2021 NAMBA Nats Race Program

Lonnie Kai and in 1970 he bought a mail truck to transport the sailboats to events. He also opened a Hydro Store where he mass-produced Unlimited Hydroplanes underneath the mall for the first Nationals. In 1974 he started the famed Hobbies Galore that became very successful. He built a weekend crowd with his parking lot race RC model car race track that they transported from San Francisco, to Modesto and other parts of the Bay Area. He was very instrumental in the hobby industry creating several industry ideas for the HIANC of Northern California. Gary was one of the first to have an RC Car and created his own Hobbies Galore 1/12th Scale Electric Car. Joel says that he is stopped until today by those who remembered as kids how Gary kept them out of mischief with his hobby store. Gary was active in boating throughout his entire life. Although not a Championship boater he did manage to pull of a National Championship in Crackerbox, which was a class that he proposed. After a life devoted to RC Hobbies Gary passed away of Skin Cancer on April 16th 1999. Gary believed if he liked to do it someone else would like to do it. He loved events and organizing. RC Hobbies was certainly a family affair with Gary. Becky, his daughter, raced sail boats at 10 years old and was his pitman at 14. Joel Johnson went on to win 35 National Championships, 2 World Championships and over 10 paid sponsors. Gary lays claim to Floats International, Models in Smithsonian and casting a NASA space helmet. His old neighborhood knew him for the fantastic Life Size Disney Christmas displays that stretched across the entire lawn. Others may know him for his words “Lead by example and have Fun above all” as well as “Be a Gentlemen first and Cool Second”. Gary Johnson always lead by example but managed to be both a Gentlemen and Cool at the same time. Gary Johnson known as NAMBA’s first President was not only asset to RC Boating but an asset to the popularity of a significant part of RC Hobbies as a whole. Gary was born in 1937 in San Francisco then moved to Pasadena. He grew up in Alta Dena. As a small child he started modeling airplanes at the age of 5. That grew into control line planes. He graduated from Pasadena High School in 1955 where he lettered in football. As a high schooler he can actually say he played in the Rose Bowl. He also can lay claim to early mountain biking as he used to ride down Mt Baldy when he worked for the bicycle shop. He was also certified as a life guard in LA Country where he worked at public pools but joked that no one ever looked like Pamela Anderson. After graduating from High School, he signed up for Active Duty and trained at Fort Hood. He served as an MP with Marksman accommodations, his superiors felt he would make for a fine officer. After the service he went back to Pasadena City College and studied Industrial Arts. This is where he got his chops in pinstriping and lettering. He also played on the Water Polo team where helped put Pasadena on the map. He loved to go to the waterfront every weekend where he made lifetime friends through his college fraternity. He moved to the family shack which was on Newport Beach. The Shack actually had no bathroom. While living he loved the water and became an avid body surfer. He was also a camp counselor on Catalina. In 1965 he founded the Aloha Model Boat club in Hawaii and at the Lake Tahoe regatta in 1968 they introduced the bowling shirts as club uniforms. When in Hawaii he promoted American Model Car races on television. He took a job at Pet’s model craft and built it into an 8-store franchise as the General Manager. They eventually became their own distributor. While in Hawaii is also enjoyed pond sail boats and tethered boats. In 1967 he created the Aloha Model Boat Association with Gary Johnson - By Roger Hooks Jr “The 1973 NAMBA Nationals will provide exciting competition and tremendous opportunities for fun and fellowship, Remember, it's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game that counts. So have a good time and say the best model boaters earn their rewards.” - Gary Johnson President’s Welcome Letter 2021 NAMBA Nationals Page 24