[human turtle]

Earlier this morning Richie Watanabe succumbed to pancreatic cancer after a valiant 11 month battle. Godspeed Richie. Heartfelt condolences to Howard and the Watanabe Family. Following is a wonderful tribute to Richie...

http://www.motoiq.com/magazine_articles/articletype/articleview/articleid/1618/goodbye-richey.aspx

 

[Mad Kiwi]

RIP my friend I have never lost an engine that you built
Thank you for everything
Leon

 

[Tony GTS]

Rest in peace Richie

My brother Ricky called me this morning and told me the sad news that Richie pass away.
We know Richie and Howard in our early days of rallying, great guys and they are the one who inspired us to build and race Toyota Corolla's, including Topi of course, they are such fun guys to socialize and have fun with, Richie is a soft spoken and humble person. We will surely miss him. Richie - may you rest in peace and god speed!!!!
To the Watanabe Family, our condolence and deepest sympathy, our prayers are with you.

Tony & Ricky Dela Cuesta

 

[409industries]

That was a very touching write up on motoiq. Condolences go out to his family and close friends. I hope he is in a better place now.

 

[BajaBill]

I first met Richie and Howard back in 1986 at the East of Indio Rally, they are good people.
God Speed Richie, you will be missed.

Bill Holmes
Truck #44

 

[Denise McMahon]

Earlier this morning Richie Watanabe succumbed to pancreatic cancer after a valiant 11 month battle. Godspeed Richie. Heartfelt condolences to Howard and the Watanabe Family. Following is a wonderful tribute to Richie...

http://www.motoiq.com/magazine_articles/articletype/articleview/articleid/1618/goodbye-richey.aspx

John ..thank you for telling us. Pat knew Richie and his brother Howard. May he rest in peace now...do tell us where we can send flowers or a donation.

Denise McMahon

 

[jimmy]

Richey and Howard were always friendly and competitive fellow rallyists.

One of my first introductions to TRD.

We'll miss you buddy.

press on,

 

[Pat McMahon]

I remember when they first came over: Not much English but lots of rpm's !!!
Don Lindfors and I used to scream SHIFT !!! SHIFT !!! as they came by. We figured it was a language barrier thing. Either that or redline was just an afterthought...

 

[human turtle]

I know it is super short notice, but the information was just relayed to me at 6am this morning! Hope some can make it.
Services will be held Thursday, July 15, 2010 11:00 a.m. at Zenshuji Soto Mission, 123 S. Hewitt St., Los Angeles, CA

 

[DynoDon]

I just saw this. Godspeed my friend.
You were one of the few people I ever rode in a Rally Car with, and the people that know me know that says a lot. Most precise driving style I ever witnessed. You will be missed.