Loss of our club member - WillyR

[Mark Wing - NM]

It is with great sadness that I report that WillyR, known to our club (Tin Lizzies of Albuquerque) as Angel Pena, passed away suddenly on Saturday, August 23rd. Angel and his 12-year-old son were planning to participate in an annual Model T show at the Ford dealership in Edgewood, NM, approx. 30 miles from their home. Their 1924 coupe was already out of the garage and ready to go. When his son went upstairs to look for his father, he found him on the bedroom floor unresponsive. His wife and emergency medical personnel were unable to revive him and his cause of death is unknown at this time. We had 11 Model Ts at the car show and were surprised when Angel and his son didn't make it to the event as planned. We found out only yesterday of this terrible news.

This unexpected passing was a great shock to his family and our club as Angel appeared to be in good health and was in his early 50's, making him and his son, the youngest active members in our club. In the brief time he was with us, Angel embraced the Model T hobby with passion and gusto. On some occasions, his was the only Model T driven to some activities such as our monthly breakfasts. In less than a year on the MTFCA Forum he had posted 359 times and had over 45,000 views! As you've probably gleaned from his posts, Angel loved maintaining, customizing, and driving his coupe. He and his son also attended our club meetings and workdays at Dr. Larry Azevedo's garage where they enthusiastically helped other members work on their cars. Although they had only been members of our club a short time, Angel's love and total commitment to the Model T hobby was inspirational.

Angel worked as a medical technician at the local VA Hospital and was a military veteran. Sadly too, he had been looking forward to an early retirement. The preliminary information is that he will be laid to rest at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM. Angel's 12-year-old son has let us know that he'd like to continue participating in our club activities and we'll do what we can to make that a reality.

I and the other members of the Tin Lizzies of Albuquerque will miss Angel very much. Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to his family.

Mark Wing
2025 President
Tin Lizzies of Albuquerque

P.S. - Angel's posting name of WillyR and Forum name of (Vilhelm VonRaschke) was based on a pro wrestler that he admired and thought amusing.

[TXGOAT2]

Sad news indeed. His enthusiasm was inspiring, to say the least. May God comfort his family and close friends.

[George House]

Very sorry to hear of this untimely tragedy. I greatly enjoyed reading Angel’s posts here and admired his enthusiasm toward his Model T. Thankfully his son must’ve inherited a love for driving, maintaining and enjoying these old Fords….My prayers for God’s comfort and Grace for the family

[Mark Wing - NM]

Among the things on Angel's "to do list" was to build up a car (probably a 1925 pickup) specifically for the Montana 500. He thought he could accomplish that goal in 2 or 3 years. He was very excited about the idea of competing in the race along with our club regulars like Kirk Peterson, Larry Azevedo, and Dave Ferro.

He had also recently bought some Ruckstell Axle parts from Kim Dobbins who was passing through Albuquerque, on his way home to California, from Colorado Springs. Kim was selling parts from the late Steve Coniff estate and the proceeds were mailed directly to Steve's wife Janet. The Ruckstell was destined for the 1924 coupe to improve its hill climbing capability for tours. Sadly, Angel wasn't able to attend our Spring tour to Grants, NM. We'll be thinking of him on our upcoming tour to Ruidoso, NM September 10th-14th.

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

I am shocked and saddened to tears. I enjoyed his enthusiasm and sense of humor.

May his soul rest in peace...

[EdWhite]

Can’t believe I’m reading this right now, he just made a custom YouTube video for me a week ago so I could rebuild a seat frame for my coupe. Very sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed dearly, a huge loss to the model t community. My condolences to his family and friends.

[Mark Nunn]

Can’t believe I’m reading this right now, he just made a custom YouTube video for me a week ago so I could rebuild a seat frame for my coupe. Very sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed dearly, a huge loss to the model t community. My condolences to his family and friends.

Ed, could you post a link to the video for the rest of us?

[EdWhite]

Can’t believe I’m reading this right now, he just made a custom YouTube video for me a week ago so I could rebuild a seat frame for my coupe. Very sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed dearly, a huge loss to the model t community. My condolences to his family and friends.

Ed, could you post a link to the video for the rest of us?

https://youtu.be/SdtWnqBN5xo?si=Cz86F_JFLk6pKUQP

[ewdysar]

Can’t believe I’m reading this right now, he just made a custom YouTube video for me a week ago so I could rebuild a seat frame for my coupe. Very sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed dearly, a huge loss to the model t community. My condolences to his family and friends.

Ed, could you post a link to the video for the rest of us?

here's the whole thread:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=49485

Keep crankin',
Eric

[ewdysar]

Since he joined, I have looked forward to WillyR's posts, the joy that his T brought to him was always apparent. He will be sorely missed.

Eric

[Ed Fuller]

My condolences to his family and friends for their loss. It was always a pleasure to read about his enthusiasm for his first Model T.

[ThreePedalTapDancer]

Very sad news, he was a very motivated new T owner. Godspeed Angel.

[varmint]

Condolences. What a loss.

[1925 Touring]

Very sad news! I enjoyed following his progress on his T, he always had a good sense of humor and lots of enthusiasm.
Condolences from Northern Illinois
Austin

[Bills Auto Works]

Sad News Indeed,

His enthusiasm was apparent in his posts on the forum. Thought & prayers to his family, friends & the "Tin Lizzie" of Albuqurque Club.

R.I.P. WillyR (Angel)

God Bless
Bill
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/thr ... ed.614419/

[KirkieP]

We lost a good man. Angel was a valuable contributor and an asset. He helped me with my MT500 car. He was there for the Tin Lizzies of Albuquerque and the Model T hobby. I was also impressed with his musical knowledge . He was a good Dad and person.