STERLING BRITISH MOTORING SOCIETY -- June 16, 2004

The newsletter from the Sterling British Motoring Society this month is unusually short. Despite efforts to write about trips, meetings, and cars, my thoughts are on the death of Gene Wills. Although he would probably not approve, this piece will ignore the usual babble about events, and is instead dedicated to Gene’s memory.

In the oft-expressed opinion of the undersigned, the primary reward gained through participating in interest groups lies not in the area of interest involved, but in the people met along the way. Through the guise of our mutual fascination with British cars, we meet and become friends with many who we would otherwise never encounter – and my personal experience has been that such folks are almost invariably worthy of such friendship and respect.

Gene Wills was one such person. A very early member of our group, Gene could always be counted upon to offer a ready smile and an outstretched hand, a self-deprecating story about himself, an offer of assistance where needed, and a warmth which was instantly palpable and genuine. Gene collected British cars as many do stray dogs, taking them home, making them safe, and promising eventual restoration. Always interested in what others were doing, he was invariably willing to come along on a “wasted” trip to look at a rusting hulk and express either sympathy or enthusiasm as warranted by the particular relic at hand. Somehow, he always found something good in every wreck he greeted.

Gene was a prominent part of all our gatherings, from the monthly meeting, to The Bash, to road trips for various car shows, to trips of one sort or another. Driving either their “Queen ‘B’” or the later-purchased Triumph, Gene and Susan made each gathering more fun, and, conversely, the event in question was always less enjoyable without them. The Moyer’s Winery trip (our first of the year) was always organized by Susan and Gene, and most of us found a way to participate despite the weather. The Bash was not the Bash without Gene holding forth in front of his room, and yours truly recalls more than one trip to the Indianapolis show which was made far more enjoyable as a result of his presence.

All will agree that Gene Wills was a fan of British cars, that he was a fine and loyal club participant, and that he knew more than a bit about such vehicles. The loss of such a member is always unfortunate and regrettable. What makes this writer mourn is the loss of a friend from whom much can be learned. Under the guise of a shared interest in English vehicles, I came to appreciate Gene as a genuinely warm, caring, and friendly person. While talking with him about a poorly adjusted carburetor, I came to understand that what things in life were important to him. While superficially discussing the sale of his car, I came to admire the way in which he moved beyond obviously-serious health problems in order to live his life in an enjoyable and proactive manner. While enjoying a picnic lunch at a car show, I came to appreciate his obvious personal commitment to make the most of life.

The Sterling British Motoring Society has lost a number of fine members since its formation; all will be missed. Gene Wills was loved, and his loss is irreplaceable.