Chad Yoder, the man responsible for the bodywork and paint on both my classic cars died this morning in his shop of a heart attack. This man was 36 years old, never been sick to amount to anything, didn't drink nor smoke, wasn't overweight and when he wasn't working his time was spent with his wife and three small kids all under 7 years old. My grandfather told me years ago that if there was anything I wanted to see, anything I wanted to have or anything I wanted to do, do it now, don't wait. You might not have that time later. So, Do it now Guys. Chad is the one on the right. Jim
That is a true tragedy! Calling Whitney Houston a tragedy is a travesty, she did herself in, Chad sounds like he was a good man on the right track with his priorities! For the sake of his kids I hope they open him up to see what the heck......you're absolutely correct in making the most of every moment and learn early on what is important in life and then live it to the fullest.
Your Grandfather was Was spot on. That seems even more relevant the older we get.
we have lost 6 guys from our group in the last 2 years. a few with projects they were allways going to start next year. Sad for people of retirement age but unimaginable at for someone at 36. our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
You know, I've hurt all day long. At 36 years old it seems so unfair. I'm including a family poto taken last summer. I'm going to miss talking to him. He had pictures of my car on his website and in his office. He was as proud or the results as I was. Jim
I feel for you Jim, that's a good looking family. I lost a brother at age 26, changed my life. Mark
36 is in that age area that most of us older guys think about how nice it would be to be that age again. That's a horrific loss for that family and my thoughts are with them. Thanks for sharing that story with us Jim.
I've decided both my cars will be in Chad's funeral procession no matter what the weather. What will it matter if either one is rusted out 30 years from now. Jim
I'm praying for Chad's family, and you too my friend. God bless you.
Sad to hear Jim.The picture shows a loving family.I've had a couple of calls like this and it is always a tuff deal.Thoughts are with you and the people that new him best.
Jim, really sorry for your loss. Strange enough it wasn't till I went into the service that I started really being aware of the personal effects of such a loss. Even the passing of grandparents didn't real affect me as they were old and that seemed normal. But the deaths of my contemporaries and those younger always hits hard. Specially when that person had great promise. I've buried way too many people in my time and some really hurt then and still do. Only comfort for me is that as long as I remember and honor their memory they are still with me. My dad has been gone for almost 30 years yet I still find myself having private conversations with him. Can't tell you how many times I've asked myself what would he do in this situation. Anyway this isn't about me hope you're doing well and hey we're your friends so if you get a bit crazy or need to vent with us we're there for you.
My condolences to you and his family.
Zap- :unitedstates:
a few years ago my body and paint guy also died,was a good friend and i miss him lots.he was 39
I'm very sorry for the loss to you and his family, thats horrible. I got goose bumps just reading this and looking at the family pics.
And Zap, i hear ya about the conversations with dad. Every time I use his level I find myself saying, "hows it look Dad?" My son shares the same respect for both his grandfathers tools that he has.
You know, I look back on the relationship I had with Chad and I'm thankful I didn't say too much about the amount of time he kept my Galaxie. With the 57 he spent 2 months working only on it and the expense I incured showed it. With the 57 I was with him almost every day. I finally just gave him the numbers off my credit card. Bob and me joked about our cars being in body shop jail and I'd boast about what I was going to tell Chad to make him get my car done quicker. But truth was he underbid the job on the Galaxie. He could have just slapped a paint job on it but he didn't do that kind of work. The time he spent working on those insurance jobs was putting more food on the table for his family than working on my Galaxie. I think I realized that then. I'm really thankful now that I wasn't so demanding, especially now. I ended up with more than I paid for. I wish he were still working on that Galaxie. Jim
Jim:
I feel pretty much the same about Santini's work on my 57. He told me that about 5 years ago the amount he bid on doing my 57 would have been at least $10,000 higher. Due to the fall of the economy he's had to adjust his pricing downward to be able to continue doing custom jobs in addition to the regular insurance collision work. The Santini shop uses a couple of skilled body specialists, with Pete doing the final paint work, from what you've said it sounds like Chad was doing a lot of the body and prep work himself.
I think your grandfather was right on track. Don't put things important to you off until later, because later may never come. My best wishes for you and prayers for Chad's family.
Bob
57 AGIN
Sorry for your loss. My condolences.