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Posted by: pffft Aug 24 2006, 08:08 AM

He made it till about 130 this morning.

"He was surrounded by family. He never suffered, and he is at peace now."

Posted by: Flat VW Aug 24 2006, 08:15 AM

Posted by: Eric_Shea Aug 24 2006, 08:21 AM

Thank you.

Rest in peace James. You are missed.

Posted by: bmunday Aug 24 2006, 08:21 AM

The world is a much darker place today.
Not the news any of us wanted to hear..'
God Bless James, and family. I don't have the words to describe the loss I feel for a man I never knew outside of his wisdom...

Posted by: ptravnic Aug 24 2006, 08:23 AM

Thank you James for your selflessly shared wisdom and insight.

-pt

Posted by: MW 914 Aug 24 2006, 08:29 AM

It's a sad day...

Posted by: Jeroen Aug 24 2006, 08:34 AM

thanks for keeping us posted
even though this is not the news we wanted to hear...

James, godspeed, you will be missed

Susan, friends and family
I can't think of anything that would remotely lessen the pain, but you are in our thoughts

Posted by: So.Cal.914 Aug 24 2006, 08:35 AM

A loss of words is usually not my problem.

Heart felt condolences to Lapuwali's Family and Friends, I know they will miss him

and so will I. God Bless.

Posted by: mikerose Aug 24 2006, 08:36 AM

This is a very sad day.

Posted by: Rotary'14 Aug 24 2006, 08:37 AM

Farewell 914 Bro,,,,, you're at peace now.

My deepest condolences to the Montebello family.

-Rob

Posted by: Joseph Mills Aug 24 2006, 08:39 AM

So sad to hear.


Rest in peace James.


..

Posted by: elwood-914 Aug 24 2006, 08:40 AM

Good bye James. I wish I was more like you.........you were a great man.

Posted by: tat2dphreak Aug 24 2006, 08:41 AM

the 914 club, and the world is a much more empty and dark place today.

rest in peace

Posted by: gklinger Aug 24 2006, 08:54 AM

Rest in Peace, James.

My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.

The world is truly a poorer place today...

Posted by: drewvw Aug 24 2006, 08:55 AM

Posted by: Bruce Allert Aug 24 2006, 09:06 AM

I'll get to meet you, James, on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge...

Until then

.....b

Posted by: neo914-6 Aug 24 2006, 09:07 AM

James,

Thank you for being an example of a fine human being and I'm fortunate to have known you...

Posted by: Trevorg7 Aug 24 2006, 09:09 AM

Thank you James.

T

Posted by: Eddie914 Aug 24 2006, 09:09 AM

James, rest in peace. God Bless.

My deepest sympathies to the Montebello family.

Eddie

Posted by: gregrobbins Aug 24 2006, 09:12 AM

I read this, and while it was not unexpected, it still sucked the air out of me for a minute.

This club is a better place for our having shared the knowledge, humor and integrity of a man: James Montebello

Lets make sure Susan and the family know they can count on us for help.

Lets also make sure we remember LUPAWILA by doing something on this site that will keep him in our memories, preserve the information he shared, and introduce new future members to his knowledge.

Posted by: boboli914@att.net Aug 24 2006, 09:21 AM

Rest in PEACE Mr. Montebello! Today is a terrible loss and a very sad day!

Posted by: Toast Aug 24 2006, 09:33 AM

Thank you for comming into our lives James!
Keep a watch out on us.

Posted by: Randal Aug 24 2006, 09:45 AM

James was a stellar contributor to life who will be missed, especially by his family.

We all wish them well during this most difficult time.

Posted by: Justin Fischer Aug 24 2006, 09:56 AM

..........

Posted by: mihai914 Aug 24 2006, 10:01 AM

Rest in peace James , a part of you will always be with the club...

I think it would be respectfull to close the site for a moment of silence in his honour, I believe it was done in the past for another member.

Posted by: JB 914 Aug 24 2006, 10:05 AM

Rest in Peace James.

Posted by: mrdezyne Aug 24 2006, 10:10 AM

May God keep you safe till we all meet again.

