I am extremely shocked to her of Phil's death....i'm from Nigeria and i've had the privilege to speak to Phil on a number of ocassions and he has always been very helpful and patient even when i have woken him up in the middle of the night due to different time zones> My heart goes out to his friends and family. RIP PHIL......

So sorry to hear about Phil's passing. He was a gem of man and always helpful and genuine when I called. He leaves a void in many areas I read. Glad to hear he loved Jesus, maybe I can shake his hand one day in the sky.

__________________

"Gerwalt" 1984 - 300TD

RIP buddy. Heartfelt condolences to all who were touched by this most righteous soul.

A heart felt Thank you, to all who answered.

e-mail FROM: RCH
Roy,
I am very sorry to hear this news. Please accept my condolences.
He was one of a kind when it came to patience and helping customers.
Filling his shoes will be a very difficult task.

e-mail FROM: RSV
I'm sorry to hear this, Roy. My dad passed away two weeks ago from a heart attack as well.

e-mail FROM: DSD
I saw the notice. Tragic news.
Those shoes, or rather that seat, will never be filled.
Beyond the loss of a truly gracious and generous person, there's literally an encyclopedic virtual database of stories and tips now lost to future benzoids.
Aloha from Honolulu

e-mail FROM: NB
Dear Roy
I am so sorry for your loss. For the short time I have known Phil he was a good man, helpful and always a gentleman. You are all in my prayers.

e-mail FROM: DAC
This is such a shock.

e-mail FROM: CW
Roy,
I am so sorry to hear that, my condolences. Wow life is short. I really enjoyed working with Phil, a nice guy. My thoughts are with his family and friends. I will visit the links you sent.

e-mail FROM: JB
That is a true shame. I did not know Phil well, but over the past few years I've placed occasional orders for various parts, and every time, Phil provided me with guidance and understanding, taught me the context of whatever problem I was trying to solve, and helped me not only get to the right solution but see the bigger picture. To say he went above and beyond customer service doesn't even describe it - I'd call you guys for customer service, and he would provide fundamental mentor-ship.

For that matter, I don't know you very well either, Roy, but you've always done the same for me, so I should probably say - thank you.

e-mail FROM: GT
Roy, thank you for sending this note. I am very sorry to hear about Phil's passing. My deepest condolences.

e-mail FROM: GS
Sorry to hear that, he was a very nice fellow, I dealt with for a while on some internet sales. Condolences to his family.

e-mail FROM: CSB
Thanks for the bad news. I found out last night when I logged onto Shop Forum.
I am shocked and saddened with this news. I imagine you are.devastated.
My blessings to Phil's family and to you, Roy. Thanks for all your help.
There is one less star this Christmas.

e-mail FROM: GS
Roy, when I read your email about Phil at 6:00 am this morning, my heart stopped a few beats. There is no doubt about it, I will miss the man. He lost his father sometime before thanksgiving and now this. I couldn’t believe this happened. I talked to Phil last week about a part and as usual we got into a discussion about cars, tractors and land in Idaho. I knew he used to sell parts for IH, Case and others and he was familiar with the tractors which I also repair as well as selling me part’s for MB’s.

I also knew that he was a car guy and had many in his life-time. He’d tell me stories about bringing a car home as a kid, and how his Dad would get rid of them without letting him know until after the fact.

While driving to the train station this morning it dawned on me as to what made Phil special and unique. It was the relationship he set up with his customers. He had the ability and mannerism which setup a personal relationship with them. You have many of the same characteristics. In today’s world and maybe its just the Washington – Baltimore area, but corporations and companies pride themselves on and their sales and attribute that to advertising, promotions, customer service department policies and discounts. Phil was one of the reasons which people bought parts off the Peachparts website. He would go out of his way to help you solve a problem and that trait is what made him a pleasure to work with.

e-mail FROM: EO
Very sorry to hear of the loss of your friend Roy from our parts family to yours

e-mail FROM: MG
Phil helped me out on more than one occasion. Sad news, but thanks for the note. RIP

e-mail FROM: JB
Dear Roy,
I am so sorry about the loss of our friend, friend Phil. Although I did not have a chance of meeting in person it really did not matter because every time I called he would recognize my voice and call me by first name. When I lived in Texas out where there was no Mercedes Benz expert I would call Phil for advice and he would tell me exactly what to do and how to do it. I then moved to Toronto Canada still there was no difference, actually I received extra-ordinary help.
I am sorry and please pass my condolences to the family.

e-mail FROM: TH
Roy,
I saw this news last week. Shocked!! This isn't the first case I've come across of a parts specialist meeting this exact demise. Over the last 40 years I've lost several close colleagues to this very thing. It's the #1 killer in this business. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Keep close tabs on your heart!! There is some kind of trigger in the brain that clerical work (working with numbers) causes the heart to act up. Seriously. Read about it in the medical journals.

e-mail FROM: GM
Thank you Roy, good idea, many of us only log in occasionally and appreciate the opportunity to say thanks to all of you there.

e-mail FROM: TK
Phil will be missed he was very helpful to me and he would listen to automobile concerns and try to help me get them solved

e-mail FROM: SS
My condolences.

e-mail FROM: BB
God Bless.

e-mail FROM: JH
I am so sorry to hear this Roy. Phil was so knowledgeable and helpful and nice, and I am so sorry.

e-mail FROM: JC
RIP Phil....May God's peace be with you Roy...

e-mail FROM: DR
Roy,
I am very sorry for your loss.

e-mail FROM: MF
Sorry for the loss. Phil knew his stuff & unlike most service today, he was very professional.

e-mail FROM: SS
Roy,
I am very sorry to hear of Phil's passing on. I only spoke with Phil once on the phone at which point he was very helpful. A real genuine well meaning soul. At his suggestion I then called and spoke with you at length. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. This transition is guaranteed for all of us and yet it is somehow unreal when it does come to pass.
in wishing you all the very best sir

e-mail FROM: TD
After working on an order with Phil just 1 time, I always referred to him as “my new best friend”. He always found a way to take care of my needs and that led to my referring him to many others. I’ll sure miss him…..

