A collection of memories of Harry Pellow, the Maestro.

One memory of Harry

And Another

Keep the faith, Harry.

Chuck House

President, 356 Registry

I have known Harry for some dozen years, through written correspondence, through email, talks by telephone, by visits to his shop (and although in appearance it looked like an unmade bed, he knew where everything was), and in lunches at the 94th Squadron Restaurant (now gone) at the San Jose Airport with Chris Markham and Rick Dill.

I have been at odds with him when he used his considerable skill in baiting others via email to 356talk to the point where they would do something foolish which got them both banned from the list for a short time. If you never met Harry and judged him by his email controversies with others, you would have the wrong impression. In person he was a gentle man.

The Maestro put his politics (slightly to my right and only slightly left of Ghengis Khan) in his writings and was proud of it. There were times when parts of his writings had to be excised because his views crossed the line.. I can't speak of his writings for the Magazine, but I suspect Gordon Maltby did a little editing on them. He never backed away from his views, but would discuss them thoughtfully.

Harry was scornful of those who were against nuclear power plants. He recognized that they offered the best chance for power generation with the minimum impact on the environment. He worked for General Electric for a number of years developing such plants and when public opinion turned against nuclear power generation, he turned his considerable talents to making his hobby with 356s, his work.

He never came out and said that he graduated from M.I.T, he always referred to it as that Technical School across the river from Boston. He had a BS on Mechanial Engineering and a Masters in Chemical Engineering. MIT is thought to be a very theoretical place, but in fact it is quite practical. You can't get by through spouting the math. You have to be able to really understand the realities. He never tired of explaining engine performance from the point of view of thermodynamics. Harry understood theory but he was also a skilled and practical mechanic.

If you took his writings in the Magazine and his show-and-tells at various Registry Holidays seriously, you would probably never take your 356 out of the garage for fear it would have one of the many catastrophes that Harry was fond of describing.

Robin Hansen
Prescott, AZ

I just read Robin Hansen's tribute to Harry Pellow on the 356 Registry website. I'd like to make minor correction.

Harry earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from MIT respectively in Course 10 (Chemical Engineering) and Course 10A (Chemical Engineering Practice.) He was a registered professional Mechanical Engineer. His choice to pursue the Engineering Practice option was telling in that those who do so are orienting themselves for a career in engineering practice versus research and then academe.

Those who have met him and/or watched his videos will see his battered MIT "Brass Rat" class ring, which he wore with great pride. Almost as big a 'Tech booster as he was of the Porsche 356, here's a shot taken of him at the 30th class reunion of the MIT class of 1967. Note how HCP is holding back. My guess is that the two guys in the foreground had no idea that the MAESTRO was in their midst. " You can tell an MIT man, but you can't tell him much" might help explain Harry's tenacious technical debates with members of this List and for those who remember it, Porschephiles. Many Listers have ground down their teeth thanks to Harry.

Neil Fennessey

As a relative newcomer to the 356 world Harry quickly became a hero to
me. He knew EVERYTHING about these cars. Besides that, he could sharea laugh about Red Mountain and Frank Zappa days. His kind won't pass here again soon.
To the family. Thanks for sharing Harry with us. As you know they
broke the mold when he was built. My sincerest condolences on your
loss. I LOVED reading his posts and his books. He always made time for
all of us, even if we were, like me, Turkeys. Both of my parents were teachers. So was Harry, in his own inimitablestyle. Teachers are special because they show their love to all of us, their students, by giving tirelessly and timelessly of themselves.
Thanks Harry. I miss you.
Keep the faith.
Bill Sampson

Malibu

I was stunned to read that Harry Pellow had passed on earlier this week.
Harry has been a fixture in the 356 community for a long, long time. I first
met Harry in the late 80s at a Porschephiles gathering at Tied House in
Mountain View and was struck by how funny he was in person and what a genuinely nice guy he was. I had previously had a rather negative opinion of him based on my interpretation of the intent and tone in his postings to
that list, pointing out to me once again how easy it is to mis-communicate
vie email despite everything being there in "black and white".
I didn't always agree with Harry on many things. He wasn't always right,
but he was never completely wrong when you took him in context. You need
to remember that for a really long, dark period, 356s had nearly zero cash value but the parts and labor necessary to keep them running were still "Porsche priced". In that period, Harry produced a volume of work
that showed people how to do their own work, and encouraged them to
"Keep the Faith".
Looking backwards, it's easy to find fault with some of the specific
content. But there are probably many, many cars that are still with us
today because of what Harry did.
I can't think of a finer nor more fitting tribute to him.

