<VV> Smitty's Memorial Service (William Hubbell)

[Bryan Blackwell]

Hi all,

Thanks Steven, great piece to remember him by.  I spent time with Smitty (and Helen) at quite a few events over the years not to mention all the posts and e-mails offering advice and encouragement from somebody who had "been there, done that", I too have a lot of fond memories.  Here's the intro to his 'on the road' toolbox:

Smitty Says:
Onward and upward, never say die. It is amazing how the Corvair can get you there against all odds if one shows just a little ingenuity. Tain't gonna happen with a new car. Several years ago as I was pulling into a camp ground with the camper on the back of the wagon a guy in a pickup was pulling out. He rolled down the window and said, either you are the best mechanic in the world or the most crazy S** Of A B***h in the world. That's the way it should be for all of us. Our badge of honor. If you leave home with it, then come back with it running.

--Bryan

> On Nov 5, 2025, at 12:42 PM, Steven J. Serenska via VirtualVairs <virtualvairs at corvair.org> wrote:
> 
> VVers:
> 
>> Hubert "Smitty" Smith passed away on September 18, 2025.  Due to his wife, Helen, also being hospitalized at the time, his service was delayed until she was well enough to attend.  
> 
> I am sorry to hear this news.  Bill H., thank you for letting us know.
> 
> Below is one one of my favorite posts of Smitty's.  I am re-posting it in fond memory of him.
> 
> By way of background, there was a thread going on VV in November, 2011 with a topic along the lines of "The stupidest thing I did when i was young".  Below was Smitty's contribution.  I just got a good laugh all over again while re-reading it.
> /
> /
> /Smitty Says; This "young and stupid" thread almost demands my input.  A couple of years ago (when I was 14 with a brand new license) I bought a 29 Chrysler Imperial as an investment.  Paid 75 bucks for it.  Called my uncle who was an antique car collector and after some negotiation he agreed to buy it for 300 if I would deliver it.  I got a ten ft section of water pipe and a chain.  Ran the chain through the pipe and wrapped the ends around the bumper of the Chrysler and the back bumper of my newly purchased 31 chevy coupe.  Bolted them up good and tight with as little slack as possible.  I don't know what either car weighed, but I would bet on 4,000 for the Chrysler and I don't think the Chevy would hurt your toes if you ran over them.  In addition to that the Chevy had mechanical brakes and the Chrysler had none.  I enlisted the aid of my younger brother to steer the Chrysler and keep it in line behind the Chevy.  He was 10 at the time.  He had no license but I didn't think that would matter since he wouldn't really be driving.  So we go motoring across town, stopping two blocks before we came to intersections and praying on the downhills. Every time I looked in the mirror he was in there sawing away at the wheel like he was trying to wear it out.  I stopped once to see how he was doing and he said he wanted to quit, so I didn't stop anymore for fear he would.  He really didn't look good all bathed in sweat.  The trip was 25 miles or so and we survived with no lasting damage except my brother wouldn't talk to me for weeks after.  Cry Baby./
> 
> R.I.P., Smitty.  You were one of a kind.
> 
> Steven J. Serenska
> Bristol, Rhode Island
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