Uncle Buck

[Wade Mahaffey]

I don't think I ever met a crew that entered the gate, as ready/prepared to have fun as they were. And had fun they did, and shared that fun with everyone around. UB amazed me with his preparation for the weekend. I would like to share one memory. At an event, I was parked close to them and was invited over later on. During the day we were talking in their pit area, and buck was showing me what he had brought to cook. A few turkey's and there was a large commercial cooking pot (probably 5 gallons or more). I said are you going to deep fry the turkey. He said "look inside", I lifted the top and it was completely full with shrimp on ice with spices/vinegar sprinkled in and ready for some heat. He said, "you just put it on the burner" I always tell that UB story when folks talk about eating at the races. Can't imagine what George is feeling, but I am thinking of you both

Wade Mahaffey

[Iggie Boicesco]

It's not very often you come across a genuine human being like Uncle Buck and to be able to call you my friend was an honor. Condolences to everyone who knew him. You were taken from us way to early. You will truly be missed my friend and we'll never forget you.
Iggie, Carol, and Amanda

[SG1809]

My condolences to George & Linda, Uncle Buck's family and friends. A true gentleman in life.

Pat I.

[SSTHottie1236]

Eric Reiff wanted me to share this picture with everyone. Uncle Buck doing what he did best.



Anybody who never got a chance to party with him surely missed out. He was one of a kind. I remember once just going over to say hi at the first race of the year with Rob Keister. We swore we were just going to say hi but an hour later and 1 or 3 Miller Lites later we got back to the trailer--just in time to see Don finish up working on the car and load it up...ooops. Great timing, least we brought him a beer back :P

[SC1448]

I only had the pleasure of knowing Ronnie Harple for the last 8 or 9 years but long enough to know he was a very special person that I feel honored to have had as a friend. I never heard him have a bad word to say about anyone, always laughing and always happy to see you whenever or wherever you showed up. When things didn’t go as planned on the track, he was always there to put a positive spin on it and re-assure you that next time, that .001 race you just came up on the short end of will go your way. As we all know, his culinary skills were nothing short of amazing and I’m sure even Emeril could have learned quite a bit from Uncle Buck. The creations he could whip together on that Weber grille with “Lumpy” charcoal would absolutely blow away what most others could only try to do in their home kitchens. The chemistry between Ronnie and George was special. Being around those guys after a tough day on the track always took the edge off and reminded you that the real reason we are all there is to have FUN. I’m sure Ronnie would want us all to keep that in mind as we start another new season.
Our deepest condolences to his family, the Donhauser family and a big Thank You to Nancy for keeping us informed through it all. Godspeed Uncle Buck, you’ll never be forgotten.
-Don, Beth, Donnie, Tim, Jeff & Corey Bangs

[1752supgas]

Everyones uncle, "Uncle Buck" will be sorely missed ! Anyone that has ever had the pleasure of one of your cook outs knows how passionate he was with his meals , Always greeted with a smile and a " wanna BEER " ? George and Linda , we all are feeling your sorrow , just remember how many good years we enjoyed each others company . Jim Fordyce

[Tim Sheehan]

Our Sincerest Condolences. Buck was truly a great person to be around. I always knew where he was in the pits with his laughing and hollering...then he got even louder when we turned the car off!

God speed old friend...

Gary & Tim Sheehan

[BKSG1198]

A True testament to how many people Uncle Buck either knew or touched in some sort of way. The Memorial today in Bel Air, Md had more then 500 people show up to say good-bye to a great man! I don't know an official count but, 500 people maybe too low. An official at the funeral home told us that he's never seen sooo many people show up for a funeral / memorial in all his time there. He told me even high ranking government officials didn't have this many people show up. Tell's you how much of a man that Ronnie was too many people and how all your heard today was "He was like a dad or uncle or brother to me". He will be truly missed on and off the track! God Speed Ronnie...God Speed!

[GaryGoFast]

Besides being an outstanding Chef, he was an outstanding person. R.I.P.