Keeping The Lickity Split Spirit Alive

Somewhere between Needles, Calif., and Searchlight, Nev., on my return drive from Lake Havasu City, Ariz., to the McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas on Saturday it occurred to me that even though I won’t get the chance to see my friends, Brad and Connie Kloepfer, at any of the summer events where I was expecting to hang out with them, we—myself, fellow media outlets, event organizers and the DCB Performance Boats team (and its supportive family)—can make sure that Brad, Connie and their friend, Paul Selberg, all of whom died following an accident on Lake Havasu in late April, are never forgotten.

With the Lickity Split team in their hearts, you can count on the legions of DCB faithful to carry the candle in honor of their friends, Brad and Connie Kloepfer and Paul Selberg. Desert Storm Poker Run aerial photo courtesy Kenny Gonzalez.

Following Saturday’s emotional and uplifting service for the Kloepfers at Calvary Baptist Church, as well as the hour or so I spent at the reception at the Nautical Beachfront Resort before leaving to catch my flight, I’m fairly certain their family members and friends will make sure that never happens. It was apparent between the different people who took to the church stage to talk about their dad, sister, mom, friend, co-worker, etc., that the Kloepfers were surrounded by a strong network of incredible people.

And as someone who got to know Brad and Connie through covering the Lickity Split DCB M35 Widebody catamaran powered by twin Mercury Racing 1350 engines extensively on speedonthewater.com, that makes complete sense to me. They were extremely welcoming people—almost Midwestern like even though they were from California—and I was honored when Brad’s sister, Kim, asked me to speak at the service Saturday.

I’m a way better writer than public speaker so I respectfully told Kim she could find someone better than me. She insisted so I graciously agreed to get up in front of the group, not knowing that it was at a church with a full sound system, video monitors, production area, and yeah I’m guessing close to 300 people. Besides my high school graduation, I don’t think I’ve addressed a larger crowd.

Read more: Keeping The Lickity Split Spirit Alive

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