The Original Donut Derelict Cruises On .... by Randall E. Fish ( a friend ) Noted automotive artist, friend, and one of the founders of Donut Derelicts, Rick Finn, suc***bed to a heart attack last Saturday. He was only 52 years old. Rick was one of the most p***ionate car guys of all time. It was reflected in his art, his popular T-shirts, and in the never-ending smile on his face. A few years ago, he discovered how good the food was at Southern California's numerous Low Rider events, so he hustled up a mid-40s Chevy, slammed it and checked out the scene. A few of his good buds followed along for the fun. Knowing they'd need a name for themselves, Rick came up with the "HB Gabachos" -- which translates into the Huntington Beach White Guys! As the story goes, a few of the Mexican homeboys approached the Gabachos and told them, "You guys roll tight. You can roll with us anytime." Recently, Rick launched a new apparel line dubbed "Hot Rod Life." The idea was to celebrate all things automotively cool and cherish life all at the same time. This morning, September 30, Donut Derelicts took on a somber mood as friends and acquaintances gathered around the HB Gabachos canopy to remember Rick and check out some of his artwork. His primered Ford delivery was parked nearby with his signature straw hat d****d over the steering wheel. I'm fortunate to have known Rick and we're all fortunate to enjoy the legacy of his art, as it'll live forever. As I write this, I'm looking at Rick's amazing portrait of NHRA's beloved Buster Couch, en***led "Buster's Last Stand" (1996). I've always thought it was a great piece of art, but somehow it's even more special today. Whatever you do . . . celebrate life. We're not here for a long time -- we're here for a good time.
I cant believe this.... Rick has known me since i was a youngster.... I am 25 now and he was always a great guy to me... Please let me know arrangments ASAP... Bigdaddy
I met Rick when I was in my 20's and that was like 20 yrs ago! Besides being a Donut Derelic, Rick was 1st an Outrider member/president. A few years back Rick decided to do a mild custom, so "he didn't feel it would be right to continue being in a Hot Rod club without a Hot Rod". He left the club. In that time he did the donut deal along with a group of other guys who like driving their cars to get a cup of joe & some starch. Who knew it would grow into the biggest early morning revolving car cruise out here in the west! Well besides building a cruise, he did his art deal, and was very good @ it. Rick was good people & I hope that he's enjoying spending time with his Dad again. Godspeed Rick!
Oh No! I met Rick a number of years ago at Hot Rods in Norco. We hit it off instantly, what a great guy. Hadn't seen him in a number of years until I ran into him at Paso last year. Remembered my name and we were talking again as if a day hadn't p***ed since I had seen him. Darn it, why do the nice guys have to be taken so early! Godspeed Rick.
I remember him selling shirts out of the trunk of his Riviera. Too bad. He was a cool guy,and would talk to you like he was your buddy. Great artist too. I bought all his new shirts for my boys,Hotrod Life. They're really nice. RIP dude! Gonna miss you.
As a former Donut Derelict participant I would drop in anytime I was in town. I talked to Rick last January when I was in town for my Mom's funeral, a very nice comp***ionate man. I have his Donut Derelict Hot Rod Shop poster hanging in my car room. Rest In Peace and God Bless.
Holy ****...I'm floored by this! I met him approx 5-6 yrs ago when i bought some shirts from him to take back East and he was pushing them from his trunk. He not only 'hooked' us up but continued to do so the years that followed even if we didnt make it out every year like we planned. Just like Johnny Chop,,,just as things started to take off for him you cant help but to feel a great sense of loss...He was truly a great guy and will be deeply missed! My trips out there will not feel the same! Rest in Peace holmes!! Pak Rats of NY
This is not good, another true hot rodder looking down on us.... I had the oc***ion to meet Rick for the first time last year when I went on my Hot Rod Vacation to California to escape our cold weather some 3,000 miles away.... Well I was certainly looking forward to purchasing some of Rick's T-Shirts once again the week after next....We shared a few good laughs last year, as he left me with a very good impression.... He was one Kool Hot Rodder....
WTF....what kind of freek'n rock have I been under? I met Rick for the first time back in 2000 when Dat Dirty Rat and I went to Cali to visit my sister in HB. I've been in HB several times since and have made it a point to hit Adams Ave Donuts on Saturday mornings and hook up with Rick (or the folks in the donut shop) for some of Rick's latest shirts. We were just there this past spring. What a drag. Another anchor of the surfrod/hotrod lifestyle gone. R.I.P. Rick. -Bigchief.
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