Folks Of Interest RIP Hamtown Al

Sincerest condolences to his family and those who called him "friend".

I never had an interaction with Al but looking through his posts on the HAMB, I see why folks liked him. Looking at his profile, I see he was a HAMBer until the very end. It's never lost on me that these old hot rods are what brought us together and so, even though I didn't know him, it's hard to see the HAMB lose another good one.

 

Godspeed Al, hope you're cruisin your 36 with the top down up there

 

After watching the video I can tell Al was the gentleman we thought he was. Thanks for posting.

 

I also enjoyed Al's posts and especially how he viewed setbacks or problems as "another opportunity"! His humor and wit will be missed. Godspeed Al and onto another "opportunity".

 

I got such a kick out of Al. I have the honor of taking over as caretaker for one of his 36's, and I was always trying to talk him into selling me his 40 truck with the 36 nose. RIP Al.

 

My condolences to all of Al's family and friends.

 

I raised a glass to our lost friend last night, Al would be happy to know it had pralines and cream in it. I never really cared for the stuff, but it seemed the right thing to toast him with. Thanks Al.

 

Sorry to read this. Always enjoyed his posts. Rest in Peace, Al.

 

Dangit, lost another good one... RIP Al.

 

Very sorry to hear of his passing. Godspeed sir! I never got the chance to meet him, but he sure seemed to be made of the right stuff. Always have liked the looks of his ‘36 Ranchero. My condolences to his family and friends.

 

I never got to meet Al in person, but we've PM'd several times. He seemed to be a genuine sort of fella. And I, like most of you, enjoyed his adventures and ice cream stories.

 

Just terrible news. Rest peacefully Al.

 

R I P

 

Godspeed Al

 

We have lost yet another well respected member of the Hamb, his threads were always informative and his love for hot rods was unmistakable. God Speed my friend. HRP

 

How could anyone not like a man whose biggest vice seemed to be ice cream. Great story teller on here, and after the LA Roadster Show interview, he was just who you thought he was. Rest easy Al, condolences to your family and friends. As bandit said, there is ice cream, and I think gas is cheaper and the roads are smoother. Time for us all to take stock of where we are and give thanks for our many blessings.

 

Rest in peace Al, had a conversation about the Fat Rat, really nice guy

 

Very sorry to hear this - Al and I conversed off and on over the years...he was a good guy.
Godspeed...

 

Sorry to hear about Al. Met him in the seventies. He was always good for the latest news and man could he tell a story. I will miss him. Condolences to the family.

 

Finally found the picture of Al's dog Kitty. It was a 2007 post on a H.A.M.B "Shop Dog" thread with a description of Kitty who had recently passed. He thought the world of his "Kitty".

Lee

 

Alan Earl Casteen
June 7, 1949 - September 15, 2023

RIP @Hamtown Al ​

 

Some of Al's "HAMB-Friendly" cars:

Al's '32 Cabriolet at his favorite Ice Cream Shop


Al driving his '36 Cabriolet in the Christmas parade


Al's "36 Fordy"
​

 

RIP to a very likable guy. I talked with him when he was selling a couple of '40 p/u projects to buy his '32 coupe. I should have bought one of them. He's one of the HAMB guys I wanted to meet in person. I'm sad he is gone .

 

Rest in peace our friend.

 

He had driven his 32 over to my house once, as well as his 48 Chrysler convertible. He shared my passion for everything Nail Head, and we had some discussions about putting a 364 I have in Fordy. Genuinely a good guy. I too am sad he is gone.

 

Well, this is a shock! his enthusiasm was infectious, his posts drew you right into the action, you felt you were part of what was going on, thats a rare talent. RIP Al.

 

Very sorry to hear this. Had no idea. His posts and up-beat attitude portrayed a guy who really enjoyed all phases of life, through all its ups and downs.
"Opportunities"!
He was one of those people I wish I had known. All the best to Al's family and friends.

 

R I P

 

A model citizen. A nice member.
Peace to You

 

@Ryan , can hamtown al be moved to Emeritus status?