It’s time to take off the hats once more as we honor the recently departed. This time, it was Jack Trepanier, father of Troy Trepanier and an important figure of the Rad Rides team since its beginning back in the early ’90s.

A master craftsman and passionate hot rodder, Trepanier made his mark in the restoration industry with a kindness and warmth felt by all who got to know him through countless hot rod events over the years. Among other things, he and his wife, Judy, would transport the Rad Rides vehicles to numerous venues all over the country, making friends and sharing in the good times with jokes and stories aplenty.

At home in Manteno, Illinois, Jack was a devoted husband and father who instilled a love for cars in his son, Troy. Troy would go on to found one of the most successful father-son companies in the custom car industry, Rad Rides, in 1995. Over time, the business grew and grew as Troy expanded his work to include Toyota, Ford, GM, and Chrysler, as he built hand-crafted cars for people all over.

In an official release by Goodguys, president Marc Meadors had this to say: ““This is such a shock. Jack and Troy and the whole Rad Rides team were such a huge part of our events.”

“They have been involved with Goodguys and were vendors at our events since the early ’90s, sharing their amazing cars with us. He was a really good guy. I enjoyed our frequent visits so much. He will be missed by everyone. My thoughts go out to his family.”

Trepanier was reported to have been recovering from heart surgery when he died last Friday. Below is the Facebook post from Rad Rides announcing the man’s passing. We here at Rod Authority salute you, Jack, and may you rest in peace.