MARYLAND, USA — Editor's Note: The video above is from an unrelated story about the gas tax holiday in Maryland.
Pat Goss, longtime host of "Goss' Garage" on the MotorWeek network, died unexpectedly Saturday. He was 77.
For 41 seasons, the DMV car expert lived in Lanham-Seabrook, Md., and became a trusted voice for his casual and friendly style of evaluating the latest vehicles from carmakers around the globe and his reliable advice on repairing automobiles and choosing car parts.
His death was reported on social media by MotorWeek.
"We are deeply saddened to report the unexpected passing of our longtime friend and colleague Pat Goss," the Facebook post says. "Goss' Garage has been a pillar of our program and a must-see segment for millions of viewers who tuned in for the no-nonsense maintenance advice and incomparable car knowledge that Pat dispensed with effortless familiarity and understated wit."
Heather Goss, wife of Pat Goss, wrote a message on her husband's Facebook page, along with the staff of Goss' Garage.
"Pat was an inspiration to us all, not only for his dedication to family, friends, business associates and the car and boating communities he loved so much, but also for his commitment to being a consumer advocate and educator," the message says. "Pat loved sharing his encyclopedic knowledge of all things automotive, and led by example in running his many auto-related businesses with integrity and passion over a professional career that spanned more than 60 years."
Goss appeared on MotorWeek for 41 seasons where he evaluated the latest vehicles from carmakers around the globe. His on air style was friendly, and straightforward and easy for the average driver to understand.
In addition to his work on MotorWeek which airs locally on public television, Goss hosted Goss' Garage on several Washington area radio stations, where he continued providing straightforward vehicle information to the average driver. On radio Goss offered car care and maintenance advice.
He also managed Goss' Garage in suburban Maryland as well as other businesses in the DMV area.
"We will all miss Pat's mischievous smile, selfless generosity and gentle spirit, and ask everyone he touched to keep him and all of us in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," the Facebook post from Heather Goss and Goss' Garage employees says.
Kim Salandanan, who is listed as an employee at Goss' Garage, launched a GoFundMe page for Goss' family.
Salandanan write on the GoFundMe, "Goss' Garage has been a pillar of our program and a must-see segment for millions of viewers who tuned in for the no-nonsense maintenance advice and incomparable car knowledge that Pat dispensed with effortless familiarity and understated wit."