James Gary Stoops: Mar 15, 1946

M A R C H 20 0 6
Volume 49 Number 1
http://groups.msn.com/AntiqueAutoMushersofAlaska
James Gary Stoops: Mar 15, 1946 - Feb 17, 2006
Personal Reflections on a Life Fully lived and a Club with a Heart
Gary Stoops left us on Friday February 17th – the eve of the 2006 Fur Rondy. The theme of this
year‘s ―Rondy‖ was ALASKA’S HEROS AND LEGENDS – an ironic reference to Gary. Heroism
takes many forms, both large and small. Two essential ingredients are courage and perseverance in the face of long odds– Gary had both. He also had a positive spirit and a unique and a
quirky sense of humor to the end.
Barbara and I drew close to Gary and Sara, when we first learned of Gary‘s illness in the fall of
2004. Barbara‘s mother had also died of cancer and we had witnessed her slow and painful
passing. But I was amazed at Gary‘s upbeat nature and good humor. At a party at their house
Gary had posted a list of personal goals and activities he would like to accomplish, and invited
the party attendees to join in with these goals. Gary said: ―…If you see some things you‘d like to
do with us, sign up and we‘ll do them together…‖ It was a long and optimistic list – dinner at
specific restaurants, helping to finish his cabin at Hope and rides in his 1936 Caddie were three
activities that we chose. The problem was – the Caddie wasn‘t running too well, and the engine
would take some major repairs.
(continued page 3)
M A R C H 2 00 6
Tinkering Times
President’s Corner– Jim Fredenhagen
Hi Tinkerers,
As we mourn the loss of Gary Stoops , I
want to thank you all for the great turnout
for Fur Rondy. Having his car displayed at
the show by his wonderful family was an
amazing tribute.
The March meeting should be informative
with Lisa Sanders from State Farm talking
about car insurance. As always, bring your
ideas for summer drive-a-rounds. Won‘t be
long before it is driving time! See you then…
Jim and Victoria
Also the Rightway Auto Benefit Auction was
quite a success. Henningsen‘s and I displayed our cars along with about 10 others
from Midnight Sun Car Club. Over $10.000
was raised.
Have you paid your dues yet??? If not
this is the last issue of the Tinkering
Times. You haven‘t paid if your address is highlighted in Pink!
PA G E 2
Officers
President: Jim Fredenhagen 243-5214
Vice President: Diane Allen 345- 6355
Secretary: Gwyn Wiedmer 243-7005
Treasurer: Howard Hansen 345-1268
Members at Large
Peg Stout —2006
LeRoi Heaven —2006
Kurt Rein—2006
Ralph Centoni—2005
Immediate Past Presidents
Fred Schurman (2005)
Diane Allen (2004)
Fred Schurman (2001, 2002, 2003)
Peg Stout (2000)
Ken Stout (1999)
Dennis Allen (1998, 1997)
Mike Weidmer (1996)
George Chase (1995)
Editor’s
Howard and Barbara Hansen
Send letters, articles and ads to: Tinkering Times, 14840 Loc Loman Lane, Anchorage, AK 99516
E-mail: [email protected] (Place “Tinkering Times” in the subject line.)
Telephone: (907) 345-1268
The Tinkering Times is published monthly by Alaska’s premier antique and classic automobile club—The Antique
Auto Mushers of Alaska, P.O. Box 232086, Anchorage, AK 99523-2086. The opinions expressed by the authors
who contribute to the Tinkering Times are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official policy of
the Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska.
M A R C H 2 00 6
Tinkering Times
PA G E 3
James Gary Stoops, continued
Gary maintained his humor and positive outlook through many chemo and radiation treatments
and lived well past his original prognosis. We enjoyed many months of fun family dinners, hanging sheetrock in the Hope cabin, club cruises to Denali and just spending time together. I was always impressed with his ability to carry on intelligent adult conversation on a wide variety of topics - then turn around, get down on his knees and make funny faces with our grandchildren.
But my admiration also extends to our club members. Ralph Centoni related how the Antique
Auto Musher‘s got its start in 1961, when some men got together to rebuild, then sell an old
Model A. The funds from that sale became the seeds that sustained the new ―club‖ for several
years.
That spirit lives on in the Antique Auto Mushers. Knowing that Gary‘s time was short, several
members got together and made a commitment to repair Gary‘s 1936 Caddie. They began –
around Thanks-giving, 2005 – to remove and disassemble the engine. Upon inspection they
found a cracked block and damaged cylinder wall. They located a well used later model Caddie
engine and a local speed shop rebuilt it. Several major problems still existed – the generator
needed to be moved and the front engine mounts didn‘t fit, so Ralph Centoni fabricated handsome new mounting brackets. The starter didn‘t fit, so some of the new block had to be ground
away. Mike Wiedmer removed parts from his own Caddie to put on Gary‘s car. Ken Evans put a
beautiful paint job on the new engine and repainted the Caddie‘s top. Howard Hansen, Jim Fredenhagen, Mike, Ralph and Dennis Allen got down and dirty to reinstall the engine and solve various ignition, instrument and fuel problems. We were all aiming at one of Gary‘s final goals – to
have him ride in his ―new‖ Caddie in this year‘s Fur Rondy Parade.
