Wow, you almost brought me to tears there, NC. What a way to welcome in Father's Day. My late father was like that also, be it assisting a relative or friend calling from the other side of town requesting his assistance, or a complete stranger stuck on the side of the road or a parking lot with their hood up. He
never charged anyone to my knowledge. If they forced money on him, he might take it as to not offend them, but he never outwardly charged anyone. It was almost as if he was too embarrassed to charge anyone money. It seemed his recompense or satisfaction came from the very act of succeeding getting someone back on the road. Oh, to have a nickle for every time someone pulled up the driveway seeking his help. ...I know -- I KNOW -- my dad would have found the leaking vacuum hose that my T-bird had, and which I stumbled on AFTER spending some $520 on parts and labor which I didn't likely need. My dad grew up as a ranch hand and was pulling engines out of cars by age 15 according to my aunts. He didn't just know about cars, but plumbing, carpentry, and electricity. He really was the quintessential Jack of all trades. I guess one experiences a lot growing up on a large ranch.
... The late Paul Newman (great actor and humanitarian [awesome marinara sauce btw]) was asked once about his views on the causes he championed and his generous philanthropy (he was part of the Civil Rights movement during the '60s, and gave some 250 million to charities), and he replied (paraphrasing here): "It shouldn't be looked at as a duty. It should be instinctive". I believe your dad, NC, my dad, and Paul Newman were all cut from that same unique fabric, and somewhere someplace right now are working on some racing engines. All for the love of it, and all free of charge.
I genuflect before your late father, NC. Thanks for sharing it.
paw paw clifton 
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