I'm glad you shared this with us Bob, and everyone else. It is rare to find friends with the same interests, let alone name. Working on a car with someone just creates a bond that lasts. My high school buddy of 25 years now, Andre, lives across the coast in Ct. Yet this year over New Years, he spent a few days here with me getting my 460 fired up for the first time. The funny part about that is he was there for my first rebuild of my 289 in a 68 Mustang. We've spent many hours getting frustrated at stuff in manuals, to laughing and hitting each other.
On my current build I have another friend who comes down during those two person moments always there to lend a hand.
I'm sad for your loss, but have to agree with you, what a great ride it must have been for the two of you!
If more people turned wrenches, it would be a better world!