Its should be comforting to us all to know he will be with us, looking over our shoulder while we are working on our teeners...

Condolences to the Montebello family....

Posted by: trekkor Aug 24 2006, 10:12 AM

This weekend I was planning to meet James for the first time in person.
We'll put this on hold for a while, as we will meet in the resurrection of the dead.

I'm saddened at this loss, but mostly for the feelings of his family and friends.
With you in mourning, Trekkor.

Posted by: Headrage Aug 24 2006, 10:12 AM

Thanks so much for everything you have done to help others.



The empty spot that was created can never be filled...

Posted by: SirAndy Aug 24 2006, 10:14 AM

R.I.P. my friend ...

i decided to take the day off from work and i'm going up north to work on my 914 instead ...

gotta take my mind off this for a while.

james, you'll be missed and never forgotten. it was a privilege to have known you personally.

Posted by: aircooledboy Aug 24 2006, 10:15 AM

Heavy sigh.



Rest Well James.

Posted by: Lou W Aug 24 2006, 10:20 AM

I am so sorry to hear this

Rest in peace James.

I will continue to pray for James family.

Posted by: Mueller Aug 24 2006, 10:24 AM

Rest in Peace James, I am honored to have met you and exchanged ideas and laughs with each other...

Posted by: /L. Aug 24 2006, 10:32 AM

I am sorry for the loss of James. The world turns a little slower because one of the good guys has gone. Rest in Peace. God bless the family and friends.

Posted by: Jake Raby Aug 24 2006, 10:33 AM

I wish we could have met in person.
Godspeed, James.

Posted by: fiid Aug 24 2006, 10:38 AM

Goodbye James. You're an inspiration. Rest in peace. I'm honoured to be able to call you a friend, and so very grateful that we were able to share the good times together.

Posted by: TROJANMAN Aug 24 2006, 10:41 AM

some things just aren't fair.

James, you will be missed





i didn't read it anywhere, but what kind of family did he leave behind?

Posted by: Aaron Cox Aug 24 2006, 10:50 AM

James,

we have never met, but you have left a long lasting impression on me. I will never forget the many thing i have learned here through your input and selflessness here. Hope one day I can be as knowledgable as you.

Goodbye friend. See you on the other side.

Aaron Cox

Posted by: StratPlayer Aug 24 2006, 10:50 AM

Very sorry to hear this, was hoping that he might pull through all of this. Its a sad day.

Posted by: jd66921 Aug 24 2006, 10:53 AM

Bye.....

Posted by: McMark Aug 24 2006, 10:55 AM

Farewell my friend. I'm a better person for having known you.

Susan and Family, we are here for you should any need arise. I'm sorry for your loss.

Posted by: tdgray Aug 24 2006, 11:09 AM

Godspeed James.

Posted by: jsteele22 Aug 24 2006, 11:10 AM

This has been such a sad time. If there's any bright side to it, it's that James didn't have to suffer, and that his loved ones and extended circle of caring friends had a chance to say goodbye.

James, I'm gonna miss your presence here. Whenever I saw "lapuwali" on a post, I always slowed down and paid close attention - in this bizarre online world where so few names have faces, you truly stood out as a smart, kind, and dependable friend. Thanks for living your life exactly as you did; may the rest of us learn from your example.

Posted by: Hoss Aug 24 2006, 11:16 AM

My condolences to Susan and the entire Montebello family.

In the spirit of Lapuwali, I donated to the ECC transmission raffle thinking that was the most appropriate way to honor the man who so enjoyed people who share friendship through these silly little cars. I hope he would approve.

God speed, James. You are in safe hands now.

- Jeff

Posted by: Cloudbuster Aug 24 2006, 11:16 AM

Posted by: lagunero Aug 24 2006, 11:20 AM

Posted by: bondo Aug 24 2006, 11:21 AM

I don't think anyone here has been as much of a role model to me as James. I've missed his presence here already. Whenever I'm working on a 914, I will be working on a tribute to Lapuwali. (fiats too!)

Goodbye to the best friend I never met. Rest in peace!

Posted by: grantsfo Aug 24 2006, 11:24 AM

I also benefited from James' selfless technical help. He was very gracious with his time and had offered input to a couple issues I have had with the 914 over the years. Wish I had met him in person.

