Remembering Roger Theobald Jr. whose 86 years of life touched countless family members, friends, acquaintances and fellow auto enthusiasts and racers among others. He judged a man’s word by a hand shake and in exchange his hand shake was his word.

Roger is survived by his children: Tracy (Doug) LaCount, Karen (James aka Bubba) Bottoni, and Roger (Jannelle) Theobald. His 7 grandchildren, Lindsey, Matthew, Sarah, Trevor, Mason, Gavin & Collin. As well as many great grandchildren. He is also survived by his only brother Harry Theobald.

He was proceeded in death by his father Roger M Theobald Sr and mother Anne Margret Theobald. He was born in Long Beach Ca, raised in Long Beach and later Palos Verdes Estates Ca. and as a young adult enjoyed all the pleasures of being by the west coast. He had many stories of trips out on the ocean in a flat bottom boat and water skiing in the open ocean. He grew up riding bikes with friends and later working on cars. He graduated Woodrow Wilson High School, then drafted into the US Army. While stationed in Germany he attended a USO dance with newly graduated Nurses from the United States Saint Xavier College. It was at that dance, he met and later married Mary Louise Arndt of Chicago IL.The young couple started out living in Long Beach and soon moved to Saugus CA, a great place to rise a family and no doubt to be closer to the Saturday night action at Saugus Speedway!

His interest in cars led to a long term racing career first as a teenage crew member for Gabby Garrison at Saugus speedway. His first race as a Driver was in a mechanic’s race at Saugus Speedway, an event where the team’s mechanic would drive. He closed out his racing career as a co-crew chief with a talented team of men and women winning the 2006 NASCAR Southwest Tour Championship with Rip Michels Racing.

Roger once owned and operated an auto repair business in Long Beach Ca specializing in Mopar repair. After relocating to Saugus and working for dealerships, he then became a mechanic for the Los Angeles County Fire Department for decades before retiring.

Although he had many health challenges, he showed integrity, compassion, and unwavering love for family. Within each of us remains a piece of his indomitable spirit, reminding us to face life’s challenges with courage and grace, just as he did until the very end.