Hello all, I have been away for some time due to being Oldsmobile-less (at the moment). However I wanted to stop by as I feel compelled to say something about the passing of a dear friend, Gary Johnson (I don't believe he was a forum member, so if this needs moved I understand). Gary resided in Eatonville Washington, and he was one of the most influential Oldsmobile people I have met. I know lots of you reside back east, but for any of you that are out here in the pnw, I imagine you crossed paths with him at some point. Gary was a lover of Oldsmobiles and drag raced several of them, my personal favorite being"big red" which was a very cool Delta 88 that would launch with the front wheels in the air. I would like to share some of my personal story with Gary (and his wife Kris).

I live in a small town about three hours from Gary. Being a guy who actively drag raced a 69 4-door cutlass at the drag strip, it didn't take long for me to become the "Oldsmobile Guy" in my small town. I had a tendency to spend too much time at the auto parts store with my friends who worked there (I was working as a mechanic). Well one night I walk into the store, and my friend from behind the counter says "hey, this guy races Oldsmobiles too" - pointing at Gary. Gary and I chatted for a bit about Oldsmobiles and racing, and already, I was learning how little I knew about Oldsmobiles and racing, and from what I recall, I about passed out laughing from how funny he was. We shook hands and he departed. Honestly, it was an experience that stuck with me for a long time, but I never imagined I would meet this random person again.

Fast forward several years, I find myself at one of the big swap meets (I believe it was the monroe swap meet). I am wandering around tables, and here I find an aluminum W-455 intake, and its in very good condition. I hear a voice say something like $600 for that one (don't recall exactly) and I turn around, and its him! So we start talking Oldsmobiles, and he pulls out a photo album, and somewhere around this time, I go wait a minute, didn't I meet you years ago at O'reillys late at night in Ellensburg? He said he remembered that. We exchanged phone numbers and kept in touch.

Over the years we would work back and forth on Oldsmobile stuff, I would make the occasional trip out to their property, and I would always look forward to visiting at one of the swap meets. I bought parts off Gary many times, including a 904 transmission for a buddy of mine. The story of the 904 is a perfect example of Gary and how he infects you with his sense of humor. When I went out to get the 904, I had to pull it out of a Cuda. I had to move the car to a spot to pull the 904 out. Once I got it out, we pushed it back towards his shop, I was leaning in the driver side window turning the car and pushing. while he was at the back pushing. Once we got it to the spot it needed to be he yells, "I'm holding it, put it in park so it doesn't roll over me" - and of course, I leaned in to put it in park, and went. "hey, wait a minute". We both laughed.

At one point I felt I outgrew the 4-door cutlass, so in talking with Gary, he showed me what was left of a 1970 442. The car was exactly what I wanted, a 1970 442, platinum with a black interior, and it was in my price range! Gary (and Kris) basically gave me the car. The price of the car included delivery... which I am convinced a 6 hour round trip in his 8100 v8 powered dually chewed up all of what I paid them for the car. The car unfortunately needed a lot of rust repair, I started working on it when I had time, and slowly started to accumulate the missing parts (this was a body and a rolling frame). Somewhere around this time, I stumbled across an Omega for sale on craigslist, and I switched gears. I spent the rest of my money on the Omega and turned around and sold the 442. The Omega turned out to be owned by none other than Nonhog, one of our members, even though I found the car on Craigslist. I believe most know the story of the omega from my thread.

I continued working with Gary over the years on different Oldsmobile items and parts. He introduced me to his engine builder who did the machine work for the Omega engine. I would always try to find an excuse to either visit and listen to some of Gary's stories, or when I wasn't able to, I would call/message. Gary ran a hot rod shop and was extremely knowledgeable on everything, not just Oldsmobiles, he built some very beautiful and exciting vehicles. It seems like just yesterday I watched him tell his dog, "go get your stick" to which a beautiful and friendly pit bull would go pick up a 4 foot long 2x6 and start trotting around with it.

I can't say enough good things about Gary, he has probably forgotten more things about hot rodding than I will ever learn. I can only imagine how this is for Kris, she is the sweetest, most caring human being you will ever meet, and has always been nothing but a ray of sunshine to me.

I apologize for the story kinda darting around, and any grammer issues, but as it is, he passed earlier today, and I only just found out myself. I am having to wipe the tears from my eyes while I type this. so I will leave it at this.

Gary Johnson, you were an inspiration, your sense of humor was infectious, and you brought out the best in people. I hope you continue to enjoy your hobby up there watching over all of us. Gary, you will be remembered, thank you for everything.

 

Sorry to hear about your friend, I can relate. Condolences to his friends and family.

 

RIP Gary.