Fred Totten

[DIV1RACER-2]

Just got off the phone with Donnie Elam , Fred's long time freind , the news was not good . Fred is in the hospital in critical condition. I spoke with Fred yesterday & he was feeling pretty bad .

I don't know too much at this time and will keep you all posted as i know something.

If your a beleiver or not now is a good time to say a prayer for a very fine man that needs some devine intervention !!!!!!! :bow

[droptop62]

If your a beleiver or not now is a good time to say a prayer for a very fine man

AMEN. and will do!!

[Ronnie Russell]

Horrible news. Prayers will begin right now. Denny, please keep us informed. Thank you.

[JimKwiatkowski]

Very bad news,I sure hope Fred pulls out of this.Our Prayers are with you Fred.

[region rat]

Fred's a guy that really deserves our thoughts and prayers. You won't find a better motor head anywhere. He's in the pits now but I hope he's back in the staging lanes rael soon. Region Rat

[jim_ss409]

Bad news for sure. Freds got lots of friends pulling for him and we all hope things turn out okay.

[Dick MacKenzie]

Please do keep us informed Denny. Fred will stay in our prayers.

[DIV1RACER-2]

I just spoke with Fred's stepdaughter a few minutes ago & feel compelled to give everybody an update. He is in a critical care unit and they have him in an induced coma. He is on a ventilator & will be that way for 1 or more days.

He is suffering from a lung disease called COPD [ Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ] Not sure of all the ins & outs but it is not good !!!! :cry

I'm sure i will get an update tomorrow & will keep you all informed !


Keep your prayers going he needs them & we need him !!!! :hug

[LongIsland63SS409]

Our prayers are with you Fred.

Mike

[JIMS409]

Sorry to hear the news Denny.... :cry We are praying that Fred will be back to "rowing" the gears soon. He's a one-of-a-kind, thoughtful guy. :hug

Our thoughts and prayers,

Jim & Sharon Miller

[fatride]

Thank you Denny, you are a good friend. I am pulling for Fred here in Ohio. I don't pray much and don't pray for myself. I asked for help for Fred tonite.

[walkerheaders]

our prayers go out to the entire Totten family :cry

[Dond409]

I hope Fred pulls out of this. There couldn't be a nicer 409 motorhead than Fred. Get Well Fred. We need you back banging them gears at Clay City next year.

[RCE1962]

I don't know Fred personally, as many of you do. I only know him to some extent through the posts listed here. I always look forward to his discussions on this forum.

I sincerely hope and pray that he will have a full recovery.


"Life is Fragile...Handle with Prayer."


RCE1962

Ron

[CDNpontiac409guy]

Although I've spoken with Fred a number of times on the phone and through numerous Emails, I haven't had the privilage of meeting him in person, but I would sure like to.
I am praying for you, Fred.

Aubrey

[bobs409]

I'm at a loss for words myself. While I've never actually met Fred, I feel as though I know him from the many years he's been part of this site. 1998 or so I think? :clap

Your in my thoughts Fred. Looks like you have a whole team here that are all pulling for you.


Get well soon to one of our most loyal and respected members! :bow

[rstreet]

I to have enjoyed Fred's posts and humor so I hope that Denny has an opportunity to wish him well from everyone

[biscaynewagon]

Fred, our Prayers are with you. Get well

[4speedman]

I met fred at clay city in june and we talked as if we had know each other for years.He is a real racer and a 409 guy.He will be in my thoughts.

[dq409]

The last few days for me have been really screwed up.
then I log on today and see this.

My problems now seem minimal.

Fred is one of the nices, kindest people I`ve ever met and a true friend.
I will be thinking about him and hoping for the best.

I`m like Ray and will say a prayer for my friend Fred,,,,,dq

[w ogden]

Just got in from a hectic week at the shop and have caught up on the forum news. Am saddened to hear of Fred's troubles. Met Fred in Kentucky last summer. Hellava nice guy and always enjoyed his comments and humor on the forum. His ailment sounds a bit scary and we hope that all turns out well for him. We will keep him in our hearts and prayers. Denny...hope you get a chance to pass on all these well wishes to him and his family. Walt in Vt

[skipxt4]

Get well, Fred. We all need you here.:clap Our prayers are with you. Skip

[Bam59]

Our families Prayers are with the Fred and his family.:hug

[oldskydog]

Fred, you can beat this. Your family needs you and so do we. Get well.

:bow :hug

[Tom Kochtanek]

I was lucky enough to get to meet Fred while in Norwalk, Ohio two summers back, what a great guy! My prayers and with both him and his family.

TomK

[Garbageman]

It saddens Sandy and I that Fred is so ill. Fred, our prayers are with you and your family and we hope your strength and great attitude pull you through this set back.

Get well soon. :)

Paul and Sandy

[dq409]

I thought I`d post this link for info on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. ,,dq

[b-d409]

I just received the news about Fred tonight from Mike O'Halloran. I had a great time talking with Fred at Clay City. He is one of those people you meet and regret not having spent more time getting to know. I am truly very sorry to hear of his condition. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Dan

[Tony Salins]

We met Fred at Norwalk last year and like someone said, when you met him and spent time with him, it was as if he knew you forever. He makes you feel welcomed and comfortable. He is the type of person that you wished you had known forever. Fred (and family) our prayers are with you. Have a speedy recovery 'cause this site just isn't the same without you.

Tony and Bonnie

[Quickshift409]

Denny, let Fred know we are all pulling for him and he is in our prayers.
Shan Dalley

[wrench]

Same here. Let him know we're thinking of him.

[bluescreamer]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Fred.
Allen

[MK IISS]

I'm stunned. The last few days I've been involved with a lot of problems here at home and didn't even see this thread. I met Fred about 4 years ago and since that time I've had the privilege of having lunch with him during the winters while Fred was in Florida. I can honestly say Fred is one of the nicest, kindest persons I've ever known and like it has been said before I wish I had met him years ago. My thought and prayers are with you Fred.

