February 12, 2008, 3:13 pm
Eric Courtwright wrote :
Gary was an awesome guy, that taught us all a lot about SVO's and about life. Always ready to help. He will truly be missed

February 12, 2008, 6:02 pm
Bud Morton wrote :
It was the summer of July 1997. We had a weekend planned. Venture north together in this Jalapeno Red SVO and have some fun at the Columbus All Ford show. I was picking Gary up at his house. Ryan was a mere 5 yrs old - running around wearing his bath towel as a superhero cape. The weekend, even though very memorable, was a let down cause the SVO gathering had no fizzle. As we pointed Ol Red south sunday night - Gary looked at me and said, "Let's start our own club. Get in touch with that from Maryland and let's all meet up and see what we can come up with." I just nodded and made fun of that dorky guy from Ohio who had leather interior, 5 point red harnesses, and a HUGE Koni sticker on the fender. We stopped and spent the $20 we won for 'longest distance traveled' on dinner at a Steak and Shake. You see, there would be no SVOCA without Gary Alsobrooks. I'm gonna miss ya bro.

February 12, 2008, 7:17 pm
Mike "Gator" Paruleski wrote :
If it was not for Gary, we wouldn't have the SVOCA. Once again, Gary was and will continue to be a friend, an inspiration and a mentor. Godspeed my friend.

February 12, 2008, 10:23 pm
Ty Burgin wrote :
Where do you begin to speak about Gary?

He was one of those individuals that when you see them you always get a handshake and a hug!

My best memories will be the weekends he,Lynett and Ryan spent at the house getting ready to go to Talladega or just coming down to visit.

It just seemed that nothing would take that smile off of his face especially when he could get behind the wheel for awhile.

Gary I know that you are starting a club up there and save me a slot to park beside you.

I am really going to miss you!

February 12, 2008, 10:37 pm
"82ttops" mike burson wrote :
you will be missed greatly , your advice and encouragement helped me save my marriage . you will never be forgoten . thank you for all you have done for me.

February 12, 2008, 10:50 pm
Don "Buttah" Bishop wrote :
Back in 99 when I attended my first reunion, Gary was the first guy in the club I met. I walked in the hospitality room (looking lost) when Gary came up to me, introduced himself and after a few minutes of small talk I knew the SVOCA was for me. He always made you feel like a good friend. The world needs more people like Gary Alsobrooks.

February 12, 2008, 11:03 pm
Andy Corum wrote :
I've known Gary for a long time. I can't believe I've been in this crazy hobby for 20 years this year. In that time - if you did anything with performance Fords - You got to know Gary Alsobrooks. I'm proud to say that I considered Gary a good friend, and I hope he felt the same way towards me. Gary was one of the most super-positive people you ever wanted to meet. He loved people, and he loved this hobby. One of the last really good conversations we had was on line - he was talking about wanting to have a Mustang shop - a place where "like-minded" folks could "hang".. always thinking of his friends and these cars!

Gary knew his stuff and touched countless lives. My thoughts go to his family right now. His son has a great example of a man to model his life after.

Gary - you will be very much missed.

February 12, 2008, 11:31 pm
Steven Kyle Shaw wrote :
Gary was one heck of a cool dude. I bought Saleen 86-120 from him a few years ago. I never got to meet Gary as he was having health problems at the time. He will be missed.

February 13, 2008, 6:40 am
Kurt Hepner (NavySVO) wrote :
Gary, I never got the priviledge of meeting you. I hope you are in a better place now, with a field of four-eyes, SVOs, and all the stuff Ford has made us all so fond of, and a TFI that will never fail you!
I want to thank you for helping pioneer the SVOCA, as it has become my 2nd home.
Peace be with you.

February 13, 2008, 7:52 am
Chris Hadden wrote :
After reading all this I was truly speachless. I have known Gary for many years and you could'nt find another example of an extrodinary person. He had a passion for cars that he loved to share and had some pretty great stories. He will be missed! My prayers go out to Ryan and Lynett. God Speed brother, I'll see you on the other side.

