Ralphy

[NorthwoodGT]

Lost our long time friend Ralphy yesterday. We took this picture in front of his GT in August on Woodward and sent it to him when he wasn't doing well. Rest in peace my friend

 

[Specracer]

Rest in peace Ralphie. You will be missed.

I also hope the spelling of his screen name can be updated,,,,

 

[GKW05GT]

Sorry to hear and RIP.

 

[mmlcobra]

RIP.
Mark

 

[extrap]

Sorry to hear.

 

[DakotaGT]

I’ve wondered for a while about him. RIP Ralphie.

 

[PL510*Jeff]

:

 

[FlagstaffGT]

RIP. Ty for being Ralphie.

 

[fjpikul]

Rally to the Rally. On the road to VIR at my house. Hilo Dave met Ralphie and Larson and drove on to Tulsa to meet DBTGT and then they came here for a couple of nights. We split up in Indiana as Ralphie and Jeff went to do the tail of the Dragon and we went on through Kentucky and West Virginia. Rained cats and dogs almost the whole time. After the Rally everybody split up and we went our own ways. Ralphie, Jeff and Hilo drove cross country twice on that trip. May he rest in peace remembered by all the satellites still in space with his name on them (including Voyager).

 

[roketman]

Rest in peace buddy

 

[Ed Sims]

To all my friends, and acquaintances -

Well, I finally got the straight scoop from the doctors a few days ago.

It turns out I'm not getting better, but actually have been getting much worse. I probably have only a few days left - I'll be gone, probably Friday, but I feel no pain and I am very comfortable.

It's been a pleasure knowing all of you, and I think we have made interesting memories of our escapades over the years. You've all affected my life and broadened my thoughts and experiences.

I've led a very interesting and varied life, and have no regrets and you should neither. I have wonderful memories involving all of you. I've been fortunate (probably lucky) in my endeavors - meeting influential people, and some true heros.

I'm proud of my varied accomplishments. and all of you that have contributed to them. I go out carrying them and your memories with me. Thank you for a wonderful life.

With the most love that someone can give, I wish you all the best of everything -

Love,
Ralph B. Lehotsky ("Ralphie")

Sept 4

 

[Ed Sims]

My father spent his last few days surrounded by family, reminiscing with us, telling old tales of his life stories, from his train rides as a kid, college days with great friends, racing tales from the pits, his journeys across the world, and his times with all of you. He lived a great life and was touched by meeting all of you. He smiled a lot over the last few days as his memories were shared.

On Sept 5, 2025, at 1:35pm, my father passed away peacefully, with family all around him.

Thank you all for being his friends…

Ralph “Brian” Lehotsky II

Sept 5

 

[Ed Sims]

Rest in peace Ralphie. I hear heaven is a nice place. See you there! God bless.

Ed

 

[donnymac]

The memories bring a smile and I'm glad we met.
Special you are my friend.
Donnymac

 

[roketman]

Wow, that was really quite a read…I have fond memories from the many rallies we attended.
I give credit to DBK for bringing so many people together.
Ironically he passed on the same date as my Dad …
My heart felt sympathies to his family

 

[RPM217]

RIP

 

[AJB]

RIP RALPHIE.
You will always be remembered.
Andy (AJB) Margaret, Megan, Ryan

 

[KJD]

Many thanks Ed Sims for posting Ralphie's last missive

I never met Ralphie but have "known" him through his many posts and exploits here

His brave letter reveals a content, fulfilled serene man facing his last days eyes wide open

We can all take a lesson here, our days may be long but the years are short

RIP Ralphie, sincere condolences to his family and friends

 

[pe2unia]

So sad......
I too have many memories of Ralphie at our GT rallies. All of them give me a huge smile!
R.I.P my friend

 

[Stef]

Very sad to hear of his passing.
I first met Ralphie at a Forum gathering way back in 2010 with Matech Competition at the
24 Hours of Lemans.
He shared some experiences he had while still in his college years and SCCA racing in the early 1960s.

Great man!
RIP Ralphie.