Tom Elliott has passed away

[mbstude]

The obituary with Maureen's wishes about where to send donations.

http://www.studebakerclubs.com/NorthGeorgia/Tom%20Elliott%20service%20info.pdf

[TX Rebel]

Deepest condolences to Matt & to Tom's family & large circle of friends. His was a life well lived, and he will be sorely missed.

[Sam Ensley]

Matthew, my wife and I were admiring the great relationship you and Tom have enjoyed as we observed you at the south Georgia meet.. Besides the wonderful friendship, Tom has beeb an excellent mentor for you, and you have kept his spirit up and going. I have been through loss such as you are experiencing, and the warm side of it is that you know the experience outweighs your sense of loss.
We certainly cherish the fun time we had sitting with Tom and Maureen at the awards banquet at Tifton. The world has lost a good man, and the Studebaker Club has lost one of its finest members.

[fstst56]

God bless you Matthew and Tom's family.
Just think, Matthew...You might have been in South Bend when this happened.
I'm sorry we didn't have you in SB, but God knew you would be needed there.

[junior]

Matthew, I know you had a tough day today, but also know it's a life experience for you. I am certain you did an outstanding job. I had a good friend pass away over 20 years ago from ALS. She was diagnosed in April '88 and passed away in June'88...toughest funeral I have attended. I have never forgotten, deepest regards, and condolences. ps. Have had you and Tom in the back of my mind all day...even though I have never met you or Tom, it's funny how the Studebaker family grows on a guy.
Junior.

[StudeMichael]

The 51 looks spectacular Matthew. Sorry to hear this news. At a young age, you are a pillar of SDC. I am nominating your for the Harry Barnes Award for the example you have set by being a loyal supporter of the club and those members in need of help. God bless you!

[mbstude]

Michael you're too kind.. That's extremely nice and I really appreciate it.

The funeral and everything following it was just perfect. I gave the eulogy as I said before, and managed to hold myself together. A couple of others spoke and they too did a great job. Everyone said I did really good so hopefully Tom would be proud. I made people laugh, which to me is a lot better than crying. The procession to the cemetery was a mile and a half long. My friend Sara and I rode in the Studebaker as the very last car in the lineup while Tom rode in the bed of Jim and Dottie Carto's '64 Champ. Everything went perfectly and he would've been extremely happy. A big life-celebration party followed afterwards and into the early hours of the morning, and the laughs and good memories are already outweighing the sadness. Everything's going pretty good.

Here's a photo of the "hearse" and Tom's '51 in front of his house. And for what it's worth, Maureen has decided to keep the '51.

[52 Ragtop]

Nice job Matthew!

Jim

[BobPalma]

Good job indeed.
'Nice to hear of Maureen keeping the '51. It sounds like a nice, roadable car she can enjoy with minimal mainentance...especially when "Matt's Final Detail" is always as close as the phone! <GGG> BP

[avantilover]

Well done Matthew. Does the collection have to be sold to pay inheritance/death taxes? Just that I know those taxes exist in the US.

[Invalid User Name]

Matthew, I felt like Tom was a friend through your writings. I had often thought that I wish I would have had someone like him in my younger life to show me what really mattered. God bless you and grant you and his family comfort and joy. Take care.

[mbstude]

The parts inventory will be sold. The parts don't "have" to be, so don't expect a fire sale or give away prices. Maureen simply has no use for a garage packed full of NOS parts and wants the stuff to go to people that can use them and are willing to spend the money. Most anything that won't be needed to maintain the '51 Champion will end up for sale. I'll be the one handling it.

[avantilover]

I didn't intend my remarks to imply that I was hoping to get something for my vehicle, just that it often seems one hears how a collection of stuff or the house etc of the deceased is sold to pay taxes rather than benefit the relatives.

Matthew Burnette Auctions (Smile).

Well done, I'm sure the parts will find good homes.