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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ O.T. - Careful what you promise...

Posted by: SpecialK Feb 20 2005, 04:03 AM

In '99, my best friend for the last 17 years Terry Thomure, dropped everything to help me pick up a '73 914 from a guy in Lexington, KY. Since he had "truck driving" experience, he volunteered, actually insisted on driving the Uhaul full of parts, with the car on a trailer behind. I promised him when we got it back in town that as soon as I got it licensed, he'd be the very first person to take a ride in it. We spent many a night in the "Mens Room" (a.k.a. garage) messin' with it, drinkin' beer, and BS'n (mostly drinking beer and BS'n). Terry really got a kick out of giving me shit about how long it was taking to get it done. There seriously wasn't a weekend gone by that we weren't doing something with them....camping, BBQ's, fish-fry's, or just hanging out playing cards (you'll notice all of the above mentioned can be done with a beer in your hand ) We literally did everything together....even went out to diner together on each other's wedding anniversary's (25 yrs. for Terry and Mary, 22 yrs for me and mine). Our daughter's were in dance together since they were 3 yrs. old, which is how we originally met....they're both 21 yrs. old now.

Last year about this time we (My wife and I, Terry and Mary, and my brother-in-law and his wife) decided we needed a vacation, badly, and Puerto Vallarta was going to be the place. We had a count down calendar and everything! We all agreed that Feb. 12 to Feb. 19 would make a great Valentines present for everyone.

Well, much to my horror, I got woke up by my sister-in-law last Weds. morning (Feb. 9) telling me that Terry was in a terrible accident, but that's all she knew..........I hauled ass to the hospital to find my brother-in-law, my wife and his (my wife and Mary work together) bawling. Appearantly, Terry wasn't feeling all that well that morning (so his co-workers told me), and left his job to go to a nearby hospital. He didn't make it, and died of a heartattack in his car 1/2 mile away.

The wake and funeral were just like a bad dream that I couldn't wake up from....and I don't think I've slept in a week. I've never had anyone that I was this close to pass away before, and it's hit me like a ton of bricks. I can't even walk out into the garage and look at the '73 without my throat tightening and tears rolling up.

Sorry for posting this tragic story, but I thought if maybe if I wrote it down I'd get it through my thick skull that he's really gone.

Strange Ironies that day:

The hospital he was at was St. Mary's, which I've never even heard of until that day......his wife's name is Mary.

I had to pick up his car from the towing company that hauled it from the accident............."Terry's Towing" (too weird!)

The "accident" was actually witnessed by our travel agent (right outside her business)........she's the one that called it in, but didn't know who Terry was since my brother-in-law took care of booking the vacation.

G-n-R's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" was the first song on the car radio when I left the emergency room....I'll never be able to hear that song again.

R.I.P.
Terry Thomure
USMC Vietnam Veteran
12/17/51 - 2/9/05

I'll miss you forever buddy!

Posted by: dlo914 Feb 20 2005, 05:28 AM

same time around this year i lost my great grandmother of 100 years old....i feel your pain...

Posted by: boxerboy Feb 20 2005, 06:45 AM

It's a sad story, but writing about it is the right thing to do. Sort of helps deal with the reality of it. Now you need to finish the car. When you take that first ride, I'll bet he will be right there with you, fulfilling that promise anyway.

Posted by: Bleyseng Feb 20 2005, 06:47 AM

Sorry you lost your friend. Remember all the good things you did together!
Life is short so enjoy it while you can, friendships can last a lifetime and make life worth living.

Geoff

Posted by: ablose58 Feb 20 2005, 06:58 AM

Sorry to hear about your loss my friend! my thoughts and prayers are there AL

Posted by: MecGen Feb 20 2005, 08:00 AM

Hello
This summer I almost lost my oldest friend to an accident,
my heartfilled prayers.
Joe

Posted by: ein 6er Feb 20 2005, 08:24 AM

very sorry to hear of your loss. remember the good times!!

Posted by: gregrobbins Feb 20 2005, 08:55 AM

Sorry for the loss.

You were lucky to have such a good friend! I am sure he felt the same way about you. You and your wife stay friends with his wife. Her loss is great and she will need the love and support of someone who understands.

Posted by: xsboost90 Feb 20 2005, 09:16 AM

sorry to hear about your loss, i lost an uncle suddenly a month ago, he was only 40 yrs old. Take inspiration on your friends time he spent w/ you, and dedicate your first drive to him.

Posted by: Bruce Allert Feb 20 2005, 09:27 AM

Sorry Kevin. I too, know the feeling.

My wife & best friend of 24 years.

Just like Geoff said,
QUOTE
Remember all the good things you did together!
Life is short so enjoy it while you can, friendships can last a lifetime and make life worth living.

