[jlvandat]

I am Joe Van Datta's son and need to share some sad news regarding my father. Dad passed away May 22, 2009. He had been diagnosed with cancer back in October of '08 and went through surgery and was recovering well when complications arose. He fought hard, especially for a man of 84 years.

I wanted to share this news because there are those here at the Tbird Forum who have shown concern, and I wish I could report differently. Dad often spoke about the people he had met here and loved to share stories of how he had helped other Tbird owners. He was passionate about his 'Bird and this website allowed him to share that passion in ways that made him very happy while feeling connected to people all over the map. It was a big part of his life and kept him young and enthusiastic well into his eighties.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of his life. He is deeply missed.

Jeff