I knew John, he was from Geneseo, IL. We kinda met over a girl. He was a mechanic at the local Dodge dealership. He had a '29 Dodge coupe, with a 426 Hemi in it. It would be a rat rod by today's standards. He ended up meeting a girl from California, that was in town living with her grandparents. They got married and the next thing I knew, they were on their way to Escondido, CA. in a '70 Dart 340 Swinger. I never saw him again. Flash forward to a year or so ago, on fabo, he was asking about tires and rims, he actually used his name, so I pm'd him and asked if he was from Geneseo, IL. He remembered me, I talked with him every week or two. He was in pain with his back, his body frame just wasn't in good shape and he was always helping someone. If I remember, he was helping his son move and damaged his back again. They fused another vertebrae, but the pain wasn't allowing him to do much. Then they found the spine infection, probably from the fused vertebrae. I started to realize that the Dart wasn't gonna get done. I wanted to finish it for him, but couldn't just leave Illinois right now, was looking at maybe this spring. That didn't happen, he called me last Sunday, I was in Chicago picking up a part. I said hello John, and his wife answered, I knew something was really wrong. She put John on the phone, he said that he only had a few hours to live, I didn't know what to say. He passed later that day. I don't know much about his kids, or whether they are capable of the rest of the restoration. It's a frame up restoration, it has a 340 in it, auto, 8 3/4" rear end. I have been in touch with his son, but will talk with him after things settle down. I know nothing of the money situation, or their capabilities, maybe they are going to steer it towards a shop to finish, I don't know. Sounds like they would like to have it drivable by spring.
I was planning a trip out Route 66 and meet him after 53 years and maybe help with finishing the car. I am still planning the trip. I'm really going to miss talking with him.