Ab Tiedemann Updated Information from the Porsche Patter Chesapeake Region, PCA
CHESAPEAKE REGION MOURNS THE LOSS OF ITS LAST CHARTER MEMBER
By Lee Raskin, PCA CHS Member
The Chesapeake Region PCA community lost one of its legendary members on January 8, 2018. Albert "Ab" F. Tiedemann, Jr: a very early Porsche Club of America devotee, died suddenly from a massive stroke in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Ab, aka 'The Hermit' by his past Porsche Patter and 356 Registry postings, was also universally recognized for his unique candor, generosity, extraordinary engineering ability, and his expert 356 knowledge of the Marque. His treasured hobby was providing engineering services through his personal business, Afterwerke.
Ab grew up in Catonsville, Baltimore County, Maryland and graduated from the University of Maryland School of Engineering. While at UMD, Ab Tiedemann excelled as an outstanding All-American mid-fielder for Maryland's NCAA Championship Lacrosse team. Ab later played for the legendary Mount Washington Lacrosse Club and was a starting member of the World Championship U.S. Lacrosse team in 1967.
Ab's initial interest in Porsches grew from a friendship with an engineering professor at Maryland. Ab purchased a used 356 A coupe from the Chesapeake Cadillac Company and then attended Porsche events in the Washington, D.C. area.. Later in April 1961, he joined the new PCA's Chesapeake Region in Baltimore and become a charter member. Ab was the CHS President in 1963. In 1964, Ab attended the 8th PCA Porsche Parade and won the 1st Overall Hoffman Cup. Ab was also a crew member for Bruce "King Carrera" Jennings Racing Team during Bruce's early National Championship days. Ab continued to compete in Chesapeake Challenge events with his faithful 356 A 'Gray Mare' coupe, his 356 C 12 volt coupe, and later, with his restored 356A Speedster.
Ab was a Chesapeake Challenge Chairperson in 1976, a Porsche Patter Editor in 1977, and a Chesapeake Challenge Concours Chair and Judge over many decades.
As a renowned engineer for the AAI Corporation in Cockeysville, Ab used his ability to redesign many Porsche parts and tools -- something he really enjoyed. He was well-respected for his superb knowledge of Porsche engines and concours detail. The late Porsche 4-cam mechanic, Heinz Werner Bade described Ab as a great friend....and having a relationship based on mutual respect and the knowledge that both possessed about the Porsche Marque. Heinz referred to Ab as "a thinking man's engineer."
Among one of the most notable Porsche parts that Ab designed and marketed, was the "SofTite" socket...a nylon-lined socket that was exclusively designed to remove the 911 aluminum lug nuts without scratching its surface. Ab also redesigned other Porsche Factory tools for more efficient use in maintaining and servicing a Porsche.
Ab and his spouse, Helen attended countless Chesapeake Challenges, Porsche Club of America and 356 Registry regional and National events over the decades. Helen was also a CHS Region Secretary from 1970-1971.
In recent years, Ab was a fixture at the Annual Hershey and Ski Roundtop (PA) Swap Meets....engaged in spirited conversation, while displaying his new and improved re-designed Porsche tools and parts.
At Ab Tiedemann's passing, he was the last Chesapeake Region charter member.
Ab leaves behind his devoted spouse, Helen, four terrific daughters, son-in-laws, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren
A great friend and true legend to the Porsche Marque...Ab will be missed.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE EVENT: Saturday, April 6th from 3-5:00 pm at the US National Lacrosse Museum and Hall of Fame
2 Loveton Circle, Sparks Maryland.
Ab Tiedemann
- lee raskin
- Registry Trustee
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Re: Ab Tiedemann
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- Phil Planck
- 356 Fan
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- Ronald Sieber
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Re: Ab Tiedemann
Lee:
Thanks for posting that remembrance of Ab and also the memorial celebration info. Ab was a truly remarkable fellow.
=rdsieber
Thanks for posting that remembrance of Ab and also the memorial celebration info. Ab was a truly remarkable fellow.
=rdsieber
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- Membership Manager
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Re: Ab Tiedemann
From Ab's daughter Kim:
Just wanted to make sure your members received information on Dads Celebration of Life event scheduled for Saturday, April 6th from 3-5pm at the US lacrosse hall of fame museum in Sparks Maryland
Dads obituary ran this past Wednesday in the Baltimore Sun and it is available to view through legacy.com
Thanks,
Kim
Just wanted to make sure your members received information on Dads Celebration of Life event scheduled for Saturday, April 6th from 3-5pm at the US lacrosse hall of fame museum in Sparks Maryland
Dads obituary ran this past Wednesday in the Baltimore Sun and it is available to view through legacy.com
Thanks,
Kim
- Chris Duerr
- 356 Fan
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Re: Ab Tiedemann
A true enthusiast! RIP Mr. Tiedemann.
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- 356 Fan
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Re: Ab Tiedemann
Ab was one of those that was always willing to help and a craftsman. Just a nice guy.
RIP Ab.
RoySmalley
RIP Ab.
RoySmalley
Roy Smalley
Texas
Texas
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- 356 Fan
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Re: Ab Tiedemann
Just reading this when I was looking to see how to purchase one of his horn (well light flasher) button removal tools. Sad.
- lee raskin
- Registry Trustee
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Re: Ab Tiedemann
Yes. Ab Tiedemann ....was a mechanical and artistic genius. A true Porschephile and friend for over 50 years...he will always be missed. Lee Raskin
- Alex Mestas
- 356 Fan
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Re: Ab Tiedemann
He was a brilliant Engineer that shared his knowledge with us all. RIP Ab. My condolences to his family. He will be missed.
1963 356 T-6 Coupe Signal Red.
1973.5 911 T Coupe Ivory.
1989 911 Carrera Targa Grd Prix White.
1973.5 911 T Coupe Ivory.
1989 911 Carrera Targa Grd Prix White.