I received a phone call this morning from the men's club president where Lew Mengle (shulew3) and I are golf members to inform me that Lew passed away from an apparent heart attack some time Tuesday night. There was concern when he didn't show up or call for his round of golf on Wednesday. The police were called in to investigate and in entering his home they found him passed away in his bed.

Lew came over Teusday morning to do some work on his 914. He had a love/hate relationship with it because he loved to drive it but hated everything that went wrong with it. He loved the outings with all the 914 members and at seventy nine he could manage to keep up. He was a regular member of the Dawn Patrol, 914 World and a great friend...He will be deeply missed.

Al

Sigh, this most certainly is not the news I was wanting to hear this morning. I didn't even realize he was 79.. He was always so active and upbeat.. definitely did not act his age I'd say. He was a great 914 guy, friend, and dawn patrol member and will be deeply missed by all that ever met him.

It's good to hear that he went in his sleep though, sounds like it was peaceful. Thanks for posting this up Al.

-Ethan

So sorry to hear this. I got to meet him at the Mt Idlywild dawn patrol run and again at the WCR in Medford, Oregon. He really liked his 914 when it ran properly, he will be missed

Al,
Thank you for forwarding the news to the group, I know this must have been hard for you. I am in shock that Lew is no longer with us, as Ethan said " he didn't act like he was 79" Please keep us posted as to what arrangements will be done for him. My condolences go out to his family.

(Still in shock) Cesar

Sad news indeed, 2012 hasn't been a good year thus far for the Dawn Patrollers...

Our sympathies go out to his family and you as well Al.

From the South Carolina Midlands gang...

RIP Lew

Dave Aka Wingnut86...

RIP Lew! It was great meeting you this summer. He came by my place in Oregon before WCR. Then got to spend some more time with him there. He was a great guy & I am sad to hear he passed. May his 914 end up in the hands of another worthy soul Thanks for the memories Lew.

I remember following you on the WCR drive up to the lake. Your 914 lost power going up a steeper hill & you pulled of to the side. I think Ian was even driving your car when it happened. We were all a little stumped until I saw the coil wire had popped off. Love those easy fixes . Overall it was a great day made better by you bud

Met Lew when he came up to CAMP 914 this summer, and I put pilot lights and a dashpad on his 914.
Had a few more things to do his 914 but we just never got back together to do them.
He was a character and very spry for his age.
Very sorry to read about his passing.
Craig at CAMP

Sorry to hear this. I will say a prayer.

How are you doing by the way.

Sad News indeed, I met Lew at the WRC Medford, We talked cars and Golf. Sorry to see you go Lew, RIP.

Lew brought his car to the shop a few times ... was glad to know him. He will be missed.

Godspeed Lew!

Thanks for asking. I am making baby steps towards feeling better and stronger though the process will be long. I was hoping to be able to do the Rout 66 trip in March but for now I am not certain.

Al

I never met Lew but he sounds like he was a great guy. My sympathy to his family and friends.

Lew was a good guy, he stopped by this last April and I helped put some rubber on his car. Talked 914s for a bit and then caught up at WCR.

He will be missed.

Sounds like Lew was a good guy, who lived the good life to the end. May he rest in peace.

Someone post him picture. There must be one from WCR.

That is great to hear. I hope my contribtutions were helpful and keep the faith.

Regards,

Here is Lew who never wore long pants at one of our Dawn Patrol pre-run breakfast.

Click to view attachment

I'm stunned, shocked and deeply saddened. Lew was one fine son of a bitch. In 2 yr's I never heard him say a negative thing about anyone. That's more than I can say for myself and most others. Lew had just been here the weekend before. We pulled and reset his rear window. When we finished he insisted that he take my wife and I to dinner as a token of his appreciation. We declined. I want to cry. I just hurt inside really bad right now.

Lew was retired Air Force and was a boom operater on KC-135 refueling tankers. I was a mechanic in the Air Force in the sixties and specialized on the system he operated, so we had a little in common. Lew was very easy going guy and a real gentleman. I was looking forward to seeing him maybe on the rte 66 run. I'll miss him.

really a "shirt off his back kind of guy" truly missed , one of the original dawn patrollers and a deciding factor for me to "keep up the good fight". we'll miss you lew, thanks for all the good times. my prayers to your family big guy.

Wow...I think I meet him at Dave's 914 party at Cesar Is this him?

Yes Jaime, that's Lew in the middle. As Kent said, I never heard Lew say anything negative except maybe about his car.

This has to be asked. I know Lew was single and his mother is in a retirement home (IIRC she is 103) and I'm concerned about what happens next. Do one of us need to get involved or is there another family member who will be making arrangements? I can't stand the thought of Lew just laying in the morgue.

Good question Kent. I'm not sure where to start to ask. I guess the police would be a good start. Al, do you know of anyway of contacting Lew's family/friends he had up north? I remember him talking about getting together with family when he was in Washington state. Kent, please keep us posted and let me know if I can help.
Cesar

Lew has a younger sister who lives back east. She is being contacted by the coroner's office. He also has a nephew who lives in Washington. The point person outside of Lew's family is Steve Bell, a long time friend and president of the men's club where Lew and I are members. He will be handling all of the details and will be in contact with Lew's family. I don't know any particulars at this time on what will be done with his body...if he has a burial site back east where he used to live in Pennsylvania or here?

Steve Bell will keep me informed via his family's wishes of all details going forward concerning Lew. At this point it is a sit and wait situation until family decisions are made. As soon as I get feedback I will pass it on to you all.

