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I just received the sad news that Robert J. Neal, the author of so many excellent books on Packard, passed away yesterday after a prolonged illness. Those of us who have read Robert's books will recognize what a great loss this is to the Packard world. I was fortunate enough to meet Robert several times and to have made a small contribution to some of his work. A fine gentleman, historian, and author.

Thanks Owen for relaying the sad news. I'm reading the 1951 to 1954 book currently, what a magnificent job he did of documenting so much of Packard's rich and varied history. It is indeed a terrible loss for the Packard world. Rest in peace, Mr. Neal, your work will forever be read and appreciated and never be forgotten.

Steve

It is a loss. Not being into engines that heavily, I came to his books rather late -- but better late than never. The amount of research he accomplished and how he was able to put scant pieces of information together to detail the whole story is incredible. Such a shame he couldn't have completed the story with a volume on the last 2 or even 4 years. If the previous volumes are any indication it would have been the definitive piece. Heard rumors at one time that someone was thinking of taking on that final chapter but nothing since. Don't expect to see it in my lifetime.

This is truly a loss for Packard aficionados. I had been encouraging him to do a book on the V8 Packards, but each time he frankly told me he didn't have it in him. It would be wonderful if someone picked up the torch and did this.

Irreplaceable - our world has lost one of its lights.

Sad news about Robert Neal's passing. I had the opportunity to exchange a few e-mails with him on my early Packard memories. I am currently reading his last book about the 51-54 Packards. It is taking a while as the content is so rich. Perhaps a way to honor his memory would be for the PAC to establish a scholarship to an acredited college automobile technology program in his name.

(o{}o)

A very fine gentleman and a sad loss.
I bought my 1949 Custom 8 sedan from Robert in 1984.

A loss to Packard enthusiasts and industry historians in general. I read "Master Motor Builders" last summer, and was amazed at the depth of information Mr Neal had accumulated for the book.

Godspeed, Mr. Neal. This is sad news indeed. I had just started reading his book on the 1951-1954 Packards, and was shocked and saddened to discover in the foreword that he was basically racing against a diagnosis of terminal cancer to try and complete the book. He has truly left behind a great body of work that is a valuable and enduring legacy to all Packard enthusiasts.

May Mr. Neal's family find some measure of comfort in the knowledge that he brought joy to so many people around the world. His writings will long be treasured.