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Author Topic: ROGER GRAGO  (Read 15238 times)
johnl
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« on: December 21, 2014, 23:41:45 pm »

Our dear friend and longtime VW & Porsche enthusiast passed this morning at 09:22 hours.  Roger fought a long and gallant battle against his dreaded cancer.  We who knew him will miss his smiling face but know he is finally at rest in God's arms.

Several of the DKP I guys and gals were at the monthly DKK gathering at Hero's in Fullerton when this news came.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Terry his wife and immediate family as well as his extended family throughout the world.

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Volkswagens Limited, Der Kleiner Panzers Founder Member
Celebrating 61 years of Volkswagens in my life 1963-2024

Life is a learning experience and then you die but when you do you've lived a good life if you contributed to your fellow man.
bilboa2
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« Reply #1 on: December 22, 2014, 00:03:19 am »

RIP my friend. Many pleasant memories.
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Zach Gomulka
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Don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining.


« Reply #2 on: December 22, 2014, 01:13:18 am »

Sorry to hear that Cry

My favourite story in the Cal Look book is when Roger was in the ambulance and escorted (twice!) by his DKP friends in 48 IDA powered machines. In my eyes, it would be honorable to do that one last time...
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Born in the '80s, stuck in the '70s.
RhoadsVW
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« Reply #3 on: December 22, 2014, 03:09:28 am »

Very soorry to hear.  Blessings to the family.  Dave Rhoads
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Der Renwagen Fuhrers
Rick Meredith
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We can't force ya to have fun


« Reply #4 on: December 22, 2014, 05:51:45 am »

I heard of Roger's passing at the DKK event.

He was one of the greats. I remember the first time I saw his Ghia. it made an indelible impression on my 17 y.o. brain that lasts to this day.

He fought a valiant battle and unfortunately lost.

Prayers to his family and friends.
« Last Edit: December 22, 2014, 06:37:17 am by Rick Meredith » Logged

67 Beetle - The Deuce Roadster of Cal Look
Rick Meredith
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We can't force ya to have fun


« Reply #5 on: December 22, 2014, 06:04:50 am »

[ Attachment: You are not allowed to view attachments ]
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67 Beetle - The Deuce Roadster of Cal Look
Jim Ratto
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« Reply #6 on: December 22, 2014, 06:29:47 am »

Sorry to hear that Cry

My favourite story in the Cal Look book is when Roger was in the ambulance and escorted (twice!) by his DKP friends in 48 IDA powered machines. In my eyes, it would be honorable to do that one last time...

good thoughts and good idea

RIP

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DKK Ted
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« Reply #7 on: December 22, 2014, 06:44:46 am »

RIP Rodger, prayers to his family and friends....

Ted
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VW Classic 2012
Neil Davies
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« Reply #8 on: December 22, 2014, 08:16:37 am »

Roger's Ghia was a massive inspiration to me - when I got mine I knew exactly what to do to it. It was amazing when Roger joined the original insidetheweb version of the CLF, but he seemed genuinely bemused as to why someone would build a tribute to it. I only spoke to him via that forum a handful of times but he was just a nice guy. I don't do prayers but my thoughts are with his family and friends.
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2007cc, 48IDFs, street car. 14.45@93 on pump fuel, treads, muffler and fanbelt. October 2017!
richie
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« Reply #9 on: December 22, 2014, 11:45:46 am »

 Sad

Richie
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speedwell
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« Reply #10 on: December 22, 2014, 12:04:25 pm »

prayers & thoughts goes to his family and friends
RIP Cry
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jick
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« Reply #11 on: December 22, 2014, 12:09:12 pm »

That's vey sad....... Nice idea Zach, a very fitting tribute.
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Frenchy Dehoux
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« Reply #12 on: December 22, 2014, 16:08:08 pm »

   Roger was a great person to be around I remember when I first met Roger at Bug In 11 with the DKP club and they had their own display. Roger and I we use to compete against each others in the Ghia class every Bug In. And we could not wait to see what each other would do different for the next Bug In Roger was a great person and his Ghia had really inspired me to build one of my own. At Bug In 21 and 22 we both competed against each other in the Ghia class and in the America most beautiful VW. I have a picture of Rogers Ghia on the wall in my museum soon to be expanded he will be in everyone heart from this day on.


RIP Roger ( Best Ghia )
Thank You for the great memories you have given all of us over the years.
Your friend
Frenchy Dehoux
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Doctor Detail ( Retired )
volksnut
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« Reply #13 on: December 22, 2014, 18:09:27 pm »

So sorry to hear, RIP Roger
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nicolas
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« Reply #14 on: December 23, 2014, 05:18:40 am »

very sad news indeed.

nicolas
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mg
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« Reply #15 on: December 23, 2014, 18:11:49 pm »

