John Washburn

[Brent Hladky #21519]

With a very heavy heart, I am saddened to let you know that John Washburn (aka The Johnny), a long time CLC (and Rocky Mountain Region) member, very active participant of this Forum, and author of the Washburn’s Wisdom column in our Self-Starter magazine, passed away on Friday, August 21 due to complications from lung surgery.

The amount of time, effort, and knowledge that John put into writing his articles, helping us out with advice on the Forum, and discussing Cadillac matters over the phone or in person with us was literally unbelievable.  Many of us were also fortunate enough to have had John as a friend: something for which we are all richer.

John will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and fellow Cadillacers.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

What sad news to read first thing in the morning.

John was a very likeable fellow, and would go out of his way to assist anyone, and his loss will leave a huge hole in the lives of everyone that knew him, either personally, or otherwise.

Drive high Jon, and now you won't need your oxygen hose at the top of Pikes Peak.

Bruce.

[cadman56]

My wife and I  sstopped to visit John on our way to Denver about 4 years ago.  He was very gracious and yes, I will greatly miss him and his wisdom and knowledge. 

[harry s]

Sad to hear. He takes a wealth of knowledge with him. RIP.      Harry

[J. Gomez]

As Bruce mention it’s indeed very sad news.   

I’ve never meet Johnny in person but had several conversation with him as well as multiple emails exchanges over the years we knew each other.

We all going to miss his wealth of knowledge in the Cadillac world and his good sense of humor from the Self Starter tech articles.

As Johnny prefer words on his articles, let’s raise our glasses of wine to celebrate Johnny’s memory, you will be missed my friend.

I would like to express my sincere condolences to his family.

[Lexi]

Very sad news. John was always a fine gentleman and very helpful to us on the Mid-Century Forum. My condolences to his family and loved ones. Clay/Lexi

[HerbP]

I was very fortunate to live near and visit with John from time to time.  He was certianly one of the good guys, always happy to share his knowledge, wit, wisdom, and to lend a hand if needed.  He helped me immensely with my old LaSalle, and passed on more knowledge to me in a few short years than most gather in a lifetime, I suspect...I wish I remembered most of it.

RIP, Johnny.  Thanks for helping this newbie and I hope your roads and smooth, skies are clear, and the rest stops have a good Cabernet.

[Jay Friedman]

I met John (or The Johnny as he styled himself) in person at a Grand National some years ago, talked to him on the phone occasionally and corresponded with him quite a bit.  He was a member of the Forty Niners Chapter and one of his many interests that we shared was '49 Cadillacs.  John had a wealth of knowledge about Cadillacs as was seen in his Washburn's Wisdom columns, many of which I clipped out from the magazine and kept in a file.

A project I regret I never carried out was to visit him at his home in Colorado, where he had a building (or buildings) full of parts and equipment. 

My sincere condolences to his family.

Jay Friedman

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

All I can do is frown. Nothing else to say 😔.
Jeff

[marty55cdv]

  I saw the topic and got an awful feeling, I bought my first Cadillac from John, my 55 Coupe DeVille in 2005. I visited his home to inspect the car.  I spent a little time doing that but also enjoying his collection of cars, test equipment , etc . I left there absolutely hooked on Cadillac and Lasalle, I was overwhelmed and amazed by what I saw. It was my first experience with old cars of any kind and it made a big impression on me.  I told John I used to work on VW's and he would say he was glad he had saved from the Dark-side. When I would find another car I would email him some pics and blame my "Cadiction" on him.   My thoughts are with his family.    " Glad this is just a hobby"  " Call me on my shoe phone"  John you will be missed...

[Roger Zimmermann]

Sad news. I too, appreciate his reports in the Self-Starter. My condolences to his family.

[PHIL WHYTE CLC 14192]

Very sad news. I only "knew" him through chats on the old mid-century Cadillacs forum (as mentioned by Clay) and from his great articles in the Self Starter. Condolences to his family.

[M. Bankes]

Hi,
That’s very sad news, although I never meet John in person we had quite a few dealings together and I always enjoyed talking to him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family
Michael

[South_paw]

Came here to validate the news I got yesterday. Having a hard time accepting this. He will be missed

[James Landi]

John's column was alight with wit and wisdom.  He ALWAYS included great moments of self effacing humor, followed by his obligatory and  signature " ...glass of merlot."  I always read John's column, not because I own any of the cars he featured, but because he reminded me of the best personal qualities that good persevering and creative  people have who bring passion, good humor, and a loving heart to a personal project.  He certainly will be missed.  James

[Caddieman53]

Very sad news. I learned a lot from his comments and self starter articles. Condolences to his family. RIP John.

[quadfins]

His monument is in the number of people whom he touched and brightened. We should all be so fortunate.

When I work on a car project, I will always think of him, which will bring a good memory, a smile to my face, and a toast of red wine- his hallmark.

Jim

[76eldo]

Very sad news.
I never met the man but always enjoyed his writings.
Condolences to the family and his friends.

Brian

[35-709]

I can only add my feelings of sadness and loss to the many expressions of the same above.  I met him briefly at the St. Augustine, FL GN and always enjoyed his Self-Starter articles.
Geoff N.

[Chris Bryant #19358]

What a terrible shame! I always looked forward to his well-done articles. I will have an extra glass of red wine at supper in his memory!
I hope his family will be well supported during and after this awful time. He will never be forgotten!

Chris Bryant #19358