We've lost a little bit of Porsche/VW history

[ckissick]

Early yesterday morning, we lost one of the earliest Porsche salesmen and longest running VW dealers in America, at the age of 88. Bob Kissick (yes, my father) started selling VWs and Porsches at Dave Rasmussen in San Bruno, CA in 1955, three years before I was born. They lost the Porsche franchise in the late 1960's but he stayed with VW until his declining health finally kept him away from the store a little over a year ago. He was with VW for 60 years.

It all began in 1953 when, while stationed in Heidelberg Germany, he bought a brand new 356 and brought it home to San Francisco. He used to say it was the 7th Porsche in California, but he might just have been embellishing his story. How many might there have been in CA in 1953?

Soon after returning to The City, he drove with his best friend, Doc, to Doc's girlfriend's house on Cole Street. Doc was a fighter pilot and an ultra cool dude. He should have been a movie star. He and my dad must have looked like Paul Newman and James Dean driving up in that car. My mom, the roommate, was mostly intrigued by the strange but cool car, but thought my dad was okay, too. Six months later, they drove that same car to Yellowstone on their honeymoon. My dad could always close a sale quickly. You could say I owe my existence to that little 356. But I think my mom would have liked him even if he drove a Ford. But I was definitely raised on Porsches and VWs.

While living in The City, strangers asked him about the 356 and where they could buy one. My dad would give them a sales pitch, and they would go straight to the newly opened dealership and buy one. The dealer, Dave Rasmussen, told my dad he had been selling more cars than any of his salesman, and offered him a job. He started selling Porsches in 1955 which, in retrospect, was an almost historic time to be in that business. He actually showed customers around 550 Spyders and a bunch of other great cars. Wow.

He moved up to manager and so on until he bought his own VW franchise in Redwood City in 1980. And the rest is history. He wished he could have also gotten a Porsche franchise in 1980, but he was located too close to Carlsen in Palo Alto.

He sold the 356 in 1955 when my sister was born. Also, he got to drive a "demonstrator" off the lot, so didn't need to own a car. But he later regretted selling it. What I would give to still have that car today! At least we still have the '50 split.

Of course I've been very sad. But he had 88 great years and was the best dad ever. How can I complain? We all know no one can go on forever, but we miss them anyway. Thanks, dad, for raising me right. There will never be a Honda in our garage. Never.

[KFC911]

My condolences for your loss....he still lives on in you and your memories. Nice post...remember the good times and smile a bit....he'd like that.

[nzporsche944s2]

Great memories and sorry for your loss.
By sharing these stories he will live on among people that never got a chance to meet him.

[pete3799]

My condolences Charlie.
A touching tribute to a great father.

[livi]

Sorry for your loss.

[slow&rusty]

Rest in peace..my condolences to you and your family.

[wdfifteen]

Sorry for you loss.
What a great story! Thank you.

[Tervuren]

You've had awesome parents.

[Baz]

I'm so sorry for your loss, Charlie. Indeed you & yours are fortunate to have had such a cool Dad and to have him for so many years.

Thanks for sharing your Dad's story with us, Charlie.

All the best.....

[onewhippedpuppy]

What an awesome eulogy. Sorry for your loss, but it sounds like he lived a full life.

[billybek]

Sorry to hear of your dads passing.

88 is a pretty good run and it sounds like he had led an interesting and successful life.

My dad is 88 and has slowed down considerably the last couple of years.

It is funny how when we were younger, we just assumed that our parents should and would be around for the rest of our lives.

[GH85Carrera]

Sorry for your loss.

[kach22i]

Thank you for sharing your story, carry on in his name.

[Craig T]

I'm so sorry Charlie. My best to you and your family.

As a person abandoned by an alcoholic father at a young age, I can only envy a father-son relationship that would warrant your sharing such thoughtful post. I'm sure you'll miss him.

[arerrac]

So sorry for you loss!!!

I actually met your father about 10+ years ago. I worked down the street at Castle Insurance and my boss had your fathers personal insurance policies. You dad called looking for a Hagerty quote for the '55. I was sent over and met your dad and went over the particulars of the car. Talked VW's and P-cars for a while and he did mention his son living on the coast and the cars you had. So now, every time I see an Split Window VW, I think of the time I had the opportunity to view one of the finest examples on the west coast.
Rest assured that his memory is being carried on by people you've never met.

[Noah930]

Condolences on the passing of your father.

[Rikao4]

RIP Mr Kissick..
wonderful tribute..
some of you are / were blessed..
with quality time and wonderful memories..
alas..like Craig said..
it's a treasure chest some of us don't have a map to..

Rika

[pwd72s]

What a great batch of memories of your father. My condolences...

[GWN7]

Sorry for your loss. Nice story of your family.

[speeder]

Add my condolences, may he rest in peace. I've always enjoyed your presence here, you're a real enthusiast w provenance.

It sounds like he led a long and meaningful life.