Don't know if this was already posted or not.. I just saw this today..

May 17, 2003 - Portland, Indiana - Greg and Marianne Moser and Jeff and Eileen Bickel were killed late Friday afternoon when the single-prop four-passenger airplane they were traveling in crashed outside of Allendale, South Carolina.

Greg and Marianne Moser, co-founders of Moser Engineering located in Portland, Indiana, along with Jeff Bickel, plant manager at the same company, and his wife Eileen were headed to Beaufort, South Carolina from the Portland Municipal Airport in Portland, Indiana when the plane crashed. The cause of the accident is undetermined at this time.

Greg Moser, 50, was the founder and president of Moser Engineering, a manufacturer of hi-performance racing components, located in Portland, Indiana. The long-time drag racer and axle manufucturer started his business with his wife, Marianne H., 49, in 1982.

The Moser's revolutionized the axle industry with the development of a streamlined manufacturing process that shortened the standard 4 to 6 week turnaround time to just two days. Moser Engineering, which originated in the Moser's garage, is now one of the leading aftermarket axle manufacturers in the United States.

Both of the Mosers were heavily involved in local philanthropic organizations. Mr. Moser was past and current president of many local organizations, including the Jay County Development Board (JCDC), the local chapter of the United Way, the local Rotary, and sat on many boards, as well.

Jeff Bickel, 48, also of Portland, Indiana was the plant manager of Moser Engineering and worked with the company since 1990. Bickel was one of the catalysts in developing the innovative manufacturing process and instrumental in the success of the company. Lifelong Portland resident Eileen Bickel, 46, along with her husband, were members of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Portland.

"We're deeply saddened for the loss of Greg, Marianne, Jeff and Eileen," Moser Engineering sales director Jon Bennett said. "Their leadership, kindness, and generosity shown towards their employees, community, and countless others can never be replaced. Our sympathy and prayers are with both families."

I appologize if this was already posted and I missed it. Damn shame. I don't claim to know them at all, but, dealing with their company was one of the best experiences with customer service I've ever had to deal with. That tells me a little something about the owners.

My prayers are with them and their families.

--Sean

 

It's terrible! I heard about it the day after it happened and couldn't believe it. I had just talked to him in the staging lanes at rockingham at the IHRA spring nats and he was telling me that he was building a plane to go racing with. It's a tragedy and my prayers are with all there families.

Randy

 

i am saddened to hear this! i didn't know that had happened. my condolences to both of their families.

i totally agree that their customer service was excellent!!!! they took care of me in a very professional manner, i remember speaking with Jeff 1.5 years ago about an issue i had and he provided excellent customer service, and made things right!

 

That really sucks. It is a terrible loss for the automotive community.