This morning, I was driving back from the Airport (back from Z06 training which I’ll make a separate post about) when my cell phone rang.

The man on the other side introduced himself as Gil Sharp. At first, I didn’t recognize the name. Then he went on to say that he was the father of Michael Sharp, the Corvette salesman murdered last week in California.

What followed was a 20 minute conversation filled with stories of Michael’s life accentuated by tears from both of us.

Without getting too personal, Michael was incredible person. He was a golf pro in CA, but, since he was not high up enough yet, he decided to take a second job selling cars once he found out his wife was expecting their first child.

He was an academic athlete all through high school and college and was much loved in his community.

His father called me after one of the family members decided to go to the Corvette Forum to see what we were about after they started receiving donations from members. Katie, Michael’s widow went on the site and couldn’t believe what she read from a bunch of strangers. She called Gil, who in turn called me to ask me to thank the forum members for all of their support so far. I told him that the last thing I wanted him or Katie to do is to get the wrong impression about Corvette enthusiasts because of this one lunatic who has nothing to do with our community.

I was going to post the info for donations again, but when I got in today, I had an email from Michael’s brother-in-law thanking us and letting me know about a website where we can go to give more help…including a golf tournament in CA where the club donated the use of the entire facility to go to help the family.

Talking to Gil this morning brought it all back to me and made me even more upset then before. If you have already helped, thank you. If you are thinking about helping, please go to www.katiesharp.com for info on what you can do.

Thanks again!

 

I'm so glad the story got to us here. I haven't seen it on the news.
Check is on it's way, and I'll check out the site too.

GM

 

thanks Dave.

Mike

 

Just a suggestion. Do you know anyone who could set up a PayPal account for collecting funds? I bet you'd get a big response from your online friends because a lot of us with rushed schedules may find it easier than trying to remember to send a donation when we get home from work and the kids are climbing the walls, etc.



Mike

 

Wow, to hear from his family and to know that they appreciate the condolences like that, that's at least one small great thing coming out of this horribly unnecessary tragedy.

 

NICE IDEA!
AL

 

Thanks for posting that Dave...

 

Thanks for sharing.

 

 

Thanks for letting us know!

 

I am glad that Michael Sharp's family could find some relief in their time of sorrow from the emotional and financial support exhibited by the CF members.

 

Once again it is proven that we are ONE BIG FAMILY!!! God Bless each and everyone of you.

 

This ia just tragic !!!

Why on earth some of these crazy peopl walk among us everyday!! ANd ruin innicent lives in an instant , we will never know.

I pray for his family

 

It is nice to know the family can get some solice from knowing the people here are genuine with there comments and feelings about there tragic loss.

 

god, I hope they sentence that guy to death. I hate people that think they deserve everything, he walks in and wants to test drive a Corvette, come on man, use your head, how can a guy with criminal record think he is going to get a corvette like that. Car theft?? definately some bum thinking he is his own law. I hope they give him the electric chair before some corvette enthusiasts murder his ***.

My prayers to his family and we will give them all our support.

 

Hey Guys,

This story really touched my heart. We're all so generous to the many charities that we come accross in life. What this Forum does for St Judes is amazing. I'm sure most of us have sent at least something for the victims of Katrina. Let's not forget this young man. We drive 50K + automobiles. If every active Forum member just sent only 50.00....


Steve

 

My name is Pati Sharp. I am Michael's mom. He called me Mamacita. I cannot tell you how my husband, Gil, and I feel about the out pour of love from the Corvette family. Up until this week we were unaware of such a family. All of you have embraced us with your very kind words and thoughts, as well as for Katie, and for that we thank each and everyone of you. Michael was 100% genuine 100% of the time. He had such an infectious smile and never had an unkind word for anyone. We have lost a great son. It's funny too because Michael always wanted a Corvette and now to be so embraced by the Corvette family is somthing he would love. So on behalf of myself, Gil, Michael's sister Cindy, Katie, Katie's children, Ashlee and Tyler and our precious Alexis Michael who will born sometime around January 15th we thank you so very much.

 

I am in for $50 - Someone please post us a paypal.
Dollarbill

 

Thanks for the info, this a very sad day for the Corvette family and the family of Michael.

 

Mrs. Sharp, Thank You so much for joining us and sharing a bit about your dear son who was so tragically taken from this world, I have been to the website and read the comments in the guestbook, reading that and your post bring tears to my eyes for the pain you must be feeling. I know we (the corvette community) cant remove that, but our hopes is that we can continue to comfort you and know you have a ton of thoughts and prayers for your family from us... We are a unique bunch here and I know we are there for one another indeed regardless of ever having the ability to meet in person, that what makes us special. We will be thinking about Alexis Michael around mid Jan. god bless your family. Tracey Richardson