His children remember the story well.

Max Stalkup, who owned a car dealership in Casper, had just received his first-ever batch of Suzukis from the manufacturer. But when he looked inside, he noticed something distinctly different about these cars from the rest on his lot - the steering wheels were on the wrong side.

Maybe good for postal workers, but not for Americans used to driving on the left side of the road.

"They were obviously made for another country, and the manufacturer told him that if he took this shipment, the next one would be right," said his son, Rod. "But he said 'No way.' He immediately returned the cars."

Stalkup, best known for his Honda dealership on 1st Street, died Thursday after losing a battle with heart disease. He was 75.

The owner of several local businesses, Stalkup was a well-known member of the Casper community. His were the first dealerships in Wyoming to sell motorhomes and recreational vehicles, boats and boating supplies, and Honda, Nissan and Suzuki vehicles.

"People would come from all over the region, not just Wyoming, to do business with him because of the quality that he delivered," said Kim Melrose, a family friend. "He would go out of his way to make sure that he was providing a good, quality product to his customer. They came to know and trust his integrity."

A former commodore of the Casper Boat Club, Max Stalkup was granted lifetime membership in recognition of his guidance and contributions during his 35 years with the club. He was also a member of the Casper Country Club, the Casper Petroleum Club, and the Casper New Auto Dealers Association.

"He was a devoted family man who served as a father and mentor, not only to his immediate family, but also to his extended family," said Rod Stalkup, noting it was a sentiment his entire family shared.