This message is from Carl...

To the many of you who have sent Carol an email or posted on 'Mater, I want to send you my heart felt thank you. Since Rob's article appeared on the NHRA website my email box has been constantly full. Your messages have been extremely gratifying to both Carol and me. I wish I could share them all with you, but it would probably bring the server to a halt.

They have brightened her day considerably and have increased her will to fight. Receiving messages from people she has never met, wishing her well, has been a major surprise. Then getting very touching messages from the Bazemores, the Denshams, the Bacas, Tommy Johnson, Sr., Arlene and Warren Johnson, Mike Corvo and others made her realize the friendships that were developed over the years. She knows nothing about cars, but was always there for the people. Now it looks like the people are here for her, and all we can say is thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and we hope that we can someday get to meet all of you.

Sincerely,

Carol and Carl Jakopec (aka Mama and Papa Duck)

Thanks for posting that, Rob!

How did they acquire the nickname? Anyone know?

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Rumors are made by people who just want attention from the person they made it about.

Done. Also got a sweet reply email. I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers!!

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Jay Smith
www.fantasydragracing.homestead.com
www.myspace.com/styxboy

I dropped a little take care note to Carol & Carl.

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Evil Squirrels Are After My Nuts
Avatar courtesy of T-Nebraski
The reason I talk to myself is that I'm the only one whose answers I accept.

Rob just updated his column. Carol Jakopec passed away today. Barbara Parks, Scott Geoffrion, Bruce Sarver, Ronnie Sox, now Mama Duck. Way too many good people lost in the last year.

RIP Mama Duck. You are missed. Thoughts and prayers to Carl and the family.

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My thoughts and prayers go out to Carl and the rest of the family and friends.

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http://www.myspace.com/kb301

May Carol rest in peace.

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Gordon 'Flaps' Carlon
Work the solution, not the problem.

I'm so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with Carl and the family. RIP Carol.

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Rumors are made by people who just want attention from the person they made it about.

I'm so sorry to hear this.....her family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.

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NAPA Nitro Fan!

If you can't stand behind our troops, feel free to stand in front of them!

Rob, Permit me to thank you so very much for the opportunity to know of Mama Duck and Carl's contribution to us all. I sent an e-mail to Carl the first day with a very pleasant thank you from Carl in return and this evening as I learned of her passing sent condolences to him. Without your input, I would have never known of the selfless service this wonderful couple freely gave. Thank you Mama Duck and thank you Rob for bringing such a great story to light.

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"The Doctor"
www.wannaberacing.com

Doc, right on man. I'm sure that are many unsung heroes out there helping behind the scenes at NHRA events and unfortunately an event such as this has to happen to make them known to the masses. Thanks to Rob for giving us a glimpse into how special of a couple Carl and Carol were for their contributions and allowing us the chance to give a little back for all they have given. My condolances to the Jakopec family. RIP Mama Duck.

Agreed. SPOT on Doc. I was very sad to hear that on the TV. All it took was Rob's post and then reading the replies to become "invested" in her condition. To see the comments on the top end was very, very touching.

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Jay Smith
www.fantasydragracing.homestead.com
www.myspace.com/styxboy

With all the talk about Jason taking the points lead, it was really cool to see him defer to honoring Carol's memory. Class act done in memory of a classy lady. Seeing her hat by the shut down area was also very moving.

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