Richard Stewart, Paradise, CA Fire Fund by Mark L

[BUCIOBATISTI]

We have some sad news to share, long-time Bus and Barndoor legend, Richard Stewart who many of you older guys will recall from his many years in the scene, seems to have lost his home and remarkable car collection to the ongoing and ferocious wild fires in the small town of Paradise in Northern California.

Many of us have been texting and calling each other to find out if he and his family are OK, THEY ARE!, but his home and ultra cool collection of cars have not fared well.

It sounds as though his wife's beautiful Ruby Red Kombi, his 2 1959 Chevy Wagons, 1959 Chevy Convertible, a half dozen classic trucks, and more have likely been lost.

Richard's a good dude, loads of respect and passion in the hobby, and Mark Lapriore went ahead and set up this GoFundMe account on Richard's family's behalf.

If you'd like to make a contribution, thanks in advance, and here's the link...

www.gofundme.com/richard-stewart-and-family
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[BUCIOBATISTI]

And for those who haven't heard about how devastating the Paradise fire is, this article will show you.

The fire was expanding so fast that the firefighters weren't even attempting to battle it, they were just rushing to evacuate people.

Headlines have been saying that the entire town is basically burned to the ground...

https://www.yahoo.com/news/heroism-harrowing-escapes-fire-destroys-california-town-065519309.html
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Please check us out on Instagram at @holygrailgarage

That's the best place to see the latest things we are up to as well as catch an occasional sneak peek of our latest car and parts listings!

[Lind]

Richard is such a great guy. I am so glad the he was able to get out safely before the fires burned his town to the ground. I would encourage anyone who is able to donate something to help out in this terrible time for him. Everyone who knows him knows that he would be the last person to ask anyone for help, and the first person to help a friend in need.

For some who might not know, Richard puts on the Red Barn campout/show/swap during the Kelley Park weekend every year.
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Wanted:
Idaho VW license plate frames or other dealership items.
VWoA literature and early dealership or distributor literature/pictures/information
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[marklapriore]

I just got off the phone with Richard. He’s blown away at everybodies generosity who has given, and he thanks you from the botton of his heart. It sounds like he and Michelle were lucky to get out of there. Michelle got early warning because she was at the school where she teaches. She called Richard at home, who grabbed a few pictures off the wall and fled, right as the hospital across the street was engulfed. He said there were 3-4’ embers falling in his yard. He rushed to help his sons at their houses, and wasn’t able to make it back home after that. Then he got a call from Michelle, who was stuck in deadlock traffic with houses on both sides of the street in flames.

But luckily, they all made it to safety.

Again, thank you to everyone who has donated, and those who continue to give. When I set the gofundme up today, I had to pick a goal to reach, and just typed in $5000 arbitrarily. We’ve hit that easily in the first few hours. Hopefully it doesn’t stop there. Give what you’re comfortable giving. And I’m sure Richard will see you and thank you in person in the future. Trust me, he is eternally grateful.
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I'm always home.....I'm uncool

[hazetguy]

Thanks Mark for setting up the gofundme page.

I talked to Richard this morning, and wow, what an emotional phone call.
As Mark mentioned, Richard is incredibly grateful for the generosity. He is also very thankful for, and appreciative of the support of his friends, which at this time means a heck of a lot to him.
So send a lot of positive thoughts his way.

[Yustrn]

Don't forget about James and Lisa Gaebe

https://www.gofundme.com/james-and-lisa-gaebe?fbcl...rBvRM0KDrs

You can see one of his lost buses and trucks and trailers in the pic of their home.

[twistedbug]

I lost 3 bays and my 21 window that cooked in the shop,

[hazetguy]

Sorry for your losses. Happy you guys made it out safely.

Does anyone know who's Bug this is/was? I've seen it in a few pictures.

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thebucket: Yeah Haze, its where people put money into a company in hopes of a return on their money

[Bryan67]

Donation sent. I`ve known Richard since the old SOTO days. And I just saw him on the 4th at the Turlock swap meet. He`s a good guy.
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If you`re going to do something, do it right.

[crofty]

I cant imagine what it must take to comprehend all of this happening without any warning and have your present life all gone in a matter of minutes. Its hard as an outsider watching it happening on the News or reading about it online even though it isn't happening to me.

You'd be hard pressed to find anyone as approachable and selflessly involved in this hobby as Richard. He's definitely one of the good ones. I truly hope he and his family recover quickly.
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Your Vanagon sucks, Stop waving at me.

[62DoKaGuy]

Understanding this post originally focused on the hardships of Richard Stewart, but has anyone reached out to him and others like James Gaebe (or been in contact with those affected in Paradise and the surrounding area) who is in need of clothing, baby items (clothing, diapers, formula, breast pumps, etc.), dry goods or any other basic needs?

The wife and I are putting together anything we can to try and help those affected and would rather put it directly in their hands than drop it off willy nilly at some center, not guaranteeing it goes where needed. All the best to those affected by these fires and hope we as a community might be able to help out. Cheers.
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,,Wenige Menschen denken, und doch wollen alle entscheiden.'' -der Alte Fritz

[BulliBill]

Thanks for doing this Mark! Money sent. Not sure if I know Richard or not, but I can sort of imagine what a huge loss he and his family have just been through. I hope they rebuild their lives quickly!

Bill Bowman
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I'm looking for these license plate frames for my fleet:
Coeur D'Alene - Lake Shore Volkswagen
Mission VW - San Fernando
Thornton VW - Stockton

Thanks for any help!

[lenny copp]

Super nice guy.
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Lenny Copp
www.classicvws.com

[BusJunky]

What a horrible thing to happen to a family. I’m glad they’re OK. Hopefully insurance will cover the loss of the material things, but I absolutely cannot imagine losing my home like that and all the memories created in it. All the family memorabilia. What a tradgity. Prayers that they recovery quickly in every way.
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[gabvwkey]

We discussed this last night at our OCTO meeting, Erik Koplien shared the link of the paypal account for donations and encourage us all to give if we can, I personally know Richard since the SOTO days and have nothing but respect for the guy and hope that his situation stabilizes real soon, material possessions could be replaced but we are all glad they made it safe with their lives and hope to seem soon.
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[Skim]

Man that really sucks but the main thing is everybody is ok. These cars can be replaced as cliche as it is to say. Hopefully everyone had some type of collector car insurance such as Hagerty / Grundy etc. if so that should really speed things up. Again, hopefully everybody and their pets made it out safe. Can’t forget the critters.
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GFK
Samba since before the towers collapsed. Still here.
1953 Kabriolet
1954 Sunroof
1959 Lowlight Ghia vert
1960 Lt Grey Double Cab SMZ LEGIT
1963 Deluxe Turkis Walk Thru 15 Window OG Paint