November 30, 2016 – The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix family is deeply saddened to announce that Jim Farrar suffered a heart attack and died at his home on Friday, October 28.
Known as “Rocky” by his family, friends and the eastern US motorsport community he was the heart and soul of our volunteers. Rocky was wonderful and caring person and had an incredible impact on our event and will be missed by our volunteers, racers and the City of Pittsburgh. He was 73 years old.
Most nicknames are given when you are young and don’t fit so well later in life. But in this case “Rocky” was a most appropriate nickname. He was a rock, someone you could always count on within the PVGP with his quiet leadership and strong work ethic. One of his most lasting legacies will be that he, along with his sons Greg and Geoff, moved the 2 ton rocks, known as Jersey barriers, around Schenley Park to construct our race course each July. He embodied the true volunteer spirit and character that define our event.
Rocky served on the PVGP Executive Committee since 2006 and was awarded an “Outstanding Volunteer” checkered flag in 2013. He was the Race Director for both PVGP race weekends. In addition to the PVGP, Rocky was a longtime member of the Steel Cities Region, SCCA, serving as a board member and Regional Executive.
In Memory of Rocky
In lieu of flowers the Farrar family requests that donations be made to the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Association which will given directly to the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School. You can make a donation on-line here or mail your donation to the PVGP at 1000 Gamma Drive, Suite 106, Pittsburgh PA 15238.
Many thanks to the following individuals and organizations who have made donations in excess of $2,500 to our charities. Its a tribute to the admiration we all had for Rocky and a great example of the generosity of our volunteers and friends. It will improve the lives of individuals with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities and that’s what Rocky would have wanted.
The Vintage Racer Group
Mark Palmer
Susan Webster
Kathy & Jim Stout & Pitt Race Complex
Dick Barnes
George Jacoby
Daniel & Michelle DelBianco
Ted & Gurney Sohier
Marion & Teresa Gordon
Bob & Roberta Borgo
Donna McDonough
Steel Cities Region Sports Car Club of America
Robert Reitz
Alex & Elsie Murray
Cynthia Simoni
Audrey & Rich Bartkowski
Pamela Magyar
William & Irene Rehman
November 30, 2016
Our heartfelt thanks to the PVGP family and all who contributed in memory of our beloved husband/father. As you know, preparing for the PVGP was a year-round project for Jim. He worked tirelessly, especially during the weeks leading up to the races to ensure each year’s events were more enjoyable for the participants, volunteers, patrons, and spectators and more profitable for the charities.
As soon as each year’s flyers were available he carried a stack with him wherever he went and passed out copies to everyone who expressed even the slightest interest in attending the races. Jim fervently believed that when more people attended, more money would be raised for the PVGP charities.
The flowers you sent were lovely and Jim would have been so honored to recieve an official PVGP flag in appreciation of his dedication and hard work.
Your kindness and sympathy will always be remembered.
Pat, Greg & Geoff Farrar and Marianne McClure
Rocky, far left, with the PVGP Race Officials at Schenley Park.
PVGP Chairman of the Board Dan Taylor said that “Rocky was the cornerstone of our raceside operations. When Rocky was present, there was a calm because you knew he had everything was in control. He was a modest leader and his actions spoke louder than his words.”
Former PVGP President and Race Director Mike Connolly first met Rocky at a race back in 1966 and knew him best saying “he was our rock, he never said no. He seemed to know everybody and they were all pleased to call him a friend. He saved me and this event more times than anybody will ever know”.
Bob Speer is an Executive Committee member that served alongside Rocky since 2006 . He expressed what so many fellow volunteers feel “Rocky will be remembered for his dedication, reliability, and tremendous heart for the Grand Prix. He was a man that the more I got to know him the more I liked and respected him. His quiet humor, friendship and immense ability to handle any situation with grace will be sadly missed by all of us. Working beside Rocky for many years has been a real blessing. I thank God for him as we pray for peace for his family”.
Please express your condolences and share your memories about Rocky on the
PVGP Facebook page.
We will miss you Rocky, we’re not sure how we will stage the races without you!
Condolences from his PVGP friends:
What a shock. Far too early for a wonderful dedicated friend. I always looked forward to seeing Rocky at the PVGP and all the associated events. My condolences and best wishes to his family and friends. Richard Barnes/racer and volunteer
I loved getting to know and work with Rocky over the many years I’ve been involved with the PVGP. Rocky was a true gentleman and extremely dedicated volunteer for the organization. Please pray for God’s comfort for his family and friends. Blessings. George Libby/corner marshal
So sad, God bless Rocky and his family . Our condolences to them from FAST company . The track will never be the same again without him. Dan Fowler/FAST Company
Very saddened to learn of his passing. He was one of the first and last face I would see at Schenley Park. Putting up and taking down the jersey barriers…..usually my first stop on Friday. I’ll keep the whole PVGP family in my prayers. Bill Stoler/photographer