[rwagon57]

Fred my prayers are with you. beat this thing, you still have many power shifts to make.

[SSpev]

Fred, you and those around you are in my prayers:hug

[Steve "wully bully"]

I have been struggling with this since Denny first posted it. Like has been said before, I had the pleasure of meeting Fred a few years back, and instantly we built a friendship that seemed like it was many years old. I hope and pray that everything works out, and Fred is back with us planning next years racing real quick!!!
Steven

[SS425HP]

I hope no one minds that I have appropriated Fred's keyboard for this. Some of you know me; some don't. I'm Fred's brother, John. I just flew in today from Florida. While I haven't had a chance to talk to his Doctor's yet, the news from the ICU Nurse was a little more encouraging than I expected.
Fred is still sedated. This is to prevent him from fighting the ventilator tubes going into his lungs. They have a few IVs running including nourishment. The ventilator is helping but he is also breathing spontaneously.
There is information I've heard but haven't confirmed so I'm not passing that on. They took sputum samples today testing for Legonilla and Pneumocystis. The results should be in tomorrow. With his suppressed immune system, secondary infections are a real danger.
The morning he had to go to the hospital he called me and told me he thought "this is it." I told him to keep fighting. So far, it looks like he took my advice-------- for once.
If any of you have tried to call the house today, the phone is screwed up. I have to try and get that squared away Wednesday.
Again, thanks for the prayers and also THANK YOU to a group that really gave Fred something to live/look forward to after the devastating loss of his wife in '04.
John Totten

[Garbageman]

John, thank you for the update on Fred. Fred has always added so much to this forum through his knowledge, great attitude, and wonderful humor. He is a friend to all of us, whether you've met in person or not.

He is in our thoughts and prayers along with you and the rest of your families.

God Bless

Paul and Sandy

[region rat]

John, We are all still hoping and praying in our own ways that Fred pulls out of this, but we also know it's not up to us. We'd like nothing more than to have him around so we can give him sh##. Know also that you or Kenna or Mike can call on us if you need help with anything, That's what we're here for. Bob

[fatride]

Fred is a very special man. I miss seeing his name on the "who's on line" list at the bottom of the page. When he was on line I knew I could call him on the phone. I miss not talking to him now. I am very happy to hear that things are looking up. Freds the kind of man you just can't help but like. Please tell him Ray says Hi!

PS. See if they can run some "Tri Tips" through the IV. Seems to be Freds favorite food.

Regards, Ray. AKA, Fathead.

[Tony Salins]

John, Thankyou so much for sharing with us information on Freds condition. As you can see Fred IS very special to all of us on this site. We know that you are busy with things there and as many have said if there is anything we can do to help or if there is anything you need just let us know. John you must share that special gene with Fred:bow :bow , hope to some day to be able to meet you and thankyou in person.

Tony & Bonnie

[Dick MacKenzie]

John, We are all still hoping and praying in our own ways that Fred pulls out of this, but we also know it's not up to us. We'd like nothing more than to have him around so we can give him sh##. Know also that you or Kenna or Mike can call on us if you need help with anything, That's what we're here for. Bob

John, Bob couldn't have stated my feelings any better. I'm a couple hours away but not too far that I can't get there if you need any kind of help at all. Please call me if I can help in any way.

Dick

[rwagon57]

John,

Know that this group respects and loves Fred, and we appreciate the up date. Let him and the rest of your family know that we are here for him and you.

Our prayers and best wishes for a full recovery.

[dq409]

John, Thank you for taking the time to update all of Fred`s friends here on how he is fighting this.
I miss talking to him on the phone and on the forum.
Fred always had words of encouragement for me and I`m sure the other here when we talked and now it`s our turn to encourage Fred to do the best he can in fighting this.

Plese let him know we are all pulling for him.

Hope and prayers,,,dq

[Bomar]

John, Thanks for the update. I talked to Donnie this morning and he gave me a small update. I tried to call you at Freds house last night and this morning. By the way I'm Bo Martin I got to be good friends with Fred and help him with his car at the races. Please tell him when you can that He is always in my thoghts. If I can do anything for Fred or you I'm just a phone call away. He has my phone numbers. As soon as he is up to it I'm headed to Ohio. Thanks I will try to call you at Freds house later. Bo

[SS425HP]

I saw Fred's Pulmonary Doctor this morning. He has a case of pneumonia right now. That's not something new. It is part of the reason they have him on the ventilator. The sedation is because ventilators are not comfortable. They are doing tests to determine if the pneumonia is bacteriological or fungus related.
Until they narrow that down they have him on 'broad spectrum' antibiotics.
I bought some mold test kits which I am going to set up here in the house.
With the blood thinners Fred is on he gets cold very easily. Consequently he keeps the house VERY warm, around 82 to 85 degrees. That's a healthy environment for mold to grow in so I'm attempting to eliminate that as a possible source if the pneumonia is fungus based.
They are taking it day to day as to when they may bring him out of the sedation.
The doctor said if every thing goes as they hope, he should be able to come home and be in approximately the same condition he was at the beginning of October. He was 'fairly comfortable' at that point and quite able to do for himself. Depending on what the doctors say at that point, I may come up and drive him back to Florida with me.
His condition is not as dangerous as it was last week when he was admitted, however, as Dr. Moore stated, "that could all go haywire in 10 minutes".
That's what we KNOW at this point. If/when I find out more I'll pass it along.
Again, thanks to all who have/are said prayers. The family truly appreciates the thoughts and wishes.
John

[Dond409]

Thanks for the update John!

We here at the forum always keep track of Fred. He is one very special guy. We are here for him and family. Please continue to keep us updated.

[Ronnie Russell]

Thanks John, We will take the new info. as good news. We will continue praying for better results. We want our old Fred back......... :)

[Dick MacKenzie]

John,
Once again Ronnie is right on. We'll take the news as good but keep Fred in our prayers.

