The World has lost a Great Enthusiast
Discussion
A Great Man, a True Enthusiast, the Guy who turned me on to cars; my Father, died today.
He was 80 years old and had gone to Columbus, OH over the Memorial Day Weekend to visit my Sister and her Family and while there was run through a routine series of tests at Riverside Hosp. where both my Sister and Brother-in-Law are on Staff.
These tests revealed several serious conditions including Diabetes, Coronary complications and Bone Cancer. He was admitted and began therapies including Chemo for the Cancer. Over the past 5 weeks, his condition declined to the point where his body could no longer resist the onslaught of disease and he died quietly and peacefully tonite at 7:30pm with my Mom and siblings at his side. He had lapsed into a septic coma the day before.
Fortunately, we all had a last visit this past weekend in which he was lucid and truly happy to see the Family gathered together. I even managed to smuggle in a Bison Rib dinner and glass of wine from Ted's Market BBQ which he loved. Some of his last words to me were about the Boxster we had just purchased in April, and the mods I had been doing.
We had lived in Europe through much of my Childhood, where my Father headed the Int'l. Div. of 3M. While there, my Father owned several wonderful cars including a couple Maserattis, three Jags and a much loved 356A, all of which he wrenched on himself. I remember many Saturday mornings, handing him wrenches and him showing me the workings of these cars.
Some of my best memories of my Father involve cars. My earliest, at 8 years old, being a trip to Zurich in the 356. Winding through the mountain roads, sun shining, I just marvelled at my Father smoothly shifting gears in total harmony with the machine. My last true memory of my Father was a Sunny day in May when I brought the Boxster over to his house to take him for a drive. In retrospect, sort of full circle.
He was amazed at the quality of the Boxster and it's performance, he especially liked the sound of that flat 6, but said it didn't really compare to my Esprit, which he also loved. He did much to encourage my interest throughout the years, and most of what I know about cars, I learned from him.
The World is diminished by one. But, I will always treasure the times we spent driving many different, wonderful cars through the years or simply sharing the same space under the hood.
I will miss him terribly.
Happy Motoring Dad!... Jim'00
>> Edited by lotusguy on Thursday 14th July 13:29
He was 80 years old and had gone to Columbus, OH over the Memorial Day Weekend to visit my Sister and her Family and while there was run through a routine series of tests at Riverside Hosp. where both my Sister and Brother-in-Law are on Staff.
These tests revealed several serious conditions including Diabetes, Coronary complications and Bone Cancer. He was admitted and began therapies including Chemo for the Cancer. Over the past 5 weeks, his condition declined to the point where his body could no longer resist the onslaught of disease and he died quietly and peacefully tonite at 7:30pm with my Mom and siblings at his side. He had lapsed into a septic coma the day before.
Fortunately, we all had a last visit this past weekend in which he was lucid and truly happy to see the Family gathered together. I even managed to smuggle in a Bison Rib dinner and glass of wine from Ted's Market BBQ which he loved. Some of his last words to me were about the Boxster we had just purchased in April, and the mods I had been doing.
We had lived in Europe through much of my Childhood, where my Father headed the Int'l. Div. of 3M. While there, my Father owned several wonderful cars including a couple Maserattis, three Jags and a much loved 356A, all of which he wrenched on himself. I remember many Saturday mornings, handing him wrenches and him showing me the workings of these cars.
Some of my best memories of my Father involve cars. My earliest, at 8 years old, being a trip to Zurich in the 356. Winding through the mountain roads, sun shining, I just marvelled at my Father smoothly shifting gears in total harmony with the machine. My last true memory of my Father was a Sunny day in May when I brought the Boxster over to his house to take him for a drive. In retrospect, sort of full circle.
He was amazed at the quality of the Boxster and it's performance, he especially liked the sound of that flat 6, but said it didn't really compare to my Esprit, which he also loved. He did much to encourage my interest throughout the years, and most of what I know about cars, I learned from him.
The World is diminished by one. But, I will always treasure the times we spent driving many different, wonderful cars through the years or simply sharing the same space under the hood.
I will miss him terribly.
Happy Motoring Dad!... Jim'00
>> Edited by lotusguy on Thursday 14th July 13:29
Jim so sorry to hear the sad loss of your Dad. I am sure he was very proud of you for what you have also achieved in the world of fine motorcars. To have a son that was right into cars like himself must have been the ultimate. Me knowing a little bit about you, I am sure you will carry on his fabulous legacy and someday pass on to loved ones close to you and so on.
All the best and happy memories mate.
Kylie
All the best and happy memories mate.
Kylie
My thoughts go out to you. I thought of you today while cleaning my engine bay with my 6 year old son beside me in the boot with a toothbrush scrubbing the chargecooler. I hope we can have something special like you and your father. Your note inspires me to spend more time with my kids doing what we love.
Thank you
Brad
89SE
Thank you
Brad
89SE
Hi,
Thank you all for your condolences about my Father's passing. I know they are truly hearfelt and they have been most welcome and comforting. The sense of community we Car Nuts all have for each other, even though many of us are Far Flung and may never have actually met, is truly amazing!
I am the Oldest Son, and so my Dad's Final Arrangements have fallen to me. My Mother is coping as well as one can expect, but really isn't up to the task, and obviously, our focus is now on her. Fortunately, she is still very active and in excellent health, but must now make a life for herself.
We have delayed the Services until this Friday as most of his friends and Family are scattered throughout the world and time must be allowed for them to travel here.
It still hasn't really hit me that he's gone, but as I sort through his private papers and belongings, I am even more stricken by what a wonderful man he was.
I would consider myself immeasurably successful to achieve even half the respect and affection of my loved-ones and peers as my Father has garnered through these many years.
Thank you All again for making this difficult time a little easier, I will never forget it!
Happy Motoring!... Jim '00
>> Edited by lotusguy on Monday 18th July 06:19
Thank you all for your condolences about my Father's passing. I know they are truly hearfelt and they have been most welcome and comforting. The sense of community we Car Nuts all have for each other, even though many of us are Far Flung and may never have actually met, is truly amazing!
I am the Oldest Son, and so my Dad's Final Arrangements have fallen to me. My Mother is coping as well as one can expect, but really isn't up to the task, and obviously, our focus is now on her. Fortunately, she is still very active and in excellent health, but must now make a life for herself.
We have delayed the Services until this Friday as most of his friends and Family are scattered throughout the world and time must be allowed for them to travel here.
It still hasn't really hit me that he's gone, but as I sort through his private papers and belongings, I am even more stricken by what a wonderful man he was.
I would consider myself immeasurably successful to achieve even half the respect and affection of my loved-ones and peers as my Father has garnered through these many years.
Thank you All again for making this difficult time a little easier, I will never forget it!
Happy Motoring!... Jim '00
>> Edited by lotusguy on Monday 18th July 06:19
Jim:
Deepest sympathy and condolences to your loss of both a father and mentor.
Upon reading your written words it is most clear of the contribution that he has made in bringing you to maturity. He must have been a very proud father and I am sure tears would be in his eyes had he been able to read your posting. They were in mine.
Take good care of your family.
Steve
Deepest sympathy and condolences to your loss of both a father and mentor.
Upon reading your written words it is most clear of the contribution that he has made in bringing you to maturity. He must have been a very proud father and I am sure tears would be in his eyes had he been able to read your posting. They were in mine.
Take good care of your family.
Steve
Gassing Station | Esprit | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff