Exactly, My words, Exactly, I am so so Saddened. Glad we met, chatted, Laughed, Shock Hands. As for Marty, God Bless us all...
Met him in Columbus Ohio at the Street Rod Nats in 90 I was feeling no pain but saw him and introduced myself and thanked him for all he had done for the hobby. He wanted to laugh in my face because I was a little drunk but instead he was graceful and appreciated what I said. I was glad I said what I said then. I'm super glad now that I got to thank him in person.
I read his work for years. Somehow I thought he transcended time. I certainly didn't expect to read this story today. Godspeed, Mr. Ganahl.
A devastating loss for his family and the entire hotrod community. And for something I must recognize: A loss as an example of just good humanity. In the last couple of years I’ve been following his personal column written on his time on his dime. The random drop of his column in my email brought me a joy that is difficult to describe. Like when I was a teenager and the new HOT ROD would come in the mail. However subtle you could always feel that teenage excitement in his writing. In the years of late receiving that column has had very special significance to me living in the crazy times that we do. Here’s why: A person simply taking the time to give to the hobby and the community as a whole. But even larger than that: human stewardship, doing some thing because it’s the right thing to do first, giving something from one self-Leading with that before the pen ever hit the paper for the first word. And just like the teenage enthusiasm, I could feel that part of who he was in all of his writing. I have no doubt it was like that to know him personally as well. Thank you Pat for every contribution and part you played in mine and all of our hot rod learning and fun! Thank you for the example of good humanity (and good humor! ).Cheers to the example of a life well lived! Condolences to everyone personally affected by his loss…… Steve weim55 Colorado
In 1989 I saw the first new issue of Rod and Custom. and follow project 53 religiously. At that time, I had a big tired 79 Malibu and a big tired 4x4 pickup. I was 34 and those articles inspired me to return to the first love in my car crazy life, Chevys, Fords and Mopar's of the 5os and early 60s. Although I still love big tires! lol I met him once at the Nationals when he and Steve were getting TRJ started. I remember him being soft spoken and he did not seem comfortable as a magazine salesman! lol I have devoured everything he wrote about. I am heartbroken that he is gone, but glad he died doing something he loved and not sitting in a nursing home not remembering his own name. I will think of you Cruising across the heavens and smiling tonight Pat! A Big Fan Larry
This one really hurts because Pat Ganahl has always been there! From when I was a high school kid in the 60's reading Rod & Custom off the magazine rack, to now when his blog hit my inbox, to seeing him and his Roadster at every LA Roadster Show, GNRS and other So Cal events I lucky enough to attend. I just can't imagine that I won't see that easily recognizable lanky frame of his doing what we all love at these events. Friendly and easy to talk to, Pat was one of us in every way and we will be missing him for a very long time. I still just can't believe it's true.
My sincere condolences to the family and all his friends (especially Marty) it is a sad day for all who knew him and/or read his writings! I was hoping to meet him for the first time today, I missed him by 20 hours...
RIP - Enjoyed his blog and instagram posts. I remember reading his articles in R&C throughout college. Never had the pleasure of meeting him, but loved his work. A big loss to our hobby and way of life. Godspeed.
Never met the man but reading thru these comments he was certainly loved by all. A great legacy left behind, and my goodness, how tall was he?
Well said, I was about 16 ( 1976?) when I bought Street Rodder mag each month( from the local newstand) and enjoyed Pats articles and features. I appreciated even then how his writing style could apply/appeal to anyone, regardless of age or back ground, I was a fan of his coupe with the 6 cyl Chevy motor. Wow, what a loss , prayers and condolences to his Family and Friends.
Surprised and shocked when I saw this thread. Always enjoyed his articles and editorials, very well written, entertaining and informative. One of those larger than life people, and not because of his height! RIP Pat, the hotrod community will never be the same without you.
...ALL of you guys have said it all, I agree,....he will be missed. met him at Columbus Nats one year, had a brief talk, we both had 47 and 48 Chevs at that time, super nice guy. ...I wish someone would bring back R&C in his honor!!
This came as shocking news yesterday. I was honored to be interviewed by him for a Rodders Journal article many years ago. His words definitely painted me in a flattering light! One year in Paso I was heading into the park early Saturday morning. The line stretched around multiple blocks. Anybody that did this knows what a shitshow that used to be. Long line of cars going in. When I got to the front Pat was in his Chevy off to the side waiting to find someone who knew him so he could cut in! I let him in. He flashed me a grin. I figured I owe’d him that!! RIP Pat.
I was very blessed to meet Pat on my one and only trip to LARS way, way back. He had a table selling a new magazine just coming out......something called Rodders Journal !! I bought a copy......we talked for a little while about our mutual love for all things inline Chevrolet six cylinders. Before I walked away, he pointed to a guy and said "go over and talk to him.....he knows a lot about racing ".......it was Alex Xydias . What a great day for a Midwest guy who read and dreamed about all things racing, hot rods and California since my first Hot Rod magazine in 1957. RIP
Fuck simply Fuck... I am truly heartbroken ...GOD DAMNIT! I have been reading Pat's stuff since I was a little kid , have talked to him several times. RIP Pat you will be sorely missed. SHIT!
This is a real tragedy. The man was a legend in the genre and contributed much. At the risk of trivializing this, I would like to know how the car fared. I am a little older than most of you, and remember when I got the January 1959 issue of Hot Rod, which had the "Ike Iaconio Dragster" on the cover and as a feature. I was absolutely blown away by the quality of the workmanship and the fit and finish of the vehicle. There is no doubt as to why Mr. Ganhal chose to obtain and restore this vehicle. The only thing that could make this worse is if the car is lost as well. When this is all said and done, I would hope that we would at least have the car to remember, both for it's own intrinsic value, and as a tribute to Pat who had the foresight to see it for the icon it was.
The 32 Chevy with the Olds, the 48 chevy 4 dr build . How to swap a small block into a 47-54 chevy pick up . These are the articles I cut my hot rod teeth on. Godspeed Pat.
I'm sure most of us here are aware of his blog, but for the few who haven't heard of it he wrote a semi-regular column based on the notes and historical photos from his files. His last post was just a week ago or so, but every one has been a must read. https://patganahl.com
Never met the man, but followed him through the years and loved all of his work that I have seen and read. I looked forward to his blog in my email. Dang, this is a hard hit to his family first, and second to the rodding community. I have read every post here since the first posting yesterday, it tells the story how truly great he was. RIP Mr. Ganahl.
I always looked forward to his blogs showing up in my inbox. So much history and knowledge gone. What a loss. RIP sir.
Pat was the greatest Hot Rod and Custom Car writer of our time. I met him twice and will never forget the storehouse of knowledge that man carried. PIP Pat, you will be remembered. Sincerest condolences to his wife Anna and son Bill.
The Jalopy Journal
