Faces of GM

Letter from Holly: Gary’s Camaro Wish

December/10/2009 at 4:57 pm

Editor’s Note:  This letter from Holly Whiting, a member of the GM family, really moved us, and we thought we’d share it with you.

Gary, celebrating his retirement from the Arlington plant

 

My name is Holly Whiting and my husband Gary Whiting was an employee of General Motors with over 42 years of service. He retired in Dec. 2006, after finishing his career at the Arlington, Texas, assembly plant.

After retirement, he shared his knowledge and skills by continuing to help friends and neighbors with home maintenance projects. He was active at First United Methodist Church of Coppell, Texas, and the Lions Club. But he identified himself with GM and was so proud of his company.

In early March, Gary was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. We were devastated by the diagnosis but he was determined to fight it as long as he could. We were so hoping for more time, but he died on Sept. 2. Fortunately, he was able to celebrate his daughter’s 21st birthday and also go home one last time to Niagra Falls, New York. 

Gary, Holly & their daughter Elizabeth

But it is important to me to share his story with you about the kindness shown to him by GM’s dealers.

Gary was in love with the new Camaro. We always attended the State Fair of Texas and in 2007, the yellow Camaro from the motion picture “Transformers” was on display. He took a picture of it on his phone and kept it as his wallpaper until the day he died. In August, I saw that he was declining and wanted to give him a special gift. Knowing that he would never have an opportunity to buy the car, I emailed three local Chevrolet dealerships near his home and inquired if there might be a possibility that a salesman could give him a 10 minute ride in a new Camaro.

All three dealerships responded with a plan to try and make this happen.  I was overwhelmed with their kindness and compassion. GM has seen rough waters lately, and I want you to know that behind the tough financial figures and decisions are some truly compassationate and empathetic men and women. I am proud that my husband worked for you.

Everything was arranged at Huffines Chevrolet in Lewisville, Texas, for a ride with David Huff, the general manager, in his personal Camaro. He too had experienced cancer in his family. Unfortunately, my husband did not live to enjoy the ride, but just knowing the generousity of these three dealerships is something I will never forget. It was a gift to myself and my daughter, just knowing that the ride would have happened.

I am hoping that his story will give you encouragement about your company and that with men and women such as these working for your dealers, that the company will thrive and do well in the future.

Sincerely,

Holly K. Whiting
Coppell, Texas