Roger rip. He was one fast driver.  Cool
At my first R Gruppe Cambria meet we joined Roger as he lead 20 early 911s on a "Varsity run" around Cambria. The pack ended up in 2 - 10 car groups.
Roger was leading the first group of cars that were ok with 100mph while the 2nd 10 car group I was in  kept it under 100mph.
I was mid pack in the 2nd group which meant our chase group got to meet all the farmers that the fast group had annoyed with their high speeds. Farmers standing on the side of the road waving shovels and rakes at us as we tried to stay with the lead group to our destination, a local vineyard. 
1/3 is the memorial see you there.
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bilboa2
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« Reply #16 on: December 27, 2014, 06:58:32 am »

As mike stated, a fast driver he was... I remember when roger and i came home from speedway motorcycle racing in costa mesa one friday night late and decided to drive to mammoth and go snow skiing in his first 70 911t. stock, stock. 120-125 mph tops. We left balboa drove through los angeles ,(shorter way,) 1 a.m  at 90 mph . Made it to mammoth lakes exit in 3:58. Including being stopped for a ticket. Under 4 hours was his goal. Early that morning outside of bishop, a group of deer rcame out in front of us at 100 mph plus and seeing nothing but a close hairy deer neck right outside my window. Scared the crap out of us it happened so fast.  Then, also remember taking his ghia skiing to mammoth right after he won best of show and seeing  dvb people there amazed that he drove it that far..350 miles or so.. dyno should tell his stories about him and roger getting pulled over for drag racing in front of the vw/Porsche dealer and getting the tickets dismissed in court.. The cop was pissed and always on the look for roger.  Roger could drive.  rip buddy .
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Dyno-Don
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« Reply #17 on: December 28, 2014, 19:47:25 pm »

Just saw this - So Sorry to hear this. I first met Roger back in 1975 when I was working at Auto Haus. We became friends and I helped with the rebuild of the Ghia after the crash. I had lost contact over the years, but am now very glad that I got a chance to talk with him a few months back.
Godspeed Roger
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Russell
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« Reply #18 on: January 02, 2015, 15:19:23 pm »

Yip really sad news, very glad I had the privilege to meet him a few times over the last few years.

RIP

russell
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Best Regards

Russell
javabug
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« Reply #19 on: January 05, 2015, 05:54:41 am »

So sorry to hear about Roger. One of our heroes, for sure.
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Mike H.

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peejke
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« Reply #20 on: January 09, 2015, 14:37:47 pm »

very sorry to hear this sad news  Sad
 my thoughts go out to family and friends
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mg
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« Reply #21 on: January 09, 2015, 19:43:38 pm »

My wife and I attended the services.
It was a wonderful celebration of Roger's life.
It was warming to see all of Roger's many air cooled VW and Porsche friends.
Dee Berg, Fleming, Thurber, factory Porsche driver Pat Long, DKP and R Gruppe members filled the church.
His wife Terri shared a heart warming speech, her strength and support through his illness was just incredible.
Great to know Roger had the best care possible from his family and friends.
Very sad his life with his caring family and friends could not continue. 

 
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johnl
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« Reply #22 on: January 09, 2015, 20:33:41 pm »

https://www.hotvws.com/content.php?contentID=148
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Volkswagens Limited, Der Kleiner Panzers Founder Member
Celebrating 61 years of Volkswagens in my life 1963-2024

Life is a learning experience and then you die but when you do you've lived a good life if you contributed to your fellow man.
mg
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« Reply #23 on: October 10, 2015, 14:33:51 pm »

Folks, please take time to watch this 26-minute documentary, Roger's Ride, in tribute to our late friend Roger Grago:

https://vimeo.com/138271422

Director Randy Wells and editor Nick Roveda beautifully capture the sentiment that Roger is the man who made it happen for many of us.

Their film's debut received a standing ovation at the RRV R Gruppe banquet and kudos from many respected Porsche luminaries.

If 26 minutes seems too long for one viewing, please feel free to be inspired by Randy's article and photos on Roger in the June 2015 issue of Excellence Magazine at this link: 

http://www.excellence-mag.com/issues/228/articles/roger-s-ride#.VhZIWboVSS1
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jick
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« Reply #24 on: October 10, 2015, 19:08:08 pm »

Fascinating film.....a great tribute.
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dth
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« Reply #25 on: October 10, 2015, 19:38:10 pm »

Very inspiring , always wanted a 911 , but that got me hankering after a ghia Smiley
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jmarkha1
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« Reply #26 on: October 10, 2015, 20:14:11 pm »

a wonderful film and amazing friends to have built his dream car...hats off to you all...
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RIP356
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« Reply #27 on: October 11, 2015, 01:22:31 am »

Wow
Great video, thanks for posting.
Shows how nice a person he was by what his friends thought of him.
Dave
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Rocket Ron
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« Reply #28 on: October 11, 2015, 06:27:31 am »

Very touching video, Obviously one of life's Stand up guys and loved by many.

The world is alway just a bit quieter when you loose someone like that
« Last Edit: October 11, 2015, 06:29:49 am by Ron Elliot » Logged

13.12 @ 101.84

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Jeff68
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« Reply #29 on: October 12, 2015, 13:27:49 pm »

That's a great short film about an even greater guy. Awesome heart warming story. Cool
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