Stan Hanks
Portland OR

The image that comes to me is of One Mr. Pellow approaching The
Gate in all the colors and clouds that you imagine. He is different now. The
alter ego writer Pellow is now the essence of Pellow and Heaven is not
prepared. As the Gate slowly creaks and bumps on the cloud open, Pellow is
not in the least concerened with Scribes and St. Peter at Hand. His focus is
the rusted-ill greased-Poorly maintained and Badly Engine-a-neared excues for a GATE. Of course he responds politely as to Who he is And Wherein' he comes from But then turns their attention to the real purpose of his being there; Of FIX'EN The Big Front Gate Thing.

I imagine "ifins" and large torque numbers, political asides and unintended slanders. Too many capitals and too many paragraphs and too many assumptions that only the Faithful will understand. Engine-I-Nearing on his
terms, basic and brutally honest to get the Gate done up Real proper like....and of course turned to the correct specifications, 'cause if They
don't They'll just have to come drag him out of the Motor Pool and have him
do the fixin' anyway just like he TOLD them in the first place.

He will be Blessed and Enter with ease....mostly so they can just get
him away from the Gate so he doesn't embarrass them som' morin'.
Thank you for being unconventional, thank you for your shared wisdom and
patience, thank you for buying all the transaxles from me that nobody else
wanted and for Your special bit of Faith.

Regards, Tim Jones (without License and apology only to Harry)

After I read the ABCs and Secrets of the Inner Circle by someone calling himself the Maestro, and noting the swagger and bravado in his prose style, it took me awhile to work up the nerve to actually try to call Harry Pellow on the phone back in 1994. Much to my surprise, he sounded more like a college professor than a mechanic, and he was very patient and seemed to have plenty of time to discuss the problems I was having getting the engine on my 64 coupe up andrunning again.
That was the main thing that struck me about him. For all his encyclopedic
knowledge about 356 engines and no matter how busy he was, practically day or night he was always willing to field questions about the cars he loved--whether you bought anything from him or not. Such generosity is rare nowadays. I will always remember him for that, along with his wry sense of humor. We have lost an irreplaceable gem in the 356 community.

Sincerely,

Dave Wildrick
Houston, TX

One of the things I like best about 356's is the uniqueness of many individuals in the 356 community. I think most of us are a bit "off-center", which to me is a good thing. I always thought of Harry Pellow as a kind of tribal leader -- a medicine man. His life had a rhythm that followed different drum beats than those heard by most of us. A pretty impressive display of left and right brain operating fully.

Which of course made him controversial to many of us with more modest gifts. Harry's level of knowledge was matched by how opinionated he was. And as an opinionated friend of mine says, what good would I be to you if I wasn't opinionated?

Harry helped me a lot. He was always willing to drop what he was doing, answer the phone, and spend as much time as required to answer my many questions. He shared and shared big-time. The Technical Section of the 356 Registry website is filled with information produced by him. The back issues of this discussion list are filled with information produced by him. Our shops are filled with information provided by him. Many of our cars are running better because of him.

I'm going to really, really miss you, Harry -- but I'm going Keep the Faith.

Sincerely,
John Audette
Bend OR

Friends, I woke up this morning and in checking email could not believe that Harry has gone home. His wonderful wit, his inimitable writing style and his love for our darling little cars is still with us. Harry, your writings got me through some difficult times with depression, sorry I did not call to tell you. You made this world a little better to be in and perhaps that is the very best we can hope to do. Thank you so much. How fortunate we all were because of you. See you later, Harry.
Ron Anthony, Maryland

I'm saddened to hear that Harry Pellow died.

Let's celebrate Harry's individuality.
His opinions were always clear, and seemed even clearer when you thought that he was wrong. All of his analyses had to be weighed because you knew each analysis came from experience. And yes, he used up far too many than his share of capital letters in his time, but So It Goes.

Those of you missing him personally have much to miss. People like me only saw a reflection of how much personality he must have had. Let the affection and prayers of those of us who've known him only through writings and correspondence support you in your hard times.

I don't know Harry personally, we've swapped emails a few times about German translation, engine numbers, and that sort of thing. Harry has obviously been a Real Individual Person, and we all need more of those.

We'll all miss him,

Peter

I found myself at work this morning typically opening up my email to check for business emails and then, to check the Porsche Registry chat list to see if there was anything interesting. Much to my dismay I learned of Harry's passing. While I never met Harry, he was instrumental in finding the correct bearings for my little car back in October.

