[1969] 40th Reunion

[Dave Newell]

Thanks Marvin!
Yes it's almost here...and it should be an especially fun convention for 69ers. Joe Casey, who was in charge of the off-line assembly area at Willow Run where the second half of the 69s were built. He'll be helping the CPF celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Building the Last Corvair and speaking at the CPF History Presentation Wednesday night. His speech will be the last item on the Presentation agenda, which will neatly lead into the 69 Group Meeting. I know he'll want to be a part of that too. So you'll have many opportunities to ask him questions.
Joe is a great guy. He started at Willow Run in 1961 and worked his way up the executive ranks until he left to start GM's Saltillo plant in Mexico. He came back to WR for a few years after that and then left GM for good, heading back South of the border to start up and run plants for Lear (seating), Johnson Controls and other big supplier names. I'm attaching his resume so you can all be more familiar with Joe's work.
Joe and his Son Joe Jr,, who also worked at WR in the 70s and 80s, rebuilt a 65 Corvair together when they were both still  in Michigan. They like 'Vairs! Joe Jr is in the natural gas business in Texas now and will be arriving at the convention Wednesday afternoon. He's going to do the bio and intro for his dad at the presentation.
Joe will arrive on Sunday. You can help the CPF (and me!) by shepherding Joe and his son and keeping them occupied, especially through Wednesday when Joe Jr arrives. Joe's expecting us to pay for his meals so don't be shy about asking him to dinner for a personal chat!!! I'll catch his breakfasts whenever I can which should be most of the time but I can use your help.

I first interviewed Joe in 1992. He and Joe Jr. have been in touch with Mark Ellis and myself off and on since then, and Mark was SO excited about asking Joe to be in Jacksonville. He'll be beaming down on us, I know, excited as a little kid!
See you REAL soon,
Dave 
PS: 5999 will be on display inside the host hotel, courtesy of Mark Corbin. How many think we should ask Joe to sign the underside of the engine or trunk lid? He'd be glad to do it. So bring your Sharpies if you have anything you'd like him to sign!














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