[AT] George Willer

[Spencer Yost]

I braced up for this post with a beer, and stepped outside and tried to 
imagine the cool air following a small storm was from Portland, IN.   I 
want so desperately to eulogize him in glowing, heart-rendering 
language.  I wanted to lift him up  in the fashion great speakers do, 
using all the standard catch phrases like "Great man", or "helpful 
friend", etc.   And of course, with George, they would all be as true as 
they could have been for any man - at least as I knew him.   Then I 
thought my post might delve into his history on the list.  You know, 
maybe tell his story as it relates to ATIS, tractors, and the list members.

But try as I might, I can't put him in that perfect Rockwell frame - he 
was so much bigger, and more important to me and the list that such a 
canned response would be a disservice.

So I'm not even sure where I can start.....

First I tried to find some of my old emails from , and to, George, just 
to see how long I've known him.   I could not find the beginning, but I 
find him in my easily accessible archives that go back to 2001 , so it 
has been a while.   He became a good, fast, friend early and for years 
we emailed regularly and often.   In 2005 I started work where I am now, 
and free time became very, very limited and our emails became less 
frequent.   Then, like many of us, as his health deteriorated, I fell 
into the trap of letting him reach out to me whenever he felt able and 
ready.  I regret that decision because it then became an excuse to let 
him slip away from me. That was my fault and a huge mistake.

So I'll end this small tribute to George, with this wheat stubble of of 
thoughts and accolades:

1 - Just this weekend I stripped out the throttle shaft butterfly screw 
holes on a carb and wished I was as careful as you.
2- Many of us disagreed with you (and you with us)  - but almost without 
exception you were one of our favorite people.
3 - Your advice had a relevancy (and accuracy) rate that was in the 
stratosphere.   That is such a valuable and rare commodity I am not sure 
what I will do without it.
4 - Even more valuable - you gave your advice without hubris and you 
never pouted if someone bristled at your words.  Argue back maybe - but 
never pouted and in this day and time that is so refreshing.
5 - I owe you thanks.   You were a huge help with my books and while I 
expressed my appreciation often, I am not sure I ever truly communicated 
how fundamentally thankful I was to both you and Marilyn.
6 - I went to Dinner in Fremont one night with you and Marilyn and had a 
wonderful time.   I have forgotten many things over the years but don't 
forget that night.
7 - We argued vehemently about Senator John Edwards and as the trial in 
Greensboro this year shows, you were right all along.  I have owed you 
an apology for years regarding this and I never gave it to you.  You 
deserved that and I failed you.
8 - My mustache dreams of growing up one day to be like your mustache.

There has been a huge hole at the Portland campground for the last few 
years.   Now that hole occupies my heart.

Goodbye dear friend,


Spencer

PS:    In the spirit of his constant and abiding friendship to me 
personally, I am sending along flowers and also donations per the 
family's instructions.   I am signing it as if it came from ATIS/SEL 
though, since I think the family should know that that the whole 
community mourns his passing.