Dear Jim,

        I only know you from this list, but your humor and passion for life has meant a great deal to me.  
        I have parts in my van that you have sent to me over the past years.  I still chuckle when I think of your question asking me if my talking computer voice sounded like a man from Alabama.  I told you it spoke like a young girl,  I think your reply was, “perfect” 

Thank you so much for all you have shared.  You have made my journey a better one for you being here.  I dreamed of visiting you in Alabama.

I still plan on visiting you and I hope that where we end up we can bring both vanagons, and dogs. 

Also thank you for teaching me the word escutcheon.  I’ll find ways to use it and think of you.

And, with any luck I’ll meet your camper with your grand son or other person on the road carrying on the journey.

I wish you a good journey, And I will miss you.

With warmth and affection.

Eric Caron 
85 GL Auto 

> On Jan 28, 2020, at 8:58 PM, Jim. Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> I have been a member of the diesel and general Vanagon groups since around 2003 when I acquired my diesel Westy. I had already been in the gerry group because of my ownership of a red 1990 Carat bought new.
> 
> 
> 
> A very alert few of you will know me though Felder Industries, purveyors of superior Vanagon parts to the gentry mostly though the stiff competitive alternatives to the offerings of A. Bell.
> 
> 
> 
> Today I was handed a bill of health that cuts short my tenure in this business (and all others). I have known I have mesothelioma first over a year, but today I discovered that it will all be over in a matter of weeks. It was a good run and I enjoyed it with you so much. Wish it could continue.
> 
> 
> 
> Best regards,
> 
> 
> 
> Jim Felder