There are people who go through life having fun and making people smile. This month we have just such a person who delights in telling fun stories and joking about personal experiences.

Eric and Carolyn Beeby have been sweethearts since the 6th grade. Born and raised

in Canada, they attended school together through the 12th grade. Upon graduating at age 18, Eric followed his dream and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force to pursue a flying career.

He completed his flight training and became an officer and a gentleman by act of the Queen. It was a couple of years later that he and Carolyn became husband and wife, soon to celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary. He served his country for 8 years ending his service on the coastal anti-submarine patrol. During that time they lived first in Winnipeg then on the eastern coast of Canada.

After his tour of duty with the Royal Canadian Air Force he applied and was accepted as a pilot by United Airlines. They moved to New Jersey for the first 7 years with United, at which time he got a transfer to San Francisco in 1974. They immediately bought a house in Vacaville and have lived there ever since.

Eric and Carolyn have 3 children. The oldest is a son living in Southern California, married with 2 children. Next is a daughter who is an occupational therapist living in Bangor, Maine, married with 3 children. The third is a son who is a schoolteacher, as is his wife. They live in Vacaville with 2 children.

Leisure time sports have always played a part in their lives. Carolyn has a long history of playing softball, volleyball, cheerleading, badminton, tennis, and lately she throws a mean bowling ball. Eric says the great part is that they have done a lot of these together. Now they are enjoying golf together. He adds that she is also a great driver and usually handles at least half of the driving chores, including the 5th wheel RV they recently acquired.

Since a young age Eric had always been interested in old airplanes and thought that he would like to own one someday. Cars had never been a consideration, so it was quite by accident that he ended up with an old car. In 1984 his brother had found a car purchased new in 1939 by the original owner, and made a deal to buy it when the owner wanted to sell. The time came and the brother didn’t have the money so he asked Eric to buy it. Eric thought he would buy it and hold until his brother had the money. That didn’t happen and Eric and Carolyn found themselves in love with the 1940 Plymouth Convertible affectionately named the Yellow Rose, the car we have followed for years as they toured with it through all 50 states and all the providences and territories of Canada.

For the first year Eric didn’t do anything with the Yellow Rose, but then he had it repainted and started seriously taking care of it. In 1985 the Klassic Uniques Car Club got started and Eric was one of the founders. In 1986 it was decided that the Klassic Uniques would participate in the CHVA National Tour. With Bob Trueax leading the CHVA group back to Kansas, the Klassic Uniques joined the parade in Reno.

It was on this trip that they met Bill and Joyce Jasper, Mick and Jan Sutter, and many other CHVA’ers that started the beautiful friendships that continue today. Over the years they have taken 3 cruises and several other vacation trips with Mick and Jan. CHVA friendships have a way of transcending just an interest in old cars.

They have developed a special friendship with Jerry and Jeannyne Gorley. Carolyn met Jeannyne in 1974, while attending Solano Junior College. Eric and Jerry then met and the two couples began to do a lot of socializing. When Eric got into the old car hobby, he began to tap Jerry’s expertise in car mechanics. Jerry had owned every kind of car, but had never belonged to a car club, but that soon changed. After 30 years their friendship is stronger than ever. 

Needless to say the old car hook was set and it was only time before the collection began to grow. The oldest car is the 1932 De Soto Convertible reportedly the only one remaining of 20 built in Canada. The newest is the 1969 AMX, which they purchased new. Of the 7 vehicles making up the collection only the De Soto is not considered to be a driver. It is just too cramped for comfort and will probably be sold.

Along the way Eric and Carolyn acquired a rental house with acreage that provided the space to build a 5000 square foot building with 3000 for storage and 2000 for shop space. If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit this property don’t miss it when the chance comes up again. They have created the most beautiful and nostalgic environment to enjoy a collection of cars.

In addition to being members of the Klassic Uniques they have also joined the Redwood Region so they can participate in more touring opportunities.