Schott Forum Update (Passing of Gail)

[dannyk]

This came up on another thread but I thought it useful to state on its own. I’m sure many of us have perused or used the Schott Forum over the years. There was one consistent and that was Gail. She worked for the company for over 30 years. When she retired they kept her on to run the Forum. I know personally she’s answered tons of questions for me. And even got me info on the 1928 release that was like one of a hundred for a specific store in Portugal. She somehow managed to track that info down for me. She was a super kind person. Considering 100s of people have asked the same questions over and over and she never complained. She has passed away this past week. There is a post there from Jason Schott announcing this. I don’t know how they will replace her. Even if they hire or name a new person to run it, they won’t have her 30 years of experience and knowledge. Regardless of anyone’s opinions on Schott, she was a mainstay and a huge asset for them. She will be really missed.

 

[dannyk]

Link to Jasons post.

https://www.schottnyc.com/forum/posts/sad_news_about_gail_hawkins.htm

 

[JMax]

She was tremendously helpful and great at her gig. RIP.

 

[regius]

It is very sad to hear, while she wasn’t the reason for my leather jacket obsession, during the early days she was a major source of momentum to keep researching and collecting. I’d say she had a fruitful and successful career and life.

 

[Harris HTM]

She had helped me as well. Major source of information and always willing to help. May she rest in Peace.

 

[2wheelgrplr]

Rest in Peace. Folks above saying it right - not easy to find a replacement for someone like her, the wealth of accumulated knowledge through decades of intimate immersion in her niche, that's something you just cannot replace with the snap of a finger, especially in a niche field like ours. Best of luck to Schott. People like her are invaluable in keeping the flame burning - that flame of genuineness, passion, authenticity, and down-to-earth approachability ... how many times have we seen a question come up about Schott jackets and the answer has been, ask Gail in the Schott forums. Sending out prayers and good wishes.

 

[AeroFan_07]

Very sorry to hear this! I never interacted with her, but sure sorry indeed.
Thoughts & prayers to her family.

 

[Peacoat]

This is a terrible loss. Gail was always helpful and knowledgeable. She will be missed.

Edit Note: I hope you don't mind, but I have revised the title of this thread to more accurately reflect the loss of Gail.

PC

 

[dannyk]

This is a terrible loss. Gail was always helpful and knowledgeable. She will be missed.

Edit Note: I hope you don't mind, but I have revised the title of this thread to more accurately reflect the loss of Gail.

PC

No problems. Makes sense!

 

[Monitor]

Regadless of how big Schott grew during the last few decades, It was Gail and Gail alone that made the company seem like a true family run business, one with a dream and a soul, dedicated to the fans.

Good customer service is one thing but being there every single day to answer anyone's question asked, no matter how many times asked and answered before, purely out of passion, dedication and love for the company, is something very few business can say to have been blessed with. It is something that only deserves respect. Respect for both Gail and Schott.

It is also something that, sadly, simply cannot be replaced. Ever. This has now been lost forever and Schott won't ever be the same.

Sad, sad news...

 

[Doctor Damage]

I've read a few of her answers on the Schott site and gosh she always had informative and practical answers and she obviously had a lot of patience. People have told me over the years in various contexts that everyone is replaceable, but people like Gail aren't.

 

[ton312]

Totally irreplaceable. Gail has the kind of institutional knowledge of Schott that I don’t think anyone else could. More than that she was a sweetheart. Terrible shame. RIP Gail.

 

[Benny Holiday]

That's very sad news. Clearly Gail had a huge impact in her dealings with customers & was hugely respected by many who had contact with her. She leaves a great reputation and a name spoken of with much respect. I hope her family can take some comfort in how much she was thought of by those who interacted with her.

 

[Downunder G Man]

Information from this lady proved invaluable to me over the years. Mostly "second hand" but still invaluable.

Vale Gail. RIP

 

[Seb Lucas]

That's very sad news. Clearly Gail had a huge impact in her dealings with customers & was hugely respected by many who had contact with her. She leaves a great reputation and a name spoken of with much respect. I hope her family can take some comfort in how much she was thought of by those who interacted with her.

Lovely words Benny - totally agree. I had contact with her a number of times over the years. Gail was a joy to communicate with and radiated, along with deep product knowledge, a charm and love of people. She'll be greatly missed.