February 13, 2008, 8:07 am
Eric Davidson wrote :
Wanted to send my prayers out to Gary's family. I met Gary thru my brother about 7 years ago at one of the first couple of SVO Reunion's. Although I didn't know him well, my first impression was a kind, genuine person who loved SVO's. This guy would give you the shirt off his back if needed. Very sad to hear of his passing.


February 13, 2008, 9:49 am
J. A. Caraco wrote :
I never had a chance to meet Gary in person, but he will be missed.
My prayers to his family.

February 13, 2008, 9:56 am
David Sloop wrote :
As many others have mentioned... Gary was one of the most likeable guys ever. He was one of the first to welcome me to "SVO Central" at my first Reunion. He was the first to offer pointers at that first autocross. Let me ride along with him too. He was always smiling. Went out of his way to say hello at shows where we often ran into each other. Helped many folks, both with car stuff, and more.
He will be missed.
Now he's in a place with no speed limits and an unlimited supply of fuel. That's heaven to a true car guy.
Gary... Save me a spot in that car club you're surely starting up there...
I'll see you then.


February 13, 2008, 10:30 am
Paul Becker wrote :
I first met Gary at the original SVO Reunion...I travelled from MD with the title to my SVO in the glove box with the intent on selling it because I had not been able to find a group associated with the car...The weekend was Rainy...VERY Rainy but Gary's personality was such that it could have been a Blizzard and 40 below and you wouldn't care...he just brightened up the entire event. His enthusiasm and Friendship made you forget about anything else going on in the world. After that event I decided to keep the car and we all got together and formed the SVOCA in a hotel room in Bristol Virginia....I still remember the 5 of us at Dinner asking what was on the bar and the waitress replying "you just gotta go up there"...we all laughed and years later still laughed about that. Ever since Gary has been a great friend...one of those you cherish forever and at a time like this can't continue typing without pausing to dry your eyes....Gary was so much a part of the SVOCA that I cannot even visit the site over the past couple of days without a tear coming to my eyes....Gary IS the reason the SVOCA exists...without his enthusiasm and kickstart we all would have never gotten together and made it happen. So many memories of open track events, car shows or just friendly visits....I am a mess the past 2 days just thinking about all the good times and the friend I will not be able to call or visit with any longer. Gary will NEVER be forgotten by any of those who ever met him and especially those who called him friend.

February 13, 2008, 11:44 am
Ken Potter wrote :
I first met Gary back in the very early 90s when I was VP of the SVOOA Georgia chapter. He helped arrange the first SVOctober Fest at the Talladega Gran Prix track. He had his 84 2A that he is pictured with above. He truly inspired me and so many other people to learn how to race and work on their SVOs. He was always friendly and made everybody laugh and feel welcome no matter who they were.

While I only had contact with him by EMail over the last several years he was the kind of friend who talking to him time didn't matter. Years could go by and when you spoke it was just like yesterday. He will be missed and my prayers go out to his family.

February 13, 2008, 12:13 pm
Tony Wright wrote :
Gary and I never met. We emailed back and forth on a few things and when something I wrote in one of the forums caught his eye. I could get 30 emails and I found that his was one of the first to be looked at. The emails slowed in the last 6-9 months but the warmth, friendship and Enthusiasm were always there. His family is in our hearts and prayers right now. May they find the warmth, courage and strength they need in the difficult times ahead. Gary, Rest in peace.

February 13, 2008, 2:13 pm
"gregpro50" Greg Griffiths wrote :
While I never met Gary in person he participated in a number of different forums that I also participated on. I always enjoyed his enthusiasm for the hobby and his attitude towards life. My heart goes out to his family and all that knew him.

February 13, 2008, 3:35 pm
Dave Grathwohl wrote :
All of us in the Music City Mustang Club are going to miss Gary. Being fairly new around here I met Gary a couple of times over the past 2 years at our monthly meetings. He got a bunch of Saleen guys to come to our annual All ford Show last year and i was looking forward to seeing him out there again this year. His passing is a sad note...HE will be sorely missed.

February 13, 2008, 5:02 pm
John Scurry wrote :
While I never had the privilage of meeting Gary, from what I have heard and read lets me know that I missed out on meeting one hell of a man and friend. You friends here will miss you and we will try to uphold that which you started.

