Wow! Sad news. I only met him once when I drove up from NJ to buy a Heathkit Hilltopper from him. Seemed like a laid back mountain man. I remember once Hilltopper was loaded into van he seemed upset with some tears in his eyes. I reassured him it was going to a good home and was going to be my personal bike, not resold. Still have it and ride all the time. It's the Hilltopper in my avatar pic.
God rest his soul.