Modelers - In Memorium

ChrisBcritter · February 22, 2024

Got an email yesterday from James and Dory Zientara (Newsletter Editor and Vice President, The Lake Michigan Model Car Club) about modeler Kevin Pratscher:

Quote

Gentlemen,

We have yet another member gone. You might remember, at the Club meeting last Saturday night, I asked everyone there if anyone had seen or heard from Kevin Pratscher. His email newsletters bounced back on both accounts and his telephone was disconnected. As it turns out, one Kevin Paul Pratscher, age 61 of Niles, Illinois, passed away on November 13, 2023.

Bob Deneen called Dory earlier this evening ... Bob informed me that his wife Patty did some checking, and discovered Kevin's obituary:

https://www.dupagecremations.com/obituaries/Kevin-Paul-Pratscher?obId=29938321

DuPage Funeral Chapel is at 951 W. Washington St. West Chicago, IL 60185, telephone: (630) 293-5200

Another friend from the LMMCC, and a couple years younger than me to boot. He was a longtime friend of the late Tom Piagari, and the three of us used to go to the Milwaukee NNL meets together.

R.I.P. Kevin.

Dave Ambrose · May 3, 2024

From Larry Greenberg:

As you may know, we recently lost one of our own. Mike Siegman was a longtime modeler, collector, car enthusiast, and was the creative energy behind former aftermarket company S&S Specialties. Mike wrote articles for the former Scale Auto Enthusiast and later, for MODEL CARS Magazine. I was honored to call Mike friend, and shared the MCM presence with him at the 2023 NNL East. He will be missed by so many of his fellow modelers, myself included.

For all those who knew Mike and would like to pay their respects, information on the memorial service is listed below.

A Celebration of Life for Mike Siegman will be held at Hill Funeral Home at 220 S. State Street, Westerville, Ohio 43081 on May 11, 2024, at 10:00 am -12:00 pm.

Internment at cemetery by invitation.

Reception at the family home from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm where all will be welcome.

Link will be posted at a later time for those unable to attend to watch a live stream

Rodent · June 26, 2024

Not anyone that would be known here, but my friend Gary passed on June 1. He wasn't a car guy or car modeler, but as a USAF veteran of the Vietnam era he built some planes that were important to him. He was mostly into model railroading and figures. He also loved 1:1 trains and made frequent trips to Jamestown (current home of The Hooterville Cannonball) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sierra_No._3.

He was also a mural artist who brightened up the restaurant he worked at as a retirement job.

It was a sad rerun of Harry P's diagnosis of "lower back pain" that turned out to really be fast spreading colon cancer. Rest in peace Gary. We miss ya, you little elf.

Edited June 26, 2024 by Rodent

stavanzer · June 30, 2024

I'm sorry for your loss.

Always sad when we lose a Veteran & Modeler.

Rodent · June 30, 2024

4 hours ago, stavanzer said:

I'm sorry for your loss.

Always sad when we lose a Veteran & Modeler.

Thanks Alan.

Luc Janssens · September 28, 2024

Just learned of the passing of Raymond Gallant, a Canadian modeler, who was one of the earliest members of the Hobby Heaven forum back in the day and continued to be, till a few weeks ago.

Rest in peace Ray!

Raymond «Ray» Gallant (1947-2024) Neguac - Hommage NB

Original source:

RIP, Raymond Gallant *LINK* (spotlighthobbies.com)

Danno · December 20, 2024

Many long-time participants on this board know Wayne Hulsey and his fabulous photography. He has shared many of his albums featuring his camera artistry. He loved classic cars, especially oddball cars, antique trucks, antique tractors and farm equipment, hot rods, old aircraft, trains, and fire trucks. His photography focused on those divergent favorites. A long-time modeler, Wayne was from Southern California and was involved in organizing an early national model car builder's club. He later migrated to Phoenix and was a longtime member of the Moonlight Modelers Club. He gravitated to his latest passion, paper models.

Sadly, Wayne fell gravely ill at home last May. You may know he lived a peaceful retirement in a small mountain mining town East of Phoenix. He was evaluated at the local hospital then airlifted to Phoenix. He fought hard but was unable to recover. Wayne passed away peacefully yesterday afternoon.

Please entertain the good memories you have of Wayne, pray for him and commend him to his Creator for his eternal rest.

