Featured Folks Of Interest Gene Winfield has gone to the great car show in the sky

I thought this deserved its own thread...

Gene Winfield has passed. This is an end of an era. It's up to us to carry the torch now guys.

God speed to Gene and remember "every day is a school day"

Edit to ad context to this picture after I've collected my thoughts a bit.

Since we're sharing Winfield stories. I first met Gene at his metal shaping class at Gambinos in December 2008? I was in my mid 20s. Full of piss and vinegar and no idea what I was doing. Taking his class was truly worth everything I got from it. But the truth is, I didn't walk away with all the knowledge or skill to suddenly shape metal like a master. What can you really learn in 2 days? But what I did learn is far more valuable.

I now present you with these 2 pieces of wisdom i carry with me and say daily.

"Every day is a school day"

and

"it's just metal"

I only ran into Gene a few more times after that, But he, at least pretended to remember me, and treated me like an old friend every time. Truly a class act.

I think a quote from one of my favorite movies The Sandlot is appropriate here.

"Hero's get remembered, but legends never die"

Judging by the outpouring of posts and support I've seen today on all my socials. Gene Winfield is truly legend

 

Godspeed, Sir!

 

RIP , Thanks for the ride! God Bless.

 

A loss for our car culture, I have seen him5-6 times, at different shows and swaps, he was always willing to talk about cars and share his knowledge.

 

RIP man. It’s a true loss in the car culture community.

 

Irreplaceable...One of the great ones....Rest in Peace.

 

We are only here for a relative short period of time, what you do with your brief allotment matters. If Gene was just some random guy at a cruise in we wouldn't all be mourning his passing. He left his mark. Well played Gene. RIP

 

It is a sad day for sure, but we should also celebrate the life he led. While Gene had some wonderful longevity, he also was able to enjoy doing what he loved for virtually the entirety of that long life. Gene traveled the world and was a pioneer of this thing of ours. He also influenced many not only by inspiring them with his builds, but for being so open and giving with advice and knowledge.

Hell of a run.

 

Sad news. I was lucky to have met and talked to Gene (and Bill Hines) when they were here locally about 20 years ago, and then at Bonneville in '08 when Gene was racing his T coupe. Rest in peace Gene.

 

Another pioneer lost.
RIP

 

Well damn. Even though we knew it was gonna happen, this still hits hard.

 

Legend, and such a nice guy.

 

And so passes a true legend. A man who lived his life with dignity, gusto and youthful exuberance. His list of accomplishments is endless, he was true fountain of knowledge when it came to giving advice to up and coming builders. He inspired so many people young and old to get out there and build. And yet, how do you follow that? His is a legacy that will forever be remembered not only for his work but for the contributions he made to this hobby of ours. God bless him and keep him.

 

I got to meet Gene in Detroit a few years ago. It was probably just another hand shake to him but for me I was meeting a real car hero. I always figured there would be another chance to talk with him.
R.I.P Mr Windfield

 

I was coming on here to see if it was true, I've seen some click-bait stories on Facebook a couple years back.
Hopefully he found some peace after what he was going through with the caregiver before he left this world.

 

RIP Gene, you will be missed.

 

RIP to a legend

 

Truly the end of an era....RIP Gene

 

A sad day indeed. May you rest in peace Mr. Winfield

 

Godspeed to a legend...

 

I can't add anything that hasn't already been said about Gene, he was a bigger than life and his passing will leave a hole in the Custom car world, God bless you Gene. HRP

 

I hope his blessing continues in the next life.

 

Was always great to see him…still had a passion for beautiful cars and beautiful women haha…the list of Pioneers of this hobby is getting smaller and smaller…RIP Gene..

 

RIP, one hell of a ride.

 

God Bless Gene !
Met him 15 years ago at one of his brief metal shaping seminars.
Very nice human being !

 

Rest in Peace

 

A truly great man. RIP legend.

 

Rest in peace, Gene.