I wanted to share my thoughts on the Roadster community's loss of Ray
Hutchinson. The vast majority of the folks on this list likely did not know
him as he was not web active. That is a loss to the community just the same
as he was a great enthusiast. I met Ray while enjoying one of my favorite
pasttimes - tracking down Roadsters, parts and their owners. I came across
a 1965 1500, and the owner directed me to Ray. He was very gregarious and
open about his love for cars in general and Roadsters in particular. He
shared with me some secrets of his restoration and showed me his meticulous
attention to detail. The restorations that he did were exceptional. He was
an auto enthusiast who's love of cars did not end at full scale only. He
loved pedal cars and models as well. Anyone that visited him at his modest
home soon became aware that he ate and slept cars. He had display cases
full of models and the spare room was full of car parts and pedal cars.
He was fascinating to talk to. His knowledge seemed endless. One day while
admiring one of his trailers, he told me that he had built it. Not from a
kit or from plans though. He just laid it out and welded it up. It was as
nice as any production trailer, and nicer than most. I was astonished.
Any time that I went to the Asheville/Hendersonville area, I contacted Ray -
except for this last time. He accompanied me to Don Morrell's when I drove
up to pick up a parts car some time back. We shared in the fun of checking
out some of Don's handiwork and his collection of parts. On the drive up an
back, I was treated to views of his beautiful silver 69 2000 from almost
every angle. Ray was as proud of that car as anyone could have been. The
world is a lesser place for Ray's passing. A void will go unfilled. Ray
should be remembered for the good friend that he is. I suggest that we keep
him on the SEROC member rolls, listing his contact information as Roadster
heaven.
Wherever you are, Enjoy the ride Ray.
Sidney Raper
1964 1500
1967 SRL311 00060
1967 SRL311 00076
Jacksonville Florida
http://www.geocities.com/roadsternut/index.html
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