Desert Dingo Racing co-founder Mike “Skid” Aquino passed away overnight.
Skid was the first person to hear my idea (after Roxanne) about winning the Baja 1000 in an old VW Beetle.
“I’ve got this DVD on racing the Baja 1000,” I told him on the phone. “We can do this.”
“You’re nuts,” he said.
The next night we were on the sofa in his apartment, drinking beers, watching the DVD. When it ended he said “I think we can do this.”
Mike bought the 69 VW Beetle that became 1107. From a guy taking it to a junk yard the next day but wanted it to go to a good home.
“I didn’t have the heart to tell him what we were going to do to it,” he said.
Mike pulled together the original team. Because he lived with Type 2 diabetes, I reached out to the International Diabetes Federation to raise money for their education and awareness programs. We got the reputation as “The Diabetes Guys” because we ran the World Diabetes Day blue circle logo in English and Spanish on the car doors.
He was funny, impatient, snarky, smart and did whatever it took to prepare 1107 to race. When things got tense, he reminded everyone why we were doing this.
Back in 2008, when we had 1107 on display at Fisherman’s Wharf for the American Diabetes Association annual conference, Mike said he wasn’t feeling well, but showed up anyway. Shortly afterward, he suffered kidney failure and went on dialysis. He also got on the list for a kidney replacement, which in the best case takes years.
Earlier this year doctors found a spot on one of his kidneys and it was cancer. They removed it successfully but he had to go cancer-free for a couple of years before he could start again at the back of the line for a new kidney.
A month ago he wasn’t feeling well, went to the emergency room and shortly afterward underwent open heart surgery. I’d left him a message, not having heard from him in a while. This is what I got back.
“Hey Jim. It’s Mike. Three words for you. Open. Heart. Surgery. Give me a call.”
I called back, caught him during physical therapy and said I’d call again. He got out of the hospital on Tuesday and moved in with his dad. His incredibly wonderful girlfriend Wendy said today she’d spoken with him Thursday afternoon, he sounded great and seemed very happy.
He passed away sometime overnight.
The world lost a great human being when Mike passed.
I lost a friend.
Comments
7 responses to “We lost Mike”
Beautiful tribute! Skid loved being on the team. The last time I visited with him, he talked about possibly co-piloting again. I know you all will miss him greatly. Stay strong!
Tom
I am greatly saddened by this news. Although I did not have a chance to meet him in person, I was able to appreciate all the work he has done for the Dingos.
Dear Jim and Desert Dingo team
It’s a sad day. My condolences for your loss. I actually remember meeting Mike for the first time at ADA in San Francisco long after you guys became the official World Diabetes Day car. It was great to hang out with the team, take pics in the car and fun interviewing you for World Diabetes Day (youtube).
Mike was and forever will be an inspiration to all people living with diabetes. He lived life to the fullest and will be deeply missed.
“When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” ~Kahlil Gibran
Much love
Kerrita + IDF WDD Team (2006-2009)
One of my earliest memories of Mike was when his brother Matt and I visited him in their grandma’s basement, where Mike lived at the time. Yes, Grandma Aquino tried to feed me when I was not hungry, during which there were knowing nods and smiles between Mike and Matt. Showing his complete and utter love of music, Mike brought out his bass and proceeded to play the bass line from Elvis Costello’s “Pump It Up,” while giving me the look that said quite simply, “if you recognize this song, you are welcome into my circle of friends.” Luckily, I knew the song and luckily I was able to share many wonderful experiences with Mike for two and a half decades. I miss my friend very much and will always cherish the incredible years we have had as family.
We were so very sad to hear about Mike’s passing. We just found out this morning. I know he was sick, but even being sick he was an inspiration to us all. Always came when invited…fun times at bb-q’s and laughs I will never forget. Rest in piece mikey….say hi to my daddy for me…kisses
Lisa and Rich
[…] Skid’s memorial ceremony I told the story about how he and Richard were in the car at the San Felipe 250, had two flat […]
My husband just told me about Mike’s passing. Shocked.
I first met Mike at Cisco, and always enjoyed seeing him in the hallways. Several words come to mind when I think about him: original, genuine, integrity, a do’er, 100% there for his friends and loved ones, true to himself, open with his feelings.
I will definitely miss you, Mike. I am thankful for the memories you’ve given me and Justin.