President’s Message
Terry Kiwala
Remembering Good Friends
At every MBCA event, we share good times with our friends, and these fun times become wonderful memories that are spoken about for years to come. Recent club events have sparked my reflection of enjoyable memories that are the result of MBCA members gathering to enjoy their cars and becoming part of a family that truly reflects the collective good character of MBCA members.
On the morning of July 21, a longtime Chicagoland Section member called to inform me that our friend and fellow board member, Bill Denton, had suddenly passed away. The word spread quickly, and in the aftermath of this unfortunate occurrence, the true character of the MBCA appeared, as it has time and time again.
Because Bill’s wife Jeannie was recovering from surgery, members and friends were by her side, willing to do whatever – whenever – to help Jeannie during this difficult time. Whatever the need, MBCA friends had one message: “No problem, consider it done.” Over the past few weeks, I have never been prouder to be an MBCA member as our family has come together to support Jeannie and honor Bill.
I met Bill 18 years ago at a concours at the Cuneo Mansion & Gardens in Vernon Hills, Illinois. I was showing my father’s 560SEL and had absolutely no idea what I was doing. Bill walked over, introduced himself, and did his best to convince me that the MBCA was an organization in which I should be an active member. As usual, Bill was right and was spot-on with his advice – look at what happened.
Bill was passionate about the MBCA, and his longtime membership tenure and active participation in board service both demonstrate his commitment to and love for our organization. While the cars bring us together, it’s the people who make this organization truly unique. Bill enjoyed being with members and took extreme – I would venture to say insane – pride in the preparation and performance of his Mercedes-Benz vehicles. He loved attending events and doing what we do best, which is enjoy our cars to the fullest.
I last saw Bill June 14 at the 500 Section’s defensive driving event. Bill drove his beloved C32 down to Indy and, at 75, showed us how to really run an autocross. A first-place trophy in hand and a smile on his face, Bill shook hands and headed back to Chicago. I headed on my way a short time later.
On my drive home, I caught up with his C32 – license plate “MBCA 23” – on I-65 as Bill approached the off ramp to I-465 to head to Costco for gasoline (Bill loved Costco gasoline). He had on his Starfest 2012 hat, was smoking a cigar, and still had a smile on his face. I waved and he nodded at me, proud of the admirable performance he had displayed on the track and the fun day he had with fellow members. I cannot think of a better image of Bill to replay in my mind forever.
I am so happy to have known Bill, and in the aftermath of his passing, I am very proud of our members and friends whose actions and dedication to fellow MBCAers provide continued evidence of the great community we have assembled. I encourage you to enjoy the club family and create good memories with each other. You will undoubtedly find that MBCA members are one of a kind.
Terry Kiwala presents Bill Denton with his Concours award at the 2014 June Jamboree in Montvale, New Jersey.
Terry Kiwala
Remembering Good Friends
At every MBCA event, we share good times with our friends, and these fun times become wonderful memories that are spoken about for years to come. Recent club events have sparked my reflection of enjoyable memories that are the result of MBCA members gathering to enjoy their cars and becoming part of a family that truly reflects the collective good character of MBCA members.
On the morning of July 21, a longtime Chicagoland Section member called to inform me that our friend and fellow board member, Bill Denton, had suddenly passed away. The word spread quickly, and in the aftermath of this unfortunate occurrence, the true character of the MBCA appeared, as it has time and time again.
Because Bill’s wife Jeannie was recovering from surgery, members and friends were by her side, willing to do whatever – whenever – to help Jeannie during this difficult time. Whatever the need, MBCA friends had one message: “No problem, consider it done.” Over the past few weeks, I have never been prouder to be an MBCA member as our family has come together to support Jeannie and honor Bill.
I met Bill 18 years ago at a concours at the Cuneo Mansion & Gardens in Vernon Hills, Illinois. I was showing my father’s 560SEL and had absolutely no idea what I was doing. Bill walked over, introduced himself, and did his best to convince me that the MBCA was an organization in which I should be an active member. As usual, Bill was right and was spot-on with his advice – look at what happened.
Bill was passionate about the MBCA, and his longtime membership tenure and active participation in board service both demonstrate his commitment to and love for our organization. While the cars bring us together, it’s the people who make this organization truly unique. Bill enjoyed being with members and took extreme – I would venture to say insane – pride in the preparation and performance of his Mercedes-Benz vehicles. He loved attending events and doing what we do best, which is enjoy our cars to the fullest.
I last saw Bill June 14 at the 500 Section’s defensive driving event. Bill drove his beloved C32 down to Indy and, at 75, showed us how to really run an autocross. A first-place trophy in hand and a smile on his face, Bill shook hands and headed back to Chicago. I headed on my way a short time later.
On my drive home, I caught up with his C32 – license plate “MBCA 23” – on I-65 as Bill approached the off ramp to I-465 to head to Costco for gasoline (Bill loved Costco gasoline). He had on his Starfest 2012 hat, was smoking a cigar, and still had a smile on his face. I waved and he nodded at me, proud of the admirable performance he had displayed on the track and the fun day he had with fellow members. I cannot think of a better image of Bill to replay in my mind forever.
I am so happy to have known Bill, and in the aftermath of his passing, I am very proud of our members and friends whose actions and dedication to fellow MBCAers provide continued evidence of the great community we have assembled. I encourage you to enjoy the club family and create good memories with each other. You will undoubtedly find that MBCA members are one of a kind.
Terry Kiwala presents Bill Denton with his Concours award at the 2014 June Jamboree in Montvale, New Jersey.