Otto takes his tools and has Moved on., Leamon S. PreTech Alex. Mike D and a host of others Options

[Heeltoe914]

I just got word that a Great Driver, A 914 enthusiast who truly lived and breathed 914s, 911s and the Porsche dream has passed. My friend John Williamson.
We all know the knowledge and creations of John. I can truly smile at some of the things I remember him for. I was a 20 year kid going to school in West Los Angeles, I wanted so much to get into 914s. But I had the below average college funding. I found a $1000 non-running 914 and needed some advise to get it going. I found John, AKA; OTTO. First thing he said to me was "take the motor out bring it in we will look at it". I said "I don't have that kind of money!"
Before I could say another word he put a book in my hand and ask me what kind of work can I do. I said I do construction. The next week I bring the motor in and before I can even go take a piss he had the heads off. I said "Whoa! Stop I cant afford this."
Anyone who knew Otto will agree that it does not matter what you say, he is going to do it his way. From that day he showed me all the little tricks on how to do 914 motors. Never did I pay anything, but blood and sweat, working around his shop from time to time.
Fast forward 30 years later, I will miss the great conversation on racing and the personal trust that him and I had. I hope that like me, several of you will understand this loss to the Porsche world. But know like me, that they must have needed a mechanic in heaven.

R.I.P - John Williamson 2-8-13.

Plans are to have ashes spread at Willow springs Details as thay develop.


Enjoyable Reads;

http://www.yovenice.com/2013/02/10/rip-john-otto-williamson/


___________________________________________________
Leamon S

[Cap'n Krusty]

Went to dinner, had my Cuba Libre in Spanky's honor and memory, and I'm home just thinking about the good times. Again, farewell, friend ........................

The Cap'n

[campbellcj]

Wow, that is some sad news. John helped me with several cars going back 15 years or more, and I have seen him fairly regularly as he often ate lunch near my office in Santa Monica. He built the kick-a$$ transmission and oil cooling system in my current 914 in 2003 and they have endured countless track events. He was one of my first instructors in POC as well -- probably to blame for getting me hooked -- and at that time was winning TTOD consistently in the short-track events, driving his SCCA GT-2 car "Rudy".

Some found his personality 'polarizing' but he truly knew and loved his trade and our 914 cars in particular - no one can deny that.

RIP, Otto.

[lonewolfe]

R.I.P. John

I first talked to him years ago when I wanted to start my conversion. He sent the parts that I needed, with the instructions to send him a check if I liked them, or send them back if they weren't what I needed. Unheard of these days!

He truly did enjoy being a bit offbeat, but his knowledge and and help will never be forgotten by this enthusiast. I really enjoyed having had the opportunity to converse and visit with him when we were out in Venice.

He was one of a kind and will be missed.

He did the same with me about 6 months ago. I contacted him about a rear trunk floor & gave him my address for a shipping quote. Two days later The panel was delivered with instructions to send a check or return the panel if I didn't like it. Otto was an awesome guy! RIP!!!!

[Maltese Falcon]

One of my favorite pictures of John, with the #6 917-30 Sunoco car.
I think this was back in the Otis Chandler /Vintage Racing days. It was hanging in his office and he knew that I liked it. So he made me a copy and signed it. It hangs in my garage and I glance at it as I pass by throughout the day. Our mutual friendship through the decades will be missed.
Have a safe journey John.
Marty

[Maltese Falcon]

John out in front of the pack in a SCCA race at Riverside Int'l. Raceway, turn 6 after the esses. This was late 70's. He was in a stock class 914 2.0 type 4. He would often play bumper tag with the 914 (now seen ) behind him .

[Maltese Falcon]

Instructor John with my son Matthew at the Streets of Willow. Up on the left front and hauling that little type 4 to 1.32 lap times. John showed me the quick way around Riverside in my early type 4 turbos as well.

[Maltese Falcon]

So long John...our family will dearly miss you. God bless you.

[jasons]

As others mentioned His send me a check after you get the part, Was Unheard of, Although if you knew him I don't think anyone would ever not send him a check.

RIP

He had FI points long after they were NLA. He sold them to me at normal retail price (not based on their rarity) and the check when I got them was the payment policy. We traded life stories on the phone at the same time. Not many like him anymore...

[Steve]

More information on Otto and a really good article on him.
http://www.yovenice.com/2013/02/10/rip-john-otto-williamson/

[championgt1]

RIP! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[campbellcj]

A very common sight out at Willow Springs for many years. This was 2001.

[euro911]

Is that Jenny in that pic?

[bcheney]

I never spoke to John but know how he touched so many lives. RIP Sir...heaven has another fine man.

[Cap'n Krusty]

Anyone heard yet about the date and time for the memorial event?

The Cap'n

[campbellcj]

Anyone heard yet about the date and time for the memorial event?

The Cap'n

I heard via Laurie @ POC that he wanted to have his ashes spread at Willow Springs. (That doesn't surprise me as he clearly viewed that place as home away from home and I vaguely recall him saying the same thing to me, years ago.) She said that might be scheduled to coincide with the event there next weekend, but I have not heard anything official.

[Jeff Hail]

The journey takes us to many places. Sometimes face to face, an emailer or just a screen name.

I never knew "Otto" as the joke will always be told but I knew John over the years even if it was an infrequent visit or run in, an email or phone call. I still speak to the guys at the shop when one of my customers cars ends up there.

First time I met John I was riding shotgun for the day with a friend who was having John do some work for him. We roll in and my introduction with John started right fast with a verbal tango. My friend intoduces me to John then I ask who's Otto? John quickly replys we don't have any auto's here just Porsche's with a grin. I'm caught off guard for a moment and then John says have you met Rudy, he's a friend of Ottos.

That was a long time ago. Friends don't say goodbye, they just say later.

[campbellcj]

Sorry if this was already posted above but I don't think so. Really good bio with a lot of vintage photos:

http://www.yovenice.com/2013/02/10/rip-john-otto-williamson/

[Steve]

I had my first Cuba Lbre tonight in Otto's honor. It's actually pretty good. What particular white rum did he like?

[sixnotfour]

He told me he had bought property at Willows, but didn't work out and sold it.....

[76-914]

Is this the same guy I bought my rear trunk panel piece from off the 5 in LA?
Sounds like him. When I got there they're were 3 of them against his office wall. I grabbed the first one which had a bend on the back corner. That part gets trimmed off anyway but he wouldn't have it. Chastised me for grabbing the bent one and handed me the straight one. He seemed pretty set in his ways so I just said "Yes sir." RIP. Not enough of those kind around anymore.