If there are 914's in heaven there are a bunch of happy souls in the clouds now.

Thanks James.

Posted by: Midtowner Aug 24 2006, 11:28 AM

My deepest condolences to the Montebello Family. James' legacy of kindness, friendship and love, lives on in all of us. Rest in peace James. I will never forget.

Posted by: TonyAKAVW Aug 24 2006, 11:33 AM

Like so many have said before, James was a rare personality. He posessed such a depth and breadth of automotive technology knowledge that I remember thinking more than once (while reading his posts) "how does an individual collect so much knowledge?" There are a lot of car guys who spout stuff out as knowledge but are full of crap. James on the other hand was the real deal, and he wasn't cocky about it. His recent creation of the engine conversion FAQs for instance wasn't a way to show off his vast knowldege, but really he saw a need for information to be collected in one area and did something about it. If you take a look at his blog entries, they are also full of concise, helpful information.

I'm sure James will rest in peace, and I send my best wishes and thoughts to his family and friends. He will be remembered well here even among the hundreds of people who didn't know him but respected him nonetheless.

-Tony

Posted by: ppickerell Aug 24 2006, 11:33 AM

Rest in peace 914 brother. Condolences to the family. No jackstands in heaven, and up there they are all sixes .

Posted by: 736conver Aug 24 2006, 11:35 AM

Posted by: nine14cats Aug 24 2006, 11:53 AM

Rest in peace James, I will miss sitting across from you at the breakfast's and especially all of you posts here on the club site.

Bill P.

Posted by: DNHunt Aug 24 2006, 11:59 AM

May James find everlasting peace and may his family find comfort.

Dave

Posted by: richardL Aug 24 2006, 12:04 PM

Posted by: LvSteveH Aug 24 2006, 12:15 PM

We're all better for having known you and we'll all have to try a little harder in your absence. Thank you..... you'll be missed.

Posted by: Dr. Roger Aug 24 2006, 12:24 PM

this is the kind of stuff i think about when this happens in my life.


We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another.

Then we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough
and we'll be more content when they are.

After that we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage.

We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, are able to go on a nice vacation, when we retire.

The truth is, there's no better time to be happy than right now.

If not now ... when?

Your life will always be filled with challenges. It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway.

One of my favorite quotes comes from Alfred D Souza ...

"For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin.
But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life."

This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way.

So, treasure every moment that you have. And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time ... and remember that time waits for no one ...

So stop waiting until you finish school ... until you go back to school ... until you lose ten pounds ... until you gain ten pounds ... until you have kids ... until your kids leave the house ... until you start work ... until you retire ... until you get married ... until you get divorced ... until Friday night ... until Sunday morning ... until you get a new car or home ... until your car or home is paid off ... until spring, until summer ... until fall ... until winter ... until you are off welfare ... until the first or fifteenth ... until your song comes on ... until you've had a drink ... until you've sobered up ... until you die ... until you are born again to decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy ...

Happiness is a journey ... not a destination!!

Thought for the day:

"Work like you don't need money,
Love like you've never been hurt,
And dance like no one's watching."

Posted by: jasons Aug 24 2006, 12:33 PM

John Lennon.... "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

Condolences to family and loved ones.

Posted by: Mike D. Aug 24 2006, 12:49 PM

You will be mised...

Posted by: Carl Aug 24 2006, 01:03 PM

Condolences to the family. This is a sad day for us and especially for them.

Posted by: jgara962 Aug 24 2006, 01:24 PM

Sorry to hear the news.

Condolences to the Montebello family for your loss. We will all miss him.

Posted by: dion9146 Aug 24 2006, 02:00 PM

Godspeed James.

Posted by: sjhowitson Aug 24 2006, 02:05 PM

As we stand on the shore and wave goodbye to a friend there are friends and loved ones standing on the other shore ready to welcome him.
.

GOD SPEED

Peace

Posted by: nebreitling Aug 24 2006, 02:12 PM

Thank you James for your unending contributions to our little corner of the world, and for the integrity with which you so obviously lived your life. Your family is held in my deepest thoughts.

