Jeffrey William Bogaard

Just about a year ago we were camping with Jeff and Loretta in a rudimentary campground was on the outskirts of Baker, Nevada. The accommodations were marginal. The weather was uncooperative, but we had a memorable trip exploring Lyman Caves and Great Basin National Park. Our memory of that adventure in the wild west was not about the place but the people surrounding the campfire. The group on that trip had a history of “circling the wagons.” Many of our most memorable times with Jeff and Loretta were at Larry Miller Raceway. Many people may describe racing Porsches as glamorous and exciting. For the wives and family members of automotive enthusiasts ----endurance is a better adjective. Regardless of the spectators’ or participants’ objectives, the best part of racing was at the end of the day. We adopted the “circle the wagon” formation with our trailers and motor homes. Jeff and Loretta occupied the core wagon. They hosted dinners and served cocktails. In dire straits when we ran out of chairs or plates, it was the Bogaards that had the required provisions. They were the heart and soul of entertaining. Jeff provided for the common defense using his personal expertise and willing nature in any mishap. When people are zooming around a road course at ridiculous speeds, there are plenty of opportunities for mishaps. In our experiences Jeff was quietly reliable and conscientious, he was dependable and did not want or seek praise. His friendship was true and authentic. He was such a good guy - - - kind, generous, and always supportive. “Circle the wagons” brought people together at the end of the day during westward expansion not just for their common defense but for comradery. Many of our memories with the Bogaards involved “circling the wagons”. In these troubled times, it is a metaphor for protection and companionship. May we all “circle our wagons” around Loretta and look forward to sharing dear memories around a campfire.