> Fellow SEROCers and Roadster lovers -
>
> With deepest regrets I am writing to inform you that Ray Hutchinson, a
> founding member of SEROC, has passed away.
>
> In memory of Ray, SEROC is dedicating our Fall Fun Run to him. This run
> is through the hills of Alabama on November the 10th. This will be an
> annual event and always dedicated to Ray.
>
> I met Ray and his good friend Pam at SEROC's first event in Gatlinburg TN.
> We had a great time talking and comparing Roadsters. True Roadster people
> and wonderful to talk to. Sense that event I have had a panoramic picture
> or our Roadsters on my office wall, and Ray's silver '69 2000 is the first
> in line. A very nice Roadster that showed a lot of loving care. Our
> prayers are with you and your family/friends Ray. And Pam, we will see
> you and your red '66 on one of our runs!
>
> I have included below Pam's and Tom's dedications to Ray. Also, the SEROC
> site has dedications to Ray. SEROC site -
> http://members.home.net/seroc-web/smain.htm
>
> Phil Hall
> SEROC
>
> Raymond passed away in his sleep on December 12, 2000. The autopsy results
> > put cause of death as lobar pneumonia..this only means in one node of
> the
> > lung. He had not been sick. In fact he and I had just returned the week
> > before from a 10 day trip to Florida in our motorhome with his '69 2000
> in
> > tow. Last run his '69 made was from Homestead, Florida all the way to
> Key
> > West. We had a grand time, traveling the distance with the top
> down...and
> > Raymond always like to put the roadster in the wind...run with the "big
> > boys"...and he always kept up!! Raymond was very proud of the little
> > roadsters...when we went to Daytona for the Turkey Rod Run...or any car
> show
> > for that matter....he would line that baby up with the big show
> cars...and
> > be just as proud. And Raymond had had show type cars...he had a '52
> > Chevrolet, a '50 Ford and other's I can't recall, but he was always
> partial
> > to the little roadsters. And for those who didn't know Raymond....he was
> 6
> > foot 6 and thin as a rail....some like to just watch him get in and out
> of
> > the roadster....wondering where he put his legs..I guess you got more
> info
> > than you wanted, but I miss him and just like to share. Thanks a lot for
> > your interest and I will be looking forward to making one of those "fun
> > runs" with the group in the future...
> >
> > Pamela Lewis
>
>
> Hi Phil,
> Here is a little something for you about Ray Hutchinson. I've added a page
> to the web site - under "Remember" in Member area. Put a version of this
> text as well as some photo's I had of him and his car on the site as well.
> Will add other testimonials if anyone wants to share with the rest of the
> group.
> ---------------------------------------
> Some time ago I heard this about people you meet. Some come into your life
> when you have need of them and only stay for a little while. Others may
> come and become long term friends. Both are needed and will help shape the
> decisions you make in life. Ray Hutchinson was unfortunately the former
> when he could have easily been the later. He died in his sleep in December
> of 2000.
> I met Ray shortly after moving into North Carolina. Sid Raper mentioned
> his name to me one day as a roadster owner in my new home town of
> Hendersonville. After I tracked Ray down we spent several hours talking
> about pedal cars, real cars, motorhomes, travelling, his recent retirement
> and of course, roadsters.
> I found that Ray was a skilled technician and master of many talents and
> equally comfortable working with wood or metal. He also gave me the
> impression that he thoroughly understood bargaining and really enjoyed a
> good barter session. He relished the chase and delighted in relating how
> he came to collect his roadster as well as the other four he had stored in
> and around his shed in the back.
> His collection of tools, lifts, and welders was impressive and prompted me
> to ask if he would teach me how to weld. He said he would but he
> recommended that I go to the local college and take a welding course there
> instead. This turned out to be a major decision in my life. As a result I
> now have new skills in autobody repair that I never would have dreamed of
> if it wasn't for Ray's prodding. Since then I have personally repaired a
> 510 ITC race car that had gotten hit in the rear by a Mazda RX-7 going an
> estimated 80 mph. The resulting damage to the 510 was impressive to say
> the least. However the car is fixed now and is currently racing again.
> Ray, wherever you are, thank you for the push. My only regret now is that
> I was not able to thank you in person.
> Tom Phelan
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