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12/05/2023 1:25 pm
I received this from Frank Kocur this afternoon,
"Hi John, Just a note to let you know about the death of Dick Johnson. He was an avid fan of die cast cars and the board. His wife, Ilene noticed us via facebook this morning. Here is her message, 'Dick passed away this afternoon. He had been in the hospital for about 7 days and was going down hill. Yesterday I had a great visit with him at the hospital. He knew I was there and even spoke to me as best he could, but I understood what he was saying. Then at 4am this morning he took a turn for the worse. The doctor said it is time to put him in Comfort Care where they remove all life support, but make him as comfortable as possible. I hadn't been home an hour when the hospital called and told me he was gone. '"
John Kuvakas
Warrenton, VA
12/05/2023 1:30 pm
My sympathies to Dick’s family for their loss.
Ed Davis
Inverness, Illinois, USA
12/05/2023 1:40 pm
Sad to see this. My condolences to his wife & family.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
12/05/2023 3:50 pm
Dick Johnson was the nicest guy I NEVER met.
Many years ago on this forum, he had learned that my Danbury Mint 1/16 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air had succumb to "diecast cancer."
Through several emails he noted that he was impressed with my "How To" tutorials (regarding diecast modifications/fabrication, etc.) and further stated that he had learned much and was fascinated with, my posted projects. Dick was so grateful he offered to send his DM 1/16 1955 Chevy to me......no charge.
He would not accept any money. Despite my persistence to compensate his generosity, he repeatedly said, "No thank you, this one is on me."
The well-packed box arrived days later, as I opened it.... I began to cry. Included was a handwritten "thank you letter," a perfect DM 1/16 1955 Chevy and a perfect DM 1/16 1953 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible.
We communicated for years after this; we were friends.
Dick Johnson was the nicest guy I never met.
12/05/2023 3:56 pm
Dick Johnson was a treasure. He will be missed. Condolences to his family.
12/05/2023 4:11 pm
Oh no, that is sad news. Dick was a real supporter of the hobby and an all-around nice guy. He will be missed.
12/05/2023 5:21 pm
It is so sad to hear of this man's passing; he was obviously a wonderful person. May God bless him.
12/05/2023 6:31 pm
Condolences to Dick Johnson's family.
Steve Jacobs and Christopher Moroni reacted
12/05/2023 6:49 pm
I’m really sad to hear this. My condolences also go to the Dick Johnson family.
Steve Jacobs and Christopher Moroni reacted
12/05/2023 10:08 pm
My sincerest condolences to you Ilene and Family. 🙏 Dick and I shared some emails long ago that are lost now. I believe that he posted pics of a special car that he built ??
Dick is one of the gentleman I was referring to in a Lounge Post begun by George Schire within the last 2 weeks.
The other gentleman lived in Half Moon Bay and along with his beloved wife they were Coastal California Lighthouse Docents.
He posted numerous pics of beach / scrub scenes with WWII armament. If I remember correctly, one of his comments when seeing a new model was "I want that model and I want it now". I could kick myself in the behind for not being able to remember his name. Maybe his last name was Barishkov or a name similar.
Steve
Ed Davis and Christopher Moroni reacted
13/05/2023 3:10 am
.......The other gentleman lived in Half Moon Bay and along with his beloved wife they were Coastal California Lighthouse Docents.
He posted numerous pics of beach / scrub scenes with WWII armament. If I remember correctly, one of his comments when seeing a new model was "I want that model and I want it now". I could kick myself in the behind for not being able to remember his name......
Perhaps you are thinking of Paul Theriot ? He passed away a while back and is greatly missed ! He was a fine supporter of the hobby and was a Forum staff member.
13/05/2023 7:19 am
@mikedetorrice You may also remember Paul as Bill Bakaleinikoff (AKA "Ranger Bill"). I believe that surname was a tribute to his adoptive father who was a Hollywood musical composer/ director.
13/05/2023 9:21 am
.......The other gentleman lived in Half Moon Bay and along with his beloved wife they were Coastal California Lighthouse Docents.
He posted numerous pics of beach / scrub scenes with WWII armament. If I remember correctly, one of his comments when seeing a new model was "I want that model and I want it now". I could kick myself in the behind for not being able to remember his name......
Perhaps you are thinking of Paul Theriot ? He passed away a while back and is greatly missed ! He was a fine supporter of the hobby and was a Forum staff member.
Thank-you Mike !!!! Yes !!!! My brothers and I took a road trip along the Calif Coast because of Paul's enthusiasm and we had a great time.
I always looked forward to Paul's postings as I knew we'd be in for storytime.
What an incredible person Paul was.
13/05/2023 11:40 am
@100ford2003 It's fair to say that Paul's photos had an influence on many of us during those early years of this forum. He would stage elaborate scale set-ups with narratives thus, "giving life" to his scenes.
Sadly, over 90% of my "early pics" (2007-2009) have been lost to history, but the few that have survived are DIRECT results of Paul's influence.
It has been said that you die twice, when you physically pass, and when your name is spoken for the last time. By that measure, Paul and Dick are very much with us.....and will remain so for quite some time.
13/05/2023 3:08 pm
They sure will. Those are some very nice words Chris. Sometimes we get caught up in our own lives and don't recognize how others have influenced us.
I had forgotten their names, but not their souls. Thank-you
Steve
Christopher Moroni reacted
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