Phil Dayen, who owned probably the Highest award winning Buick GS, has past away from Alzheimer's. Phil & Pat had the Green & Black 69 GS 350, that they bought New & had received all the top awards from the Buick Community & the AACA, (where in most cases it had been driven to the shows) to where the car had to be retired from Show Competition, a few years ago, & set what was believed to be a World Record for a GS 350 when sold to a private collection a couple of years back, due to the over all quality of the car. Phil was Very active in the Penn-Ohio Chapter & other Automotive groups, as well as being an avid Pistol Shooter & Highly admired Telecommunications & PBX Technician, having retired from the AT&T System. I never knew Phil to not have a smile, or a nice word in all the time I knew him, & was highly thought of by all that had met him. Thoughts and Prayers go out to Pat & the Family. JR
So sorry to hear this news. I have judged his Buick many, many times and must say it was the best original car I ever laid my eyes upon. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
I remember meeting him at I think the 94 Nats. I was amazed at the quality of his mint 69, if that was the same guy. He was up in years then already.
Sounds like a terrific person who will be greatly missed by a lot of people. My condolences to his family and friends. RIP Phil<o></o>
I remember talking to him at a few of the shows. His GS was lime green code 59 right?. Poor guy. Horrible disease. Godspeed Phil
Phil was one of my closest friends in the Buick community. I remember meeting Phil and Pat in 1986 when they were looking for some 69 parts. They drove from PA. to N.C. in a snow storm. We have remained friends ever since. Duane and I convinced Phil to enter his 69 in concourse at their first GS nats, the car scored silver. Phil was determined to correct everything that was not correct and scored gold from then on. I spent many hours on the phone talking with Phil about his Buick restoration and talking about guns. He will be missed. Dave
Yes, Lime. Purchased new (well, demo) from North Side Buick in Pittsburgh, PA. I had a 1972 GS350 I bought from the original owner that also came from the same dealership. Dave, I know this is a tough one for you. Chin up man.
I am very very sorry to hear this. I heard he was not in good health a while ago, but it still hits hard. Phil & Pat are two of the nicest people I have ever met. It was great to talk to Phil about any subject. His face would light up and you couldn't help but see the "boyish" enthusiasm in him, especially when talking about his car. You could also not help but see the love the two of them shared. It was a joy to judge their car, and knowing they raised their family in it, just made it better. This one drove me crazy with how correct it was, and how it appeared totally untouched. When it came up for sale I simply could not swing it, but let me say this if I ever get a good chunk of money I will track that car down and buy it. I am not a 1969 guy, and I don't really like green cars, or small blocks for that matter, but this is one of my most favorite cars. I am a better person for knowing them, and want to thank them for sharing some of their time with me. Duane & Beth
Sad news, I have not seen or talked to Phil and Pat in many years but I do remember them from a few BCA Nationals and GSCA shows. I believe I was at the first or maybe 2nd GSCA show that they had their car judged at (Columbus, Ohio?). Phil was 2nd person that I made a window sticker for back in 2001 for his 69 GS. As everyone has stated, extremely nice people and he will be missed and always remembered. It always amazed me that his car was so nice and they drove it everywhere.
So sorry to hear this news. Met them both years ago and then again either at GSCA or BCA shows. Sent them pictures from one of them and received and still have a hand written note back in the mail. He will be missed with his voice and smile! Mike
I spoke with Pat a couple of weeks ago and she said Phil was doing ok at the long term care facility, and she was making long term plans for her and Phil. Phil's GS is coming back up for auction again. http://www.raleighclassic.com/used-Raleigh-1969-Buick-Gran+Sport-Base-434379H336794 He took so much time in getting all the items correct on the car. The car always took a special award at the shows. I remember Phil telling me a story about one of the shows where he was getting disappointed about not even placing in the Buick class. Then came the announcement for special awards and the GS received the "Best Paint" award for the entire show. he was shocked
I hope that some how the new owner will be able to find out the history of the car and how much it meant to the original owners and how special that original owner was. Its a very special GS350.:TU: that I will always remember it as Phil and Pat's car.
Phil had his Buick with him at the end, Pat had a huge picture of them in the 69 and lots and lots of snapshots and some awards sitting around the viewing area. A truer friend you could never find, he helped me countless hours with my cars over the years, he and Pat watched my son, babysat the dog, whatever, he and Pat were always there with huge smiles. The shows and cruises have not been quite the same the last few years with Phil not in attendance, You will be missed Buddy (Phil's favorite name for people) Reminiscing a bit as I type this one of my favorite car related stories with Phil - He had bought an NOS pair of stainless door edge guards for the GS, he was afraid to put them on and was going to take them to the body shop. Pat told him to give me a call about them - I get a call, hey Buddy, you ever put door edge guards on? Fast forward to me sitting on a stool in his garage working on them with Phil about hanging on me breathing so hard I couldn't think. I finally turned around and said OUT you are making me more nervous than I already was doing this on your car.
