I just found out today that Kurt passed away last
month from complications related to his surgery. His wife told
me that he was still upbeat at the end and that he passed away
without pain.
I first met Kurt because of our hats that we were
selling many years ago for the club . Since I was traveling to
Las Vegas were he lived, we thought it would be a nice idea to
meet up. Kurt said we could go meet his friend at the toy
store. Well, he comes to pick me up , and as I enter his truck
there is a 9mm pistol on the seat. Kurt saw my eyes go wide
and said "Oops, I'm a police officer, don't worry" and showed
me his badge. Whew. So off to see the owner of the toy
store. Now, since we'd discussed conversion of the plastic
Stuart online many times I figured it was a true toy store. I
also was not too excited about going but, you, know, when in
Vegas.
As we left the downtown shopping area we proceeded
to the industrial area. You know, drab buildings.high steel
fences with razor wire. We pull into one of these and as we
turn the corner I now understood the reason Kurt wanted me to
see the "TOY STORE". Sitting outside his friends building is a
fully operational Saladin armored car. And inside is a Ferret
in final restoration. This was the moment that the "Alliance"
was formed.
Since that day, Kurt and I became fast friends. When
his job brought him east to DC he would come up for dinner, or
to do a little woodsball paintball. When I would go to Vegas,
we'd meet up to discuss tanks, his restoration of his Datsun
240z and other junk that friends waste their time debating.
The one thing that always will stay with me about Kurt is the
joy he had about life in general. In the picture where Kurt is
taking possession of the Brummbar, the smile you see on his
face was the same one I saw every time we met. And I'm sure
it was on his face daily.
I will miss you my friend.
John "The Alliance lives" Pittelli
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