[skipxt4]

John: Thanks for the encouraging news on Fred. We know he still has a hill to climb, to get over this. No one can dispute the power of prayers. All of us here, along with our families, will continue to pray for his recovery.:clap Skip...:)

[dq409]

John, Thank you for the update and your time to send it to me personally.
Any bit of good news is big news.

Our thought and prayers,,dq

[bjburnout]

I met Fred at the 2004 Convention and you'd think we'd known
each other for years.........he was a real gentleman.

Hope you can hole shot this one Fred..........we miss you on the site.

Get better fast......our prayers and thoughts are with you

bj

[Ronnie Russell]

My favorite profile...........

[SS425HP]

Saturday, 11/11/06
Fred is on less sedative than he was. He can now respond to questions when asked. He can understand and shake his head yes or no in response. The congestion in his lungs is much less than it was.
Now, the bad part; he's been on this ventilator so long that they're having trouble weaning him off of it. He is going to have to relearn how to breathe. They have slowed the rate at which the ventilator breathes for him to 12 ( was up to 20 earlier this week ). On average his breathing rate is around 18 ( low of 15, high of 22 ). That means he is spontaneously breathing from 3 to 10 breaths per minute.
I have told the people who are close enough to visit that he needs to be encouraged, as much as possible, to 'pick up' the spontaneous breathing. The Doctor I talked to this morning stated that they would have to decide in the next 2 weeks whether they have to do a Tracheotomy so they can keep him on the ventilator if he can't take over breathing for himself.
That's where we stand as of this morning. I have to fly back to Florida tomorrow. I'll try and keep you posted on his progress from there.
John

[real61ss]

Thank you so much for keeping us up to date, we continue to pray for Fred.

[dq409]

Thanks again John on the update,,

I only have one thing to say to Fred,,,


BREATHE DEEP my friend and OFTEN !!! ,,,dq

[StageRt]

I just got off the phone with Fred!!!!!
Of course, I wasn't expecting this or I wouldn't have flown back today. He's awake and the nurses are scared!!
My edress is jatott11@comcast.net. I don't have Fred's address book with me so I don't have your individual edresses here.

[real61ss]

This is great news!!!! Get well Fred!!!!

[Tom Kochtanek]

Great news, our prayers are being answered :).

I hope that Fred's recovery continues, and that the nurses benefit from more of his good natured jabs :).

Cheers to Fred!

TomK

[Ronnie Russell]

Best news I have had in a long time. Keep it up Fred!!!

[Dick MacKenzie]

Fantastic News! Still pulling for you Fred. Keep up the good work!

[skipxt4]

This IS the best news we've had in a long time.:D Get-em FRED.:clap I'll say it again. Never dispute the power of PRAYER.:) Skip :)

[TomO]

That is GREAT NEWS!!!

TomO

[RCE1962]

StageRt

This is very good news that all have been hoping and praying for throughout this thread.

Your Bio states "Fred's little brother".... seems to me that Fred's got a really great brother. :clap

Thanks for keeping us posted John.


RCE1962

[tripowerguy]

This great news that Fred is awake enough to talk. Prayer is a great thing and he still needs ours. :clap Roy

[rwagon57]

StageRT-John,

Thanks again for keeping us posted and for sharing the good news. Tell Fred he is still in our prayers.

Fred,

Follow the doc's orders and get well soon.

[Mc409]

Glad to hear Fred is doing better, he is always in our thoughts.

[rstreet]

good news Fred keep breathing like your 2X4 bbls do on your 409

[StageRt]

My son, John, calls me every day to give me an update. We changed Pulmonary Doctors. The one Fred was going to couldn't give us straight answers, good or bad. The 'new' doctor is the lady who treated Fred when he was brought in to the hospital, Dr. Vaughn. She seems more than competent plus she talks with a 'straight tongue'.
They gave Fred a breathing treatment this morning and also 'vacuumed' his lungs. That wasn't pretty. On the good side, his O2 efficiency was climbing in to the high 90% range afterwards.
They asked permission to put in a feeding tube but they haven't done it yet. They scheduled some tests for today, but as of 10:00 am hadn't done any. John said his color is much better and his voice is getting stronger.
A local friend of Fred's, Tom Callahan, has said they have a twin bed available. It's in their garage and Mrs. Callahan said she has all the bedding necessary for it. We plan to set up the bed in the family room at Fred's house. The idea is that Fred will be able, if necessary, to 'live' in the family room should going up stairs prove to be too difficult. We also plan on putting his coffee pot in there as well as a small microwave and a little bed side table. The family room is quite large with a 1/2 bath on the same level. For those of you not in the know, Fred's house is a tri-level. We have also talked about expanding the 1/2 bath to include a shower and laundry facilities.
They haven't given us a 'go home' date yet. We're expecting that fairly soon.

[w ogden]

That is great news. Good call on the Doc choice. It looks very promising that Fred will be coming home and I am sure that we are all grateful for this as is his family. He remains in our hearts and minds as well as our prayers. Looks like it is working.

[Dick MacKenzie]

John,
That is really great news! Fred has been in our prayers and will continue to be. Please give him my best.

[Ronnie Russell]

Thanks John, We are all looking forward to that " go home " date. We will continue to pray and hope the new doctor can come up with good treatments.

[skipxt4]

Thanks John, We are all looking forward to that " go home " date. We will continue to pray and hope the new doctor can come up with good treatments.

GOOD NEWS again.:clap I agree 100% .:clap I got a feeling we'll be hearing from Fred soon. That will be a great THANKSGIVING DAY present.:clap Skip:)

[dynoray]

i had the greatest time with Fred these past 2 years at Bowling Green,he has some great stories.i bought a set of his and Deans headers for my 61.also this year at Bowling Green i rode up to the tech area in his 63,and we talked about the old days.it was hot as heck in the car,but it was great to hear what it was like back then,i'm a little too young to know.also,Denny and Bo were parked next to me,and they are a hoot to hang with at the drags!! you guys have to get one of Dennys 409 shirts. Get well Fred!! we need that 63 out there. Ray.

