Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Robert Couch, Morgan Restorer

The well known American Morgan restorer and pioneer in the area of Morgan spares catalogues is no longer among us. Having suffered of bad health for some time, he passed away yesterday, not even 60 years of age.

He made fame, among other things, by restoring the well known 4/4 TT Replica CAB 652, which recently returned to England.

Those who are interested to read about him, check in on my site http://morganhistoryinfo.services.officelive.com/RobertCouchMorganRestorer.aspx

A page has been devoted to him under the chapter Morgan personalities.

Hermen, a sad passing and very nice that you've added him to your Morgan Personalities page; I especially liked the story of Morgan CAB 652.

Greetings. My name is Wil Couch, and Robert Couch is my father.

Herman, I want to thank you for the page you have created about my father. It is very touching to see that he had such a worldwide impact within not only the international Morgan family, but with automotive history in general. All from a small shop in a tiny town in upstate NY!

As a child, especially one deeply in love with cars, it was my own personal heaven growing up around such amazing works of art and pieces of history. Dad's shop was connected to our house, so I literally lived with these beautiful cars. Over the years I was fortunate enough to see, be around, work on, and even (don't tell the owners!) drive many cars that most people normally only see in magazines, including the ever significant CAB 652!

Over the past 5 years Dad has been fighting with several severe bouts of brain cancer. The first, in 2006, resulted with extensive surgery and the removal of a fist-sized tumor from his right frontal lobe. He made a miraculous recovery and lived another 3 full and healthy years, even continuing to work on Morgans and attending events. The most recent tumor, however, was his undoing.

He passed comfortably on Saturday, June 5th at apprx. 2:10 in the morning. He had many friends and family with and nearby. Although his life was rather short, at just under 60 years, I believe he lived every single day to the fullest. I've been telling friends that he lived 90 years in only 60! He was working on Morgans right up to the end, in fact, even today, there is a bare Morgan frame on lifts in his shop waiting to have his structural frame braces welded on.

Herman, you may be interested to know that my father's business partner from the 70's Phil Rosette is still around and involved to some capacity at Lime Rock Park race track in Connecticut. Their business, Racing International, was a simple arrangement. My father was stationed in London and would find collectible cars that were popular here in the states. He would try to find cars in need of repair at minimal cost. He would do the repairs himself, ship the car (typically Mini Coopers) stateside where Phil would sell it for profit. They built quite a reputation and were quickly sought out by US collectors, which is how they came to meet Jack Artley, the eventual owner of CAB 652. Dad actually found CAB 652 in a small dusty barn behind a local pub!

Thank you again for the kind words about my father.

Wil, you have my sincere condolences for the loss of your father.

My belief is that we live on in the memories we leave with others and from the sound of it, your father's legacy is a strong one that will not be forgotten.

Despite this being a very tough time for you and the family, I hope in time you can take some solace in fact he will be remembered so fondly by so many Morgan owners.

With my very best wishes,

Simon
on behalf of Talk Morgan