As a relatively new member in the world of Porsches, my business travels take me around the country and as time permits, I have tried to stop in and say hello to the fine people who have been of such great help to me. I have already had the pleasure of meeting Gerry McCarthy of KAM, Jim Kellogg of 356 Restore, and have spoken to many others on the phone like Lowell Sivey, Ron Defrancesco, Victor Miles, Jeffrey Fellman, Bill Block, Parker Tyler, Joe Leonni, John Willhoit, John Paterek, Mike Robbins, John Audette...and I look forward to meeting all of you.

But I had just spoken with Harry and told him when I was next in California, I would stop by and see the shop, to which he replied it would be his pleasure. I really wanted to meet Harry. Harry always had time, and answers even for the un-initiated like me.

At times like these it makes me ponder whether I am sad in a selfish way for never having met the man, but then I realize this is a natural reaction. More importantly, it is heartening that someone I have never met could instill such sadness from his passing. And most importantly, it makes me realize that we are all sad for his family's loss, and that the man whom I never met has obviously had a great impact on all of us, even if for just a short while for some like me.

My heartfelt condolences to the Pellow family,

Michael Bowen
Greenwich, CT

Many condolance from us too.

We haven't had the pleasure to know The Maestro like many other Members, we knew him only by e-mail but we will remember his kindness forever.

Just some months ago we started to restore our Super 90 engine and we received from him a lot of useful informations.

In the next week we'll have again our 356 and you can be sure that we will think to The Maestro when the engine will start.

Claudio e Fabio Rimediotti
Italy

On more than one occasion, Harry and his gentle wife spent time with Julie
and I at West Coast Holidays just shooting the breeze and making us feel
like old friends. This I'll remember most and I'll miss being able to respond to inquiries that I receive, "I'll have to defer to Harry Pellow of
this list." Godspeed Harry.

Brett Johnson

I was saddened this morning, as I opened up the 356 Talk Digest, to see it
full of Harry Pellow passes away titles. Harry gave me tremendous
assistance on Porsche engine matters and many smiles and chuckles when I
read his books, Registry column and 356 Talk posts. His ABCs book is always in the 356 on our long journeys. I will feel like I am really on my own
now.While rebuilding a 1500 engine years ago, Harry reviewed all of my crank measurements and other data and wrote a long "advice" letter back to me. That engine has about 40,000 miles on it now and still performs as when
rebuilt, following "ABCs" to the letter. I felt a huge sense of accomplishment when that engine fired up after being rebuilt, which could not have happened without Harry's advice.
Harry's Registry column was always the first one I read, and his writing
manner was contagious. Just read 356 Talk posts and you will see Maestro
coined terms every day. Harry Pellow is probably the most recognized name
when among 356 enthusiasts. It will be a long, long time before it is forgotten.

Phil Planck - Clarkston, MI

Having just recovered from severe depression, I must admit that reading of the maestros works and knowledge in his books,videos and input in the 356 registry newsletter,helped me to belive in life again and return to my hobby of classic VW + PORSCHE autos with great relish.one of my ambitions was to meet THE MAN in person,alas this will never be.should the registry decide to publish all the 'maestro' features harry did for the 356 registry newsletter in a book with the profits going to a worthy cause in harry's memory,then i will glady buy one,more in fact.

Harry shine on in the sky,you deserve a sainthood,ava maria!!

Rick F E Horvath
England

Hello Harry......as I sit here writing this I think about how the light in this world is just a little dimmer now. A candle has burned out. Not just any candle, but one who touched many of us who knew him and many of us who knew him only through his wonderful whitty colorful world of writings. Not only were you the "salt of the earth" for many of us, but also charming, rightfully proud, brazen, humble, strident, and most of all thoughtful and giving of your time & knowlege to others... all the things that make a total human being. It has been said that when we leave this place----What will we leave behind when we go. I know Harry that you left a pile of good things. Things that will enrich each and every one of us and help us to bring back some of the light you shed here. For me personally. I will be missin.....ifin. I also wish now that I had taken him up on that ride in the shev-ro-lay peek-up.
I will think of you often (especially when I have a dillema with my 356). I will miss you and hope that all will be well with you as you teach a new class of students on the Art of Harry Pellow.

I also would like to give my conolences to your family and the many
friends around the world (you have made) who share my thoughts at this
time. Keeping the faith....is what it is all about.

Robert T. Raucher
Chico, California.

If one never had anything but Harry Pellow's writings to judge him by one
might assume that a man that called himself the "Maestro" was pretty full of
himself, but after meeting him you realized it was mostly tongue in cheek.
Oh he was strong in his beliefs and secure in his knowledge, but he was one
of the most unassuming men you could ever meet. I know I wasted a lot of
his time, but he always indulged me and my lame questions graciously. When
I finally met him after numerous phone calls and e-mails he was not at all
what I expected, he was much better. I remember walking away after quizzing
him mercilessly at Dunkel's recently and thinking that he smoked too much,
but I think the sobriquet he chose for himself fit him perfectly. God, I'm
going to miss that little guy.

