Folks Of Interest Lost another great today

doubletubtrouble · Apr 28, 2011

Today has been the hardest day of my life. I lost not only my father but my best friend. My family has been touched deeply by the out pouring of support everyone has shown us. My fathers love for hot rodding goes without saying. He was my inspiration, guiding light, and helpful hand. My father pushed me to always do my best without over doing it. He was the greatest man I have ever known. He was not perfect but knew how to grow from his mistakes. He was one of the most giving men I knew, always willing to give a hot rodder in need a helping hand.
The hospital was filled with hot rodders, friends and family who loved him. There were so many people on the floor that they were in the hall way. This just goes to show how many hearts he had touched.
My father and I were always planning, everything from the next car to the show or a possible building on his property. He had two things on his bucket list to do with me before he passed away. Never knowing that our time was as limited as it turned out to be. One was to go to the Grand National Roadster Show and help me compete for AMBR. The second was to go to Indy to compete for Goodguys hot rod of the Year. I am so sad to think that I have only completed one of those tasks with him. I have the greatest memoires of going for AMBR and enjoying the show with my father and seeing how proud of me he was. He loved being in the crowd and listening to the comments made by spectators. He loved to see me and my club, Thee Inland Emperors doing all the crazy things we did. Standing next to my father and meeting some iconic hot rod celebrities was one of the neatest things I did that weekend.
The loss of my father was totally unexpected. He went in for a surgery that should have taken a couple of days. This should have not happen to my father. Before the surgery he was just fine. I feel ripped off of 20 years with him that I am not going to get. For all the second generation hot rodders whose fathers are still around, take a couple of minutes to let your dad know what he means to you. I can sleep at rest tonight knowing that my father knew how much I love and admire him.
Claude Freund 1-24-47 to 4-27-11 R.I.P.
I love you dad!!!

Bass · Apr 28, 2011

My condolences, Russ. I can't imagine how tough it must be. I'm glad you were able to have the relationship you had with your dad...not everyone is so lucky.

k-member · Apr 28, 2011

My prayers and condolences to you and your family and friends.

old soul · Apr 28, 2011

I dont know him. He sounds like he was a cool dude and well liked. Just wanted to say. Him and his family are im my prayers.

Chopt 34 · Apr 28, 2011

My condolences Russ, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It was a real treat to meet your dad at the GNRS earlier this year.

Payne · Apr 28, 2011

Im numb, tired, overwhelmed, and exhausted, yet I cant even sleep. My mind just keeps racing about the events that have transpired over the last 24 hours.

Ive known Claude almost all my life I grew up seeing him at car shows, and attending his famous BBQ on the Saturday night of the NSRA then Goodguys Spokane Show. I remember how he would go out of his way to make sure everyone including all the kids were having a good time at the parties. I also remember how friendly he was to me growing up, every time he saw me at a car show or gathering, he would go out of his way to say hi, ask how I was doing, and always had a kind word to say. He was the most loving and friendliest man Ive ever known, and one of the nicest people youd ever meet in the hot rodding community. No matter how bad your day was, he was always there to put a smile on your face.

As an adult I was privileged enough to become even closer with Claude. In the seven years since my father has past away, Claude became a second father to me. He was someone who always there for me whenever I needed a voice of reason, someone to listen, or a swift kick in the butt. Over the last year, I was lucky enough to spend some quality time with just Claude working in his shop on various projects together. Those days were some of the best days of my life, just Claude and me working away forgetting about all our problems, laughing, joking, and having a good time, even if it was only for a couple of hours. Ive been through some difficult times in the past year, and more then anyone else in this world Claude was the one person who helped guide me out of those dark times in my life. I could always count on phone call from Claude checking in on me if I hadnt talked to him in a while, and positive word to keep me going when he called. I can honestly I wouldnt be in the better place I am today without the friendship and support of Claude. He was a true friend and will be forever missed.

Goodbye my good friend,

Claude Freund
1947 2011

Church said: ↑

Rest is paradise.
Click to expand...

mdcolby · Apr 28, 2011

I met Claude just a few years ago at the 2009 Great NW Nats in Spokane when He and his family invited us to a BBQ at his shop. What an honor to be invited to such a great event. After talking with him just a few minutes we could already tell what a GREAT man he was. We saw him at the GNRS and he had a huge smile and was so proud of Russ and Thee Inland Emperors. He was always joking with my wife that he would trade us his roadster for our 1year old boy Carter! To funny! He will be greatly missed, our condolences to his family.

