It is with a heavy heart that I must pass on the news of the passing of Derrick DUKE Brown. He was the current President of the Road Mates Car Club where he has been since 1956. He was a Builder and an avid participant in the car scene for many years. He was also my friend. R.I.P. Duke.
Condolences to the Brown family and Friends on the passing of Duke. I met him a couple of times. Big Hotrod Man and great Fellow...Never easy. http://www.canadianrodder.com/features/2006/roadmates/roadmates.htm Credit to Photographers, Owners
My condolences to his family. Met him a few times, back in the Canadian Nationals time(Sault Ste. Marie) at AGM for CSRA, and Waterdown. He will be missed.
Sorry to hear that Larry. It sounds like he was a great guy. Condolences to all who knew him. Semper Fi
I met Duke Brown around 1961. A very friendly person. It's a sad day today. Dave Jarvis Vancouver Island
Sad news indeed!! I remember Duke being a fixture at all the indoor car shows that were held at the old Automotive Building at the CNE grounds either with the club display or being a judge at the show. Really nice guy!! Condolences to family and friends and the Road Mates car club.
Condolences to his family. I had the pleasure of meeting Duke and his brother Tony through Larry Block and attended numerous of car shows with them, good people.
Duke was a great man. He and his brother Tony started the Roadmates Car Club back in 1956. The brothers were very close. I used to hang around there back in the late 80's. Eventually, Duke asked me to join the club. After the required unanimous vote, I was in. Twenty plus years later, I am still thrilled to be called a Roadmate. I admired Duke from day one. In his small shop, he turned out some beautiful hot rods. I will never forget him laying on his back, well into his 60's, working on a car. He couldn't recall how many hot rods he built. It wasn't about the quantity. He built one car at a time and that's all that mattered. Duke was President of the car club from its inception. No one ever considered another president. He was the man. It was sad to see him deteriorate the last couple of years. But he was always happy to be at the clubhouse and smile and shake hands with whoever came through the door. He will be missed.
Couper...Thanks for your sharing some memories of Duke. Your Club from the outside was part of my inspiration on the road to Hotrod. Meeting people like Duke was a big part of what makes it special. You guys should consider sharing some Vintage Roadmates pics with the Hotrods (the raw stuff back in the day), you all and Duke. The club was around in premium Hamb period...we are a group who live and breathe this stuff. Do it in memory of Duke...Keep the dream alive fellows...Roadmates forever. Regards, Stogy
Jeff, great photo of the "Brothers Brown" Fiat. Around the time of that racer my friend Brooke DeShaw (RIP) was racing the B/A ex "Pack Rat" of Miller and Gregory. I believe Brooke bought the car from Tony and Duke and the motor from the Pack Rat ended up in the Fiat. It is my understanding that the front mounted supercharged small block still exists. Brooke stored his altered at the Roadmates and the Fiat would always be in the garage with a show car shine to it. Very nice car. Only met the Brothers once or twice in those trips but they always struck me a really decent guys. Rest in Peace Duke Brown.
Duke had a tremendous influence on me when I was getting into the hot rod scene years ago. All the cars he built had 'the look' John Adams introduced me to Duke at an indoor car show when I was looking for help with my car- Up until that time Duke seemed larger than life to me-we talked and he agreed to help me with my project - skilled hands, great vision for the build and a joy to work with. Duke was in his element at a car show- always smiling and greeting people-he knew everyone. My only regret is that although he seen my car running and driving and even did the first appraisal on it for insurance - he never got to see it painted and 'finished'. God Speed Duke- you were one of a kind and will be missed. R.I.P Drive Em
For anyone who knew the man ..here is the guest book and info. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thestar/obituary.aspx?n=derek-brown&pid=183277735&fhid=3022 BROWN, Derek William —Passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Trillium Health Partners Mississauga, on Friday, December 30, 2016 at the age of 80. Beloved husband of Sharon for 40 years. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at THE SIMPLE ALTERNATIVE FUNERAL CENTRE, 1535 South Gateway Rd., Mississauga (Dixie Rd., 2 lights south of Eglinton Ave., 905-602-1580), on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 2 p.m., visitation 1 hour prior. In memory of Derek, donations to the Trillium Health Partners Foundation - Oncology Department, would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences can be made at www.etouch.ca
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