SyntheticBlinkerFluid
SyntheticBlinkerFluid PowerDork
5/9/14 12:33 p.m.

My uncle, David Hentschel, passed away early this morning due to complications from Hemochromatosis and Pneumonia. He was only 55.

He and I were alike in many ways. We both had a passion for cars, trains, and petroliana. If anything, he gave me the understanding of preserving history due to the fact that he was one of the best antique car restorers that I knew.

His specialty was Harry Miller Indy Cars, but also had many other restorations in his portfolio. He also developed an electronic ignition system to replace Magneto setups in most antique cars that would still look just like the original magneto and could be built to order.

He was never married and didn't have any children, so I hope that he thought of me as a son in some way. I'm glad that he is no longer suffering.

I have posted this in the past, but this car was his baby (even though he didn't own it). It was the first Miller he restored:

1931 Miller V-16

Rest in peace Uncle Dave.

turboswede
turboswede GRM+ Memberand UltimaDork
5/9/14 12:42 p.m.

Sounds like a great man, he'll never be truly gone as long as you remember him and share his passion with others.

Graefin10
Graefin10 SuperDork
5/9/14 1:08 p.m.

Sorry to hear that SBF. His work is incredible.

Woody
Woody GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
5/9/14 1:25 p.m.

Sounds like a great guy and an incredible talent. I have photographed that Miller many times.

nepa03focus
nepa03focus Reader
5/9/14 1:31 p.m.

Sorry for your loss. And I agree he sounds like an amazing man

mndsm
mndsm MegaDork
5/9/14 1:53 p.m.

You had mentioned the other night during GTA that he was suffering and on his way out. I know it's not of much solace, but you're right- he's not suffering anymore. Any turmoil brought by disease or pain is now in the past and he can be at rest. Hopefully wherever he is, he's happy.

Curmudgeon
Curmudgeon MegaDork
5/9/14 1:59 p.m.

Man, sorry to hear this. He and I were the same age.

Lancer007
Lancer007 HalfDork
5/9/14 6:37 p.m.

Sorry to hear that man. As has been said he isn't suffering any longer, and his memory and passion will be seen for generations to come due to the quality and passion of the work he did.

That's little solace now but I hope I am as fortunate when my time on this world ends.

Wally
Wally GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
5/9/14 7:38 p.m.

I'm very sorry.

gamby
gamby UltimaDork
5/9/14 8:18 p.m.

55 :(

Good that he did some cool stuff in life.

The
The HalfDork
5/9/14 9:21 p.m.

sounds like a great guy.......let special people know that they are special.

EastCoastMojo
EastCoastMojo GRM+ Memberand Mod Squad
5/9/14 9:33 p.m.

I am very sorry for your loss, he sounds like a really cool guy.

Hungary Bill
Hungary Bill GRM+ Memberand Dork
5/9/14 10:13 p.m.

Electrons, old cars, and preserving history? Sounds like someone I would have gotten along with very well.

Sorry for your loss man.

cdowd
cdowd Reader
5/12/14 1:02 p.m.

sorry for your loss.

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