i just heard that Ron Toomer, creater of such coaster greats as Vortex and Magnum XL 200 just passed away today at 81. He was certainly one of the greats and will be sorely missed.

Such an innovator beyond roller coasters, he worked with NASA in the early years of the satellite programs and the Saturn space craft design. Godspeed my friend.

Ron Toomer was truly one of the most creative, and innovative roller coaster designers ever. He paved the way to Mega coasters, looping coasters and all thats in between.

May he rest in peace.

I will be Riding Magnum this weekend a few rides will be remembered for him!

http://www.amusementtoday.com/

The man responsible for millions of smiles and tears of joy. Many enjoy his creations yet fail to know his name. A true pioneer and visionary who helped revolutionized the coaster world and amusement business. Without him we may have never met a mine ride or a corkscrew or a suspended or even a hyper coaster. His creations will live on for now, large steel monuments more impressive then any statue could ever be. Sure his rides may bang our heads and bruise our thighs, they may even be a little rough and bumpy but we ride again for the thrill out lives the pain. Ron's biggest achievement? the fact he did most his work on paper as computer designs were non existent. Long before Intamin, Vekoma, Boliger & Mabillard we had Arrow with Ron Toomer who started many enthusiast love of coasters, including me. In closing he will be missed but remembered fondly, particularly when we mention 5-1.

In tribute I will ride Iron Dragon first on Friday instead of Millie.

http://www.amusementtoday.com/

The man responsible for millions of smiles and tears of joy. Many enjoy his creations yet fail to know his name. A true pioneer and visionary who helped revolutionized the coaster world and amusement business. Without him we may have never met a mine ride or a corkscrew or a suspended or even a hyper coaster. His creations will live on for now, large steel monuments more impressive then any statue could ever be. Sure his rides may bang our heads and bruise our thighs, they may even be a little rough and bumpy but we ride again for the thrill out lives the pain. Ron's biggest achievement? the fact he did most his work on paper as computer designs were non existent. Long before Intamin, Vekoma, Boliger & Mabillard we had Arrow with Ron Toomer who started many enthusiast love of coasters, including me. In closing he will be missed but remembered fondly, particularly when we mention 5-1.

In tribute I will ride Iron Dragon first on Friday instead of Millie.

Hey are you working Terror Island this weekend if so ill stop by and see you!! and i might Join u on Iron Dragon on friday as well!!

Yes, I will be on the island.

I credit the legend with getting me really into wanting to design coasters and really my love for coasters and parks in general. He really was truly a genius and is one the most influential designers to ever grace the earth. In my honest opinion he gave us the greatest thing to ever glide over steel rails, Magnum XL-200. May a path always rise to meet you and a coaster be on your horizon Mr. Toomer, heres to the legend.