Posted by: Pat Garvey Aug 24 2006, 02:17 PM

It's a strange sadness - losing a friend that you never actually met face-to-face.

Hopefully, I'll get my chance someday.

Bye James - you've left a huge void in a unique group of people.

Posted by: Ferg Aug 24 2006, 02:23 PM

Godspeed James, your missed already.

Ferg

Posted by: 914forme Aug 24 2006, 02:32 PM

Another good man gone before his time. Never meet James, didn't have to, sometimes you just know.

Hopefully the family knows the we had for James.

Off to spend a few moments in silence now, and light a candle for you comrade.

Take care, and God's Speed
Stephen Jacobs

Posted by: pffft Aug 24 2006, 02:43 PM

james

"he continued to give in death, maximum donation of
organs and tissues was made to help as many others as possible"

Posted by: Eric_Shea Aug 24 2006, 03:03 PM

That's James...

With the passing of James this morning, I’m beginning to smile a bit again (albeit with a few tears welling up). It occurred to me that if we all take even a few lessons from James he will never really go away.

That made me smile...

Posted by: 914nerd Aug 24 2006, 03:12 PM

Godspeed James
I never knew you, only knew the vast wisdom and knowledge that you brought to this corner of the world
All of us here at the (non)club will mourn your passing
And I hope that one day, we will all meet again
You are missed

Charles Munson
and, my deepest condolences to his family, for all they have suffered through this

Posted by: Scott Carlberg Aug 24 2006, 03:33 PM

I wish....

- that I had driven my 914 over the last 2yrs, instead of letting it sit

- that I hadn't missed so many 914club events & gatherings over the last couple of years

- that I had met James Montebello


I'm glad that (even for a dumb-guy like me) that I actually learned some things about 914s from James' posts, even though I've owned A 914 for 15+ years.

I'm glad that James Montebello was part of THIS family that I'm a part of

My condolences to James' family & friends.


I never met James 'Lapuwali' Montebello,
but this morning when I read that he had passed away,
I cried.



Attached image(s)

Posted by: byndbad914 Aug 24 2006, 03:33 PM

So I have been following the posts since Monday and have been pretty saddened this week. I never met him, but I was involved in a couple of "technical" posts with him and he was clearly a man that knew a lot, took the time to help others gain that knowledge, and was never condescending in tone. Great asset to humanity and it really, really bums me out that this has happened. I can't get out of my head how clearly not deserving of this he is and far too young... wish I had met him. Just look at the shear amount of posts in this man's honor!! I could only be so lucky to make such an impact on people in my lifetime, especially when you consider nearly all the posts are people like me that never met him face to face.

RIP.

Posted by: Gint Aug 24 2006, 04:54 PM

Words fail me.

My condolences to James' family for I'm sure they are the ones that have the most heavy hearts.

James will most certainly be missed.

Posted by: Rouser Aug 24 2006, 05:04 PM

May God help James' family recover from their tragic loss. He'll be surely missed.

Posted by: ClayPerrine Aug 24 2006, 05:09 PM

Godspeed.......Hopefully I get to meet you on the other side of the twisties, James.


Remember, He goes to a place where all the 914s are 914/6 GTs made of stainless steel.........

Posted by: RoadGlue Aug 24 2006, 05:23 PM

You got a smile out of me with that one (I needed that).

I hope to be seeing James on the other side too, just not for another forty or more years (no offense James!). In the mean time I think I had better start working on being more like him so they'll let me through the same door.

I'm looking forward to hearing stories and seeing more photos of James this weekend at the BBQ in Napa. I have a feeling it's going to be a little bit of mourning mixed in with us celebrating his life.

My condolences to his family and friends,

Randy

Posted by: Marty Yeoman Aug 24 2006, 05:35 PM

Bye-Bye, James.
You were always the one to ask for the straight poop.
You'll be missed by us all.

Posted by: fiid Aug 24 2006, 05:37 PM

I think James might get the stainless 918 (or was it 914/8?) option.

Posted by: Joe Sharp Aug 24 2006, 05:44 PM

I'm frustrated, I'm angry and I'm crying.

