The passing of John Cecil

Dear Lancia Friends: We have sad news to share with you regarding the loss of a long-time friend and Lancia enthusiast, John Cecil. John died suddenly in his home in Magalia, California on October 31st. John has not been a recent member of the club but attended and supported the Lancia Reunion’s in 2014 in Graeagle and again in Lone Pine. John was 84 years at the time of his death.
We first met John and his wife, Becky, in the early 70’s when we attended our first reunion in Carmel Valley. Both John and Becky were living in Sunnyvale at the time and worked at Lockheed Martin Corporation. John retired from Lockheed 26 years ago and moved to the mountain area of Magalia, with Becky soon retiring and joining him there. One wonderful anecdote about John: During one of our rally’s, several members were trying to assess the problem with a disabled car. John cleverly diagnosed and resolved the problem, to which he said, “Well, you know it isn’t rocket science, although . . . I am a rocket scientist”. He was extremely bright, loved his Lancia Automobiles and we will miss him so very much.
A celebration of life for John was planned for October 16th. Unfortunately, his celebration was cancelled due to the Camp Fire in Paradise. As you all must know, the town of Paradise has been about 90 percent destroyed by this horrific fire storm. Unfortunately, John and Becky’s home in Magalia, a community also destroyed by the fire, was one of those totally lost in the fire. Becky is safe and presently staying with her daughter in Tracy, California. She has been hit with 2 major life crisis in just a week’s time. I would encourage those of you who know or do not know them but would like to acknowledge this difficult time, reach out to Becky and to share your condolences, memories and/or history with John. I know that she will be touched by your communication with her as will her family.
Becky can be reached at: Rebecka (Becky) Cecil C/O Siobhan Edgar Cecil 233 E. Carlton Way Tracy, CA 95376

ADDENDUM: Please note that Lancia member, Todd Radke, was also someone who lost his home in the Camp Fire. Todd was the owner of the beautiful blue Fulvia (original owners were Judy and Dick Buckingham) recently restored by Todd. The fire erupted and spread so quickly that Todd was able to leave the fire with only his life but none of his possessions, including his valuable and loved automobile collection. Todd is presently safe and staying with a friend in Chico. If you would like to acknowledge his loss and appreciation that he is still with us today, you can reach Todd on his cell phone, 530-570-5169.
Vicki and Paul Tullius