[Spridgets] Ruminations on OSHITs and Frank

[George Marinos]

Very well said.  The single best way to honor someone who has passed is to talk about them.   I had the honor and pleasure to be friends with Frank.  To call him and get a part or to get his call and to give a part. “Frank, I have a hard top I need to give you.”  “I don’t want it.”  “I’ll be down tomorrow and leaving it on the side of your garage.”  Miss him as we all do.  I got a call from British CAr Magazine wanting to do a feature on Sprites.  I called Frank.  Franks custom bugeye, another friends restored MKIV and my tired original MKII were on the cover.  He really liked being part of that.  A long time ago.  I still have 4 copies of that issue.  
Thanks for your posting Mark.
George MArinos 

Sent from my iPad

> On Oct 22, 2021, at 8:43 PM, Mark Haynes via Spridgets <spridgets at autox.team.net> wrote:
> 
> 
> This'll be a little long, so bear with me or just delete as you see fit.
> I was having a beer with a friend who got me into AutoX last night and he mentioned that he'd told his wife about how I travelled to Dodge City to help out Jim Johnson with his Sprite. he inferred that I did it because it was pay back, and I told him no, that I did it 'um, I'm not sure why'.
> Today I was stacking wood for the winter, which is a kind of meditative process, and realized that the reason why I am willing to travel long distances to help  people that I've never met is Frank Clarici, and his motto "Pay it Forward".
> This realization that Frank is still affecting my life and correcting my attitude was very powerful. That a man who I never met could have such a long lasting affect on me and my approach to others simply astonishes me. 
> The fact that OSHITs are still occurring is a testament to what he believed, that there is always someone out there willing to devote their time and skills to help others who are unable to finish a labor of love. I have found that I enjoy the sharing of the knowledge and skills we all have acquired, both ways, is one of the best parts of an OSHIT, not to mention the prodding and poking and general lack of any respect for one's person 😜.
> The ability of everyone to come together from great distances and work toward a common goal for another is such a gift to all who are involved, not the least of whom is the car owner. My local British car buddies are great, but having the opportunity to come together with folks from so distant is a gift that I cannot express.
> If you're still reading this, I'm sure that you too, knew Frank. If you've never taken part in an OSHIT, I would encourage you to do so, you'll meet like-minded folks, enjoy some laughs, make some memories, make some friends, drink some beers and most of all, create an enduring memorial to The Dean of Spridgets, Frank Clarici.
> As always, PAY IT FORWARD!
> Mark Haynes
> It only goes one way- Pay It Forward
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