Codi · April 16

Good morning,

This morning I awoke to a text from my friend John Teresi informing me that Dave Sherman, who posted on this forum as Comp1839, has passed away from cancer on March 15th. He was 65. I can only state that he was not only a phenomenal fabricator/builder & machinist, but also a true friend. I learned so much of what I've picked up over the years from Dave and his willingness to take a newby under his wing was something I'll always remember. He was a genuine person, a bit rough around the edges at times (aren't we all?) but the man had a great heart. He'll be missed and the modelling world has lost a great one too.

Tim

ybsluos · April 19

On 4/16/2025 at 4:39 AM, Codi said:

Good morning,

This morning I awoke to a text from my friend John Teresi informing me that Dave Sherman, who posted on this forum as Comp1839, has passed away from cancer on March 15th. He was 65. I can only state that he was not only a phenomenal fabricator/builder & machinist, but also a true friend. I learned so much of what I've picked up over the years from Dave and his willingness to take a newby under his wing was something I'll always remember. He was a genuine person, a bit rough around the edges at times (aren't we all?) but the man had a great heart. He'll be missed and the modelling world has lost a great one too.

Tim

Tim thanks for posting this. I just found out tonight when I Google searched his Pro Street 37 Chevy. I only met Dave and Christine a couple times but they were nice. Seeing his work up close was awesome inspiring! He will be missed. -Mark
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/wfmz/name/david-sherman-obituary?id=57902548

Claude Thibodeau · April 19

On 4/16/2025 at 4:39 AM, Codi said:

Good morning,

This morning I awoke to a text from my friend John Teresi informing me that Dave Sherman, who posted on this forum as Comp1839, has passed away from cancer on March 15th. He was 65. I can only state that he was not only a phenomenal fabricator/builder & machinist, but also a true friend. I learned so much of what I've picked up over the years from Dave and his willingness to take a newby under his wing was something I'll always remember. He was a genuine person, a bit rough around the edges at times (aren't we all?) but the man had a great heart. He'll be missed and the modelling world has lost a great one too.

Tim

Hi Tim!

While I never met Mister Sherman, I exchanged with him many times on this forum. He was always encouraging and came up with good advice. Sorry to learn of his passing.

CT

mikemodeler · April 30

Saw a post on Facebook that Highway aka Matthew Brownlee has passed away.

Old Buckaroo · May 7

On 4/30/2025 at 12:46 PM, mikemodeler said:

Saw a post on Facebook that Highway aka Matthew Brownlee has passed away.

Dang that is sad to hear, he was a regular contributor to the Big Rigs column. I think he lived in West Virginia.

Edited May 7 by Old Buckaroo

Luc Janssens · May 20

Just learned that Jairus Watson passed away.

(Info thru his son on Jairus FB page)

Edited May 20 by Luc Janssens

Belugawrx · May 20

Sad to hear of Jairus' passing...great artist, and avid slot car guy.

Kit Karson · May 20

Prolific artist and builder Jairus Watson passed away early May 19, 2025, in Salem Oregon. Known for his illustrations, he was also a writer, contributor to magazines like Scale Auto Enthusiast, Model Cars and Slot Cars Magazine where he was also the editor. His box art graced kits from AMT, Galaxie, Revell and Trumpeter. He designed art for several die-cast series by Jonny Lightning. His illustrations can be seen as instruction sheets and articles on creating latches and hinges for model cars. He built many slot cars for customers around the world, often with incredible detail and sourcing vintage components. He won Best of Show at GSL in 1986.

Lunajammer · May 20

7 hours ago, Kit Karson said:

Prolific artist and builder Jairus Watson passed away early May 19, 2025, in Salem Oregon.

This is absolutely heartbreaking. He was a pillar of this hobby and a friendly, sharing person. Would love to see a thorough retrospective in this forum's magazine. There would be a lot to cover.

Lunajammer · May 20

Kit Karson · May 21

On 5/20/2025 at 8:19 AM, Kit Karson said:

Prolific artist and builder Jairus Watson passed away early May 19, 2025, in Salem Oregon. Known for his illustrations, he was also a writer, contributor to magazines like Scale Auto Enthusiast, Model Cars and Slot Cars Magazine where he was also the editor. His box art graced kits from AMT, Galaxie, Revell and Trumpeter. He designed art for several die-cast series by Jonny Lightning. His illustrations can be seen as instruction sheets and articles on creating latches and hinges for model cars. He built many slot cars for customers around the world, often with incredible detail and sourcing vintage components. He won Best of Show at GSL in 1986.

17 hours ago, Lunajammer said:

This is absolutely heartbreaking. He was a pillar of this hobby and a friendly, sharing person. Would love to see a thorough retrospective in this forum's magazine. There would be a lot to cover.