February 13, 2008, 5:16 pm
Chris Roth wrote :
This is a sad day for the SVO community. Our thoughts and prayers go to Gary's wife and son. You will be missed Gary.

February 13, 2008, 6:04 pm
Robbie Gray wrote :
I did not know Gary , but after having my own battle with cancer and losing my father to that terrible disease I just wanted to tell Gary's Family and close friends that they are in my prayers .God Bless all of you .

February 13, 2008, 8:23 pm
Mike O'Connor wrote :
Like Most I met Gary at one of the Reunions realizing that he was a true enthusiast!! A few years later I was lucky enough to meet him again and do business w/ him when I bought my GT Turbo. It is a very sad day to lose a Man that was such a stand up person as Gary. You will be Missed.

February 13, 2008, 8:45 pm
Roger E. Kleiber aka "NINJABOY" wrote :
Gary was one of the many friendly faces I met at the SVOCA reunion held at Carlisle, PA back in 1999. A big guy who demonstrated that typical southern hospitality. I remember there being a RFC sticker on his car too "Racers for Christ", a God-fearing, family man, he had instantly earned my respect. I gawked over his car and he invited me to go autocrossing with him on Sunday. In the process, I earned my nickname and developed a love for autocrossing. He and Lynette were responsible for that. I'll never forget it. My respect and condolances to his family. I'll miss him!

February 13, 2008, 9:56 pm
Mark Hatfield wrote :
To be in Gary's presense was truly a joy. He was one of the finest man to walk the earth. Always had a smile and was everyone's friend. He was simply a good person. He had a way of making everyone he met feel better.

You don't have to worry about Gary - he is in heaven cruisin around with the windows down and a smile on his face. We should all be as fortunate.

Pause and say a prayer for Lynett and Ryan. They will need it.

February 13, 2008, 10:42 pm
Bill Hatfield wrote :
Gary was one of the most friendly, outgoing, and unselfish person that I have known in my 79 years of meeting people. Gary was an inspiration to everyone he met. He will be sorely missed by his many friends and the SVO family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lynette, Ryan and the Alsobrooks family.

The Bill Hatfield family

February 13, 2008, 11:10 pm
Jay "jayG" Griffin wrote :
Thank you Gary for all you have giving in life. Let us all remember the impression Gary has left as we press on. Gary's life although much too short, was very full nonetheless. Godspeed and be at peace my friend.

February 13, 2008, 11:51 pm
Greg Hess - "8T6 SVO" wrote :
I never met Gary. His posts regarding transplants and the fight for life were nothing but inspirational. To me, Gary was a person to listen to and learn from. Great worldliness in his communication. A smart man.

My prayers are with you and your family.

February 14, 2008, 3:00 am
Perry Mitchell wrote :
What more can I possibly say about Gary than what has already been said. He was simply an outstanding man. It was a priviledge to have known him and an honor to have called him "friend."

February 14, 2008, 1:22 pm
Todd Burkhart wrote :
I'm sorry to hear about Gary. My prayers go out to his family and friends. I'm glad to have known Gary if only a little.

February 14, 2008, 4:05 pm
Mikey Ray wrote :
As with any car club, there’s a diverse group of personalities involved; but without an anchor to pull them all in the same direction, the club won’t be successful. Gary was our anchor. Both the SVOCA and SVOOA have benefited from his guidance and leadership over the years. I have to admire someone as friendly, collected, professional, enthusiastic & wise as Gary was. I know I may never get there, but I always have him to look up to. The SVOCA has come along way from our beginnings at a rain-soaked Reunion in 1997. The duct tape that held my car together at that show is now gone but the friendship he has given all of us will remain forever. Thanks Gary.

February 15, 2008, 6:44 am
Kerry Brown wrote :
A firm handshake and a smile. Good way to remember someone.

February 15, 2008, 3:50 pm
Gene Beaird wrote :
Wow!

I've known Gary for many years, although I have never personally met him. It's his 84 that helped us make up our mind to get a SVO when we started looking for a dedicated autocross car to replace our low-mileage garage queens. I liked the way he used the silver tape to hide the rock chips.

