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Sad news; PASSING OF 'empicollector'
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localboy
Samba Longboarder


Joined: December 06, 2003
Posts: 5153
Location: "Mainland", PNW
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 15, 2013 9:03 am    Post subject: Sad news; PASSING OF 'empicollector' Reply with quote

Bill Johnson aka "empicollector" has passed away. Anyone that knew Bill is the better for it.

I met Bill at the Shoreline Vintage Meet yrs ago. I was at the swap looking for wall lights for my '66 Westy and I was striking out. A guy next to me strikes up a conversation about split busses and we talk and walk, looking at parts and BSing about VWs; nothing unusual.

After a few minutes Bill says to me "I think I may have a set [of lights] for you". I ask how much? He says "Nothing". Confused Surprised He introduces me to his lovely wife, Dianne, and says he'll be back as he's going home now to get them! A guy I just met 15 minutes ago is leaving the show to drive home to get lights and give them to me! That was Bill. Generous to all with a heart of gold. The lights he brought me were a compete set with lenses that looked new. He would not take any cash. He said he "enjoyed helping people and could tell I was a 'nice guy'".

We became friends and whenever I saw Bill he was smiling, talking about VWs, vintage bikes and cars; he was like a kid. But more than that, we talked about life, family, career...I will miss his sense of humor and his advice re: life. I will miss just seeing my friend at VW events....


http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2020552556_obitbilljohnsonxml.html
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cdennisg
Samba Member


Joined: November 02, 2004
Posts: 20233
Location: Sandpoint, ID
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 15, 2013 9:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Wow. Sad to hear. I didn't know him well, but I have conversed with him a few times at past shows. Always a nice guy.

RIP Bill Johnson
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crukab
Samba Chef


Joined: December 13, 2002
Posts: 6114
Location: Vermont
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 15, 2013 12:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bummer !!
I crossed paths with him here on the Samba, pretty smart guy.
RIP Bill............. Crying or Very sad
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Tom

My Pops:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=604100&highlight=
I know you will always be with me, rest in peace with no more pain. 8/13/14.....

In the yard right now:
'51 Dodge 5 window truck
'65 Bug
'66 Singlecab
'82 Rabbit Truck Diesel from CALI Smile
'86 Doublecab W/T
'91 Vanagon carat/wolfsbrg.Tiico
'88 Dodge Ram pickup
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