My first exposure to old cars came from a close family friend - Don Kizziar. At the time, I was between the ages of infancy and 5 years old and my family lived in the small town of Altus, Oklahoma. Don epitomizedÂ*the word "success." He ran a number ... <BR><BR>To read the rest of this blog entry from The Jalopy Journal, click here.
Ryan, Im sure you have memorys of Don to last a lifetime. Cherish them and your lone trip to Oklahoma. Godspeed.
Although a sad time for you and your family, try and enjoy the solo drive. Nothing like the open road, some great tunes and personal reflection to set everything straight. Be safe
Yup, A drive alone is the perfect way for the time you want to take for remembering all the reasons you're taking the drive.
Godspeed to you and blessed thoughts for his family. These journeys are a blessing of life as we ponder the meaning of it all and this puzzle we call life. Take care...............
Awesome story Ryan, The best thing you could be doing is exactly what you are doing...going on your journey alone. You will reflect back on so many great memories of him and also your childhood. Just think, your life has been and is so much better with Don in it. I hope you have a great safe trip. Godspeed brother.
Hey Chief, if ya break call on the lord and then call your H.A.MB.er's for quicker hands on help. Have a safe trip and very fitting respect for this fine gentleman. ~sololobo~
Man that sucks but what a way to reflect on everything you learn in those days as a kid and on the man himself. Rarely do we get a chance to take a real moment of silence for a fallen friend but this is 1000 miles of just that. Keep us posted and be safe my friend.
When Ryan was about two, we went over to Don's shop. As usual, he was restoring several old cars and needs something from the hardware store. We hopped into Don's "everyday go to the hardware store car", a perfect black '40 Lincoln convertible and jazzed into town. Don found what he needed and noticed Ryan staring at a rack of bright red pipe wrenches. "Hey man", he said to Ryan, "pick out one, let me buy your first wrench!" Like all little kids, he picked out the biggest, it must have weighed 25 pounds. Don told him,"pick out one closer to your size and handed him a bright shiny 2" wrench. If you were to look into Ryan's tool box today, you will find that little wrench along with all the wrenches the little shit stole from me.
I ran up to Altus to pick up some parts with Delbert Wilson in 2008 and he told me about Don Kizziar. Sadly both are now deceased. RIP Mr. Kizziar. Have a safe journey Ryan and hopefully you will re-run and enjoy some treasured memories on your journey....
Seems like a very fitting tribute to your friend and early mentor that you're making this trip home for his funeral looking out the windshield of an old car like your '39. Godspeed to you both. Later, Kinky6
"You make a living with what you get, you make a legacy with what you give." - Author unknown. Sounds like Mr. Kizziar made a good living, but a even better legacy. Will be in prayer for his family and for safe travels for Ryan.
Sorry for you loss Ryan. My thoughts are with you and Don's family. Have a safe and trouble free trip.
He is probably cruising with you right now enjoying the ride but thinking we should do this , and this to the car.
My condolences Ryan, for your and his friends and family's loss. Yes we all have an expiration date, so I think your celebrating his gift to you by doing your solo drive to honor his life, is the best thing you could give him in return.
Have a safe journey, Ryan. I'm sure your friend Don would appreciate you and your Ford making the road trip in honor of him.
The passion for nostalgia was allready imbedded in your soul at birth. Your freind just helped it along. Exposure to old cars does not allways take seed in all cases. My kid likes bmw's figure that ? Sorry for your loss have a safe trip.
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