My Dad

[snakebit31]

On Monday, October 31st, I lost my dad. That day also happened to be my birthday. I am grateful he did not suffer, in fact, he died instantly from a ruptured brain aneurysm.

My dad was a real car guy. He has a 1946 Mercury Coupe that is in the middle of it's third restoration. He has owned the car since 1961.
He retired from Ford at the age of 53. He started out on the line as a young man, working his way into and up management. He was the Quality Control Manager at the St. Thomas Assembly plant in St. Thomas, Ontario when it opened in 1967, then transferred to the Wixom plant, outside of Detroit. In 1982, transferred back to the Norfolk plant where he started, retiring as Production Manager. Ford was good to my family, and I will always remeber that.

One of the perks he enjoyed was driving a new car every year. In 1972, he chose a yellow Pantera for the year. Much to my surprise, he allowed me to drive it to my senior prom. All he said was "be safe, and don't wrap it around a tree."

I completed my roadster around the time of his 70th birthday. Although it was a bit loud for him, I can still the smile on his face when we launched for his first ride in it. He never rode in it again, but always asked about it. I'm sorry he did not see the completion of my coupe.

We had a very simple graveside ceremony at a small country church my parents are members of. The weather was perfect, with a Naval Honor Guard. Two corpsmen at the casket, and a bugler playing taps. The flag was then folded and presented to my Mother.

It all seems so surreal. My goal now is to finish the coupe, then get the Mercury back on the road. He wanted my son to have it, and drive it in 2046, when it's 100 years old.

Rest in peace, Robert E Twine, Sr.

[vnmsss]

Very sorry to hear of your loss.....Your Dad left a great legacy here on Earth in you and your son, and I very much appreciated reading of your shared joy in car building and restoring......His was a life well-lived, and as you move forward with your life, your Dad lives on within you, and in the memories you will create with your children and grandchildren. Thanks so much for sharing his (and your) story..... I look forward to the graduation post (and the pictures) for your completed Coupe.

With deepest sympathy......Karen

[NICK C]

I am sorry for your loss. Your Dad seemed to be an honorable and had working person. Celebrate his life by continuing the legacy with yours and his passions for the cars. He will always be driving with you. Peace with you and yours.

[snakebit31]

Nick,
Thank you for expressing your condolences. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Karen,
My hear still goes out to you in the loss of Andy. Such a tragedy. Thank you for expressing your self so beautifully regarding my father.

This is a shot of my son and dad from two years ago. The car is painted, running and close to done. He purchased a new interior earlier this summer, and I will have that installed along with the glass. That will only leave some trim and minor electrical to complete.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v451/snakebit31/DadandMichael002.jpg

Rob

[riptide motorsport]

Your was a great man and you were a lucky man to have him, you'll have alot of great memories to celebrate his life...Steven

[cwhoofgator]

Very sorry for your loss.... He is with you never forget that...

[Brian Z]

Deeply sorry for your loss.
A part of him lives on in the cars. Some cars are more than objects. They have a soul and memories. The time you shared working on them together and the dream you had building it is a sacred thing! More the memory of the times shared then the car itself. It is something you can share with your son. Im sure he will be riding right next to you when you drive your cars!

Sincerely,

[ehansen007]

RIP. a great father son story.

[Dave Smith]

Our family will say a special prayer for your father tonight as we sit down together to share a late dinner. Denise has made her special chicken with vegetables and I think we all understand that it's the small things and family that make life special. All the Smiths send our deepest sympathy for you and your family. I love the photo and appreciate the legacy your father contributed in both cars and more importantly, You and your son.

David and Denise Smith

[fact5racer]

I lost my father about 17 years ago and though he was a very quiet man, (even blamed our beagle Stanley when he passed gas in his recliner), his work ethics and mechanical skills have stuck with me all these years. Like I told Dave the other day, spending one on one time, just father and son is priceless. One of my favorite memories was the simple sunday morning rides together to the dump. My two regrets is that first of all he never got to meet my wife Tatiana, and second, I know with my parents having retired in Vegas that he would of been proud of the cars I have built.