TheSamba.com :: View topic - Is Raby’s “Camper Special”, Special ?? Must read !!

Wed Nov 18, 2009 4:57 pm

Its the toughest thing you'll ever face.. The hardest part was finding him in the bed when I expected that he was just sleeping in one morning.

Considering his heart issues and general health it was a blessing that he went so peacefully and at the home where he'd spent the last 40 years of his life.

Wed Nov 18, 2009 8:19 pm

hello jake,
i'm sorry for your loss, i've followed your work for years and i don't post often.i'm not too familiar with the type of loss that you have experienced but i have found with the way i feel about volkswagens has been a helpful diversion when things are bad.some things are beyond our control and having a thing to enjoy thats not 100% practical seems to make perfect sense.another thing i have taken from this is the people i met with the same volkswagen habit.a while back i met boston bob at a show ,a friend
talked at length with him about engines.in between conversation he spoke with intrested passers by about his waterboxer display.we split left and right so someone could take a pic of bob in front of his brown vanagon.pic was used in the boston globe obituary.i think bob was right where he wanted to be at that show ,i know i was.i'm lucky to have met him,with some time to heal things will be ok,best wishes.

Wed Nov 18, 2009 8:26 pm

Jake-

Sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you!

Wed Nov 18, 2009 8:32 pm

Jake,
I lost my father less than a year ago. He was 57 and way to young to go. I was in the middle of finals in my first semester of law school. My parents were out of the country when he died. I got a call from mom on Saturday, my first day off in months. Needless to say it has been rough continuing on. I am the oldest and am in charge of their affairs. I am sorry for your loss. I think about my father every day.

Wed Nov 18, 2009 8:43 pm

Thanks guys..
When my Mom passed away I was only 14, but her passing was what found me in my old shop working hard on VW engines, then starting this business.

This time its much different, since my Dad had a ton of stuff that he managed and just lots of "junk" that has become my responsibility.

All my projects don't matter much anymore, at least until I get this property back in order and some of my dad's old vehicles back road worthy. Driving the 1954 Chevy Truck that he bought new gives me lots of satisfaction since I spent so much of my life riding in that old truck. He drove it until 1991 every day...

Wed Nov 18, 2009 8:48 pm

Jake:

First and most important- sorry to read about your Dad.

Second: I've flung you a lot of "shit" on these forums because, being a stock trained VW guy, I have disagreed with a lot of your philosophies. But, it never had to do with your character (except that you certainly are one :lol: )
or your workmanship (except that I hear you're not too savvy with BlUePrInTs).

One of my biggest pet peeves in my 30+ years of VW experience has always been the "they all leak oil" myth. I don't know where that came from. I certainly never heard that line tolerated anywhere I received training, nor have I ever just "brushed off" an oil leak on a VW. Funny thing about oil leaks: They never get better or cure themselves unless, of course, you've run out of oil.

Taking care of the customer like that is 100% serious Kraut work ethic. You'll never starve because of it. Kudos.

Wed Nov 18, 2009 8:53 pm

Sorry to hear of your loss Jake. I lost my Dad 2 1/2 years ago and it still hurts. Take time to emotionally heal as much as possible. Projetcs can wait.

Thu Nov 19, 2009 2:35 am

Jake, sorry for your loss. Like several others here, my Dad recently passed. It's tough 'cause we shared so much; yet, everyday I still think of questions I wish I'd asked him. Tempus fugit.

Sounds like you have your hands full, but you also seem like just the man for the job. Hang in there. It will all fall into place, even the "junk".

Be well.

Thu Nov 19, 2009 2:39 am

We'll get through it... Each day is a bit better than the one before it and my Dad taught me to be tough and carry forward momentum.

The "Junk" isn't junk.. Its really good stuff thats a mix of just plain cool, antiques and sentimental.. I have to get rid of some of it, but I hate to do that.

What doesn't kill us just makes us stronger.

Thu Nov 19, 2009 2:58 am

Jake
I am deeply sorry to hear about your Dad, he seemed like a great guy. I was only fortunate enough to talk to him once when I ordered my CS kit. We had a quick chat about the weather up here in Canada.

Always remember all the great times you had together!

Thu Nov 19, 2009 9:38 am

BUSBOSS wrote: Jake-

Sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you!

X2 I couldn't say it any better.

Thu Nov 19, 2009 5:48 pm

Jake, again, sorry for your loss.... I lost my mom just shy of 11 months ago. I found comfort in knowing that my mom knew what she meant to me, and I knew what I meant to her... that left no "regrets" to haunt me. I miss her terribly, but I smile when I think of her, instead of getting sad. Just from the stories of your dad over the years, I know you both knew what you meant to each other, take comfort in that!...

(not sure if you recognize the two names, but I actually started a thread over at RAMVA to inform the members of your loss, and to offer my condolences to you)...

Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:17 pm

Jake, Sorry for your loss. One thing I learned through the death of a sweetheart years ago is that you don't handle grief, grief handles you. It can take some time. I know that there is a heaven and that God cares for each and every one of us. Perhaps old Volkswagens go there too. With God all things are possible.

Thu Nov 19, 2009 8:46 pm

Jake,

Hang in there--my thoughts are with you.

Ironically, today when I got home from work, there was this picture and note for me from my Dad, on my table.

Dad will be 85 in Dec.--he was in WW2. We ride together every Saturday
in "Clifford the Big Red Bus"--and he takes photos, which he then paints watercolors from. He is truly amazing, works every day still.

I appreciate him more and more all the time. I am very lucky indeed.
I am sure you have fond memories of your Dad as well.

Just thought this was very timely and I'd pass it along.

Long live the air-cooled VW!

cheers............

from a fellow VW fanatic 8)

Thu Nov 19, 2009 9:08 pm

I think the best testament about your parents is the achievements and character of their children so I think that is enough said in your case Jake. Your a character and a quality guy which is a job well done by your parents.