John Gregory has passed away

Matt Holcomb · Matt Holcomb's Garage

Many of you will remember John, the seventy-one-year-old guru who rebuilt my engine.

John died on Tuesday after a long battle with bowel cancer. John kept the illness hidden from all of us, and was working 12-14-hour days until just before Christmas, when his body couldn't take any more.

John is survived by his wife, Jean.

Below is my eulogy, which I will be reading out on Friday.

I first met John in July 2001 when I approached him to rebuild an engine and transmission. I was instantly struck by John's enthusiasm, awed by his experience, and taken aback by his generosity.

John recognised in me a kindred spirit, as I did in him. John wanted me to have one of the best 2.7 litre Porsche engines in the world, even though I didn't have the money to have him build what he ended up building for me. John had a passion for pure and purposeful Porsches, and he was one of the lucky few who are able to make a passion work for them.

Over the course of the rebuild, we became good friends. I was able to observe--and assist--a genius, and I feel privileged to be have been deemed worthy of being a beneficiary to a small portion of his vast knowledge and experience. For a Porsche enthusiast, it was an unforgettable experience that demystified many things for me, but which ultimately elevated my appreciation for these cars. I'll never forget the moment when he fired up the rebuilt motor for the first time--John had tears in his eyes because he knew how excited I was, and how much I was going to enjoy driving--and racing--this car after waving his magic wand over the engine. But I think John was more excited than I was! I love Porsches, but, as you all know, John lived and breathed them for over forty years. It was a revelation. It was a lot of fun.

John had a deep understanding of and respect for the natural world, and as a result, he was able to appreciate how Porsche drew inspiration from the logic and elegant simplicity of nature when designing their cars. This was how John was able to improve cars that were already perfect. At one stage, John almost had me convinced that a Porsche engine was a living, breathing organism! What he did convince me of was that we all must find something we love doing and do it for the rest of our lives, which, I think, is the only true path to happiness and fulfillment.

John's zest and curiosity were infectious, and his energy and devotion to his craft at seventy-one years of age was truly inspiring. I'll never forget the stories of all those nights where he would rather drive his black 356 Speedster than sleep. He would often end up in another state at daybreak only to turn around and head back to Melbourne! I will never forget the twinkle of recognition in John's eyes when I would recount an enjoyable experience I had in my 911. But most of all, I will never forget John's kindness and friendship. I may have only known John for nearly two years--a mere blink out of the seventy-one years that John graced us all with his intelligence and vigor--however, the quality of those months have found permanence in my mind, and will have an influencing effect for a long time.

My 911, one of the last cars he restored, is now a mobile memorial to John's passion, his genius, and his memory. I will have a Spyder Automobiles decal on the car for as long as I own it. John had a dream of fielding his own two-car team in the Porsche Club of Victoria Championship. It was going to be John's triumphant return to glory--the veteran builder of championship-winning cars was going to add another trophy to his cabinet, and was going to unequivocally demonstrate the power of knowledge, creativity, and experience. He asked me to join his team. I said I would be honoured to.

Team Spyder has not died with John. It may only be a one-car team now, but I am determined to celebrate John's life--and his contribution to the club--by turning his dream into a reality. And when you hear one of the world's best 2.7 litre Porsche engines screaming along pit straight, the noise you will hear won't be a mixture of exhaust and induction roar, but the roar of John's passion, and his legacy.

Matt Holcomb
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Roy M · 03-19-2003, 02:31 AM

Didn't know him but sounds a great miss!

Deeks · 03-19-2003, 02:37 AM

Matt,

Beautifully written.
May he rest in peace.

DJB · 03-19-2003, 02:45 AM

Well done Matt, a beautiful piece.

Our condolences to the family, friends and fanatics.

nick-moss · nick-moss's Garage

May he rest in peace

I trust his memory will live on everytime that 2.7 MFI hit's the sweet spot

GeorgeK · 03-19-2003, 02:56 AM

I'm sure I'll hear some of him too on the Karusel next time I round it, because of you.
Sympathy to the family and friends.
GeorgeK

Adman · 03-19-2003, 03:06 AM

Matt,
Beautiful sentiment!
We can all learn from Johns life philosphy.
Thanks for sharing.
Condolences to you and Johns family.
Matthew

Jim Richards · 03-19-2003, 03:16 AM

John sounds like a wonderful person. My condolences to his family and friends.

Langers · 03-19-2003, 03:17 AM

A terrible loss. The Porsche community has lost another genius who has taken his secrets to the grave.

My condolences to his family, friends and associates.

Tinton · 03-19-2003, 03:30 AM

Deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

Adam · Adam's Garage

I was truly saddened to hear about John's passing today.

I met John after a lengthy telephone conversation regarding the rebuilding of my 915 transmission. He was forthright and very generous with his advice, with little heed to whether he was talking himself out of the business, or that I would take that advice to a cheaper shop.

Now John's factory wasn't at all close to my home, but I made the trek and entrusted my pride and joy to a man I had never met, on the basis of our phone conversation. He was so friendly, by the time I got there, I felt like I'd known him for years. I can now certainly say that there was nobody who could have done a better job than John.

I offer my sincerest condolences to John's family and to his vast, and very loyal customer base. The Porsche world is all the poorer for his passing.

Eric Mckenna · 03-19-2003, 03:45 AM

i AM SORRY TO HAR OF THE LOSS... HAT WAS WELL WRITTEN !
TAKE CARE OF THAT ENGINE!

ERIC

Tim Walsh · Tim Walsh's Garage

My sincerest condolences.

Team spyder is still a 2 car team, John's just running in a different class.

jabb · 03-19-2003, 04:55 AM

A sad day... sorry to hear of his loss

Rot 911 · 03-19-2003, 04:59 AM

Matt I followed along as you posted about your engine rebuild and chatted about John. I am saddened by the loss.

Dutchie · 03-19-2003, 05:02 AM

Matt my condolences for you and his family. You lost a great friend in John but i,m sure he will live on in your mind. Your piece is beautiful Matt. Make John proud and race that car like he would.

Ed

RickM · RickM's Garage

A truly touching piece. My thoughts to John and his family.

Halm · 03-19-2003, 05:17 AM

My condolences also. Always tough to lose a friend.

Mike M · Mike M's Garage

Matt...what a great tribute to someone that obviously affected you in a very profound way.Very nice words,well done....
Mike

911SC Pilot · 03-19-2003, 06:54 AM

That was a great piece. Sorry for your loss. At least you have a piece of him to keep with you.