On a side note...I wish I didn't have to do this!

Al

Latest update 2/07/12.

Received a call this past Monday evening from Linda, Lew's sister who was at his home in Palm Springs beginning the process of reconciling his estate. Linda mentioned that they hit a road block in moving forward with his affairs until a death certificate has been signed and entered into record by the county coronor. She has the key to his bank lock box but is not allowed to open it until all documents are in place. Until then nothing can happen. This means that Lew's body will remain in the morgue until then. What she has been able to find out is that Lew's last wish is to be cremated and his ashes released somewhere near Portland, Or., yet to be determined. Lew also does not want a formal memorial service but Linda was opened to a gathering at a venue such as a restaurant with all who want to attend a roast/celebration of life for Lew, date and location to be determined.

At this time with nothing left to do Linda and her husband will return to Pennsylvania with plans of returning to Palm Springs some time in March to finish up the work of reconciling Lew's estate . We have exchanged phone numbers and e-mail addresses to remain in contact to help plan and coordinate in those efforts.

I will continue to post the latest updates as I receive them.

Al

Thx Al. I propose that the Dawn Patrol attend this informal memorial. Hell, I might even drink a beer to toast my departed comrade. Question..........Will they cremate Lew's remains soon? I didn't get that in your response. They can't wait till March! Looks like Cesar and I will be doing some mods to your car in a few days, Al. Might take a few weekends. Can you handle being without your Dream Machine for a few? This was Lew's idea originally and a few of us will make sure "his" project reaches your plate.

Linda didn't indicate when cremation was to take place. It' a question I will ask. I would like to see as many 914teeners attend as possible and 914's must be driven to Lew's celebration of life. We can all lift a beer to toast our departed 914 friend.

I will be giving Cesar a list of parts to be replaced on the front suspension rebuild. I appreciate you guy's stepping up to help.

Now I'm on my way to radiation to get ZAPPED!

Al

let me know Al....I will bring my camera....and we can post a video so ever one can see.

Hello All,

Below is a message sent to the members of the golf club regarding the arrangements for Lew through his sister. I am and the Tahquitz members are hopeful that many 914 World members can also attend. For those that can make it, we can arrange to meet (location to be determined ) and drive our 914's to this event as a group in honor of Lew. Please let me know if you will be attending.

Thanks,

Al

Attachment
"Lew does not have any immediate family members in the area. His sister lives in Pennsylvania and will not return to handle Lew's estate until the weekend of
March 10th. The Men's Club Board in conjunction with Lew's sister, Linda, have arranged a celebration of Lew's life on Monday, March 12 at 3:00pm in the Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort Restaurant. More information will be coming later.

Thanks Guys,

Steve"

Event Address
Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort
1885 Golf Club Drive
Palm Springs CA , 92264
Phone: (760) 328-1005

Attending
Al and Shirlee
Ethan + Dad
Cesar
Kent
Elliot (possibly)
Ravi

I'll be there, with my dad in the 914. Calender marked.

Al,
Thank you for the update, I'll be the guy in the green car. Steve stated that Lew didn't have any immediate family, he has us, I think Lew would approve. If anyone would like to caravan from the Rancho Cucamonga area, please speak up so we can set a meeting point and time.
Later,
Cesar

I'll be there. I'm going over the hill via Idyllwilde. Anyone want to join me over the mountain? Is this a suit n tie affair or Lew style; Khaki shorts and a Dawn Patrol T Shirt? How we doing on those front end parts?

This is NOT a suit and tie affair it is a Lew style affair. Most golfer's are very casual. For me , over the hill to P.S. would be too difficult.

All the parts I want to change out are ready. Let me know.

Al

You are "SPOT" right on, Cesar! We were his family.

Al, We were kicking around the weekend of 03/3,4. How does that sound to you guys? Al, Kent? Please advise and let the other guys know.
Cesar

My dad an I will probably join you over the mountain Kent. Its the quickest way to palm springs in our cars.

That weekend should work for me Cesar. What exactly are we doing on your car Al?

I might try to be there on the 12th at the golf club. 3/3,4 is a conflicting date.

Not sure Ethan, Al thinks we know what we are doing! Actually, Al will let us know what he wants done. I have heard front end bushings, some brake work and a swaybar install. Al will let me or Kent know, you'll be the first one we contact.

This is very sad news. I met him a couple of times and he was a great guy and loved his 914 when it was running good.
He will be missed.

Ravi

You can add me to the list.

Ravi

I would love to join you Cesar. Just let me know the time and place.

Ravi

Dropping out the old A-arms and cross members for a refurbished complete unit with intalled bushings and torsion bars. New upper Semi-rigid strut mounts, new ball joints and Bilstein shocks. I may install new rotors with new bearings? All we need is a Saturday for this change out. This is what I'd like to accomplish this time. What do you all think?

The break upgrade and anti-sway bar install will be planned later to install S.S. fuel lines when the gas tank is pulled.

Sounds good Ethan. I'll be in touch before then.


Al, if Ethan and one or two others show (besides me and Cesar) we should be able to do it all in one day. I can do the tank and SS lines, Ethan can do the front sway bar, Cesar + 1 on the front end, and finally a collaboration on the brakes. Also, will I be driving your car to n fro, Al? Let me know; I'm ready to go.

Al,
Does your parts stash include new bolt joint nuts? I'm talking about the large nut that holds the ball joint to the control arm. Kent, don't forget your ponypack for these.
Cesar

Do we have a date yet

No. They were new with the last ball joint change. Do you think I need need new?
Al