We recently were on the Vineyard for our annual two-week stay when I experienced trouble with our 11-year-old Land Rover. The truck intermittently refused to shift out of park and was progressively getting worse. In addition to the obvious stress and inconvenience during our stay, I was worried that I would not be able to get the vehicle on or off the ferry when it was time to go home. I called four garages and before I could even explain the problem, was told by each they were not looking for any more work and could not help. On the fifth try, I reached Larry Conroy of Courtesy Motors in Vineyard Haven. He patiently listened to my problem and offered several suggestions over the phone that might help. He also welcomed me to bring the truck to him and said he would be happy to look at it. To make a long story short, Larry diagnosed the problem, ordered the necessary part for the next day, and returned the vehicle to me by noon the next day. His bill was more than reasonable given his time and efforts. It was obvious that he, too, was very busy but made an effort to squeeze me in given the circumstances. When I thanked him and told him how I couldn’t get anyone else to even listen to my problem, he simply replied: “I try to help people.” A nice rule of living for all of us to follow.

Thank you again, Larry, for all your help and for making the Vineyard the kind of place my family and I have been happily returning to for the past 25 years.

John Riley
Hamden, Conn.