GOD BLESS YOU JAMES
Joe Sharp

Posted by: skline Aug 24 2006, 05:45 PM

I am truly saddened to hear this news, It could happen to any of us at anytime and it is what they told me I could have last year. I have known others who have perished from this same thing and it is indeed a painful and sure demise. James was a very smart and friendly person and I had numerous email conversations with him in the past and met him up north a few times. I will miss his insight and intelligence. This is a sad day for anyone who knew him.

My condolences to his family.

Posted by: KaptKaos Aug 24 2006, 05:54 PM

He made the world a little better by his contributions to it. He's in a finer place now.

Godspeed James.

Posted by: ejm Aug 24 2006, 06:05 PM

Truly a sad day

Posted by: GTeener Aug 24 2006, 06:28 PM

The universe works in mysterious ways...I'm not liking the direction today

James will be greatly missed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

General Memorial Idea for the club to consider (Jeron/Sean)


What about a lapel pin
[concept illustrated here is obviously very rough, but you get the idea...]

Sales can benefit the families.

I suppose it could be used when someone's beloved car goes to its final resting place too


Attached image(s)

Posted by: scrz914 Aug 24 2006, 06:38 PM

James, thanks for your help and wisdom. RIP.

Posted by: Brett W Aug 24 2006, 07:05 PM

This sucks!

Posted by: Mark Henry Aug 24 2006, 07:09 PM

This is just sad....RIP buddy.

Posted by: carreraguy Aug 24 2006, 07:14 PM

Not surprising news but still somewhat of a shock when I saw message title; the Bay area breakfast crowd and all Teener fans on this site will miss you James.

Condolences to the Montebello family; let us all know if there is anything the Club can do for you all.

With deepest sympathy,

Posted by: SharonG Aug 24 2006, 08:04 PM

Peace James. Here's one to you for all you gave to this community.

Posted by: Mrs. K Aug 24 2006, 08:28 PM

Such a wonderful gift to others! A piece of you will live on for many years to come in the needy patients who are lucky enough to receive a 'part' of you

I never personally knew you either, James........
but all I can think of now is "Sweet Baby James".......maybe something your Mom or Susan used to call you.........

May you feel comfort in the arms of our Lord!

Lisa

Posted by: SLITS Aug 24 2006, 08:32 PM

'twas the end of an arduous day,
the garage doors closed quietly,
lights in their turn dimmed and went out,
wrenches cooled from the warmth of the hand.

tomorrow will not see the rising of the sun,
tomorrow will not hear the bustle of activity,
tomorrow and beyond the mechanic will rest peacefully,
tomorrow his horizon is eternity.

Godspeed James

Posted by: scottb Aug 24 2006, 08:35 PM

peace and comfort....

may the road rise to meet you and may we all see you on the other side....

Posted by: jonwatts Aug 24 2006, 09:22 PM

I was holding together ok until I saw the picture of him in the mini.

At lunch a couple of months ago James said something like "I gave my mini to my dad. Of course I know it will come back to me one day."

I echo all of the great sentiments everyone else has made. James, I wish I could have known you longer and better. I will think of you often and try to live by the exemplary human life you led. I will continue to pray for your family and hope they ask us for help if they need anything. I can't imagine their loss compared to ours.

Your Friend,

Jon

Posted by: swood Aug 24 2006, 09:39 PM

Love to see such affection for ones who matter to us. I think it should serve as a reminder to us to show this affection to each other during this life, not just after.

How about compiling some of James' written contributions by subject? Kind of a "What would James do?" kind of reference. Not that it would be exhaustive, but easier to go to for "wrenching wisdom".

Possible names:
"The Lapuwali Letters"
"James' Jargon"
"Montebello Mechanics"




you get the picture....

Posted by: KELTY360 Aug 24 2006, 10:18 PM

"What would James do?"

It's not how long you live, it's how you live. James gave us a great example to learn from. I never met him, but he's helped me in many ways. It would be fitting if we found a way to consolidate his wisdom as a lasting tribute.

