I just heard Rich Towle had a massive heart attack Options

[flippa]

I am sad to hear the news of Rich's passing.

Thoughts & payers for all his family & friends.

[ejm]

This afternoon's memorial for Rich was well attended by the Porsche community.

[iankarr]

Another gut punch. Gone way too soon. Rich was as generous with his knowledge as he was with his spirit. A cornerstone of this community for sure. Thankfully, this site will enable Rich’s posts to continue helping people forever. Rest in peace, Rich. And deepest condolences to all whose lives he touched.

[ctc911ctc]

All,

Rich was involved in Tech and early in his career he was part of a Company called Baltimore. They competed with RSA and others. My sister was their banker when they entered the public markets - I vaguely knew Rich through Baltimore and then I came on board here and found him - or he found me - small world.

He was very good at getting you to focus on the most likely culprit. He favored ignition as a primary source of 914-concerns. He was very good. As I was chasing the final bugs out of a '74 2L all original - he kept me revisiting the Distributor, I had rebuilt mine and he kept at me - I bought a rebuilt one and I was able to reset dwell to within a few degrees and things ran so much better. Yea, perhaps I am not a good distro re-builder!

I invited myself to go to Dunstable MA and visit the 'too much barn' ranch and found a sprawling barn filled with toys, a few 914s, a 356 (or two) a 911 driver, boat, lots of stuff. We chatted for a few hours and I left driving the silver '74 2L. I stopped for gas and found that the car would not start. I waited about 30-40 min for the car to cool down (was pretty sure it was vapor lock - longer story) and I then called Rich...................

He asked a few questions and then abruptly hung up. NP, he was rebuilding the barn and was busy. A few minutes later he was at the service station with tools and a huge smile. The car started when he arrived - of course - and he lectured me about moving the fuel pump to the front.

While I was at the "TooMuchBarn" ranch, we were talking about various 914 adjustments, we went into an adjacent room where there was a big pile on the floor of 914/356 parts in the middle and to the edges of the room..... He move a few things, found a cable and pulled......out popped a Bosch tester! I used it, essentially a break-out box, and just cleaned it on Saturday for returning to him this spring.



Good eclectic guy, lots of fun to hang around with, will miss him at "German Car Day" at the Brookline Automotive museum.

[Rob-O]

Only knew Rich through the site. Seemed like a great guy. For me, when I hear about guys passing on World (that I didn’t know personally) I identify them with their avatar. I’m going to miss Rich’s eyeball with the VW logo in it.

R.I.P. Rich

[saigon71]

Before we met, Rich was instrumental through 914world in helping me troubleshoot my D-Jet fuel injection system after 20 years of hibernation. I met him at Hershey a few times and was able to thank him in person. He was a wealth of knowledge.

Sorry to hear of his passing.

RIP Rich.

[justme]

So sad that I never met Rich, though he extended his help countless times and I never took him up on it. Just another reminder to do it today, seems like from all the posts Rich sure did.
Godspeed brother

[ThePaintedMan]

Gutted to hear this. Rich went out of his way to shepherd me through lots of trials and tribulations when I first joined, both from a mechanical standpoint and general worldliness. I will miss him very much.

Able, unfortunately I know some of the feelings you're experiencing all too well. I wish you and your family peace and know that your dad was well respected far and wide. Please reach out if you need an ear.

-George

[GBX0073]

Able and Family Sorry for your Loss
Your Dad Filled these threads with Gold Nuggets of information
He sent me Messages when I was stuck with a problem and opened my eyes to alternative ways of thinking and building from what I have that I really appreciated
Outstanding Person and am glad he brought you into this world !

[BeatNavy]

I know I'm late responding here, but I did see it several days ago while I was traveling. Very upsetting. Rich was one of those "larger than life" guys, particularly here on 914World where he did so much to help people. I remember meeting him at Hershey once. I was (probably ignorantly) looking at some part someone was selling, and he struck up a conversation to help me avoid doing something stupid. It was five minutes before I made the connection it was "THE Rich Towle" on 914World.

RIP, Rich, and best to you and the whole Towle family, Able.