R.I.P - Golfcabrio

Dear Mark1 Owners Club Members,

There is no easy way of saying any of the things that I am going to mention down below.

It is with a heavy heart that I reach out to you today.

My father, a cherished member of this community, passed away on October 24th, 2022, after a long battle with illness.
Many of you knew him well, having shared in his passion for the iconic Mark1 Golf Cabrio.
Some of you may know my father by his forum handle, “golfcabrio”.
Through his posts and interactions within this forum, he not only shared his passion for the Mark1 Cabrio but also forged connections and friendships that spanned beyond the virtual realm.


Allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Daniel, and I come to you today with a sense of trepidation as I embark on a journey that is deeply intertwined with the fabric of this community.
At 26 years old, I find myself at a crossroads, ready to step into the world of the Mark1 Cabrio that my father held so dear.
It has been a challenging journey to get to this point, marked by moments of grief, uncertainty, and self-discovery.
But now, with newfound courage and emotional strength, I am ready to carry on my father's legacy and explore the world of the "cabrio" for myself.
While the road ahead may be filled with unknown twists and turns, I take solace in the knowledge that I am not alone.
The support and camaraderie of this community have already proven to be invaluable, and I am grateful to hopefully have you by my side as I navigate this new chapter in my life.

As I sit down to share my story with you, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the role that this community has played in my life.
My journey with cars began not just as a hobby or a passing interest, but as a deep-rooted bond between my father and me, forged around his beloved Mark1 Cabrio.
You see, this car was not just a vehicle; it was the vessel that carried us through countless memories, conversations, and shared adventures.
It was the catalyst that brought us closer together, igniting a passion within me that continues to burn brightly to this day.
From the moment I laid eyes on that sleek, classic design, I knew that this car held a special place in my father's heart.

And as he shared stories of his own adventures behind the wheel, I couldn't help but be captivated by the magic of it all.
Now, as I stand at the helm of my father's Mark1 Cabrio, I am reminded of the countless memories we created together and the profound impact that this car has had on my life. It is more than just a vehicle; it is a symbol of our bond, our shared dreams, and our enduring love for all things automotive.

Countless memories of the good and the bad times.
Memories that can break even the strongest of us.
Memories that make us grow.
Memories that we hold on to for a lifetime.

As I reflect on my father's journey within this esteemed community, there is one moment that stands out above all others—the day he was invited to join the annual gathering and awarded the prestigious title of Member of the Year.
For him, this was not just an accolade; it was a shining beacon of recognition and validation for his unwavering dedication and passion for the Mark1 Cabrio.
I can still vividly recall the joy that lit up his face as he shared the news with our family, his eyes sparkling with pride and excitement.
Despite the challenges posed by his illness, that honor award breathed new life into him, infusing him with a renewed sense of purpose and vitality.
In the years that followed, that moment remained etched in his memory as one of the proudest achievements of his life.
It was a testament to the profound impact that this community had on him and the deep bonds of friendship and camaraderie that he forged along the way.

As his son, witnessing the transformation that this honor brought to my father was nothing short of remarkable.
It served as a reminder of the power of community, of the strength that lies in coming together to celebrate our shared passions and accomplishments.

Today, as I would like to step into his shoes and carry on his legacy within this club, I am filled with a sense of reverence and gratitude for the foundation that he laid.
His spirit lives on within each of us, inspiring us to continue striving for excellence and fostering the same sense of camaraderie and inclusivity that he held.

Despite the financial constraints, I am committed to investing every ounce of my being into this project, pouring my heart and soul into every restoration effort.
For nearly five years, my father's beloved Mark1 Cabrio has sat dormant in a garage, untouched and unseen, its once-gleaming exterior weathering the elements without the shelter of a cover.
This unfortunate circumstance was a result of my father's deteriorating health condition, which consumed his energy and prevented him from tending to his cherished car.

However, today marks a new beginning. With a renewed sense of purpose and a deep commitment to honoring my father's memory, I have set myself the ambitious goal of bringing this car back to life.
More than just a restoration project, this endeavor is a testament to the enduring bond between a father and son, and the legacy of passion and dedication that he instilled in me.
Despite the challenges that lie ahead, I am undeterred in my mission to revive this iconic vehicle and return it to a state of glory that surpasses even its former splendor.
From addressing the mechanical issues that have accumulated over the years to restoring the faded paintwork and weathered interior, every aspect of this restoration will be infused with love and reverence for my father and his beloved car.




I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who took the time to read my post in its entirety.
Your willingness to lend an ear and offer support means more to me than words can express. Embarking on this journey to restore my father's Mark1 Cabrio is a deeply personal endeavor.

Together, I would like to honor my father's memory and breathe new life into his beloved Mark1 Cabrio.



Daniel

(Mike's aka "golfcabrio's" - Son)"





Rest in peace dad

Sorry for your loss,  while i didnt know him personally, but as a moderator on this site our paths did occasionally cross,  when i forgot to include a location or similar while advertising a part for sale. He didnt waste time letting me know.. The forum is certainly worse of since he stopped moderating…

RIP Mike. ☹️ Seen here with our Chairman Simon Berry 36thcrazyfist receiving the Member Of The Year Award 2017. 

Hey Daniel, 

So sorry for your loss, Mike was a really great guy, did so much for the club and we will be forever grateful and he will sadly missed. 

It was a personal highlight of mine being able to call him and tell him that we're bringing him over and it was so good to meet him after all those years. Knowing he was getting the award put the icing on the cake! 

He's a person I do think about from time to time, his memory is etched in my mind and I'm thankful for it - thanks for sharing your story. So glad his car has gone to someone with a passion and best of luck with it, hope to follow the progress. 

There's a big community of people here that will no doubt be willing to help you along the way, all you have to do is ask

I was just looking for that photo, thanks for sharing Dano


 Thanks


 Simon (Club Chairman)