Kenneth Van Blargen

I hesitate when deciding whether to put this notice in the sports section or the obituary, for Kenny Van Blargen, 80, took his final victory lap Sunday morning, April 29, 2012. He didn''t merely shuffle off this mortal coil quietly, but rather flew off with it floored, smiling the whole way. His beautiful daughters, Terry and Nancy, were with him when he passed peacefully Sunday morning at Twin Cities Hospital in Templeton from complications related to a spinal chord injury he suffered over a year ago in his vintage sprint car. Kenny was born Kenneth Leroy Van Blargen in June 1931 to Irvin Calvin and Elizabeth (Dietrich) Van Blargan in Santa Maria, while they were migrating throughout the state in the midst of the Great Depression.  His family ended up in Paso Robles at the end of the decade, when his father found work helping build Camp Roberts. Kenny was nine when he stood with his friends and watched the Paso Robles Inn burn in 1940. His father was a carpenter on the rebuild of the new one.  At age 17, he joined the U.S. Navy with his good buddy, Rudy Chidies. He experienced many places during his time of service. It was just after World War II ended when he returned home from the U.S. Navy and found his passion in cars - the louder and faster the better. In 1949, with the start of auto racing at the Paso Robles Fair Grounds, he focused that passion into a life long affair with racing. His biggest break in life came in July of 1955 when he married his beloved wife, Susan Esther Winn, who preceded him in death on May 30, 2004. "Sweet Sue" was his confidant and "lifesaver," according to him. After having lost his life love, he cleaved to his first passion, racing.  The family would like to thank all of those involved with helping Kenny, especially this last year. Kenny Van Blargen was a household name in the California racing scene from 1949 to 2011. He always felt fortunate to be able to live, race, work, worship and raise a family in this community.  With the help of so many friends and family, and the care of two great ladies who helped him at home this last year, Kenny enjoyed his final laps in the town he loved. Kenny and Sue are survived by four children, who where exposed to the full benefit of their love: Terry Elizabeth (Van Blargen) Procknow lives in Salem, Ore., and has two children Ryen Cheri Procknow, and Ross Edward Procknow. Tracy Calvin Van Blargen lives in Camarillo, Calif., with his wife, Jenny Lynn (Polk) Van Blargen and their three children Whitney Clay Van Blargen, Lindsey Taylor Van Blargen and Evan Martin Van Blargen. Nancy Kathleen (Van Blargen) Ambrosini lives in Saint Helena, Calif., with her husband, Garvin Louis Ambrosini. Combined they have Trevor Nicolas Ambrosini, Mitchell Thomas Jordan, Landin Norman Ambrosini and Chloee Sue Ambrosini.  Martin Wilbur Van Blargen lives in Paso Robles, his wife is Sherri Sue (Butler) Van Blargen, and their daughter, Lauren Gene Van Blargen, nine grandchildren in all. He is also survived by two nephews Kenneth and Keith Nancolas and their families. Kenny was preceded in death by his parents; and older sister, Frances (Van Blargan) Nancolas. Viewing will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home, 1703 Spring St. in Paso Robles. A service being held at noon Wednesday, May 9, 2012, with a reception immediately following at the Estrella Warbird Museum/Auto display near the Paso Robles Airport, 4251 Dry Creek Road, in Paso Robles. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Estrella Warbird Museum, the Veterans Administration, or to the worthy charity of your choice. Above all, be kind to your neighbors.