[StageRt]

Dr. Vaughn says she's pleased with the progress Fred is making. John, my son, says he seems to be at a plateau. He's not falling back but he isn't progressing as fast as he was. He still needs to pass that 'swallowing test' as well as breathe more efficiently on his own. They aspirated ( siphoned ) his lungs again. John was told that this is because he isn't swallowing reflexively. What you and I swallow automatically winds up going in to his lungs. Saliva, mucous, whatever.
He constantly has a flow of friends coming through. Although it can be tiring for him, I think he needs all the encouragement he can get. People encourage him.
I'll continue this as long as it's necessary.
John

[rstreet]

Thanks for the update

[Ronnie Russell]

Thanks John, It is encouraging that the Doctor is pleased with Fred s progress. We have to have faith that she knows what she is doing. Prayers will continue. Thanks again for the update.

[Bomar]

I went to Ohio to see Fred yesterday. He slept alot while I was there. The doctor woke him and we got to visit a little. I only stayed about an hour but it was good to see him. It,s a little hard to understand what he is saying due to his shortness of breath and his voice is really raspy. They won't let him have anything to drink until the swallow test says its ok . He sure wanted a Pepsi! I told him about all the well wishes from everyone on the forum. His daughter told me he wants a recent magazine that has a picture of his car in it but we don't know witch one it is . If anyone knows please post the name and I'll let her know. It seems it will take some time for Fred to come back from this but I told him we were all pulling for him. Bo

[dq409]

I got an idea !!! O,,, NO !!:eek:


Just reading that Bo had taken the time to see Fred and I thought that maybe we could make a picture board of us and our cars to be taken to his room.

It would be easy to do.

We could start a thread and post a picture of us with our car and and have one of us that is close enough to visit have the pictures pasted on a large poster board with the picture and a short message.

You could print the message right from the post and glue it under your picture.
Having something to look at with a bunch of Freds friends on it might perk him up !
It could be something like this: ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, or,,,
Post this message below picture:

Fred, Were all pulling for you!!
Get better my friend !!,,dq

[fatride]

I went to Ohio to see Fred yesterday. He slept alot while I was there. The doctor woke him and we got to visit a little. I only stayed about an hour but it was good to see him. It,s a little hard to understand what he is saying due to his shortness of breath and his voice is really raspy. They won't let him have anything to drink until the swallow test says its ok . He sure wanted a Pepsi! I told him about all the well wishes from everyone on the forum. His daughter told me he wants a recent magazine that has a picture of his car in it but we don't know witch one it is . If anyone knows please post the name and I'll let her know. It seems it will take some time for Fred to come back from this but I told him we were all pulling for him. Bo

The only mags that I can think of that ran a picture of Freds car is Chevy Rumble, I have both the issues that have Freds car in them.

[region rat]

DQ, Send him pics of the 300 amp alternator. That'll straighten him out! Bob

[region rat]

Bo. Glad you made it over to see our man Fred. My daughter is a nurse. I'll see if we could hook up Pepsi to his I.V. That shouldn't get us in much trouble, Eh?? Bob

[fatride]

I hope Fred was watching the game tonite. OSU all the way.

[Bomar]

I got the news yesterday that they put Fred back in a drug induced coma and on a ventalator. His blood gasses aren't good. Denny got a call from his brother with the news. We will keep him in are thoughts and prayers. Bo

[Dick MacKenzie]

Our prayers are still with you Fred.

[skipxt4]

Our prayers are still with you Fred.
Yes they are. And WE won't stop until you're healthy again.:clap

[dq409]

If anyone wants to send Fred a card or anything else , here is his mailing address at the hospital:

Fred Totten
C/O
Middletown Regional Hospital
105 McKnight Drive
Middletown, OH 45044-4898

Fred is in the ICU Unit. Room 7.


It would be a great way to also send a picture of you and your car or other pictures that can be displayed for Fred to see when he wakes again!!

,,,dq

Thank John for the address,,

[StageRt]

Here's the latest on Fred. On Saturday Dr. Vuong decided Fred wasn't making any progress off the Ventilator. She told Fred they wanted to put him back on it. Needless to say, Fred wasn't happy about this. They re-sedated him and put the ventilator back in. This morning Kenna, Fred's daughter, was called. She was on her way in anyhow.
They wanted permission to do a Tracheotomy. Kenna called me and we discussed it. She went straight in to the hospital and talked to Dr. Vuong in person. The DR. assured Kenna that this was a procedure they needed to do for Fred's benefit. It was not something to just prolong his time but a real step to get him on the way to as full a recovery as he can expect.
Kenna called me again this afternoon and said Fred came through the operation very well. His breathing was no longer labored and the staff was encouraged by the results.
Now if any of you know somebody who has survived with a Tracheotomy you know this is not an impossibility at all. My wife has a former sister-in-law who had to have one after a car wreck when she was a very young woman.
Since that time she has gone on to a full, productive life including giving birth to her children. Andrea never could get back off the Tracheotomy but that doesn't stop her. She even learned how to talk without having to put her finger over the opening.
I'm not sure how Fred is going to react to this. I know he told the Dr. that he was scared if they put him back under he might not come back. Dr. Vuong assured him that "you'll be back."
He is still heavily sedated so if any one is planning on visiting, call 1st and check with the staff to see if they've brought him out yet. That's supposed to happen later this week. We've all got our fingers crossed and prayers are appreciated.
John

[Tony Salins]

John,
Ofcourse our prayers are with Fred and also with you and your family. What a tough time for all of you. There isn't a moment during the day that you are not in our thoughts. I know the we speak for every one on this site, if there is anything we can do all you have to do is say the word we are all here for you.

Tony and Bonnie Salins

[pauls63409]

I really don't know who Fred is, but he is obviously well liked and well respected.
I will keep him in my prayers.