.

R.I.P. I spoke to him on the phone a couple of times and he always made sure that all parts are the correct one and arrive as quickly as possible! Sebastian

__________________
'80 300 SD, 300k

Without a doubt the least of your problems. Finding someone who can bring Phil's dedication, enthusiasm and genuine care to the equation is going to be a tall order to say the least..

You're going to have to find "one of us" a Benz Head.. Someone who not only knows the cars well enough to see the part in his head when we discuss it, but also someone interested enough to discuss with Roy and the techs which parts they see not working.

Phil and I were recently discussing some elusive part numbers and which brands of a certain part to go with based on real world. Also when I realized that I had ordered one too many of a certain part, Phil quickly arranged a return authorization.

Knowing a little bit about how important your "parts man" is from the inside ( I have family and close friends who are auto techs) I feel it too as a DIY'er. His expertise will be missed.


Wayne. I salute you on the matching donations. I made one thru the page, and if you haven't figured out the tax man yet, let me know, I might be able to help.

__________________
-SpecialDelivery
1985 300CD Silver/Blue H&R Suspension (Sold, still cryin over that)
1982 300SD Silver/Blue '85 OM617 (Sold)
1982 300D - Blue/Blue (Sold)

Very sad to hear that Phil has pass away, I thank him more than once in this forum for the unbelievable way he always found to help, what a loss.
My regards to his family and surviving children, RIP Phil.
Blueriomedina

__________________
Bluerio

I think all those who have ordered parts from Phil will wholeheartedly agree. Having ordered some parts on Monday, the experience was not as satisfying as it was when Phil was on the other end of the phone line. Although I do have to say, the parts arrived quickly (about 24 hours after the order) and the quality and price can't be beat.

__________________

All Diesel Fleet
1985 R107 300SLD TURBODIESEL
2005 E320 CDI (daily)

LOTS of parts for sale!


EGR block kit
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/355250-sale-egr-delete-block-off-plate-kit.html

1985 CA emissions 617 owners- You Need This!
Sanden style A/C Compressor Mounting Kit for your 616/ 617 For Sale + Install Inst.

Sanden Instalation Guide (post 11):
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/367883-sanden-retrofit-installation-guide.html

This is not good.
I spoke on the phone a couple of times with Phil. Like talking to a family member, talking about the weather, talking about when he lived near me, he wasn't rushed, he helped make my purchases from Peach Parts the most enjoyable of any purchases. Where do find help like that?
I send my best to Phil's family, and his "online" family....here is a guy who genuinely impacted a lot of people in a positive way, and replacing a man like that will be difficult.


snapped_bolt

__________________
'81 240D For now, a good place to borrow new parts
'80 300TD Probably will be put back into service!
'79 240D BACK IN SERVICE SINCE 09/16; limited use, oil leak. Guide pin r/sealed/replaced. Still a leak. Front crank seal....

Every time I log in and read new posts I break down in fresh sobs. They are mixed with sadness of missing my dad and joy in seeing how he touched others. Again, to everyone who has donated, a million times over thank you! We, literally, could not have done any of this without the loving support and donations from all of you. It has been so very expensive and my brother and I have sat and marveled at how you all have blessed us. We have been able to take care of his remains, hold his memorial, buy a gorgeous urn and plaque for him all through the help of your donations! We have so many expenses we did not forsee so your genorosity is so appreciated. I have received many emails, cards, condolences---I am beyond touched. I do not have the words to express my thank you. You have allowed us the freedom to grieve our dad who we miss terribly. This is going to be the hardest Christmas for me. I was driving a couple days ago and a song called "I wonder what Christmas in Heaven is like" and I lost it. I pulled over on the side of the road and could barely pull myself together. I will miss him forever.

Thank you Wayne for your generous offer as well. We still have outstanding expenses and hospital bills so trust me when I say, we are so grateful! Thank you everyone! For those of you that have called and emailed, I will be returning those soon. I just have not had time to sit down and do that yet but I will, I promise!

Fastlane Phil was a great guy. I always loved attending the tech sessions he sponsored in Mt Vernon, TX. He loved his Mercedes family but he just plain loved people. He was always so patient when taking an order. You could tell how much he loved it, that he wasn't doing it for the money. Rest In Peace Phil. Hope you got to heaven half an hour before the devil knew you were passed. I know you got a great place up there and i hope it has an attached shop with a couple of old diesels to work on. Loved the shirts buddy!

This is the last day.
The donation site for Phil's funeral fund closes in eight hours.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/3059111-post1.html

For members wanting to make donations at a later date, contact "vstech".
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/members/vstech.html

.

RIP Phil!

I can tell all of you that there were signs. I had bypass surgery in Feb 2011. My signs were: Being tired, slight chest pain, shortness of breath.

I saw my doctor, he gave me an EKG and sent me in for a stress test. The stress test revealed heart blockage. I had 8 blockages and needed 5 bypasses. I did not have a heart attack. I was on the cusp though.

Do it especially if you eat greasy food, are overweight and don't really take care of yourself.

Do it!

__________________
Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

It is sad to read about Phil's passing, he was such a nice man to talk to, he will be missed. Prayers and sympathy to his family.
Michel

__________________
Michel
74 wagoneer
79 450sl

Goodbye Phil.