Hoover A3308 Computer Control & Memories of Gary Thompson 1969-2020

[chestermikeuk]

How Time Flies, In 2017 we had a mini meet trip up to Richards (Ricky50) home in County Durham, while there we met up with Gary Thompson, a Hoover engineer of old school machines who lived nearby,
we had known Gary years through the forums but like many of us still hadnt met in person.

Last week we had the very sad news that Gary had passed away unexpectedly, this post is in memory to Gary and a big Thank You for all the help he unknowingly provided to many of us, especially in his favourite washing machine
the Hoover A3308 Computer Control 1100, Hoovers first Computer Control washing machine...

In pic: L-R, Alistair (Vacbear58) Steve (SESteve) Mikey (MikeyMatic) Richard Ricky50) Mike (ChesterMikeUK) & Gary ....

Heres the link to original threads..

Back Up North to Durham a Year later for a Repair Weekend !!

Time flies so quickly and another grand visit to the Northern area of our country, Consett, County Durham visiting Richard (Ricky5050) where we spent a weekend in the sunshine (unlike last time in the rain, see thread) fixing up new / old washers and sorting out what needs to be done...

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[chestermikeuk]

Hoover A3308 Computer Control & Memories of Gary Thompson

Richards Hoover A3308 Computer Control was launched in the mid 1980`s when Gary was training and became a Hoover Engineer, this was probably the best era of Hoover machines, he told many a story of
fixing the Electrons & Logics ranges of machines, bearing being the main issue but parts easy to source and fix.

 

[chestermikeuk]

Hoover A3308 Computer Control & Memories of Gary Thompson

The computer Control washing machines where a big step forward in the era of computerisation doing away with the big 42 step timers, this model boasted an AEG motor power circuitry for extra reliability.

 

[chestermikeuk]

Hoover A3308 Computer Control & Memories of Gary Thompson

Having spent most of the weekend overhauling Richards washer and putting it back together we had trouble in sorting all the wiring on the harness which was all the same grey colour and if not n the know was a pain to sort through.

Cue Gary who took one look at it and paintstakingly set too sorting through all the wires explaining it was a job he was used to doing and enjoyed from his "Hoover Days" ...

 

[chestermikeuk]

Hoover A3308 Computer Control & Memories of Gary Thompson

When the A3308 computer control was back together we connected it up for a water test , so with rinse & spin selected and press start it went on its way until the spin, where there was a very evident knocking ,
well where all eyes and ears trying to fathom it out when from behind Gary shouted "Its The Heater Bracket" ...

And on inspection it was, it had corroded and so the heating was rattling against the drum, thats when you appreciate the knowledge built up over years of repairs ha ha, and so another repair for another day!!

 

[chestermikeuk]

Hoover A3308 Computer Control & Memories of Gary Thompson

My memories of that weekend where of the knowledge that Gary gave freely in a way that was easily understood. It has become apparent from social media since his passing that he gave advice and information and support freely to many more people than all the individual groups from family, friends, appliance buddies and care support work buddies knew about. We where arranging to meet up in Durham after the lockdown in September at Jamies new place where Gary had been advising all things repairs, when we do we will raise a glass to Gary & "Oovah Memories"..

With that in mind "A Toast" and great memories of Gary...

 

[ricky5050]

Thanks Mike

Yes it’s very sad to hear about Gary he was I contact with loads of people on the different forums and always giving advice and help. RIP Gary x

 

[keymatic3203]

Sorry to hear of Gary's far too early death.

Sadly, I had not met or spoken to him, and get the sense from those that have, that we'd have got on well and had plenty to talk about.

Seeing that last photo at Pimms o'clock, those smiles just shine out the friendship and camaraderie of this wider group, so I can share the loss and send my love to his friends and those who were closet to him.

Mathew

 

[jamiew79]

Gary was a lovely guy and happy to give advice and help. He openly offered to come and help me repair some of my machines when lockdown lifted but unfortunately he passed away before we got a chance to meet.

He often told me about his time as a Hoover engineer, his love for the A3308 and how over time he had owned 3 of them.

RIP Gary, I hope you have a great collection of machines now up there in the clouds, we will certainly miss you down here.

Jamie x

 

[Marky_Mark]

Such a shame to hear that Gary has died. I never got to meet him. A big loss to the group as well as to his family.

 

Nice memorial thread, Mike. 

 

[optima]

Gary

So very sorry to hear about the sad loss of Gary.

 

[combo52]

Mike, Thanks For Posting About Gary

He sounds like someone I wish I could have met, It is always fun to meet people that worked in and with the major appliance industry, so much information.

 

I think about you guys often and am yearning for the time I will be able to travel in your direction again, in the meantime I am getting my home in better shape for the future and for guests to visit, this coming winter we are going to be working on the museum again to get more plumbing and electrical work so more appliances can be connected.

 

Everybody stay safe and be well, and RIP Gary I am glad you guys got to know him.

 

John L.

 

[ozzie908]

Had previously noted this

I had run a thread about Gazza/Gary Thompson but had no pictures to share so a BIG thank you to Mike/Chestermike for remedying that for us..

 

[miele4life]

I'm very sorry to hear of his passing, I hope his machines will be taken care of, the Computer Control he had was made in January 1986