[StageRt]

This morning at 1130 Fred asked to have the life support systems shut down. At this time he's still holding on. He's still pretty tough. The doctors really didn't expect him to last this long.
Any future plans are, of course, in limbo until this situation resolves itself.
Thank you to all for your prayers and support. It's time to let Fred go home to his beloved Verna.:cry

[oldskydog]

That's not what we were hoping to hear but Fred is demonstrating that he is still in the drivers's seat . I can only respect him all the more for wanting to control the time and place of his passing. I only hope I can be that strong when the time comes.

:clap :bow

[StageRt]

Shortly after 8:00 pm Fred Totten finished his last race. No Red Lights, no fouls.
Thank you all for your kindness and friendships.
He'll be missed.
John Totten:cry

[region rat]

Our hearts go out to both Fred's family and also to our fellow members. He will be missed. Bob

[JimKwiatkowski]

John,it's so sad to here Fred is gone,he was a good Man and would do anything to help his fellow Man,he will be missed :cry Jim and Sue

[Dick MacKenzie]

I can't express the sense of loss I feel. God's peace Fred. I'm looking forward to seeing you again.

[fourspeed409]

God Bless Fred. He was a special man.


Shane

[DIV1RACER-2]

Fred's family and freinds lost a good person today , a wealth of information and a ton of great stories . :hug Two years was not enough time to have known him ! :cry

We will miss you !! You are in the hands of God now.


Denny & Deb

[fatride]

My condolences to the Totten family. We will all miss not being able to talk to Fred in person or through this forum.

[Bomar]

For Freds family and friends our thoughts are with you. He called me his friend, I was a lucky man. Bo

[Steve "wully bully"]

God Bless Fred Totten! I am proud and thankful of the good times I was able to have with Fred over the last few years. The time we spent, and the knowledge he passed along, will be remembered forever. Knowing he is in a better place, and with his beloved wife, will help ease the pain for us all. Until we meet again, God Bless him, and his family.
Steven and Michele Moyer:cry

[MK IISS]

I consider myself very lucky to have spent some time with this very special man. I hope we meet again.

[Dond409]

I'm going to miss Fred. Hopefully he's pulling that handle and going rounds up above. Fred I'm going to miss you. Hopefully we will meet again someday.

My condolences to the Totten family. We are all here for you in your time of need

[MRHP]

My prayers are with Freds family. Take care my friend. Brian Lambert.

[walkerheaders]

heaven received a good man today.
like most of you, he was my friend as well, he would call and we could laugh for almost any reason. seems like only yesterday, we met him at norwalk.
we are all sad for our loss, but we should rejoice his life as he would have wanted.
we all loved him and will miss him dearly. :cry
god bless Fred and the entire Totten family.

[real61ss]

I remember well the day that his wife left this world and how devastated he was. While we here on earth are sad, I believe there is celebration going on in Heaven tonight. Our loss is Heaven's gain.

[Ronnie Russell]

We have all lost a dear friend. I give Thanks on this Thanksgiving Day that I was able to spend some time with Fred, even though it was not nearly enough. I will miss him always.......

[dq409]

As I type this through my tears and search for the words to say, all I can think of is Fred.

I`m have a very hard time finding the words to express the thoughts about the man I admired and the friendship that grew between meeting on an internet website to a simple hand shake and smile at the convention when finaly met.

That friendship grew over the last few quick years and through many conversation on the phone.

My heart goes out to his family and all the many friends Fred has,,,

I will miss you Fred,,,,

http://pic17.picturetrail.com/VOL847/1590826/4814938/207560641.jpg

[CHEV601234]

I met Fred once as well. Tyhe genuine article. HAve to go to bed with a tear in my eye tonight. I think his cedision to leave was his own, and that's the way it should be.

Almighty Father, we ask that you give Fred a most comfortable place to rest.

[crv409]

:cry Hi my 409 friends, bad news our best friend and 409 drag race buddy Fred has pass away this Thanksgiving day. I will give you all details as soon as I get them. Please keep him in your prayers.

Vince, CRV 409 Parts

[CDNpontiac409guy]

Been sitting here in front of the screen for 20 minutes. Can't come up with the right words, so I'll probably sound silly.
It's just the Internet ?
Well, after chatting with Fred, reading his posts and taking his advice to heart for more than 6 years... I can confirm this...
My respect and admiration for him was real, and he was a friend to me. Saddens me even more that I never got to meet him in Kansas:cry

You're in better hands now, my friend:hug

Aubrey

[wrench]

Sad day to go away for sure. Thanks to God for giving us some time with a great person. In our future, this holiday will mean sadness at the loss and happiness at remembering the good times.

I didn't know Fred, except through the concern of others here. He was surely a great friend to all. God bless him and his family.

Rest.......

[Gerry]

A sad day indeed. I will especially miss Fred's stories. I was hoping for
another get together.

[bobs409]

I sure wasn't expecting to read this when I clicked on this thread. :cry I feel like I've been hit in the stomach. While I never actually met Fred in person, I felt as though I knew him from his active participation on this forum. We lost one of our best members.

I'm at a loss for words myself. He'll be missed by all of us, that's for sure. God bless you Fred.

[RPO587]

While we shed tears of sorrow here on Earth, tears of joy are now shed in Heaven.
Fred and Dean are together racing once again.
Fair winds my friend. I'll truly miss you.

[bluescreamer]

It only seems like yesterday that I meet Fred, but in fact it was six years ago
on this web site. His need to get involved in racing again, but with a 409.
Its been a honor steering him in the right direction to get "SOO SAD" back
on the track. I will miss him as a friend and competitor. Until we meet again.

Allen

[oil4kids]

Its quite sad that just a little while ago, at least I got the chance to meet a great man and his car at the 409 convention, and now hes gone- we will really miss you Fred!



http://oil4kids.com/348409conv/24.jpg


http://oil4kids.com/348409conv/31.jpg

[skipxt4]

This is indeed a sad day.......

