Help Janet Honor Kurt Wilson’s Memory

Kurt Wilson

3/10/1954-4/10/2025

Kurt’s presence was a gift to everyone he met. His positivity was contagious, inspiring those around him to strive for more. An avid reader with an insatiable curiosity, he absorbed knowledge across countless subjects – there was hardly a topic he didn’t know something about.

Kurt and Janet’s love story began in Carlsbad, CA, 25 years ago, just after Thanksgiving. Their first date was nothing short of magical – a private Whale Watching Tour out of Oceanside, hosted by a friend who ran yacht excursions. With no other guests on board, they shared their own table, champagne in hand, gazing at the open ocean as if fate had designed it just for them. From that day on, they were inseparable.

Their adventures soon led them to purchase a classic vessel, a 42’ Californian – a former fishing boat transformed into a pleasure cruiser. Together, they sailed countless times to Catalina, creating unforgettable memories. Even after Kurt fell ill and they had to part with the boat, the friendships forged at the Yacht Club and in the harbor remained. Life was good.

Kurt loved to reminisce about his racing days, his stories backed by cherished photographs. His passion for Indy Car Racing led him to victory – winning two championship races in a row and earning an IMSA ring, which he proudly held onto for life. That ring was especially meaningful to him, and he wished for his grandson, Dominic, to inherit it. Their bond was deep, and their conversations endless.

A dreamer and a doer, Kurt worked hard throughout his life, never settling for less than what he envisioned. His racing days took him across the world, where he met incredible people and gathered stories he hoped to one day capture in a book. His enthusiasm for motorsports – whether NASCAR, Indy Car, or Off-Road Racing – never wavered. He was also known as the “Gearbox Guru” for McMillin Racing during their Baja Mexico races.

Beyond racing, Kurt was an artist in his own right. His model car-building skills were exceptional, earning him numerous trophies and admiration from fellow enthusiasts. His love for building fostered lasting friendships with others who shared his craft. When he acquired a 1923 T-Bucket, it embodied his free spirit – cruising along the coastline, wind in his face. One of his close friends even built a replica model of the car, which remains proudly displayed in his Carlsbad home.

In his younger years, Kurt had a passion for music, playing drums in a band that once performed in front of Chicago – not quite at their level, as he’d jokingly say, but close enough. He reignited his love for drumming about 20 years ago, helping to form bands like Blind Spot, which featured original songs, and Crimson Coil. His true joy, however, was simply playing music with anyone who welcomed him to join. Even as his health declined, his studio in the garage ensured that music continued to fill his days.

Kurt’s journey was one of passion, adventure, and deep connections. He lived life with enthusiasm, leaving behind stories, friendships, and a legacy that will never be forgotten.