PHOTOBILLY - Billy "photoman" Haffer dies in car accident!

I have now read through the multitude of condolences and tributes to Billy for about the third time. I still stuggle getting through them all without a melt down. I've also smiled a lot remembering the good times and that beaming smile. I still selfishly cry knowing I will miss his friendship and seeing him each week at the track and in the restaraunt. Although we have all stated the obvious about Billy, there are just not enough words to describe the incredible person we have lost.

I've known Billy for about 9 years. In that time I can not remember him ever uttering a bad word about anyone, or getting caught up in senseless drama. Everywhere he went, he accentuated the positive and downplayed the negative. We should all (myself included) try to live our lives with the kindness, enthusiasm, vigor, and vitality that Billy did. I implore all of us to use his passing as inspiration to do so. The world would be a much nicer place if we did.

Billy, Rest in Peace my friend. Your work on earth is through, be proud of the good you accomplished in the short time you were here. We are all honored to have known you and are proud to call you friend. Although we are saddend in your passing, We celebrate for and with you as you reap your rewards walking on the streets of gold.

My condolences to the entire Haffer family.


king
 
Very nice post King. Everything you have said about Billy is 100% correct. He was indeed a great guy. Heaven deffinately got another great person from our racing community way too early.
 
Many of you may have heard this poem before. It was read at my fathers funeral. For those of you who have not.......

The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her casket from beginning to the end.
He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth
and now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own, the cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love, and how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard; Are there things you would like to change?
For you never know how much time is left, that can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough to consider what is true and real,
and always try to understand the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger and show appreciation more,
and love the people in our lives like we have never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile,
Remembering that this special dash, might only last a little while.
So when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash…
Would you be proud of the things they say, about how you spent your dash?


I think we all know Billy made the most of his dash!
 
Tony Ray Penberthy, 47, of Hazelwood, MO(formally of Park Hills) was born Sept. 2, 1964 in Bonne Terre, Mo. He passed away Aug. 2012. at Ottumwa, Iowa as the result of a car accident. Survived by parents: Lewis Penberthy & Ida Mae ‘Sitzes’ Penberthy, survived by son: Anthony Penberthy & daughter: Brittany Penberthy both of Caledonia, Grandchildren: Dusty Ray & Madisin of Caledonia, Sister: Tamara Boyer & husband Joe of Potosi, Brother: Lewis Penberthy Jr. his brother & Racing buddy, Special friends: Sonny, Ashley, Dave & Kellie, other relatives & friends survive. Tony had a zest for life. His life passion was car racing. He loved watching it, & traveled to many states. He was a devoted father, grandfather, son & brother & will be greatly missed. He had just finished working a promotional job at the races, his dream job, the night he died, so in essence it was one last race. Visitation time pending at this time (call for time changes) Minister: Rev. Mark Moss Burial: Hillview Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Farmington Mo.
 
Very well put King Eddy!!

I also want to let everyone know that Sonny has been released from the hospital and has returned home to heal from his injuries suffered in this crash. Sonny also brought photos of his car and the truck that hit them and he remembers some of the accident. As you might expect it's very difficult for him and us all to deal with what has happened so I don't feel it appropriate to post those photos at this time. I can tell you that PhotoBilly was in the front passenger seat and Tony was in the back. It's unreal how anyone could have survived this pile of twisted metal.

Sonny also came to bring some belongings that PhotoBilly had left in the hotel and visited with PhotoBilly's family. This had to be very difficult and we are so thankful that Sonny can recover from his injuries. Keep lifting up all involved in your prayers. It is very much appreciated.

~ Rod Haffer
 
Glad to hear Sonny is ok. Thanks for the update. I have never met Sonny but I am sure this is very hard for him and he needs support also at this time. Glad he was able to visit with Billy's family.
 
i am glad some one posted the info on tony...as most highland fans know i set up a dicast stand in the lower level about a month and a half ago,,,i needed some one to run it..i posted a request on stlracing and he called and offered to take the job on,,he said he was a friend of billys and that was good enough for me,,i had never met him before but as soon as i met him i knew my stuff was in good hands,,we hit a home run that first night,,he helped 3 or 4 nights and showed my kid the ropes so to speak,,he even tried to sell some items to a vendor at a different track thats how enthousatic he was about any thing connected with racing....his girlfriend helped billy at his booth,,i cant remember her name but she is super nice and helped us pack up the first night,,tony even helped me load my race car,,i feel her pain at this time....what a shame that 2 fine men like billy and tony are not with us any more,,what a loss for the racing comunity,,i might not set up this saterday,,it will just be to hard,,BUT next time i will give a part of my profitt's to both familys.....thank you...lenny fireball garson
 
PhotoBilly was a true friend. We made many road trips together traveling to races all over the place. Billy and I probably talked on the phone 3-4 days out of the week during racing season. He'd always call on his way home from BelleClair & Highland and give me an update on how the racing was that night. When we were at the same races you could always count on him knowing the name of just about any driver I would ask about. Billy was the biggest race fan I've ever met.. I will definitely miss seeing and talking to him. RIP Billy.. We have all lost a great ambassador for the sport we love.
 
Thanks to all who sent flowers, cards, donations, prayers and love to our family during a difficult time. The racing community was a huge blessing in Billy's life. He loved and cherished every minute of it!

Rod haffer
 
Just read the news. This is horrible. The last time I was in the states I talked to Billy on the phone. He invited me to Belle-Clair when I returned home from China. I read in an earlier post that Billy never had a bad word to say about anyone. I never really thought about that before, but it was true. He was a very gentle soul who will be missed by all that knew him.

I only met Tony a few times. He also was one of the good guys. He will also be missed.

Thoughts and prayers go out to Billy and Tony's families.

John Barr
The Trashdog
 
Thanks so much Trashdog! I had no idea you lived in China. Shows how I have been out of touch and busy raising my 3 children! I remember meeting you at Montgomery County a couple times! I'm not only Billy's cousin, but also cousins with those Halbrooks whom you worked with in Montgomery County! How did you end up in China and how long have you been there? God bless and we appreciate your nice words!

~ Rod Haffer
rodhaffer@yahoo.com (email me anytime!)
 
To honor you my friend, Mitch and I are going to help your family get ALL photos to their rightful owners and fans. With the help of MANY, over the next few weeks we are going to be sorting photos, and delivering/mailing them, or selling at the tracks. RIP Friend
 
Thanks to everyone who have stepped up to help our family, especially Amanda and Mitch!! After looking through Billy's room it was amazing to me one man did this work for 3 tracks full time!!

Rod haffer
 
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