Some of the old timers on here may remember a time when I was building my own mini mud motors from weed eater engines. Many said it couldn't be done for a variety of reasons that made perfect sense. In the end, we built several of them and they work, and still work quite well. Notice I said the word "we"

While doing research online before building, I came across another person who was trying to do the same thing. We swapped stories and information and became internet buddies. He was way more help to me than I was to him as his hobby was being a machinist for various race teams in his area. John O'Neal was the gentleman's name and he passed away yesterday from the coronavirus.

Over the years John and I swapped hunting stories and stories on life in general. I watched his grandsons promising career in sprint cars take off and headed in the direction of NASCAR. I learned about his family and his career as a firefighter. His political beliefs were in line with mine and we shared what we thought was right and not so right with the Country. He became as good of a friend as others even though I never met him in person.

God rest your soul John, you are sorely missed by many.

Mark

Sorry to hear it Mark. I enjoyed watching your (and John's) progress with the weed eater motors. I hadn't remembered that you had a partner in the project, glad to be reminded of that.

Thanks Tod. It was an adventure building those motors. There were three of us seeking new frontiers with one making a business our or it in the end. He is still alive and doing well.

Something else I know I did mention in this quest. As I didn?t have my own tool shop, the person helping me fabricate a couple of the bushings was Tom Scholberg, also not of this world anymore. He too is missed.

It sure makes in think about many things. I shared many of the stories about John with my wife last night and for some reason started to cry. It wasn?t for the loss of John but more for seeing the future whenever that may come and wondering how I can become a better person before it is my time. I know this probably doesn?t make much sense but it is the first time I have had these emotions come over me and it was overwhelming.

Fortunately I saved many of the correspondence, plans, drawings and whatever John and I shared over the years. It was with profound happiness to read through some of that last night.

Rest In Peace Tom and John. Your time here was well spent.

Thanks again Tod.

Mark

Damn Mark. I am so sorry to hear that. I sort of recall your building the weed whacker mowers and being fascinated with the idea of it working.

It is also nice to have the drawings and discussions for you to go back and read when you want to. There are so many times I have thought I wish I had more pictures or I am pretty sure I saved that story but I can't find it.

I too actually thought of Tom. I have to travel for work this week so I pulled out my backpack that has travelled with me everywhere since high school. In it is one of the wicker chapter patches he gave me when we were in Argentina. Made me think of him a lot this week.

I am very sorry to hear that John died.

Dani

Sorry to hear this. Losing our DHBP friends always hits home, seems like it happens every year.
Relish the memories and shared experiences.

---

Carl
Mobile, AL
DHBP Member since 1998

"Life is too short to drink bad beer."
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