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Thread: Don Snyder, owner of Don's German Werks

  1. 05-12-2017, 07:07 AM #1
    Rusty
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    Don Snyder, owner of Don's German Werks

    There is a small Porsche shop in Virginia Beach that is not well known nationally, but is well known by the early 911 and 356 community at the Beach. Don passed away on Tuesday of this week due to a heart attack from the week before. I had the good fortune of sharing the same facility with Don for the past 5 years at least. He was a factory trained mechanic during the time out early 911s were new. Loved everything racing and raced Super Vee in the late 70s and 80s. I felt compelled to say something to our Registry and although he wasn't a registered Early S guy he embodied the spirit of our cars.
    I'm going to miss him and his endless stories of his life experiences that he was so willing to share. Damn, it hurts! One hellofa technician and one hellofa friend. Later Don.
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  2. 05-12-2017, 10:38 AM #2
    davep
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    Thanks for sharing. Obviously a large body of knowledge has been lost along with a good friend.
    Porsche Historian, contact for Kardex & CoA-type Reports
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  3. 05-12-2017, 10:41 AM #3
    Bobby Smith
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    Sad to report that my longtime friend and pilar in the local Porsche community died last Tuesday. My pal Don Snyder passed away due to heart issues. He ran Don's German Werks for over 40 years. He was one of the most skilled and honest mechanics you could ever meet and always ready to help out a friend. Don's nickname was "El Primo" and he was an avid SCCA racer in the 70's driving Formula V and Super Vee's as well as other cars. He had an incredible sense of humor and was always ready to offer up one of his colorful stories. He also enjoyed his sailboat and was a huge gun enthusiast. Don created many friendships over his lifetime and truly was a larger than life figure. He and I were about the same size and when I started racing Formula cars, he gave me his racing suit pictured here. Don's probably up in heaven right now spinning an incredible yarn. El Primo, you will be missed.
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    Bobby Smith
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  4. 05-12-2017, 04:53 PM #4
    Frank Beck
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    Unsung heros like Don leave our midst all the time; it's a shame that they are not always acknowledged.
    Hopefully he was right with God and left his house in order. Prayer and thoughts for his family and friends.

    Thank you for posting this and sharing part of his legacy Rusty and Bobby.
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  5. 05-13-2017, 02:20 PM #5
    sebastianroher
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rusty View Post
    There is a small Porsche shop in Virginia Beach that is not well known nationally, but is well known by the early 911 and 356 community at the Beach. Don passed away on Tuesday of this week due to a heart attack from the week before. I had the good fortune of sharing the same facility with Don for the past 5 years at least. He was a factory trained mechanic during the time out early 911s were new. Loved everything racing and raced Super Vee in the late 70s and 80s. I felt compelled to say something to our Registry and although he wasn't a registered Early S guy he embodied the spirit of our cars.
    I'm going to miss him and his endless stories of his life experiences that he was so willing to share. Damn, it hurts! One hellofa technician and one hellofa friend. Later Don.
    A lot of VERY good memories wrenching in the shop or just swinging by with the wife to say hi. Don was always friendly and would help any way he could. He will he missed by us for sure! Rest in peace Don!
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  6. 05-13-2017, 08:20 PM #6
    jos.hall
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    Quote Originally Posted by Frank Beck View Post
    Unsung heros like Don leave our midst all the time; it's a shame that they are not always acknowledged.
    Hopefully he was right with God and left his house in order. Prayer and thoughts for his family and friends.

    Thank you for posting this and sharing part of his legacy Rusty and Bobby.
    Couldn't have said it better
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