Gary was such a great guy, he always made me feel like an old friend whenever we ran in to each other. It was always great to see him and talk cars.
Count Anna and me in that deep pool of good friends. My personal feeling right now is closer to that of Jeff Norwell. Pat Ganahl
______________________________________________________________________ 1952 Ford "The Tramp" 1954 Ford ______________________________________________________________________ 1951 Chevy - owner: Jimmy Vaughan 1954 Ford Victoria - owner: Jimmy Vaughan 1961 Cadillac Coupe DeVille - owner: Jimmy Vaughan 1963 Buick Riviera "Chameleon" - owner: Jimmy Vaughan ______________________________________________________________________ 1951 Mercury - owner: Steve Wertheimer 1957 Cadillac - owner: Steve Wertheimer ______________________________________________________________________ 1936 Ford - owner: Mike Young 1960 Cadillac - owner: Mike Young 1960 Chevy "Exotica" - owner: Mike Young ______________________________________________________________________ 1937 Lincoln Zephyr - owner: Dr. Dan Peterson ______________________________________________________________________ 1949 Mercury - owner: Dan Richards ______________________________________________________________________ 1951 Mercury "Nadine" - owner: "Mercury Charlie" Runnels ______________________________________________________________________ 1955 Chevy Truck - owner: James Austin ______________________________________________________________________ 1959 Chevy El Camino - owner: Jack Chisenhall ______________________________________________________________________
It’s a sad day. My condolences to Joanne and family. Gary was one of a kind, talented and a humble gentleman. A huge loss in the custom car world, life in general and for those who were blessed by his friendship.
Wow....sad news outta Texas...his passing will leave a large hole in the Hot Rod and Kustom community down there. RIP...very sad
Ryan, I never met Gary or talked to him but I'm that you did. Your article reaffirmed everything about Gary that i have imagined through the years. He was always my favorite also. His understated and subtle style is something many try to grasp but Gary was a master at it. Thank you for reaffirming that our hero was just as i pictured. God speed
Genuine tribute to a dear friend Ryan. Difficult to do but well done. We are all lucky and better for it when we have folks like Gary in our lives. Just remember that and honor the relationship and the wonderful craftsman that he was as well. Prayers, Blessings and good thoughts to you Boss, along with Gary's entire and extended family and friends.
I really just want to echo the sentiments that have already been expressed. Gary was a tremendous talent, a great guy and a really good friend. In my opinion Ryan and El Jefe's words along with Hemi '32s' gallery give a pretty good picture of the man and a life well lived. He will be missed. Steve Coonan
I could feel your grief in your moving tribute to your friend. I've felt the same, and realized too late that I didn't tell him when he was still alive. My condolences and prayers.
Wow. We are only temporary and it goes for heros too. I visited Gary's shop back in 14 on the LSRU Garage Crawl with John Hall. We drove his flathead powered 34 down to Austin from Michigan in less than ideal weather. I was in the paint booth with the white Chevy with lavender scallops and one very humble Gary Howard that took time to show and explain some details on the car to this nobody. He's the kind of guy that made this hobby/lifestyle better for the rest of us. Condolences to his family and close friends.
So fortunate to have met Gary a few times including once when I went on the Friday garage crawl with Norm at the LSRU that included a stop at Gary's that year. He was such an unassuming, gentle and focused guy who treated everyone like a long lost friend. The quality of product that came out of that small shop out in the country was amazing, I always likened him to my boyhood favorites the Alexander Brothers - nothing over the top - always hitting the nail on the head - he got it - nothing outlandish - always "just right". The world has lost a true craftsman. And also a true gentleman. Dennis
Ryan, I can feel the pain coming out through your written words. I can tell it’s bad as hell. My sincerest condolences to you and all of Gary’s friends and loved ones. I’m really, really sorry man. Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Ryan, That's a heart felt writing if I ever read one. My sincere condolences to you and Gary's friends and family. I've long admired Gary's outstanding Custom work. He truly nailed it every time. I'm delighted to read that the Man was every bit as magnificent as his cars! Having never have had the pleasure of meeting Gary, reading this thread has me feeling the same way I did while reading the Bob Klessig thread; really feeling everyone's sorrow and good thoughts has me wishing I'd have had the chance to meet him. He'll live on through his work. I hope everyone continues to share their stories about him for all to soak in.
Gary was among the top of the list concerning automotive craftsmanship/artistry. Good taste-plus. His work inspires.
Thanks for this Ryan. You nailed what Gary was. Real, kind, talented, sincere... Too much loss latley.
Terrible loss. Great words Ryan. So sorry for all my Austin pals to feel the heartbreak. Hopefully you all will all be able to get together soon and celebrate him and his life as Steve said. Met him for the first time at Salina Kansas KKOA show, when BobK introduced me back in '05 . Then got to see his shop at the LSRU a couple years later. Always got a chance to chat with him at the KKOA shows and see his stuff, especially that one year when all the Texas guys brought a bunch of his cars up. Such a great guy.
Bad way to start the day seeing news like this. Gary was a great customizer with an eye for clean style. Another great is gone. I can feel the sorrow you have in your heart right now @Ryan and we all share your loss. My deepest condolences to Gary's family and friends. Vaya con Dios, Mr. Howard..........E
I'm not sure what other words can be said. I didn't know him as well as many of the Austin guys, but he was always so nice, humble, and willing to answer all my stupid questions about this car or that. His catalog of builds should stand on it's own to show that he was among the very best custom builders. He's my favorite. His builds are subtle, classy, and just "right". RIP Gary.
Gary - Class / Cool / Artist .... Rest In Peace. Ryan.... hang in there brother. “ In a lifetime many people come and go in our lives. And yet most people will admit, only a handful you really let touch you, ( not by choice - it just kind of happens ) you let them in.....within you.”
Aw man, RIP Mr. Howard. Never met the man, but I spent a lot of time going over his cars at the Roundup a bunch of years ago. Simply outstanding workmanship and detail. It's sad that he's gone, but he left us some amazing cars.
Sad news to hear about his passing.. My thoughts and prayers to his family and the whole Austin crew.. RIP Gary..
Very sad news bout his passing. This is a very well written tribute to your friend/hero. This speaks bounds about your character, as well as his. Godspeed. My condolences to his friends, extended family , and family.
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