(wiping tears)

...........b

Posted by: rick 918-S Feb 20 2005, 09:39 AM

Very touching. Thanks for sharing with us. Sorry for your loss. Sounds like you have a mission. First hug your children and kiss your wife. Go to the local Trophy shop and have a dash plaque made in memory of your best friend. Gather up your memories and bring them out to the garage. Have a beer in honor of the life and times of Terry. Affix the plaque in a place in the teener where all can see, You'll have him with every time you cruise.

Your life has shaped the way it has as a result of the experiences you've had along the way. You are who you are as a result of your friendship and relationships that formed along the way. You can't change that. Terry is part of who you are. He'll always be with you. He is inside your head. You'll see what I mean..... in time.

Posted by: SGB Feb 20 2005, 09:53 AM

I cannot add to the wise condolences provided here. Celebrate Terry with everyone who knew him.

Posted by: seanery Feb 20 2005, 10:05 AM

Kevin,
finish the car and take his wife or one of his kids as the first person to take a ride.
You'll cry they'll cry, but it will be worth it. I'm sorry to hear about your loss.
You'll make it through, but it won't be the same...but life does go on...don't get stuck in a rut.

Posted by: Rhodes71/914 Feb 20 2005, 10:06 AM

Sorry to here about your loss Kevin, finish that car in memory to Terry.

Posted by: SpecialK Feb 20 2005, 05:40 PM

Thanks to everyone for the condolences and considerate thoughts, I know you guys would of liked him, everyone that ever met him did.

And Rick, that placard idea is great, that's exactly what I'm gonna do!

I think writing it down has helped somehow, but sorry again to bring gloom to everyone's (including mine) "happy place".

Thanks again guys! So much wisedom and support here!

Posted by: redshift Feb 20 2005, 06:44 PM

It's all part of it, thanks for sharing.

Be safe, always.

Miles

Posted by: Maltese Falcon Feb 20 2005, 06:46 PM

Kevin, that's a heartfelt story and thanks for sharing your emotions here. My prayers to your buddy and his family too. I lost my Dad on Jan. 21 this year, his health had been on a roller coaster - and his leaving us was expected. I've kept one of his favorite photos on top of my PC screen for a few years now, and every time I click on the 914club He's right on top of the screen-- kind of enjoying the ride as we all do.
Having someone that you love all of a sudden gone is tragic. Only the time that passes heals us, and lets us live in the good memories of these people that touched our lives.
My Dad's favorite picture is him standing next to his DKW cabriolet, in Liepzig Germany , 1948 , just before coming to the U.S. Funny, this is where Porsche now makes the CGT and Cayenne.
Marty

Posted by: jimtab Feb 20 2005, 08:06 PM

My condolences, the longer you live the more this happens....remember it's how we live, not how we die....find a way to remember him as he lived....

Posted by: ws91420 Feb 20 2005, 08:25 PM

My father passed away over 10 years ago. The day before he passed away he sat in his garage while I changed the oil in my car. He had open heart surgery three weeks before and was having a good day. The next morning he passed away. My father was a mechanic and I feel him with me while I work on my cars. I guess that is the reason my 914 is so special to me. Take the time to remember and grieve. Any person that you have a special relationship with will always live on in the memories of the people that his life touched.

Posted by: Headrage Feb 20 2005, 08:44 PM

I am really sorry to hear that. Keep the memories alive. You have my thoughts and support.

Posted by: Steve Thacker Feb 21 2005, 06:37 AM

Kevin,
My deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss. I lost a very good friend in Lebanon and I also well up with a tear when I think of him. Good fella he was. When you can finally go inside your garage just remember him as he was and the good times you shared, drinking beer and getting very little else done. Loved ones become immortal to us even after they have passed this world, as long as we think of them often.

Semper Fi.... Terry Thomure

Posted by: Larry Feb 21 2005, 08:07 AM

Kevin,
This is why we live for each day, why we build true relationships, and why we treasure and value what is really important. We come into this world knowing that it only for a limited time. Our willingness to get so deeply involved knowing that someday .... Being involved with others and especially devoted to keeping 30 something year old, rusty cars alive says a good deal about human values our beliefs.
Cars are fun, but our interactions with others are our treasures.
My best.
Larry

Posted by: Toast Feb 21 2005, 01:25 PM

I am very sorry to hear about your loss. My heart-felt feelings go out to you.

It may be a while before you work on the 914 again and get it finished. But I do hope that you will be able to think of all the good times you both shared working on it while you are driving.

Remember, it gets easier as time passes.

We will always be here to support you.

Best wishes to all the wonderful people involved.

Posted by: bondo Feb 21 2005, 01:58 PM

Sorry about your loss! Rick's idea is a very good one. What about also putting up a picture of him in your garage?

What do you need to get your 914 done? Many of us have spares we'd be willing to part with (well, I do anyways) to help you keep your promise the best way you can.