[WWI] Americal-Gryphon

[james dickie]

Warren, your letter is very well written and really sums it up perfectly...it was his "business" to do with as he pleased. Back about a year ago Glenn sent me a very thoughtful handwritten letter that explained his decision. He made no mention at all of difficult customers, nor did he mention any "bonfire". His number one concern was the failing health of his wife (he was understandably heartbroken to have to admit her to a skilled nursing facility because of advanced Alzheimer's), as well as his own health issues which included surgery to correct nerve damage to his hands that sadly left him with limited dexterity after months of physical therapy. Yes, I truly miss his service, his meticulous research and wonderful products. But lets keep things in perspective...life has a way of catching up to all of us and the reality of losing a loved one to Alzheimer's is more important than running (or selling off) any "business".
On a side note, I used to own a wargaming miniatures shop, and it truly only took one whining customer on a Saturday afternoon to make me forget the hundreds of wonderful customers that I had every week. Lets keep our hobbies fun.
-James



wed317 <wed317 at mchsi.com> wrote:     I think that it is  important for all concerned to understand that A/G was not Dr. Merrill's  "business", but more a labor of love that he did in his spare time.  He  paid the rent and bought his beans as a university professor in  Paleobiology. Failing health, other family issues, and a growing frustration  level with customers drove him to the decision to close down. (As I have been  made to udnerstand it by others close to Dr. Merrill.)  If you have ever  worked in a business dealing with the general public, you know what it is like  to deal with people that will not be satisfied unless the product is perfect,  and you give it to them for free.  Just one look at some of the childish  whining on some of the other modeling message boards, then imagine trying  to do business with those individuals. One bad one can often-times wipe out  the goodwill of ten or twenty.
     I too  held out hope that he would "will" the business to someone else, and that thye  could carry on.  However, that was not to be, and it was his business to do  with as he pleased.
  
 Warren


       
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