Remembering Michel Potheau

[02fanatic]

It's hard to believe our '02 friend and founding Member of the BMWCCA Michel Potheau has been gone 10 years.

I've said it before, but Michel was a walking encyclopedia for "things '02-related". Many of us on here had contact with him over the years, and for me - well, he was always there to help me in any way he could. His advice was especially helpful during my restoration of Hugo. I would send him an e-mail, and he "always" got back to me!

Michel was a founding member of the BMWCCA (Member #2), and he served as President and in other capacities for many years.

I never forget my friends, and although Michel passed away 10 years ago today on 1/6/2003, this day still reminds me of him and how much I miss his knowledge of '02's, his help whenever I asked.

He always used to say, "It's not just about the cars, but the friends we make along the way"!

Rest in Peace my friend...you will always be very much missed!

John Weese

BMW CCA #76646

[Mike Self]

I first met Michel at one of the first Gateway Techs in St Louis, about 1987 or 88, after having bought parts from his Circle Tire Co for many years (Still have a couple of T shirts!). That was one of my first Iophobia seminars that I did (Iophobia=fear of rust--a real word!)

Anyone on the FAQ remember Gateway Tech? This was back when many CCA members worked on their own cars, and was a great source of information and hands-on how-tos...

We spent a lot of time time talking about 2002 minutia--subsequently he's the guy I'd contact if I was stuck on something. Still miss him after all these years.

cheers

mike

[Timmer]

Sure do remember Gateway Tech and Michel was a helluva guy; must have been about 12 years ago I was interested in a '74 2002tii around the Naples, Florida area; Michel offered to look at it for me; he mentioned he had seen it in his area now and then. I ended up buying a '74 Chamonix 2002, one owner Texas car, owned by a U.S Air Force officer.

Tim

[John_in_VA]

I didn't think there was anything to add to John's sentiments - well said.

[andyleonard]

Michel would cut and retemper springs for us in 1969-70. I think he got $80 for a set. He had those cool 19mm front bars too.

[Mikesmalaga72]

Thanks John!

I echo your sentiments.. Goodness sakes it been that long already! He is one to be remembered for sure!

[vinceinIL]

Thanks, John and Mike, for the wonderful reminders of Michel. There's a wonderful story I'll tell you guys sometime about a new member (me) visiting Boston for the first time and ending up on an all-night fishing trip with Michel and Michael Izor.

Michel was a character, and had his strong and weak points, but he was right about the club being about the people more than the cars!

vince