Our wives too made huge commitments of time and attention, to give Sara time for shopping,
personal support and genuine friendship. Diane Allen, Gwen Wiedmer, Barbara Hansen, Victoria
Fredenhagen and my wife Barbara devoted many hours sitting with Gary, sharing and caring, and
supporting Sara, Max, and Ethan.
Though Gary‘s health was now gone, the group finished the car and fired up the engine – which
now sounded really ―healthy‖. We gathered at Gary‘s and Sara‘s at noon on Friday the 17th and
carried Gary downstairs to give him the ride in his Caddie that he had wished for. His eyes lost
their cloudiness and he smiled as he cruised his subdivision with Howard at the wheel, and Sara,
Jim Fredenhagen, and his friend Linus Romey beside him. He died peacefully at 9PM that night,
surrounded by his family.
Through this all, I‘ve gained a new appreciation for the special qualities found in our club members.
Dick Henningsen
**********************************************************
Answer to February‘s Puzzle
Trucks and Busses
Diamond T, Mack, Dodge, Paige, Brockway, Relay, Acme, Indiana, Reo, Maccar, Day Elder, Oshkosh, Fargo, White, Federal, Rugby, Garford, Selden, Ford, Fleet, Graham, Velie.
M A R C H 2 00 6
Tinkering Times
PA G E 4
2006 Fur Rendezvous Show
It was a great starter weekend with the participation of many of our AAMA members driving their cars in
the parade and the car show at Alaska Sales and Service. There was a large variety among the 34 cars
shown. A few days before the weekend their were
less than 30 committed and all of a sudden
members were calling and wanting to be included.
Also two more entries at the last minute , which
we were happy to have, the Stoops family‘s ‗36
Cadillac and their ‗65 Austin Healy Sprite. Sarah
also drove the Caddie with sons Max and Ethan.
We want to thank them for being there and making us feel good with their presence!
Other show stoppers were ‘Pinky‘, the ‘58 Metropolitan owned by Liz Mingo; John Piper‘s ‘30 Ford
2 door with a fabulous paint job; Bob Brown‘s
new additions-the ‘57 Olds Super 8 & his 1916 Overland flatbed truck; and of course the concourse winner - new members Gary & Crystal Enriquez‘s ‘49 Buick Super.
We had a lot of new cars and several new members! Also many renewals.
The show was a great success even though the total visitor count was down from last year - especially on
Sunday. We had 34 cars, 294 votes for ‘People‘s Choice Award and a nice $500.00 donation from
Alaska Sales & Service.
I especially want to thank all who helped with time and physical labor: The Hansens for helping with the
organization & telephone arm twisting, Colleen Kimzey, Cindy Hulse & friend who helped with popcorn
sales and cleanup. Special thanks to those who manned the hospitality ‘cable reel‘ and put out the good
word about our club. I cannot name all the members who helped, in so many ways but many thanks for
making this one of Anchorage‘s finest event for all seasons.
-Kurt Rein
Thanks to Scott Hulse and Dennis Allen for Photo‘s
M A R C H 2 00 6
Tinkering Times
PA G E 6
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR 2006
March 8 - Regular Meeting @ Robbie‘s 7:30 pm
April 12 - Regular Meeting @ Robbie‘s 7:30 pm
April 29 - Cleanup at MATI ( Museum of Alaska Transportation Industry) Lunch is provided!
May 10 - Regular Meeting at Robbie‘s 7:30 pm.
May ? - Shake-Down Cruise, need a chairman for this event.
May 13 - The first Adopt-a-Road Cleanup is this month,( Marcy & Tom Cresap ) 694-7510.
May ? - Alaska Sales 500 Show – date TBA - Need chairman
May 19 - UAA Auto Tech Show. 11am to 2pm. Parking lot behind the UAA Auto Tech center.
June 8 - Adult Day Center 1:30 -3 PM. (Contact Marilyn 279-0501.) AAMA Event.
June 13 to 26 - Long Distance Tour (Bruce Campbell, 345- 3129)
June 14 - Reg. meeting 6:30pm. We will cruise somewhere and eat something decadent.
June 15 - Daybreak Adult Day Center 1 - 2:30 PM. (Contact Nancy Haley 346-2234.) AAMA Event
June 17 Colony Days Parade, Palmer. Leroi Heaven
July 1 - Adopt-a-Road Cleanup ( Marcy & Tom) 694-7510
July 4 - Anchorage and Chugiak Parades. Need chairman
July 4 - Wasilla Parade, Need Chairman
July 4 - Seward Parade.
July 7 - Bear Paw Car Show, Eagle River, 6-9 pm.