God's Speed, Gary, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Gene Beaird


February 16, 2008, 8:52 am
Dave "CaliforniaDreamr" Fry wrote :
Although I have never met Gary, I am impressed by the comments here. It is always a sad time when someone passes on, but there is great hope in knowing Gary knew Christ. I too will pray for Lynette and Ryan. It is my prayer that the comments on this site will bring comfort to friends and family. Take care.

February 17, 2008, 9:30 am
Rick Trace (UnderPressure) wrote :
Gary did & gave so much to so many in so many different ways. He will be missed. My thoughts & prayers for Lynette & Ryan and all his family & friends.

February 17, 2008, 6:51 pm
Dave Compton wrote :
This is such a loss....

To everyone who met Gary, and those touched by the legacy he has left behind.

He was a good man. You don't get to meet too many of those in your life. Thanks for being you, Gary!

February 18, 2008, 9:45 pm
scott alsobrooks wrote :
Im garys brother thanks for all the great comments... he loved his cars

February 20, 2008, 11:29 am
Matt Curtis (Runkster) wrote :
I am sorry to hear about Gary and how many of you have lost a great friend in him. From what I have read I wish I could have met him just once. I recently lost a close friend of the same calibur. I pray for all of those who are greiving this great loss.

Thanks Gary for all you have brought to this world and giving us the SVOCA.

Matt

February 21, 2008, 12:59 am
Jake Graves wrote :
R.I.P. Gary


March 3, 2008, 8:44 pm
Andrew Enot wrote :
I had the pleasure of talking to Gary when I bought the Mac Tools SVO ... it was the only time I had ever talked to him but he spoke to me like we'd been friends since high school. He certainly had a great appreciation for the svo, no doubt...it was fun talking cars with him. I regret I never had the opportunity to meet him. My prayers are with his family


March 11, 2008, 12:37 pm
Mark Haas wrote :
I didn't know I had a relationship with Gary! That is sad on my part!!!
I found a note he wrote (a year ago) and it shows his passion was with the cars (not the people or the money)-you can tell by his tone.....

Thats a shame, especially if it has the MAC car in it...once again, that should be with the car.

My house in all torn up due to having windows installed and repainting. I will round up some things I have and send them to you to stay with the MAC TOOL car. If any or all of it is junk to you just pitch it.......80's vintage (?) jacket, the round metal lapel button, MAC TOOL limited edition knife, and more.
__________________
Gary Alsobrooks
SVOCA Founding 5 , #005

Gary never got the time to see these items back with the MAC TOOLS CAR, they can't be bought I respect his thoughts and wishes!

March 15, 2008, 8:07 am
George Comesanas-"Ki" wrote :
Sorry to hear about Gary- My condolences to his family. I only met him a couple of times, but he did love the hobby. Rest in Peace.

March 15, 2008, 3:37 pm
Bryan Russell (Grapevine Texas) Bigbsvo wrote :
Although I never met Gary I would at times be blessed to have email comunitations with him over the years. He was always willing to take his time to anwer my questions and was always a blessing to other SVO owners.
I know he will be sorely missed in the SVO club and by his family, my heart felt prayers and thoughts go out to all of his loved ones during this difficult time.

God bless you Gary.


Bryan Russell

Grapevine Texas

March 15, 2008, 4:58 pm
Ryan Alsobrooks wrote :
This is really nice what ya'll are doing and all.

March 25, 2008, 2:23 pm
Scott Wigginton wrote :
I hate to say I have not been to the SVOCA website for a while, and can't say how sad it was to read about Gary's passing.

Its hard to come up with the words to describe Gary besides awesome. It did not matter why you called him, Gary was always ready to talk and help another car guy out. RIP Gary, you will be missed by the many people you crossed paths with.

Our family sends its sincere belated sympathies to Lynn and Ryan and all that knew him, we have all lost a true friend.

March 25, 2008, 9:45 pm
Dave Warren wrote :
I remember meeting Gary Alsobrooks in April of 1995 in Goodlettsville, TN at a Shelby and Ford show where the SVOCA would be formed 3 years later. I was with my Dad and Brother in Law. When he saw our SVO, he instantly insisted it be put in the show even though we had just gotten it and it wasn't ready for a show.

