Lost another

Just got news last night that a treasure to the antique tractor community has passed away. His name was Jack Thomas and lived in Boosier City La. He not only had tractors but antique cars and semi trucks as well, most of which were immaculately restored with some pretty rare pieces mixed in. I don't know if anyone here has ever met him or not, but if you had, he was not one easily forgotten. It didn't matter where the tractor show was, if he wanted to go he was going, and had the resources to do so yet would still sit and visit with an old burnt out foundry rat like myself. In his words, he was common as dirt. I met him at the ATA show in Pinckneyville Illinois some 15 to 20 years ago and for some reason we became pretty close on that very first meeting. Most years when I pulled into the fairgrounds there he normally be would be one of the first three to come greet me. I guess technically speaking we would fall into the category of close acquaintances cause about the only time we would talk would be at the tractor show itself or when I would call to see which one he was going to, yet my heart is still heavy this morning. I won't look at my antique truck and tractor calendars now without some sadness , but I'm thankful for the time we did have. Again, we have all lost a treasure. DP

Great story, sometimes a guy wonders if those kinds of fellows are still being made or the mold is broken. One generation after another seems to have things heading in a different direction which is fine, it's just that what used to be isn't being seen much anymore. Mark it up to progress I guess, but sometimes I wish things would slow down a bit.