News on George Parker (360GTRacer) | FerrariChat
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News on George Parker (360GTRacer)

Discussion in 'Mid-Atlantic Region - USA (PA, DE, MD, DC, VA)' started by mattboyd, May 18, 2015.

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  1. mattboyd

    mattboyd Karting

    Dec 14, 2003
    140
    Fredericksburg, VA
    Full Name:
    Matt Boyd
    #1 mattboyd, May 18, 2015
    Feel free to cross-post.

    Yesterday, George and his wife Lee lost their home due to fire. Lee is doing fine, and George is recovering in the burn unit at MCV in Richmond. He'll be fine long-term, but presently he is intubated (was on a respirator for a while but now that is off and he is breathing on his own -- they'll remove the tube once they're sure his lungs are clear). He also has some burns (2d to 3d degree) on his shoulders and forearms, but the area of burn is not extensive. His vocal chords are burned to an extent as well. Their six dogs are fine and with neighbors but they lost their ten birds. Once George is out of the hospital, they already have a neighbor who is going to put them up in their basement in-law suite for the time being.

    As far as cars, the fire was likely started by the Spitfire which is a total loss. Also lost is Lee's pristine Miata and George's Jetta wagon. Lee's Jetta and Bug are safe (Bug has some costmetic issues with the front bumper and hood) because George got them out of the fire. He also managed to get the XK120 out (and likely got his burns in the process of this save). His Dad bought this car in 1981 so there is a lot of sentimental value, so I know that long term, despite the required recovery now, he'll be happy the car is safe. It does have some cosmetic issues (bubbling paint on the front), but it will be alive again soon.

    For those interested in how you can help out, let him know you're thinking of him, and also consider the following which was set up by one of his kind neighbors:

    Parker's Disaster Recovery Funds by Timothy & Dilcia Davis - GoFundMe

    I visited with George this afternoon. He has more family there now -- including his parents and sister who showed up from the Rochester area just as I was leaving.

    I spent about 30 minutes with George. He is still on some sedatives so is usually resting, but I woke him up and we interacted easily for the time we were there. George was writing questions for me or answering my questions by writing responses. He's fully cognizant of what is going on, where he is, etc. I was able to talk with his boss where he works today and they are looking to help out with extra sick leave donations from co-workers.

    I'll keep you posted.

    -Matt
    '85 308
     
  2. BillP00

    BillP00 Formula 3
    Owner

    Apr 23, 2007
    1,933
    Northern VA
    Full Name:
    Bill
    #2 BillP00, May 19, 2015
    This is terrible news! I'm so sorry to hear this. For those of you who don't know George, he's a terrific guy who's always working behind the scenes for the FCA. He's often found working as a Pit Marshall or some other position within track events for the FCA Annual Meets. Last year George spent a lot of time helping to promote the Classics on the Green event in New Kent, VA. That was the event where Ferrari was the featured Marque.

    Matt, thanks for posting this!!

    Thoughts and Prayers are with George and his wife for a speedy recovery!

    Bill P.
     
  3. curtisc63

    curtisc63 Formula 3
    Owner

    Dec 13, 2005
    2,290
    Maryland
    Full Name:
    Curtis Campbell
    #3 curtisc63, May 19, 2015
    Wow!

    I met George for the first time at the Classics on the Green show last year. He is a great guy. Best wishes to him for a full recovery.

    CC
     
  4. lashss

    lashss F1 Rookie

    Nov 26, 2003
    2,564
    DC
    Full Name:
    LSJ
    #4 lashss, May 19, 2015
    GP is a diehard car guy and Ferrari enthusiast.

    I hope he is well very soon!

    LS
     
  5. mattboyd

    mattboyd Karting

    Dec 14, 2003
    140
    Fredericksburg, VA
    Full Name:
    Matt Boyd
    #5 mattboyd, May 19, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    All,

    I was cc'ed on a nice note from Bruce Woodson who is a mechanic George has entrusted his British cars to in the past. Bruce picked the Jag up and has documented everything for Hagerty. I've attached one of the worst of the pictures, but as you can see (and as Bruce indicated to George), this is all just cosmetic. The car still starts, runs, and stops fine.

    -Matt
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  6. muk_yan_jong

    muk_yan_jong Formula Junior

    Oct 11, 2008
    569
    Full Name:
    Brian McK
    #6 muk_yan_jong, May 19, 2015
    IIRC (and please correct, confirm, and share stories) GP was one of the crew members of the FoW Championship 360GT team. Wonder where the name came from...??? :)

    A very important part of our local racing Hx, a passionate supporter of the "old days", and the roots of FoW.
     
  7. CornersWell

    CornersWell F1 Rookie

    Nov 24, 2004
    4,896
    #7 CornersWell, May 19, 2015
    Best wishes for a speedy recovery, GP.

    CW
     
  8. 355dreamer

    355dreamer F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Apr 3, 2006
    10,476
    DC Metro
    Full Name:
    L.C.
    #8 355dreamer, May 20, 2015
    Get well soon George!
     
  9. mattboyd

    mattboyd Karting

    Dec 14, 2003
    140
    Fredericksburg, VA
    Full Name:
    Matt Boyd
    #9 mattboyd, May 21, 2015
    That is correct.

