For those who Autocross with the Boston Chapter

[larryn]

I had mentioned in the generic chat thread that John MacDonald was in the hospital...

Originally Posted by larryn

I suppose things could be worse..

For those of us who autox in the chapter... Just got a call from John Mac (our benevolent course designer extraordinaire). He's in St Vincents Hospital in Worcester, and has had complete liver failure.. not expected to pull thru. If you feel you know him well enough and are in the area, he'd love to hear from any of us. He did say that we should call first, to see "if he's still there".

Well, after his second major strokes in 2 days, I'm incredibly sorry to let you know that he passed away early this morning.

For others that are reading this, I am one of the two autocross program chairs for the Boston BMW CCA chapter. John is/was our autocross course designer, incredible instructor, and our friend. He is one of the major factors why we have been filling up our events in a few hours from registration opening. If you've come to one of our events, you may have seen him in his "Small Fortune Racing" Caldwell racer (or co-driving one of my cars):



I don't know what else to say, other than I'm glad I knew you and I'll miss you, buddy.

[and 1]

my thoughts go out to john and his family. i am sure his absence will be felt by the club, especially when AX starts up

[larryn]

Originally Posted by and 1

my thoughts go out to john and his family. i am sure his absence will be felt by the club, especially when AX starts up

I asked that John on Friday about his family, and he replied that we are his only family. He helped out many clubs, BMW the most, and there are some really great emailed stories going around now.

[ML]

Very sorry to hear this. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help as AX season approaches.

[arrutled]

I am sorry that you lost a friend and a fellow auto-x enthusiast. that is very saddening

[and 1]

Originally Posted by larryn

I asked that John on Friday about his family, and he replied that we are his only family. He helped out many clubs, BMW the most, and there are some really great emailed stories going around now.

wow...if one of those stories comes your way, post it up

[and 1]

Originally Posted by ML

Let me know if there is anything I can do to help as AX season approaches.

same here

[Audra]

This is my favorite pic of John:

[Bdh821]

Very sad to hear. I'm sure he is in a better place where he can race 24/7.

[Rachel]

I'm awfully sorry to hear this. I know he wasn't able to make it to the last few events due to his health. He will be missed as a person, along with all his helpful advice and course setup.

[Rachel]

Just a reminder for those who auto-X, the memorial is this Saturday 1-4, at the Elks Lodge, 233 Mill St, Worcester, MA.

[larryn]

We will have a celebration of John MacDonald's life at a memorial gathering on February 20th at Elks Lodge, on 233 Mill Street in Worcester, MA, 1-4pm EST.
________________________________________
Please be sure to reserve the date on your calendars now.
http://currentobituary.com/ShowObit....50&member_id=4


They will have a bartender at the site. Water and soda is $1.00 Beer $3.50 Mixed Drinks $5.00 per the Elks lodge requirement.

We will have coffee available.

Food will be a pot luck kind of thing. Please bring something to share if you can.
Some examples
Appetizers:
Chips and dip, Cheese and Crackers
Veggies and dip
Antipasto
Small finger sandwiches
Pasta Salad
Tossed Salad
Desserts:
Cookies, Brownies, Fruit, etc.
Nothing that needs to be heated or kept warm.
Thanks to everyone that has helped out and hope to see you there.

[and 1]

wish i could go, but i've already got plans for the whole weekend