David W. Draper aka Paddock Dave 

Dave lost his long battle with heart disease on January 10, 2011, at home in Sacramento.  

Born on February 10, 1942 in Draper, Utah, Dave was a much beloved husband, father, and grandfather. As a young man, Dave worked as a ski instructor and ski patrol in Utah. Dave started his working career with Ford Motor Credit in Utah, transferring to the Bay Area. After leaving Ford Motor Credit, Dave worked for many years in the car business in the greater Sacramento area. 

In addition to enjoying time with his family, Dave loved to snow ski, water ski (in his younger days) and, for many years, attend 49er games, helping host lively tailgate parties. He also enjoyed hunting (usually with a beloved dog), camping, fishing, and debating politics.

Since retiring, Dave developed a passion for club car racing and was known as “Paddock Dave” at SCCA SF Region racing events. He also volunteered at SCRAMP racing events in Monterey. Dave is survived by his wife, Kathy (Ruff), children Robert Wardlow, Kristie Wardlow, Haley (Ledgard) Karish, nine grandchildren, mother-in-law, Opal Ruff, and brother-in-law, Larry Ruff. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, through www.jdrf.org or to JDRF, 26 Broadway, 14th Flr, New York, NY 10004, in support of Dave's four year old granddaughter, Kate.   

Our circle becomes smaller again. Dave will be missed not only for his good-natured way of administering the paddock but also for his true friendship and being such a charming gentleman.

Karen Lamm

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