Memories of Good Times and Vintage Cars

Ninety-seven-year-old Ron Smith Care Centre resident Bunny Marks still has a taste for adventure.

Denise Stewart, who volunteers at the Rand Aid-run care centre, says she and Bunny got talking one day about what he enjoyed most in his colourful life. “This led him to show me all the lovely car trophies and pictures of veteran cars which he had restored, including Buicks, Pontiacs and MBGs. The walls of his room at the care centre told the story of these cars which are so close to his heart, and about which he is so passionate,” says Denise.  “I mentioned the Piston Ring Club which meets every month in Modderfontein, only to discover that he was a long-standing member.”

On hearing this news, she made a promise to herself that she would take Bunny to a club meeting so that he could rekindle all his memories of this particular passion of his. “The day after his 97th birthday, which was on April 17, his daughter Maureen, her friend, and my husband Dave and I surprised Bunny with an outing and visit to the ‘Ford Day’ at the Piston Ring Club. There, we were able to view the many beautifully restored vintage and veteran cars on display,” says Denise.

Bunny had the opportunity to meet up with some of his old acquaintances, and they spent time chatting about the old days and all the happy times they had, restoring all these wonderful vehicles of the past. He so enjoyed the day, talking to his friends and sharing their enthusiasm and love for vintage cars. 

“What an amazing outing for us all; we made a promise that we would return soon to remember and re-capture the past in all its glory,” says Denise.

Bunny Marks on his 97th birthday.