Billy's Hero...Evel Knievel

The last time I saw my buddy Evel was in the mid 80's in Las Vegas. I was doing gambling junkets to the Maxim Hotel & Casino.

Parked right out front in the rock star section was a well used Aston Martin Lagonda (Click HERE for more info on the car) with Montana tags that read "EVEL". I knew Billy's hero was in the house. I looked through the BJ pits and in the bar, but it was at Da Vinci's Restaurant where I spied him with a scotch in one hand. I said "are you Evel?" and he acknowledged his identity.

We exchanged some pleasantries and then I told him about my friend Billy and his condition and his aspirations to be rocketed across a ravine or parking lot or just be able to clear Clear Creek. He just sort of smiled. He knew.

When he got older he would visit with Billy when he was coming through Iowa. I have included a picture of a recent visit. Notice that Snatches took a liking to him as well.

I was listening to the nice people at Fox and Friends and they are telling me that Evel has passed away at age 69. Billy is so sad.