Passing of the torch !

[druby]

My name is Dan Ruby, son Potomac Region’s charter member Henry Ruby. I’ve been associated with the CLC for 46 years and active member well over 30 years. My passion for Cadillac began at a young age and continue to this day. My father was always a car guy his entire life, he liked many different automobiles but his passion was Cadillac’s. During his life we had over 75 different Cadillac ranging from the 40’s thru the 90’s. My earliest memory of my fathers interest was in 1967 when as a little boy my father took me with him to Pennsylvania to purchase a 1953 Cadillac Coupe DeVille, I remember standing up in the front seat all the way home just to see out the windshield ! The following year he went back to the same owner and purchased his other 53 Coupe DeVille. As a excited kid, I rode with my father to the store and when he made a sudden stop my head put a small dent in the metal dash where it still remains. My father work on the railroad in the DC area and serviced the major scrapyards. My dad was well liked by the owners of the local yards and let’s just say the took care of each other, anytime a Cadillac rolled over the scales, they put it aside and me father and I would go there on the weekend and strip anything we wanted off the old Cadillac’s, by the time we got done it was just a carcass. We used many parts for ourselves to restore the cars we had, then we would pack up twice a year for Carlisle & Hershey in the Spring & Fall. For many years we were one of a very few who sold strictly Cadillac parts at both events, for years we did well and made many friends. My father and I remained active in our local region and attended GN together when time allowed. We built and restored two cars in particular, a 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible & 1953 Cadillac Coupe DeVille. We toured these two cars together out to the Midwest, down South & up North throughout the country. When my father was diagnosed with cancer in 2010 we would ride together in the same car to shows. During one of our rides we discussed the future of how we would handle things when the time comes. I asked him what he wanted to happen with his cars & parts business he did on the side and he stated to me “ Son, I’ve left you with enough knowledge, you know what do. My wish is to continue the passion you have for the club, don’t forget those that helped you along the way.....and one last thing, I’d like to know that the two cars we had fun with remain together as long as you can”. Sadly he passed Fathers Day 2012 and the promise I made to him remains ! My 53 has remained in the family for 52 years...........and so the torch has been passed !!!

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Great story Dan, and many memories.   No wonder it has taken so long for you to compose this tribute.

Bruce.

[35-709]

A fine piece and a great tribute.

[Scot Minesinger]

Dan,

Wow did not realize how early you started enjoying Cadillacs with your Dad. 

Thanks again for selling me the 400lbs of Cadillac fasteners that accumulated over the years - I never have to drive to HD or go on line for these, wait to continue a project, or install the wrong fastener.  My daughter's summer job was to sort these fasteners back in 2012 into about 100 bins.

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Thanks for sharing your story with us Dan. I hope your family will carry on the tradition when the day comes.

[harry s]

Dan, Heartfelt and fitting. Henry was one of a kind!      Harry

[TMoore - NTCLC]

Thank you for sharing that inspiring story - let's all hope that there are many other families that share the passion that you and your father shared.  I hope to be able to see your cars in person during one of our events.

[Chris Cummings]

Dan,  Your Dad was a great fellow and will always be missed by everyone who knew him.  Thank you for sharing your story.

Chris