywhere anywhen. We've lost a dear friend, and we don't know how to say goodbye. We can only say "adieu, mon vieux"--goodbye, old friend--and godspeed for peace to those who knew you.

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