Event Coverage Roadster wreck on the 101-R.I.P. Eric Doran

[Acme Speed Shop]

ROADSTER WRECK ON THE 101

I will never forget reading this on the HAMB. This was the title of the thread posted last year on the morning we were heading up the coast to West Coast Kustoms in Santa Maria. I knew in my gut that it was my friend Eric Doran and his wife that were in the wreck but it took hours to get confirmation.

It wasn't until we were driving north later in the morning morning that I got the call from one of the first responders on scene confirming it was Eric in the wreck and that he was gone.

Eric was part owner of a little restaurant called "Eat Chow" here in Costa Mesa and Cynthia and I met him one Saturday when we drove the 36 over there and parked in front of the restaurant to have lunch. Eric came blasting out of the front door and wanted to know all about the car. He told us about the roadster pick up he had in his garage that belonged to his friend Skip and how he drove it all over 'cause Skip didn't use it much. We qickly figured out that we knew a lot of the same guys in town and a friendship was born. It was only a few months later that he moved into the back of the ACME shop so he could work on his projects.

Eric was one of those guys that you became fast friends with. He was full of life and enthusiasm and was always up to do anything. We met his wife and talked about them joining us for the drive up the coast to the show on Memorial day, which was only a few days away. We were going to leave after the morning traffic and make a leisurely drive up. Eric had different plans and wanted to get up to Santa Barbara for breakfast before heading up to the show and a tour around the wine country of the central California coast. If he had only gone with us he would still be here today. But his life ended on that drive.

We put together a little affair last year to honor our him and a bunch of people turned out. It made us all feel better and it was exactly what Eric would have wanted. Now we are doing it again, but this time we are adding a few things into the mix. There will be coffee in the morning, a cruise up PCH and live music and a food truck when we get back to the starting point. Come on out and celebrate a life well lived.

We miss you Eric. Will you ride along with us?

[Don's Hot Rods]

I remember that thread. So sorry for the loss of your good friend. He will be at your cruise in spirit, you can bet on that.

Don

[deto]

What a great idea to honor a friend. Bump

[Bad Bob]

I'm planning on attending again this year. I only met him once,but he seemed like a nice guy who loved cars. Feel free to check out my pic's from last year. Great turnout for a special guy.
Hope this stays an anual event.

[Roadsterpu]

Gonna try to make it. Got to see what the wife has planned for me.

[Church]

I'll do my best to be there.

[SOHC427]

Great idea, to keep Eric in your hearts!!

[TexasSpeed]

This just proves the loyalty of the California traditional hot rod/kustom community is certainly something that absolutely cannot be rivaled. RIP Eric.

Bump for a worthy cause.

[Da Tinman]

I wish I was closer, I'd be there even though I never met him.

These posts: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...8&postcount=11 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...&postcount=127 , still choke me up.

[Deuce Daddy Don]

I responded to your thread last year, What ever happened to the driver of that Utility bed pickup driver?
My son came by the wreck just after it happened & told me of the big pickup that ran over the top of the RPU.
Did the wife come out OK?(since last year?)

[Roadsterpu]

I talked to the wife and we have something going on that day. Sorry, John. Hope you all have a great cruise.

[Jeff Norwell]

Your a good man John Mearns.

[Acme Speed Shop]

Originally Posted by Deuce Daddy Don

I responded to your thread last year, What ever happened to the driver of that Utility bed pickup driver?
My son came by the wreck just after it happened & told me of the big pickup that ran over the top of the RPU.
Did the wife come out OK?(since last year?)

As for the driver of the utility truck; there was an on going investigation but I don't think charges were filed. It was determined that the RPU Eric was driving was in sound working order and that it was no fault of Eric's.

Thanks for asking.

[66Newport]

Man, I wish I was closer. Although I didn't know him, I think it is an awesome thing you are doing.

[daddy_o's_diner]

I remember the thread and the "sick in the pit of my stomach" feeling I had following it that day.

I commend you John, for honoring a friend and keeping his memory alive with the cruise.


.

[zep058]

Sorry for the loss of your friend What a great thing you are doing for his memory

[cool37]

John...I'll be there.

[Acme Speed Shop]

Originally Posted by Bad Bob

I'm planning on attending again this year. I only met him once,but he seemed like a nice guy who loved cars. Feel free to check out my pic's from last year. Great turnout for a special guy.
Hope this stays an anual event.

Glad to hear that you will be there Bob. Try to pass the word arround so we can get a few of your buddies to come down too. Thanks again for the support.

[philly the greek]

Originally Posted by Jeff Norwell

Your a good man John Mearns.

X2 my friend . That's the same day as my sons wedding , hopefully if you do this again I can participate . Hope you have a good response , and I'll raise a glass to your late friend .

[Limey Steve]

Good luck for a successful day remembering a good friend is a wonderful thing to do , Sorry John we'll be away otherwise you know we'd be there.