Featured Folks Of Interest RIP: Rick Bales

RIP Rick Bales

That was truly heartwarming Ryan, it really put a smile on my face!
If a guy has just one guy like Rick in his life you're golden.
I recognized the name but couldn't make a connection to any cars, especially not that 32.
Man, the guy knew how to put a deuce hiboy roadster together, as if he had done it for me.

 

Sorry for the loss of your friend. Sounds like he was a great guy.

 

These stories are always bitter sweet.
But, Ryan you are a lucky SOB.

 

Sorry for the loss of your friend. When one of us passes, all of us are diminished.

-Abone.

 

Very sorry to hear of you losing your friend Ryan.

 

So sorry for the loss of your friend. RIP Rick.

 

A true gentleman and friend that didn't just let life pass him by.

Talked to him a month ago today..... he was looking for a building repair referral. He asked about my projects and said he was still steadily working on his coupe, looking forward and optimistic.

 

They don't make them like Rick anymore. RIP

 

So sad. Well written words, Ryan. We're all a little poorer when we lose someone like him.

 

Yea, I didn’t know Rick for too many years and likely met him not long after he had the transplant. But, he was always smiling and about the nicest guy I have ever met. Treated me like he had known me for years. We will definitely miss seeing him pull up in his roadster.

 

RIP!

 

Rest easy Rick

 

Man…just watched the news story about the boy that lost his life and ended up saving Rick’s 10 years ago. That will push the limits on the eye gaskets…

 

AMEN, Ryan.....

 

RIP Rick
Dan

 

Rick S. Bales
May 11, 1951 - January 9, 2025

RIP @193257 ​

 

Met Rick at the first St. Louis HAMB 100. Hung out most of the day, which was nice, because I didn't really know anyone else there. Rick was easy to talk to. Was always interested in what YOU were driving or building. A real class act! Thanks, Rick. I, too, will miss him greatly.

 

Ryan, you really nailed what Rick meant to everybody. The minute you met him, he was like an old friend. Always a true gentleman who never forgot a face, and always had a kind word to say. He had to overcome some huge obstacles in his life, and he never looked back or gave up. He just kept being Rick, and made the most of every day he had on this earth. I'll never understand why a great guy like him is taken from us. I'm really going to miss you, Rick.

 

I too recently watched the April 29th 2019 KSDK5 News Story again . . . and can confirm that I need to replace my "eye gaskets".

Also of note is that today (Saturday, January 11th 2025) is the 10th anniversary of Bobby Christman's passing

 

Sorry for the loss of a rare and valued member of the self modified wheels set.

 

A class act.

Rick drove his roadster everywhere. I will never forget the sight of him hauling a rearend housing for someone as a favor, across the fairgrounds--in the passenger seat of his deuce!

 

I only got to talk to Rick once on the phone when I ordered my headlight tags from him. Super high quality of the tags and great conversation with Rick. The hot rod world lost another great person.

 

Well written, a nice tibute. Thanks.

 

I have known Rick for about 30 years we have been on many trips chasing our dreams, in all of my years I have never heard Rick say a bad word about anybody. that is somthing not to many can ever say. he was a great friend nadalways had a way with words. you can best describe him in 5 words, HE WAS A GOOD MAN ! !~!

 

Rick sounded like a real stand up guy....RIP sir.

 

Condolences to Rick's family and friends in his passing...sounds like a lot of you are better for having met this man. That does make it sting a little more without a doubt...

 

RIP

 

Prayers sent to family and friends.