Wanted to let everyone know of the passing of Howard Sheffield. Included is his obituary which is in today's paper and also on Wednesday.
SHEFFIELD, HOWARD EDWARD age 79, passed away on 3/15/2013 ending his battle with cancer. Born and raised in Pomona, CA.; son of Lena L. Hunnemuller and Herbert A. Sheffield. Howard was one of 12 children: eight brothers and three sisters. A veteran in the US Army stationed in Alaska in 1955. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 yrs - Glenita Jo Sheffield; Howard and Jo were residents of Albuquerque since 1956. Survived by his beloved sons: David and Danny Sheffield, three grandsons: Justin, Kenny and Michael, two great-grandsons: Evan and Zachariah. Being a master mechanic he began racing at Albuquerque's Speedway Park in the early 60's. He was a dedicated racer, building his own and sharing the knowledge and love of the sport with everyone that raced with him and against him. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, riding his Harley and keeping up with the racing circuit through his son and grandsons. For over 35 yrs, along with Tom and Esther at H&F he provided mechanical services of the highest quality in the school bus industry. A certified master school bus technician, well known and much admired by the entire Helweg family and staff of Helweg and Farmer Transportation. Known to many as Rojo - he will be sorely missed by all that knew and loved him. Services will be held Wednesday 3/20/2013 at 4:00pm Chester T. French Memorial Mausoleum- 924 Menual Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM Sunset Memorial Park.
Re: Howard Sheffield
Posted by Bobby Seals on March 18, 2013, 7:44 pm, in reply to "Howard Sheffield"
Well said brother, I just heard the sad news this morning and it sent me on an nostalgia trip as well. It seems that the Sheffield house was a magnet for all of us that had the "racing bug". The memories of Friday nights on the back straight at Speedway park watching the Sprint car races from back of the H & F service truck, or when David and I got to paint Howard's 35 Chevy 3 window sportsman coupe in the driveway still bring a smile. Godspeed Howard and my condolences to David, Danny and family.
Re: Howard Sheffield
Posted by K Seals on March 18, 2013, 12:47 pm, in reply to "Howard Sheffield"
Very sad indeed.
There were many, many racers in the Princess Jeanie area (Eubank and Indian School area) of NE Albuquerque in the early seventies, but Howard was the one who lived the closet to us, in fact, directly behind one block over. Hanging out at the Sheffield’s house was nearly a daily event. Howard built a lot of race engines and to lesser existent race cars out of the garage. I remember gathering in the back of that single car garage when he would start up his war era coup (Sportsman class at that time) with uncapped headers for our listening enjoyment. Dust rained out of the rafters.
In those lawless seventies it was okay to run a race car up the street a few times before putting it on a trailer heading to Speedway Park or Albuquerque Raceway. Howard would always oblige a small fan base of a few neighborhood kids without even having to be asked. He never disappointed his biggest fans.
I am willing to bet that Howard and Wayne Tanner have already reunited in the infield push truck in the speedway in the heavens.
Thanks for the memories Howard and strength to David and Danny and family.
Related Trivia: The #55 Pinto in the HHS Cruiser class in 2007 /2008 was Howard’s grandson Mike.
Our condolences go out to David ,Danny & the whole Sheffield Family,The List of Racing GREATS We have lost just keeps growing.You are in our thoughts and prayers.
on March 18, 2013, 9:29 am