    Here is the update that I've been passing around to other friends:

    I have not been to visit since Monday, and I've received only a little bit of info, but I'll pass it on. First off, on Tuesday evening I noticed that George had posted a comment on my wife's Facebook status about his situation, so that was the first good sign. I got a message yesterday that he had apple sauce in the morning (his first food since Saturday evening), and by last night he was cleared for any food. Finally, I got a picture of him standing this morning and a message from Lee that he is able to walk around. He also will be meeting today with occupational therapy/physical therapy. I'm still waiting on an address for cards, as some have asked for that.

    -Matt
     
  10. BillP00

    BillP00 Formula 3
    Owner

    Apr 23, 2007
    1,933
    Northern VA
    Full Name:
    Bill
    #10 BillP00, May 21, 2015
    That's very good news! Thanks Matt for keeping us updated about George's condition.

    Bill P.
     
  11. mattboyd

    mattboyd Karting

    Dec 14, 2003
    140
    Fredericksburg, VA
    Full Name:
    Matt Boyd
    #11 mattboyd, May 21, 2015
    I'll pass it on as I get it -- I just got a note from his boss that it is possible George may be discharged today or tomorrow and is talking about returning to work next Tuesday.
     
  12. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,099
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    #12 Rifledriver, May 21, 2015
    I do not know him but my other half used to work in a burn ward so this caught my attention.

    That is really good news and says a lot about his condition.
     
  13. 360gtracer

    360gtracer Formula 3

    May 18, 2004
    1,022
    #13 360gtracer, Jun 7, 2015
    All,

    First off, I'd really like to thank my good friend Matt Boyd for keeping everyone updated on our situation and my condition. I'd also like to thank everyone for the kind words, wishes, thoughts, and prayers. They mean way more than I can put into words.

    I was finally discharged from VCU (an *excellent* hospital, if you ask me!) on the Sunday before Memorial Day. On Memorial Day itself, the neighbors had a really nice BBQ for us (as if they hadn't done enough already!).

    As Matt pointed out, three of our six cars were total losses, and two more suffered cosmetic damage. The Jag will take a while to be repaired (but it WILL be repaired) and the Beetle is already repaired and ready for us to bring home.

    I didn't find out until I got home that, when I backed the Beetle away from the garage, it's nose was already on fire and the neighbors gathering were screaming at me to get out of the car. I never heard them nor ever saw the flames. But I did see the result of the flames when I got out of the car (flames were out by then, as I had gotten it away from the heat source).

    Our neighbors were absolutely amazing. When the flatbed (sent by Bruce Woodson) arrived for the Jag, well, Bruce said it was like breaking the car out of Ft. Knox! Also, as we were getting our dogs out of the house, a neighbor was bringing them to his house. Three others built a human pyramid to get someone up on the deck to rescue the last. Also, before the day was even out, two of the neighbors had gone shopping to get clothes and toiletries for my wife, and brought all that to her at the hospital. We were, and remain, astounded at the outpouring support from both friends, neighbors, and people we don't even know.

    We are settling in a rental house which became available just days after the fire, and the owner offered it to us immediately when he saw how badly damaged our house was. One of those little "Miracles Out Of Nowhere". Another is that the fire didn't beak out hours earlier, because if it had, I would surely not be here typing this message. Yet another is that, despite the devastation of the fire, we are, and will, recover a fairly substantial portion of our personal belongings, the fire fighters did that good of a job containing the fire and extinguishing it with minimal damage to personal property.

    My burns are mostly healed, but some scars may remain for a while. I am still trying to shake the cough that seems to be a by-product of the smoke inhalation (why they had me intubated in the first place), but even it seems to get a bit better every day.

    Once again, thank you so much to everyone. I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to repay all of the kindnesses and favors, but I hope to at least - some day - be able to "pay it forward".

    With warm regards and thanks,

    George P.
     
  14. BillP00

    BillP00 Formula 3
    Owner

    Apr 23, 2007
    1,933
    Northern VA
    Full Name:
    Bill
    #14 BillP00, Jun 8, 2015
    George,

    We're so glad to hear that you're doing better and getting back on your feet!!

    Bill P.
     
  15. curtisc63

    curtisc63 Formula 3
    Owner

    Dec 13, 2005
    2,290
    Maryland
    Full Name:
    Curtis Campbell
    #15 curtisc63, Jun 8, 2015
    Very Happy to see your post here George! Take care of yourselves and I hope to see you at an event in the not too distant future.

    Curtis
     
  16. 360gtracer

    360gtracer Formula 3

    May 18, 2004
    1,022
    #16 360gtracer, Jun 11, 2015
    Thanks guys. Hope you'll make it down to Classics On The Green again this year. Even if Ferrari isn't the featured marque, no reason there can't be a large and impressive Ferrari presence! ;)

    gp
     
  17. E60 M5

    E60 M5 Moderator
    Moderator Owner

    Jan 2, 2006
    8,166
    Wash DC area
    Full Name:
    Robert
    #17 E60 M5, Sep 19, 2015
    Sticky removed.
     

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