[jim_ss409]

This is a sad day. Fred has been such an important part of this club. Anyone who's been here a while knows that Fred really worked hard to promote and organize the 348-409 events. He was one of those rare people that you liked instantly. And he always seemed to be having such a good time that he made everybody around him feel good. He had a lot of little boy in him. I feel very privileged to have known him.

[Tony Salins]

God is with the Totten Family and Fred is now at home with God ,his wife and friends. I can see that wonderful smile that lite up Fred's face and everyone around him. Fred, you made me a better person because of the example you set.:bow :bow. You treated everyone with respect and friendship and that is why you are so love by so many.:hug



I am selfishly crying for my loss but I also know Fred is where he wants to be and his sprit will always be with us. It is up to the rest of us to honor Fred by keeping this site alive and our friendships strong. Let's not drop the ball and let's meet this spring/summer in Clay City like Fred was planning. I know he would like that. :clap :clap

God speed, Fred

Tony & Bonnie

P.S. A couple of pictures from Norwalk thought you all would like.

[Dond409]

You hit the nail on the head about the late Fred Totten. We are all going to miss this great person.

[rstreet]

This has been a shock to read this forum today. I didn't get to meet Fred but did respect and read all of his postings to this site. Rest in peace Fred and to his family I am sure he was as great a person to you as on this site.

[rwagon57]

I never got meet Fred anywhere but on this forum, but, what I know is this was a man who cared about our hobby, loved his family, apparently never met a stranger here or in the flesh. He will be missed.

Godspeed Fred, and may the Totten family know that Fred's many friends from this forum have them in their hearts and prayers today.

[oldskydog]

Bob,
This may be a little premature, but the thought occurred to me that you might consider establishing a Fred Totten Memorial page on the site. It would be nice to see some pics and a few stories from those of you who actually met Fred in the flesh and might have some good stories concerning him. I would make the first contribution in his name (in addition to my own long overdue contribution) to support the site and Fred's page. I really regret not bing able to meet him in person and feel through his page we could all sort of keep him alive here.
Thoughts?
:bow :cheers :dunno

[Dond409]

Cecil,

I agree with you. That is a very good idea.

[JimKwiatkowski]

Here's some photos of Fred,when I seen him at a NSCA at Martin Michigan in 09/09/06

[Garbageman]

God, please take care of this man, Fred Totten, because he was a loved by all. He has left his mark on Earth by being a true friend to all. :hug

And if he wants to organize a cruise or match race please let him because nobody does it better.:)

Sandy and I met Fred at the Convention and it was an honor.
Our thoughts are with Fred's family and friends at this time of sorrow.

God Bless

Paul and Sandy

[LongIsland63SS409]

I have never met Fred in person but feel the same loss.

He always took the time to respond to posts with a wealth of information about the cars we love.

I am 44 years old and was just born when our cars were new. The information that Fred passed along about the stories/experiences are priceless. He was able to pass this information on to the next generation.

God bless the Totten family in their time of loss.

Mike Scano

[Dond409]

I found this about Fred by google. Look at the second picture on the page and the related paragragh

http://www.70sfunnycars.com/FunnyCars3.html

And then here is a story he wrote

http://www.draglist.com/stories/SOD%20Apr%202000/SOD-040300.htm

[RCE1962]

My sincere condolences to StageRt (John)…the rest of Fred’s family, his friends at home, and to those here on this forum that are grieving at this time. I’ve always enjoyed Fred’s discussions on this forum. I too will miss him.

RCE1962

[Tic's60]

Though I never had the honor to meet Fred I did get to chat with him through this great forum. He gave me and thousands of others a wealth of information and inspiration when the times where tough.
May the Totten family rest easy knowing that their father brother and our genuinely caring friend is at peace.

With love

The Benzel Family

[SS425HP]

This Is Mike Veach Kennas, Fiance (fred Totten's Daughter). We Are So Sorry To Inform All His Friends. That He Passed Away Last Night At 8:00 Pm. He Is With Verna And His Son David In Heaven. Racing Down Gods Strip Now. The Showing Is Nov 26 2006 From 4:00 Pm Till 8:00 Pm. The Funeral Is Monday At 1:00 Pm. At Breitenbach-mc Coy - Leffler 517 S Sutphin St Middletown Oh 45044. You All Have Been True Friends. We Are So Sorry To Let You Know This Way.
Everybodys Friend
Mike Veach And Kenna Bower

[region rat]

Mike, It made a lot of us feel at ease a bit knowing that you and Kenna were looking after good old Fred when we couldn't be there. You have our sympathy and gratitude. Bob

[tripowerguy]

It is with a heavy heart to hear of Fred's passing. John you are sure one nice person to keep us up to date with the ordeal. We all would like to know how the family is doing and want you to know that Fred was one heck of a nice person to me. None of us can get out of this world alive unless the Lord comes so we all must face this day and Fred faced it squarely and bravely. He will surely be missed.:cry Roy

[jester]

My condolences to the Totten family . He will be sorely missed.

[JIMS409]

Just found out about Fred's passing. His life was characterized by his love for his family and friends, and for his devotion to having fun w/ '09's.

Until we meet again Fred, may God bless you and keep you on his "help desk." Our thoughts are with the Totten family at this time of sorrow...:cry

Jim & Sharon Miller

[bobs409]

Cecil,

I think that is a great idea. :clap I think we should have all the members that were close to Fred put in a sentence or two as well. A few pics and a few kind words by his friends and we'll have a nice page to keep permanently on the site in his memory.

I don't want rush this and want to do this right. Perhaps in a week or so, we'll start collecting some pics and the member comments and I can put a page together.

Since I didn't know Fred personally, maybe some members that know more about him can help give some background info for the page. Perhaps something about his racing days, hobbies, etc, etc. I've never written anything like this before so will need help getting this worded properly.


