12/07/2025
It’s not a cliche - so many of our customers are like family to us. They share their hopes and dreams with us and we create a literal vessel for helping them realize their happiest moments and often highest aspirations….
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Gilbert reached out to us during COVID to discuss a Metris camper. He had traveled the US in the seventies in a run down VW camper and, now, in his 70s and fighting cancer, he wanted to spend some more time on the road reliving his best years traveling across the country in a camper van…
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Gilbert’s specific van was one of the ones caught up the covid supply chain nightmare and it literally took almost 16 months from order to pick up. All the while Gilbert waited patiently as the cancer slowly ticked away. We finally got the van to Gilbert and we were unsure if or when he was going to be able use it….
Nary a word from Gilbert for almost a year and then, one day last year we get a call - “hi peace vans, Gilbert P here…I’ll be in Seattle tomorrow and would love to say hi…”…..
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While it’s quite unusual for us to not meet a customer face to face, it does happen. And knowing Gilbert’s story we were thrilled we were going to connect. That next day, Gilbert rolled up to the shop and we all happily hugged and met for the first time. Gilbert shared that the cancer wasn’t in remission but he felt good and had been on the road for three months and planned on 3 more - visiting old friends, reliving memories from road trips past, and making new memories in his beloved new camper. Gilbert ended up spending a few days in Seattle and we had many hours together in the shop sharing stories….
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A few weeks ago we got the news that Gilbert had passed away. This photo popped up today and it reminded me of all the amazing people and stories we are so privileged to hear. We are so glad we finally got to meet Gilbert, share some connection and be a small part of this last chapter of his life…
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Rest in peace Gilbert. We miss you.
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