Otto takes his tools and has Moved on.

[Heeltoe914]

I just got word that a Great Driver, A 914 enthusiast who truly lived and breathed 914s, 911s and the Porsche dream has passed. My friend John Williamson.
We all know the knowledge and creations of John. I can truly smile at some of the things I remember him for. I was a 20 year kid going to school in West Los Angeles, I wanted so much to get into 914s. But I had the below average college funding. I found a $1000 non-running 914 and needed some advise to get it going. I found John, AKA; OTTO. First thing he said to me was "take the motor out bring it in we will look at it". I said "I don't have that kind of money!"
Before I could say another word he put a book in my hand and ask me what kind of work can I do. I said I do construction. The next week I bring the motor in and before I can even go take a piss he had the heads off. I said "Whoa! Stop I cant afford this."
Anyone who knew Otto will agree that it does not matter what you say, he is going to do it his way. From that day he showed me all the little tricks on how to do 914 motors. Never did I pay anything, but blood and sweat, working around his shop from time to time.
Fast forward 30 years later, I will miss the great conversation on racing and the personal trust that him and I had. I hope that like me, several of you will understand this loss to the Porsche world. But know like me, that they must have needed a mechanic in heaven.

R.I.P - John Williamson 2-8-13.

-------------------------------------------------
Leamon S. 9146

[jhora]

Well damn...another good one gone
never met Otto in person but talked to him many times on the phone over the years and he always had time to talk to me about 914s...
RIP Otto....

[John Rogers]

San Diego Parade, I think this was John.

[Nostril Cheese]

RIP.

Sad to hear this. Otto taught me to drive.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

RIP, John. I only met him a few times, but he was a real fixture in the 914 universe! One of the originals.

--DD

[GeorgeRud]

Those that met him will never forget him. Those that had not had the chance to meet him certainly missed an original.

Only had a few chances to meet him, but it was always fun and he was always helpful and not shy about telling you how to do something.

I imagine he can have some great times with Smokey Yunick (another original) up in automotive heaven.

R.I.P. John!

[Quick Chick]

I first met John through the POC. John or "Otto" as most know him was a crusty curmudgeon but one with many redeeming qualities. Always willing to jump in the right seat at POC Short Track events, it was John that taught me on several occasions how and why being smooth was the key to being fast. When I needed Porsche trivia questions for an event, he went digging through his PCA Parade archives and found a bunch of fabulous information for me. After I became a member of the POC board, John wouldn't hesitate to call me when he thought I needed to know something or his opinion. Usually, he was right on target.

On the other hand, he wasn't an instructor for the timid. I've seen a few newbies get out of the car with him and swear to never come back. I've been to dinners with him and his posse where the drink did not stop flowing. Many nights were spent dancing at the "Space Bar" (a very colorful collection of local characters that John loved to be in the middle of) on Sierra Hwy in Lancaster.

For many years, this is how our conversation went before a track event:
John: "Where are you staying?"
Jackie: "The Devonshire"
John: "Why don't come share a room with me?"
Jackie: "Thank you for the offer John but I think not!"

I will raise a glass in your honor tonight John. I know that you are driving a very special Porsche, or two, or ten, as we speak.

Rest in Peace my friend.

[Marc Bixen]

I think they still have a picture of him at the Lancaster Inn. R.I.P. Spanky.

[The cap'n]

40 years of friendship, and picking up the phone to talk with him was always like continuing the conversation. He got me started as a professional wrench, helped me get my first 2 jobs in the biz, and we even worked together at a couple of shops. I'll miss him, and never forget either the friendship or the "adventures" of the early years ....................... As much as I never liked Cuba Libre's, I'll have one today in his memory.

The Cap'n

[Maltese Falcon]

Originally Posted by Marc Bixen

I think they still have a picture of him at the Lancaster Inn. R.I.P. Spanky.

And he always had his same lucky room reserved at the Inn .
I think 146

[Maltese Falcon]

John Williamson, POC instructor magnifique !

[Marc Bixen]

If anyone here's about a memorial service please post here. I understand there will potentially a memorial at Willow Springs?????