Bob


Bob,
This may be a little premature, but the thought occurred to me that you might consider establishing a Fred Totten Memorial page on the site. It would be nice to see some pics and a few stories from those of you who actually met Fred in the flesh and might have some good stories concerning him. I would make the first contribution in his name (in addition to my own long overdue contribution) to support the site and Fred's page. I really regret not bing able to meet him in person and feel through his page we could all sort of keep him alive here.
Thoughts?
:bow :cheers :dunno

[droptop62]

I have not been able to check in here for the last couple days, and am very shocked and surprised to learn of Freds passing. Like many others, I had never met Fred, but have always aprreciated him as one of the great members here. Fred always kept a very cool head here and was a very upstanding man. There was so much that he shared and contributed here.
He will truly be missed. My heart goes out to all of his family and friends.
There will certainly be a void without him.

Fred you will be missed.

[bjburnout]

Belated condolences.
Sorry, I was away and missed the latest updates about Fred.
I met him in KC in '04 and always looked forward to his posts
on this forum.
Sure gonna miss his great sense of humor and knowledge.
What a great guy............:hug

Rest in peace Fred.....you will always be remembered here.

bj

[Quickshift409]

I found out about Fred's passing late Friday night and immediately got a empty feeling in my stomach. He was a fine man and will missed by all. My condolences go out the Totten family. The next get together should be,The Fred Totten Memorial 409 Shoot Out. He will always be in our memories.
QS409

[Mc409]

If you never met met FRED you really missed something. What a great person and may I add he could RACE !! I will really miss him.

Valerie McCombs:bow :bow

[StageRt]

Today, at 1:00 P.M. we had Fred's funeral. I can't thank Denny Ford, Phil Reed, Bob Walla, and Ray ( fatride ) enough for coming in. We asked Denny to drive 'Soo Sad' in the funeral procession. Although we had it cleared with the local PD to take the car on the street 'as is', Denny got the crew together and put the street mufflers on so there'd be no trouble. The 'burn out' after the grave side services had us all smiling in remembrance.
I was doing fine at the viewing on Sunday night. Keeping it together, so to speak. Then I saw Denny and that's when I lost it. All I could think was 'the cavalry's here' and I KNEW Fred was smiling. No disrespect to Bob, Phil or Ray but I knew how close Fred and Denny had become so I knew I had a FRIEND there who loved my brother as I did. I'm having trouble typing this now just remembering the emotions I felt at seeing that closely cropped bearded facein the reception area.
I couldn't tell you this today Denny 'cause I still couldn't keep it together to tell you how much this meant to me personally. Thank you all, and Denny, Thank you FRIEND and brother.:hug

[JimKwiatkowski]

I'm posting these photos of Fred's Funeral,that Bob Walla took.Here's the message that Bob sent to Ronnie.

Ronnie. I am to inept to post these. Can you put them on the site for
> me??? Bob They are of Fred's car at the funeral home, Denny driving
> the pall bearers to the funeral home,and evidence of a mysterious
burnt
> rubber trail left at the cemetery, the racer' s equivalent of a 21
gun
> salute

[JimKwiatkowski]

Here's some more photos

[region rat]

Jim, Thanks for posting the pics. I admit my computer ineptness. If I was worried about what people thought, I wouldn't drive a purple car( Inside joke). Bob

[Ronnie Russell]

Thanks Jim, For those who are curious why I did not post, it is simple--- I am inept at anything more than bare basics. Always turn to Jim Kwi. , he gets the job done. :) Thanks to Bob for the pictures. Fred would be proud.

[skipxt4]

WOW!:bow If you're a car lover, you can't ask for a better rememberance than that. You are right Ronnie. Fred is smiling from ear to ear. :clap

[SSpev]

I am sorry I never got to know Fred Totten. I met him one time at Edgewater. He is a great man by the legacy he has left at the track and this club.

[CDNpontiac409guy]

Very tasteful photography, guys:hug . Terribly difficult to do.
"Comfortable" in an unexpected sort of way. I caught a couple smiles there:hug ... and I think we KNOW Fred was smiling too;) about the "21 gun salute"

Thank you for sharing these pictures

Aubrey

[walkerheaders]

thanx for posting the pics,
deeply wish i could have been there for Fred and all of the people who cared for him.

[droptop62]

All I can say is what an incredible service for Fred.
I get a lump in my throat reading these threads, it must be even harder for those of you who knew Fred and had the pleasure of calling him a friend.
God bless Fred's friends and family.

:hug

[Rockfish39]

I have not been able to check in here for the last couple days, and am very shocked and surprised to learn of Freds passing. Like many others, I had never met Fred, but have always aprreciated him as one of the great members here. Fred always kept a very cool head here and was a very upstanding man. There was so much that he shared and contributed here.
He will truly be missed. My heart goes out to all of his family and friends.
There will certainly be a void without him.

Fred you will be missed.


Last that I checked, I thought that he was improving...
I never had the privelege of meeting Fred, but I also feel that there will certainly be a void without him...

Rock :bow

[1958 impala]

Thanks for the memories Fred. condolences to the family. 348-409 members have had you in our prayers.If you look down you can no everyone hear loved you in their own way.I think youll always be part of me and many of your friends on this site and everywhere .When I hear thunder ill no youve fired up that monster in the sky. RIP

[hrlykngt]

I would like to express my condolences to the Totten family also, like many others thru emails and postings Fred has touched my life all the way down here in Alabama. He has shared his knowledge and humor with us all. You will be missed.

