| Author | Message | ||
     Chellem |
I don't know if he was ever a Buell dealer or not, but I know there are some H-D folks here too - in case you hadn't heard. Stretch, the owner of Smaltz's H-D in PA, died on Friday. He was just an incredible guy. A true dealer, honest, and just, well, nice. Old school, passion for motorcycling - I know he had a passion because even though he was sick for a long time, and had to stop often, he rode to as many Dealer Shows as he could (with Tom from Liberty right alongside of him.) In fact, we featured one of their road trips in a newsletter of ours once. This last dealer show, he won a Gold Bar and Shield Award, and he was just so proud. And he deserved it too. They just don't make dealers like him anymore and he will be sorely missed. In case anyone did know him, they're having his funeral and viewing open to the public, and will be having a procession led by police escort, with, I believe, as many people as want to participate. You can check out the funeral details at their website, www.smaltzhd.com. I know they aren't a sponsor, and this isn't an ad for their dealership - I hope it's OK with the powers-that-be that I put this post up there. I barely knew him, and I already miss him. ->ChelleM (Message edited by chellem on April 21, 2008) | ||
| Greenlantern |
Peace be with you Mr. Smaltz. Apparently you left a lasting impression on a great many people which is a example I am sure most would strive to emulate. My prayers for you and your family. Randy  | ||
| Court |
Add the prayer of my family and me. I did not know him personally but my travels and association with Harley-Davidson dealers paint what I'll bet is a fairly accurate mental image. Many of these guys, in addition to having an insatiable entrepreneurial spirit, brought old fashioned ethics to their businesses. My personal experience was with Henry Patterson who, starting in 1929, turned a bicycle shop into the most awarded Harley-Davidson dealership in the nation. "Pat" knew everyone by name and folks came from near and far to deal with him. Yep . . . I know the type and my heart is with all those who mourn his loss. Court | ||
| Nevrenuf |
it speaks volumes when you, another dealer wanting other people to know what this guy meant to you. my condolences to his family and friends (of which he must have quite a few) may he rest in peace. |
