My grandpa and 2002's...

[brucedemuro]

Last Saturday my grandpa finally lost the battle against cancer and passed away. It all happened very fast, he was diagnosed only 2 months ago which makes it even a bit harder.

I'm pretty much heart broken, he was one of my best friends, and until two months ago, was as young or even younger than I am (I'm 22) he was 83 but for some reason time for him didn't pass.

He was the one that got me into our beloved cars, when I was born, he decided he would retire because as he often would say, "I just wanted to quit working so that I could start working as a grandpa".

With the bonus they gave him he bought what he thought was the perfect match to a new grandson a Chamonix 1970 2002.

I have great memories growing up, of him and my grandma taking my brother and me out for picnics or to the beach or simply taking us for a drive.

It was he's car, my mom always says that when I was a kid, 4 years old or so, and a white 02 would go in front of me I would always go after him or simply say "tati's car" as that was how I called him, even till now.

He was a really great guy, always happy and smiling, full of love, the kind of guy everybody loves.

Back in 2002 my dad, granddad and me we made a full resto on the car since it was already showing the signs of aging, rust spots, the usual, as we all love cars we did everything ourselves, paint, interior, engine, everything the whole 9 yards.

It was a great experience and what officially triggered my love for these cars.

When I turned 18 (the minimum driving age here in Uruguay) for my birthday he didn't give me a gift, something actually strange since usually that was the kind of thing he loved to do (along with planning surprise birthdays and such), but I payed no attention to that.

That night my dad asked me to go with them as we were taking him back to his house.

When we got there he said "come in a second, I have something for you". he said "put your had out and close your eyes" and placed the keys for he's car on my hand as he said with a grin "happy birthday kiddo"

I couldn't believe it, still is to the date the best gift anyone has ever given me.

So he's the one responsible for getting me into this, and meeting all you guys and gals, thing that I will always be thankful for.

Every time I would go out for a drive on the car he would always have that smirk on his face, thing that I loved because I knew how much it meant for him that I was taking care of the car.

On Sunday after the burial I took the old girl for a drive, and I couldn't stop remembering that smirk on he's face, and the car, the memories with it, it's as if now the car has a life of his own. As if in some kind of strange way my grandpa lives on with this car.

I know it sounds strange but it kind of feels right, if you know what I mean.

Anyway I thought I'd share a bit the story on my car, and how much it means to me, and of course how much he meant to me.

Below is a couple of pics of the car when I was little with my grandpa.

Thanks to all you guys for everything,

Bruce

Edited June 29, 2018 by brucedemuro

[JsnPpp]

Wow, a wonderful tribute and thank you for writing it. I wish I could have met him.

He knew what he was doing and put his car in the best possible hands IMO.

The loss is great, but the memories last forever.

~Jason

[HarryPR]

What a great story, Bruce. Looks like he lived a happy life and made yours even happier. I am sure that the memories of your times with your grandpa will forever bring a smile to your face.

Te ofrezco mis condolencias.

[Mike Self]

that taught me how to work on cars--even before I married his daughter! He and I overhauled a Renault engine together--my first, I don't know how many he had done. He even taught me how to hand lap poured rod bearings for a final tight fit on the engine's crankshaft--now there's a bit of arcane automotive knowledge!

My "Pop" passed away two years after Carol and I were married in 1967, and I still miss him.

But your Grandpa will always be with you...especially whenever you drive your (and his) car...

mike

[jrkoupe]

Bruce

......great story...brought a tear to my eye.

he will live w/ you in that car for ever.

I drive my dads old sube.......I love it.

Enjoy the car...enjoy the memories....you are a lucky guy.

wait a sec...your tati was Caesar Romero?....handsome devil

[RayC911]

Wow, sounds like you have plenty of beautiful memories. My condolences...

[schwarz75]

Thanks for sharing Bruce. Nice story about your grandpa and the 2002.

[bills2002]

Tati was a very lucky man. He lives on.

[milfweed]

It looks like he brought a lot of character to the party. you'll remember him well & share his stories further, Bruce.

we happened into a screening sunday that changed our compass: The City of Your Final Destination. filmed in Montevideo, - it's score & measured pace might be just the ticket for a drive & private viewing.

[jgerock]

Bruce -

Thank you for sharing your Grandpa with us, along with those wonderful pictures of you as a youngster. I would keep a copy of the "group" photo in your car.

[ray_]

Bruce, that's a great story. Thanks for sharing.

Best,

Ray

[jmon0261]

Bruce sorry for your loss. Like others have said, the great memories will stay with you and always be a part of you. You are truly blessed to have had such a positive person in your life.

Hang in there, your emotions will hit in waves and the silver linings will emerge.

[Apexhntr]

Bruce thanks for sharing your story...Tati lives as long as the memories remain. It's nice for all of us to have our 02s....perhaps thinking of him when we take our next drive...my condolences on a great loss.

[auggiemize]

The people that I have loved and lost in my life have infused me, hopefully, with a bit of their warmth, character, and wisdom to carry on. And I can't forget humor. Looking at your Tati's face, I think I see some of all of the above. You are a fortunate young man. Carry on. Dave V. in NC

[visionaut]

My deepest condolences, Bruce. Touching write-up on your grandpa - sounds like he was a helluva guy.

May time and your memories together overcome your loss.

Tom