I will never forget Gary's enthusiasm, his positive attitude, his love and respect for his fellow man and I could go on... Ryan was 2 then, and Gary told me "I took Ryan out in the OH the other day!"(Ryan couldn't say SVO yet). What a great man, friend, club member... My prayers are with you, Lynette and Ryan.

I know that because of his faith in God and Jesus that he is with them now and no longer suffering. We are all better for having known Gary!

Thanks Gary, for your friendship, support and encouragement all these years. For the legacy you leave behind ...

Dave Warren

April 2, 2008, 8:51 pm
Mike Pate aka insureagent wrote :
Man I don't know where to start, I am so sad to read this news, I too have to shamefully admit I have not visited the site in a while. I purchased my '84 SVO in August of 1998, I attended the Music City Mustang show, if my memory serves me correctly it was September 1998 while visiting my family that year. I remember talking to Gary about this new SVO Club, I did not wind up joining then, but I joined the following year and attended the SVOCA
Reunion in 1999, I didn't know what to expect but I remember Gary and that smile and I was so excited to win a Second Place in the 1984 class. I have not gotten to attend as many reunions as I would like to, but I will never forget the friendship that was extended at that first Reunioun I attended and definitely will never forget Gary, thanks for the kindness and I will continue to say a prayer for the family.

Mike Pate

April 20, 2008, 8:05 pm
Doug Francis wrote :
I have had mustangs all my life and have been involved in autocross on and off since I was 16. Of all the people that I have met with mustangs and autocrossing Gary was one of the greates I have ever come across. The reason for this statement you see is that is didn't matter wether it was the first time i met him or after a long absense he would always give me a big smile and treat me in the way that friends always should. It sadden me that I have missed his passing. Though I am sure he will be there to meet us all again some day with his big smile and laugh. To his family this is but a small tribute to how rich he was in family and friends. We will all miss you

April 28, 2008, 4:17 pm
Don Cotham wrote :
I knew Gary so mant years I can't remember when we first met. Every time he saw me it was like he was your best friend in the world, and he was. When Gary worked for Cole Brothers he used to come to the dealership where I worked on a pretty regular basis and he would always drive around the building looking for my SVO. If he couldn't find it I would get a phone call "Where is it? Don't tell me you sold it."
I know this is late but I didn't find out about his passing until yesterday.
Kodak, you will be truly missed by me and my family. I hope they have open track days in heaven.

Don Cotham
don86svo

June 1, 2008, 1:00 pm
Neil G. Chirico wrote :
So sorry to come on this site today and read this. It's a sad day when you find that someone you knew is gone to early...

October 14, 2008, 9:40 pm
Sammy wrote :
May God bless the love ones of Gary that he gently left behind he will always be alive in our hearts and spirits as well as our SVO'S. Gary your stillthe Bomb!

February 24, 2009, 10:13 pm
Bryan wrote :
Can't believe it's been a little over a year now since we lost our dear friend. Hope his family is well. Prayers continue.
Bryan,


February 25, 2009, 7:37 pm
Tommy Smith wrote :
I miss you "dude"

February 20, 2010, 10:17 pm
Mike wrote :
Rest In Peace

June 9, 2010, 9:27 am
Frazier Nivens wrote :
Was just thinking of my friend Gary yesterday. We worked together when I lived in Nashville at McGinnis photo long ago.

I have a photo of him and I in my studio on 2nd Ave. North of us together, just posted it yesterday on my Facebook page.

His wife may want to have it.

My email is: frazier@oceanimaging.com

I'd be happy to send it via email.

So wish that we had been able to stay in touch.

Frazier Nivens
Key Largo, Florida


September 19, 2011, 7:43 am
Don Brodersen wrote :
I am greatly honored to have received the Gary Alsobrooks memorial award at the 32nd annual all ford show at the Nashville superspeedway this past weekend. I learned a lot about Gary that day and feel left out to have never met him. Thank you Gary for all you have done for us.