My condolences to his family. He is truly missed. Rest in Peace

Posted by: ChrisNPDrider Aug 24 2006, 11:43 PM

James' kind and knoweldgeable words were a real pillar in this community. A wonderful example for us all to remember.

When a true brother of a friend that is a surfing buddy passes on, the crew paddles out and forms a circle in the ocean, holding hands in a moment of silence and reflection. After this moment passes, friends share waves knowing their lost bro is smiling down on them.

I've had my 914 for less than a year, and have been surfing for almost 20, so I'm not familiar with any 914 rituals yet.....we'll all have our own memories to cherish.

Posted by: scruz914 Aug 25 2006, 12:54 AM

Wow! Well done Ron.

Although James's intellect and knowledge cannot be replaced, one way we can all honor him is to continue in our posts the respect and selflessness he showed to us.

Condolences to James's wife, his friends and the Montebello family.

-Jeff

Posted by: alpha434 Aug 25 2006, 01:54 AM

"Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody. I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat."

-Mother Teresa

I'm not sure why I thought of this particular quote. But it comes from the heart. I personally believe that regardless of the existance of god, heaven, or hell; all that really matters is that you live this life well. You do things you love. And work hard. And be a good person. This isn't a tragedy. A real tragedy would be if he died without knowing those pleasures. He's in the thoughts and hearts of 914 owners everywhere. What more can a guy ask for?

Posted by: pfierb Aug 25 2006, 02:45 AM

I guess there is some truth in the old adage ....only the good die young.
Didn't know James but he must have been a swell guy.

Life is such a fragile thing.

Posted by: Twystd1 Aug 25 2006, 04:37 AM

I will see you in a while James....

Look for me when I come.....

We eventually will all get to hang out again.... In the future..

In the interim.... I simply miss you.

Clayton

Posted by: bd1308 Aug 25 2006, 05:57 AM

I like the idea of compiling his posts into James' Wisdom or something like that.
I wished I would have known you better.



Take care! RIP

b

Posted by: spare time toys Aug 25 2006, 08:39 PM

I think it is a great doing the donor thing. Our thoughts go out to his family. His posts will be missed.

Posted by: rickyhgarcia Aug 25 2006, 11:34 PM

Posted by: Maltese Falcon Aug 26 2006, 05:43 PM

My condolences to the Montebello Family, and may James's knowledge live on forever here on the 914club.
Marty

Posted by: pffft Aug 24 2007, 11:02 AM

We miss you Lapuwali

Posted by: Jenny Aug 24 2007, 11:18 AM

Yes we do. I can't believe it's a year this weekend.

The 914 community lost Howard less than a month ago due to an aneurysm as well. This afternoon, I'm taking both my parents to get stroke/carotid artery, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and peripheral arterial disease screening. They don't have regular doctors or regular check ups (or regular insurance, for that matter), but I make certain they get this done once a year. Most of us that have regular check ups don't get this kind of work up, which is a shame because it doesn't present with symptoms until it's too late. I lost both grandparents on my mom's side due to aneurysms.

So... if anyone out there would like to know more info about this, the screening is relatively cheap and non-invasive. The website is http://www.lifelinescreening.com/Pages/index.aspx and worth the peace of mind. Not affiliated with it in anyway, but I'm quickly becoming an advocate for it. Sorry for the hijack. But awareness is power.

Peace,

Jenny

Posted by: neo914-6 Aug 24 2007, 11:19 AM

Hard to believe it's been a year. I just got a thank you from Susan.

Posted by: carreraguy Aug 24 2007, 08:21 PM

Me too - that was really a nice note.

Posted by: markb Aug 24 2007, 08:37 PM

Me three. Totally unexpected, and touching.

Posted by: Headrage Aug 24 2007, 08:47 PM

I am a pretty well known newbie and I really miss his advice...

James is comparing notes with Howie i'm sure...





And laughing at all of us...........

Posted by: JPB Aug 25 2007, 09:37 AM

Posted by: dinomium Aug 26 2007, 04:31 AM

Just got home and had a card in the mail from Susan. It really is the people you meet along the way...

Posted by: pfierb Aug 26 2007, 06:34 AM

Yesterday I also received a beautiful thank you card from Susan.