July 12 Regular Meeting at Robbie‘s - 6:30 pm. Followed by a cruise.
July 15 Bear Paw Parade
July 14-16 – Hope Weekend Need Chairman
August 6 - Jay Ofsthun Memorial Show & Shine, Delaney Park Strip - 9:00am - 5:00pm.
August 9 - Regular Meeting 6:30 pm
August 11-13 - Possible joint meet weekend with VLNAACF from Fairbanks. (Howard Hansen, chair)
August 26 - Palmer State Fair Parade - Leroi Heaven (Chairman)
For Sale
AC/DC Lincoln Welder on cart w/leads $250.
Devilbiss Air Compressor 30 gal. horizontal with two compressors, one 120 volt AC motor. $100.
Devilbiss 80 gallon air compressor, horizontal with 5 HP, 3 phase. Newly rebuilt motor. $250.
Call Gary - 376 - 4475.
*********************
Paul Sandhofer - 344- 3259 has ‗old‘ front axle (car) W/leaf springs. Bolt cutter on H@B look like
Chevy (6 lug). Has ale mite erase fittings. Free when snow melts.
*********************
FOR SALE: 3 wire wheels off a 50s MGA, $50.00 each, or take the whole parts car for FREEEEEEE.
There are several good parts on it, and I just want some one to have it rather than send it to the
landfill. contact Willy in Fairbanks 474-0939 or 456-2261
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Tinkering Times
PA G E 7
New Members
March Birthdays
Greg
Lear
Roy
Foster
Sheryl
Hulse
Mrs C Erik Baltzar
Jack M
Petersen
Ted
Kimzey
Loran W Benham
Barb
Henningsen
Ron
Watts
Mike
Weidmer
3
13
14
18
22
23
28
30
30
31
March Anniversary
Bill & Donna Waldron
15
The Tinkering Times welcomes the following new
members and looks forward to seeing them and
their cars at future club events:
Alexander & Anna Castillo ‗66 Impala Chevy Super Sport
Gary & Crystal Enriquez ‗49 Buick Super, ‗68 Ford Mustang
Patrick Herrings/Melissa Steffen ‗28 Ford Model A
John Finley ‗63 Studebaker Avant, ‗60 Ford T Bird
Thank you
Words seem so inadequate to express the depth of my appreciation and awe at the kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness of the AAMA folks who helped the Stoops family during Gary‘s illness. Many
of you know that Gary‘s last goal was to see the Cadillac repaired and running for the Fur Rondy parade. The enormity of the task was daunting as the motor sat in pieces all over our garage and elsewhere. Several wonderful men had adopted the project as it was clearly beyond Gary‘s ability at this
point. About 2 weeks before the parade those fellows went into high gear. At 10:30 nearly every
morning my doorbell would ring and one or more of the guys would be here with renewed vigor, ready
to tackle the problems they had mulled over the night before. They would go home shaking their
heads over impossible challenges like no motor mounts and come back with the problem solved –
weld new ones! Tuesday night they were here until midnight putting fenders, bumpers and the rest
back onto the car.
The other half of the picture was the support I felt in caring for Gary as his health and strength declined so fast in the last week. Often before I even recognized the need, a precious ―Antiquer‖ was
here to sit with or read to Gary while I did an errand, to take me to the store when I was so distracted that driving was difficult, to provide snacks for the guys working in the garage, to help me
get Gary up when he fell, or to sit with me when I wondered how I could keep going.
Incredibly, the engine started up on Wednesday with a beautiful sound and was ready for a test
drive on Thursday. It was such a delight to see how Gary brightened when he heard that sound. Friday they solved the last challenge of getting Gary down the stairs and into the car, and he was able
to go for one final ride. He clearly loved it! After that he seemed to relax and was able to let go and
passed away that evening. Of course, my sons and I had to take the Cadillac in the parade, with
more help from the Antiquers.
For fear of leaving someone out, I am not listing names. But please know that you all are in my
heart, in my prayers, and you are my family! Thank you, thank you so very much! I am excited for
the first AAMA outing with the Cadillac! Sara, Ethan and Max Stoops
M A R C H 2 00 6
Tinkering Times
People‘s Choice Award
# 1 Gary and Crystal Enriquez ‘49 Buick Super
#2 was a tie between John Piper‘s Ford 2 door
and Richard Combs ―40 Ford Deluxe Business Coupe
#3 Liz Mingo‘s ‗Pinky‘ ‗55 Metropolitan
PA G E 8
March 8, 2006 Meeting
7:30 p.m. 3318 Jerde Circle
Refreshments:
Volunteers???
Perhaps You!!!!
#4 Kurt Rein‘s ‗26 Packard Club Sedan
#5 Scott Hulse‘s ‗58 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud
Tinkering Times Article Deadline
Please submit articles for the Tinkering Times by the 25th of March for the April newsletter. Fax information to Barb Hansen
(907) 345-1268 or e-mail: [email protected]. Please put ―Tinkering Times‖ in the subject line.