Rest In Peace Fred



Tommy Smith

[348NUT]

I'm almost ashamed to post this, I've been away from the forum so long I knew none of this until now. I guess I'm feeling like I've let a friend down. I wish I had been praying for Fred although I know that God is always in control and this has happened because he has allowed it. That doesn't make it easy for those left behind. I had the privilege of meeting Fred at KC in 04' and I'm thankful for that. He certainly had his share of mourning the last few years and my heart went out to him with the loss of his wife and then his good friend Dean. There were many times I prayed for Fred, but I'm afraid this wasn't one of them. I also believe he was really having some good times the last few years and I'm thankful for guys like Denny, Ray and others for being close to him when so many of us just never had the chance. I would've liked to have known Fred better and I hope that we will meet again someday; infact I'm counting on it. Good Bye Fred, You will be missed :cry My prayers will now be with the family and friends you have left behind. Aaron

[tripower]

I am fairly new to this site and only had the opportunity to read a couple of Fred's post. I have been away for the past few weeks and was very saddened to hear of Freds passing. I can only believe he must have a big smile on his face after the 21 Gun Salute and knowing how much he was loved. He must of been one hell of a guy. I am sad that I will never have the opportunity to meet him. My condolences go out to the Totten family and Fred I hope your doing burnouts in that big sky above. Dan Stotsenberg

[Bam59]

I got home last night after 3 weeks on vacation. Now i read of Fred's passing.:dunno
I had the privilege to meet Fred twice and talk to him on the phone, he was a great help to me, I will miss him here on the site:cry
My condolences to the Totten family and Friends.
In Gods hands.

[Phil Reed]

I haven't posted for quite a while but wanted to add my thoughts and additional information about Fred's funeral.

I attended Fred's visitation and funeral. It was a long drive to Cincinatti from Kansas City and the trip gave me alot of time to think how life goes by so quickly. Fred called me on Tuesday about 6-7 weeks ago. He caught me on my way home from the shop. So I just sat in the middle of my cul-de-sac and talked for probably 30 minutes. Just talked about everything and nothing in particular. Finally I said "Fred...I have to go. Candy's got dinner ready and I'll call you back in a couple of days." We were talking about plans for Fred to come to KC for a day or two later this fall. 2 days later he was taken to the hospital and we never got to talk again.

At the visitaion, I got to meet fred's brother John. It was just like talking with Fred. Their voices are so similar. Denny and Bob Walla were there too. Later that evening, John took all 3 of us outside to talk. He asked that the 4 of us, Denny told John that Ray would be there for the funeral, to be Fred's pall bearers. I was shocked!! I asked John if Fred didn't have any close friends from his hometown that he would prefer to ask. John's reply was "NO....the friends that Fred had made thru this forum were closer to him, and meant more to him, than most any of his other friends". Obviously, we all were honored and humbled by John's request. Besides the 4 of us, Fred's nephew Johnny and Fred's long time friend Donny Elam were the other 2 pall bearers.

Back at Fred's house, it was decided that Fred would appreciate having "his car" at the funeral. John called and got permission from the Chief of Police to drive Fred's car to the funeral and cemetary with open headers!! In case we got stopped, we were to tell the officer to call his Chief!! Denny and Bob thought better of the idea so we all chipped in and put Fred's exhaust system back on.

Fred had stopped at my shop last year when he came back from his 2 month stay in California with Dean LaPole. He had the new headers on then and he started the car up for me. But it was still on his trailer. That's the last time I saw Soo Sad until recently. Now it was in race form...slicks, Jerico 4-speed, fuel cell...and the stuff that Fred had added in the last year.

So we left Fred's house with Bob and Donny in the back seat, Denny was driving and I rode shot-gun. I'm telling you the hair was standing up on the back of my neck on the whole trip to the funeral home. My 63 409 is black with a red interior also. Fred's engine sounded awesome. Knowing what this final trip meant, knowing how Fred loved all the guys in the forum, and knowing that Fred, looking down, was enjoying us doing this!! And the burnout at the cemetary was something that all of us could be proud of!!!!

After the service and before Fred's casket was closed, Denny (Denny is really thoughtfull!!) gave Fred's step-daughter one of his 409 TurboFire t-shirts that he had all 6 pall bearers sign. Kenna placed the t-shirt in the casket with Fred just before the lid was closed. That momento will be with Fred forever.

So, the next time you go looking for Fred, he's the only one in heaven with the grey 409 TurboFire t-shirt on!!!!

Thanks for letting me express my thoughts. Like is too short...be sure to tell the ones closest to you what they mean to you. And don't pass up any opportunity to talk to or spend time with, anyone that means something to you.

Phil

[skipxt4]

Phil: Thanks for sharing that story with us. It's a sad story, with a somewhat happy ending. God Bless you Fred.

[jester]

Yes, Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us

[rwagon57]

Phil,

Thanks for sharing. This forum is like no other that I visit or belong to. Every one here is a friend and is willing to share information. When the opportunity presents itself to meet forum members in person there are no strangers. We have a very special thing and we need to cherish it, and to treasure those that are close to us including the members of extended family here.

[raymar58454]

Tried to post a message on the 21'st as I also had been on another adventure and hadn't visited the site for awhile. Guess Fred was letting me know I'm not supposed to stay away and couldn't stay logged in. Last I visited thought Fred was on his way to recovering.

As with others, I only knew Fred from this forum, but I tend to be drawn to those with a sense of humor and naturally that led me to Fred's posts along with the knowledge he shared.

Any newbies visiting or joining this site should know that Fred was one of the premeir contributors here, and obviously raised the level of everyone here as can be attested by the way he is remembered by those that have posted and I'm sure in the thoughts and prayers of those that have followed these posts also.

You will be missed and remembered Fred.:hug

Next time you here thunder it'll just be Fred making a couple more passes,listen,
hear that 409 scream, wheels up just like his avitar.:beerbang

Ray Furar

[al812]

I'm new to this group and ran across this blog I also will give my prayer for him,COPD ( chronic order pulminary disease) is a form of emphazima. I have it also if they put him into a state of coma then it is for sure not very good for him,he is in for a fight.It's caused from smoking,painting,motor work with solevents,racing fuel,and bad air without a resperator or a very good one.He is probably in the emphazima stage which makes it even worse for him to deal with,when he comes out of this it will garente the use of an oxygen tank.I also will pray for his family cause going through this with him is as bad as having it yourself,his outcome will depend on how much his lungs has crystalized on him.:( :hug Everyone standing behind him is the best thing that anyone at this point can do for him besides wait.