In Memory of Our Friend Dave Hermance – Toyota’s Technical Guru

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(inventor00 @ Nov 26 2006, 11:52 AM) [snapback]354198[/snapback]</div>

He did a great deal to help us, well beyond the engineering and executive expertise he provided.

Some of us had the privilege of personal exchanges. He shared a tremendous amount of wisdom. I privately received words of encouragement, telling me how contributions from owners like myself really would make a difference... he even described how. That extra effort really impressed.

Do what you can to keep his dream alive. That passion to make technology an instrument of change is something we here have in common and should continue to share amongst those we encounter. It is up to us now. Make him proud. There is history to be made.

 

I had the privilage to spend time with Dave in the early days of Prius ownership. He was a brilliant man with a vision of a better future for our planet. Like many of you on this page, he has helped to shape my vision of a better world and I'm sure you find yourselves spreading his words.

Dave was also a man of action. Taking his message far and wide. He also put his vision in motion with the creation and fine execution of the Hybrid program at Toyota and Lexus.

I believe we can honor Dave by creating a "DH" model for the Prius. For current owners, we could create little chrome decals for the back of the car. But if somebody on this group can make the plastic chrome letters it would be a better solution. Does anybody here have a contact at Toyota that can create the "DH" edition?

The world was a better place when Dave Hermance was with us. We'll miss you.

Dave DesJardins
[email protected]

 

Dave recently spoke to the Prius Club San Diego about batteries. Dave had spoken to the club several times. This was the second of his talks I attended. Dave was always willing to talk about the Prius and was very knowledgeable. He was a happy, friendly guy willing to share his time and expertise about what he loved.

I am saddened by his loss and my condolences go to his family.

Priusclubsd october meeting with Dave Hermance.



<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(HB Prius @ Nov 26 2006, 01:50 PM) [snapback]354217[/snapback]</div>

I think this is a wonderful and appropriate way to honor Dave and his contributions to the Prius. It would be wonderful if Toyota would offer a DH model for the Prius as a tribute to his contributions. *If* they were to go plug in at any time in the future, I'd like to see that model as the Dave Hermance model.

 

this is a very sad loss for us all, whether we had the pleasure of meeting Dave ourselves or not.

his family is in our thoughts.

 

George and Cathy,
This is very sad news. Your kind words and thoughtful message to the PC community is appreciated.
I feel lucky to have seen Mr. Hermance at the last San Diego Prius Club meeting. He gave a fine presentation, taking time to answer questions from all. His sincerity, enthusiasm, and caring for hybrid technology and for the global environment came through clearly. I am stunned to hear that this charismatic and knowledgeable man is no longer with us.
Condolonces to his family and friends. I am sure the news of his passing will sadden many people who were touched by him around the world.

 

This is very sad news indeed. We had the pleasure of meeting up with Dave and Mary again at our local Club meet after meeting them before in Huntington Beach. Dave was not only active with the Prius with Toyota, but always made the time to come to our local Prius Club meets in San Diego and Orange County to share his expertise in hybrid technology and encourage hybrids as an environmental alternative. Our sincere condolences to Mary and the family.

 

I attended the first meeting that Dave gave for the San Diego Prius Club, and was very much impressed by him. The hybrid world has lost a giant, and he truly deserves a "DH" model. My very sincere condolences and prayers go to his family, and also to his friends and co-workers.

 

Oh no! I've never met or seen him in person but I've seen him quoted by the press so many times.

It's sad to hear him go...

 

I didn't know him, but offer condolences to all who did and my thanks for all he shared.

 

Although I did not know him.. He will be missed..

 

May the Great Architect of the Universe grand this great man eternal piece.

 

Here's a link to a CNN blurb from a closed thread...

http://money.cnn.com/2006/11/27/news/newsm...dex.htm?cnn=yes

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(inventor00 @ Nov 26 2006, 09:52 AM) [snapback]354198[/snapback]</div>

Very thoughtful tributes to a man much beloved by his colleagues at Toyota and those within the automotive industry and the media.

Cards or other correspondence in memory of Dave Hermance can be sent to his Toyota office in Southern California, where they will be given to family members.

<div align="center">Toyota Engineering and Manufacturing, North America
1630 W 186th St
Gardena, CA 90248</div>

The LA Times published an update to an earlier story re Dave this morning, a good synopsis of his work as well as comments from his co-workers at Toyota and others with whom he shared a passion for protecting the environment.

MAN KILLED IN PLANE CRASH CALLED 'THE AMERICAN FATHER OF THE PRIUS' ~ LA Times (November 27, 2006)

 

As a fellow pilot, I salute Dave and as a Prius owner I am thankful for his work, from which I do indeed benefit. May he rest in peace and his family and friends know the gratitude of those of us his life touched, no matter how far away we may be. May you all know peace.

 

From a Sev MacPete email:

Funeral services for Dave Hermance will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., December 2, at the Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church at 20444 Magnolia St. in Huntington Beach, Calif.

The family requests that expressions of sympathy be sent to the Hermance family in care of Toyota at: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, 1630 West 186th St., Gardena, CA 90248.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to
The American Diabetes Association Research Foundation in the name of Dave Hermance at: Attn: Maria Price, 1701 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria, VA 22311.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(inventor00 @ Nov 26 2006, 12:52 PM) [snapback]354198[/snapback]</div>

Cathy, I'm A. B. Hair that you gave the email address to for Dave last week. I guess he never got it and we also are truly sadden. We net his wife who was interested in quilting that is my wifes passion. I feel I have lost a sole mate who is responsible for me now owning a Prius.