Landracing Forum

Misc Forums => Health, Welfare, and Passings => Topic started by: ack on July 25, 2016, 11:05:51 PM

Title: Sam Wheeler
Post by: ack on July 25, 2016, 11:05:51 PM
It is with greats sadness that I pass this news along. Sam Wheeler passed away today during surgery following his crash at Bonneville. He was my friend. May God be with him.
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: AHG on July 25, 2016, 11:22:46 PM
God IS with him Mike, of that I have no doubt, and I cry with you. Sam was not only a very intelligent competitor, but an A#1 human being.
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: makr on July 25, 2016, 11:28:19 PM
RIP! Wow, sad.
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: Speed Limit 1000 on July 26, 2016, 12:06:03 AM
RIP Sam. A very sad day. He will always be remembered and he was a great gentleman :cry:

John
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: Freud on July 26, 2016, 01:11:57 AM
I am so glad that I hugged him Sunday morning.

He was a special jewel.

FREUD
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: stay`tee on July 26, 2016, 04:02:13 AM
Very sad news indeed, Gods Speed mate,, :cry:
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: Robin UK on July 26, 2016, 04:33:07 AM
Sad, sad news.

Robin
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: RIFLEMAN on July 26, 2016, 05:26:23 AM
Unbelievable. RIP. GodSpeed.
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: grumm441 on July 26, 2016, 05:37:07 AM
Not a good day
Godspeed Sam
G
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: Seldom Seen Slim on July 26, 2016, 05:55:38 AM
Oh, man - what a bed way to awaken.  Rest in peace, Sam.  (cry)
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: Robin UK on July 26, 2016, 06:55:30 AM
Alex Macfadzean, James Toseland and the rest of The 52 Express team have asked me to pass along their sincere condolences to Sam's family and all of his many friends. Alex had known Sam since way back when so it's a particularly sad day for him.

Robin
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: BSTER on July 26, 2016, 08:32:09 AM
Very sad  Prayers for all involved. 
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: fordboy628 on July 26, 2016, 09:00:03 AM
RIP Sam.    Godspeed
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: rouse on July 26, 2016, 09:34:57 AM
SAD DAY!

We all know that it's out there, but don't dwell on the dangers that we all face doing what we love to do.

There's no living life to it's fullest without the risk, and Sam was certainly fulfilling his life's dreams.

My prayers are for Sam and his family.

Rouse
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: Calkins on July 26, 2016, 09:46:35 AM
God Speed sir.

Race In Peace

(http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/~/media/Images/MCC/Editorial/Articles/Magazine%20Articles/2010/01-01/2009%20BUB%20Speed%20Trials/Classic-Scene-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: kiwi belly tank on July 26, 2016, 09:56:02 AM
Sad news, he lived his life on the pursuit of his dream & was a mentor to many others. We risk everything.  :cry:
  Sid.
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: WOODY@DDLLC on July 26, 2016, 10:52:05 AM
Have followed Sam's exploits over the years and even got to meet him a few years back. A true LSR pioneer and just all around great guy!  :cry: :cry: :cry:
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: coloradodave on July 26, 2016, 10:57:10 AM
 :cry: :cry: :cry:
A legend for sure
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: BasementBorn on July 26, 2016, 11:04:05 AM
Sad to hear. RIP Sam.
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: Seldom Seen Slim on July 26, 2016, 11:28:56 AM
I sit here, thinking about everything- and keep coming up with great stories about our times with Sam.  And we had plenty of them.  But -- we've had plenty of good times with all of you, and there's not a one of you that I wouldn't feel so very, very sad to hear of your death.

Sam, we hardly knew you, but you were one of us.  That's what counted to me.  Thanks.  May you rest in peace.
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: Papi on July 26, 2016, 11:58:34 AM
Godspeed Sam †
Thank you for your heart and soul you gave all of us in LSR, and especially us MC guys and gals.
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: PorkPie on July 26, 2016, 12:02:04 PM
Terrible News.....

Sam was a wonderful friend all this years, since we meet at the salt the first time.....decades ago....

Streamline bikes was his life......it was so great to follows his rides in his dream machines....

and now it is all over......I will miss you, my friend....RIP Sam
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: wheelrdealer on July 26, 2016, 12:08:35 PM
So sorry to hear. God's Speed Sam.

Our thoughts and prayers to Sam's friends and family.

BR
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: RCKirby on July 26, 2016, 12:25:40 PM
Wow...stunned!  I loved the BIG 3...Ack Attack, Bub 7 and EZ Hook!  What a privilege it was to have seen them all run and Rocky Robinson would say, "Flat Out!"

