I got a message that Joe Mayall passed away Sunday morning of a massive heart attack while on a stay in Las Vegas. Some of you may have already heard but I thought I would let the HAMB members know. We are still in shock! He was an Idaho boy and originally was one of the founding starters of the Yellowstone Rod Run, 39 years ago. He moved to the Tri-Cities Wa area and produced a magazine called the "Little Wheel" before he moved to Southern California and was hired to be managing editor of NSRA's Street Scene Magazine. Joe currently was the Editorial Director/Editor of the NSRA monthly magazine, Street Scene.
Joe was a real mover and shaker in the street rod world. Never met him, but made my living on the circuit for a while, thanks to him doing the legwork. Sad day - prayers to the family...
Had lots of conversations with him when we were doing the NSRA giveaway in 03/04. He helped me get the right kind of photos for the articles we did on the car, then he shot the feature for Street Scene. Really a nice man. Will be missed.
Joe will be missed. He was a fixture of the hobby and one of the lucky ones that made his passion into his career. His wife just passed about 18 months ago. His son Louie has had the opportunity to work with his dad at Street Scene for a while now and together they have improved the magazine significantly. Ours thoughts and prayers go out to Louie and the rest of the family.
He was one of the guys responsible for keeping hot rodding alive in the late 60's and 70's, and largely responsible of the street rod movement growing to what it is. A big influence on me and most of my friends, he'll be missed.
I was absolutely shocked when I heard this yesterday, was hoping it wasn't true. I've known the Mayall's since the 60's. Lois was a very classy lady and Joe was a great guy. condolences to Louie. Mick
And I in the early 70's. He used to travel Idaho in his 34 Ford sedan back then and come up to the Spud Run. Joe had a close car buddy in Boise that had taken pictures of my 40. With Joe's help he had it put in Rod Action magazine in 1977. He was editor of that magazine then. He lost Lois a few years back and now sure they are together again. RIP Mayalls
Smilin' Joe Mayall saw more rods, rod runs and changes in our hobby come and go than most all of us combined. He was an honest and open guy that understood what was important in the hobby and life in general. It was an honor to spend 10 years on the NSRA circuit with Joe. I always enjoyed his point of view and counted him as a true friend. We will all miss you Joe and will toast you this weekend in York. A loss like this does put into perspective what is really important both in our hobby and our lives.
Wow. I had the pleasure of spending some time with him when I was growing up and pursuing auto journalism. Nice fella. RIP.
Whoa, terrible news - my condolences to the family. I met Joe back in the early 90's at an NSRA event - great guy, really down to earth. He will be missed. Godspeed
Time flies...My first real life exposure to Hot/Street Rods was the 1973 Yellowstone Rod Run when I was a high schooler from a small town in Mississippi. Joe and his wife (Lois, if I recall correctly) made an impression on me with their friendliness and enthusiasm that I never forgot. My condolences to his family and friends.
Joe was a long time friend and business associate. One of the true hot rodders in the Association who did all things with class. R.I.P. Joe
R.I.P Joe you will be missed!Time goes by fast an none of us take the time to really enjoy the day,makes you think.
I am still in shock over the news of Joe's passing. I consider Joe as one of my best friends. We have known each other since the 70's and in 1985 Joe offered me the job of StreetScene's Managing Editor. I went to work for him and spent the next 20 years at the best job a rodder could ask for. The whole world of hot rodding will miss him greatly. His influence on the sport is wide spread. RIP dear friend. My sincere condolences go out to Louie, daughter Monica, and the rest of the Mayall family and to his friends worldwide. Jerry Johnson
The Jalopy Journal