Keep the Faith, Harry

John Jondal

I cannot express my sympathy in words. All the times I say "I'm gonna
get that car out" and don't.....This just REALLY makes me want to start
that old buggar up and drive the streets thinkin' about ol' Harry, his
wonderful prose and life itself. My fellow 356ers, hats off to Harry
and let's all drive those ol' 356ers tomorrow in tribute!!!! So many
opportunities we all had to meet the legend, and yet many if not most of
us only know him thanks only to this list. Makes you wonder..

Wasn't it Harry himself who coined the phrase KTF? If so, aside from
his already legendary 356 and Porsche status, he'll ALWAYS run through
the veins of this group and our passion. He will undoubtedly be missed by all.....

Bill

KTF!!!

To the Pellow family and List,

It is with great sadness that I write tonight and want to send my deepest condolenses to the Pellow family and all who had the pleasure of meeting Harry in person. I never met him but have emailed back and forth with him quite a bit, his knowledge about our funny little cars amazed me. I loved his writing style, "Porches" and all, I will never forget him and I am honored that I got at least the chance to email with him. Thank you Harry. God Bless.

Mike Marsalek
NJ

Few things have made me cry as quickly as reading that Harry is gone. I never met him in person, but he was always free with his time by telephone and emails. We have his books and tapes, and I know our 356 wouldn't be on the road if it weren't for him...KTF, friend...I know there is a Registry in Heaven.

Deborah King
Lake Conroe, TX

In a lifetime, you meet a few really unique individuals. Harry Pellow was one
of them. His extensive knowledge, willingness to share it, and unique humor
will be sorely missed in the 356 community.

Charlie White
Scottsdale, Arizona

Article on Harry Pellow

Carl R. Bengtson

A gold-plated dip-stick? I didn’t believe it!

I first met Harry Pellow, aka, The Maestro, on the recommendation of another mechanic. “He’s the only one,” he said, “who can put together your engine given the condition of it.”

Harry’s small shop right off the airport in San Jose was initially hard to find. I brought my 912 engine to him in a basket. I hardly guessed that this small man with somewhat beady eyes and a very dirty computer terminal had a master’s degree in chemical engineering from MIT.

When he first talked to me, I could tell his mind raced a million miles an hour about engines, displacement, horsepower and foot pounds of torque.

“Here,” I said, handing him the engine’s crankshaft that had seen its better days. “Someone told me you could fix this.”

He grabbed it like a mother cuddling her first newborn. His glasses responded to a familiar nudge, forcing them to his forehead. Obviously far sighted, Harry inspected the unit with naked eyes.

“Humm,” he said. “Thirty under. But I think I have the right bearings for it somewhere.”

Well, that was some statement because parts were stacked throughout his shop to the point that their availability was accessed only through paths meandering through the piles.

“Man,” I thought. “I hope the engine looks better than his shop when he’s done with it.”

I left the parts with Harry, promising to return soon with what he needed for the job.

Unfortunately, this was at the time that my father was nearing death in Sacramento and I was making numerous trips there to see him. On occasion, I would email Harry promising to bring the parts soon.

Feeling guilty about not returning, one day I emailed The Maestro explaining that I was taking care of my father. He emailed me back: “Don’t worry about the motor; take care of your father.”

After my father’s death, Harry and I rejoined forces to get the engine done, but meanwhile he suffered a heart attack. The engine was again on hold.

Then one day out of the blue, I got an email that the job was done and I could pick up the motor anytime.

I emailed Harry again: “I’ll get there when I can; my mother died yesterday.”

“Geez!” he responded. “I’m sorry. The motor will wait. Take care of your mother.”

Around the New Year I finally got time to pick up the motor. I walked into the cluttered arena to see an engine perfectly put together and clean enough to eat off. A gold-plated dipstick adorned it with majesty befitting a king. After installing the engine into the car I also discovered that it ran as well as it looked.

With great sadness I learned from a friend that Harry had died. News of his death quickly spread through the Porsche community. I had talked to Harry about taking care of himself, and he said he knew he should. But, he said, he was spending too many nights up until 2 or 3 a.m. getting all his work done. I suggested he not worry about the work so much and take care of himself since he was so valuable to all of us.

Harry is gone now, but I am left with a beautiful engine, a memory of a man who really cared about me personally and a prayer to God:

“Don’t worry about my Porsche. Take care of Harry.”