RIP Sam!

https://youtu.be/AdDuTsALSHM

RCKirby
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: USFRAMONTE on July 26, 2016, 12:42:35 PM
I sit here with tears running down my face and a broken heart.  Sam we will miss your kind spirit and big smile.  He was a truly
skilled craftsman.  Always kind and a joy to spend time talking with him.  Rip my friend.
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: Glen on July 26, 2016, 01:08:29 PM
Sam was a long tome friend and fellow Gear Grinder club member. God Speed my friend I will miss you. :cry:
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: travisspeed on July 26, 2016, 02:08:06 PM
RIP Sam
Sad :-(  God speed with you
Will be missed greatly a speed legend




Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: **RP** on July 26, 2016, 03:35:15 PM
Sad shocking news for sure.  It was so cool to see Sam ride his creation off the starting line in search of the record, instead of being helped by a tow vehicle.  A true legend ......God Speed Sam.
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: SPARKY on July 26, 2016, 03:55:03 PM
Sad news, he lived his life on the pursuit of his dream & was a mentor to many others. We risk everything.  cry
  Sid.


Sid  How well said!!

That brings to mind Hellen Keller's quote  " Life is either Daring or Nothing."

 I would bet Sam Wheeler didn't have to deal with very much "nothing"

Sam, thanks for an inspirational life well lived.  God Speed
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: Dr Goggles on July 26, 2016, 04:15:51 PM
First met Sam when he came to Australia with Mike Ackatiff in 2006. A gentleman, but so much more. Very sad news.
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: Stainless1 on July 26, 2016, 06:10:53 PM
GodSpeed Sam, you were a great friend, a racing legend, and always a careful and safe.  I'm sure by now you are swapping bike stories with Don Vesco, with a great view of the  flats.
It has been a couple of years since we talked, I was looking forward to seeing you this year.  It is a very sad time for LSR  :cry:  :cry:
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: Koncretekid on July 26, 2016, 06:16:17 PM
In the presence of Genius.  Godspeed in Landspeed.
(http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g465/koncretekid/Sam%20Wheeler.jpg) (http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/koncretekid/media/Sam%20Wheeler.jpg.html)
August 26, 2014, during tech inspection of the new EZHook.
Tom
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: manta22 on July 26, 2016, 06:16:55 PM
Very sorry to hear this sad news.  :cry:

Regards, Neil  Tucson, AZ
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: saltwheels262 on July 26, 2016, 09:15:20 PM
Very sad day.
RIP, Sam.

How I knew him--a great guy.
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: wobblywalrus on July 26, 2016, 11:46:54 PM
Years ago I walked into Sam's work area at the BUB speed trials.  Two of my children were with me.  Sam had a lot to do, I am sure.  Instead, he spent some time patiently explaining streamliner things to the kids and me.  He was a real gentleman and nice fella.   
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: Gu11ett on July 27, 2016, 12:20:28 AM
RIP Sam
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: stwheeler on July 27, 2016, 03:55:26 AM
Thanks to everyone for the kind words about Sam yes he will be missed
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: DRW on July 27, 2016, 09:00:21 PM
I know, This is Unreal, But, I wish Sam could have read this Topic Last Week !
RIP Sam
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: Bobby c on July 28, 2016, 10:23:19 PM
So sad to read this.......Sam was an icon and one hell of a nice guy......God speed Sam....you will be missed by so many.....My prayers go out to Sam's family and everyone who was lucky enough to meet this amazing gentleman racer. The Collier Family.

Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: Seldom Seen Slim on August 03, 2016, 09:50:22 AM
Is there going to be any remembrance/memorial for Sam?  Information, please, if there is to be something.  I know a number of folks that would like to do more than "just" think about our buddy. . . :cry:
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: Calkins on August 03, 2016, 10:03:07 AM
Is there going to be any remembrance/memorial for Sam?  Information, please, if there is to be something.  I know a number of folks that would like to do more than "just" think about our buddy. . . :cry:

If nothing has been planned, wouldn't it be nice to do this at Salt Talks?
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: grumm441 on August 10, 2016, 07:21:45 PM
A video from Australia when Ack Attack came over and Sam drove  it. Go to about 11:00 minutes in
G

https://vimeo.com/64484497
Title: Re: Sam Wheeler
Post by: ack on September 28, 2016, 12:57:14 AM
Is there going to be any remembrance/memorial for Sam?  Information, please, if there is to be something.  I know a number of folks that would like to do more than "just" think about our buddy. . . :cry:


A memorial service to celebrate the life of Land Speed competitor Sam Wheeler will be held on Saturday October 15, 2016 at the National Hot Rod Association Museum at the L.A. Fairplex  Grounds 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona CA91768. 

 

Sam’s wife, Carol Wheeler and family invite all of Sam’s friends to attend. The event will commence at 2:00PM and last until 6:00 PM.

 

Sam tragically lost his life doing what he loved on July 15, 2016 while testing his EZ HOOK/Parts Unlimited streamliner at the Bonneville Salt flats.  Sam who was 73 years old built his first streamliner in High School and was know as one of the most innovative and advanced builders in Land Speed racing.  He was known and respected by racers and enthusiast world wide.