couverkid · Apr 28, 2011

doubletubtrouble said: ↑

Today has been the hardest day of my life. I lost not only my father but my best friend. My family has been touched deeply by the out pouring of support everyone has shown us. My fathers love for hot rodding goes without saying. He was my inspiration, guiding light, and helpful hand. My father pushed me to always do my best without over doing it. He was the greatest man I have ever known. He was not perfect but knew how to grow from his mistakes. He was one of the most giving men I knew, always willing to give a hot rodder in need a helping hand.
The hospital was filled with hot rodders, friends and family who loved him. There were so many people on the floor that they were in the hall way. This just goes to show how many hearts he had touched.
My father and I were always planning, everything from the next car to the show or a possible building on his property. He had two things on his bucket list to do with me before he passed away. Never knowing that our time was as limited as it turned out to be. One was to go to the Grand National Roadster Show and help me compete for AMBR. The second was to go to Indy to compete for Goodguys hot rod of the Year. I am so sad to think that I have only completed one of those tasks with him. I have the greatest memoires of going for AMBR and enjoying the show with my father and seeing how proud of me he was. He loved being in the crowd and listening to the comments made by spectators. He loved to see me and my club, Thee Inland Emperors doing all the crazy things we did. Standing next to my father and meeting some iconic hot rod celebrities was one of the neatest things I did that weekend.
The loss of my father was totally unexpected. He went in for a surgery that should have taken a couple of days. This should have not happen to my father. Before the surgery he was just fine. I feel ripped off of 20 years with him that I am not going to get. For all the second generation hot rodders whose fathers are still around, take a couple of minutes to let your dad know what he means to you. I can sleep at rest tonight knowing that my father knew how much I love and admire him.
Claude Freund 1-24-47 to 4-27-11 R.I.P.
I love you dad!!!
Click to expand...

This is some touching stuff,makes me think of the things I take for granted. I will walk over to my dads shop today and turn a wrench with him. Sorry for the loss,Russ and family and friends(there are alot). Steve

chris98006 · Apr 28, 2011

Sorry for your loss Russ, my thoughts are with you.

Ken Carvalho · Apr 28, 2011

Sorry for your loss, Russ, Lora, and Sue.
I am more of the guy that hangs out in the "back ground" and observes things more than "participates", so I am not always where things are happening, but Claude helped me with a major decision in my life when we worked together at Motorworks that most probably don't even know about.
He helped me get where I am at today (job wise, and family wise). And unfortunately I feel that I didn't thank him enough and wish I had taken him up on the offers to "hang out" that I got from him in the past. He was a great man and was a great person.....
RIP Claude

Ken

mthemi · Apr 28, 2011

I write this with a sad heart, I have lost a good friend, God must have needed a new ride so he called in a builder....
Our condolences to the family.....

40 FORDER · Apr 28, 2011

Serina and I are just in shock. Our thoughts are with you at this very sad moment in your lives. Nothing can be said that will make the pain that you are feeling at this moment go away. Only time will heal.... But you will always have the memories and the joy of knowing that you had a very speical person in your lives that always gave it his all for his family and friends. All the best, Rick & Serina

choppedmerc · Apr 30, 2011

Very sad indeed. I have know both claude and russ for quite awhile. I feel terrible for claudes family not much you can say but that I am truly sad and sorry for there loss. I wasnt present at the hospital but my mind has been on the family for a few days know. Untimely passings are never easy and hard to get a grasp on. I just hope it was for a greater good. maybe god has a plan for him!
Best wishes and light hearted thoughts. Korey

Evel · Apr 30, 2011

Sorry for your loss Russ my condolences to you and you family....

hotrod-40 · Apr 30, 2011

I still can't believe this happened. I'm so sorry Russ. You could still take your car to Indy. I'm sure he would be there in a way. Rest In Peace Claude

AaronJJ · Apr 30, 2011

Rip Prayers with you and your family

Mnhotrodbuilder · Apr 30, 2011

Sorry for your loss

rsplum · Apr 30, 2011

RIP Calude!!!! Going to miss you!!! Always a smile and would help anybody!! Great craftmen, and a super guy!!!!! My best to Susan and family!! Always made the Goodguys show worth the drive to Spokane just for the party!! Miss you buddy!!!
The Montana group.

Bigdaddykaddy · Apr 30, 2011

May he rest in peace!! Sounds like he was a wonderful father and a great friend to many!! My prayers go out to the family and friends of this great man. God bless you all!!

doubletubtrouble · Apr 30, 2011

Claude L. Freund
Age 64
Claude was born on January 24, 1947 to Wilma and Arthur Freund in Spokane Washington and passed away unexpectedly on April 27, 2011. Claude grew up in the Valley and graduated from East Valley High School. There he met and fell in love with his high school sweetheart, Susan Hagen. They were married in 1965 and had three children, Marisue, Karrie and Russell.
Claude began working at the age of 14 at the Big “K” Food Center, in Trentwood, later he was a manager of Farver’s Grocery Store in Post Falls and in 1979 owned and operated F& F Specialty Cars/ Auto Parts. After selling the business he worked for Western States Equipment, retiring in 2008.
Claude’s love affair with cars began at the age of 13, building his first car, a 1925 Model T roadster. Throughout the years his passion for the automobile only grew stronger. Recently Claude completed another 1925 “T” roadster just like the first car he ever built. Claude belonged to Syndicates Car Club and was a founding member of the Spokane Roadsters. Claude was the mentor of Thee Inland Emperors.
Over the years Claude & Susan traveled all over the United States and Canada receiving local and national attention for all his hot rods. In 2007, Claude was inducted into the Washing State Hot Rod Hall of Fame. Claude’s talent and passion was passed on to his son, Russ. January 2011 he joined Russ on the Car Show circuit and enjoying seeing his son’s many accomplishments.
Claude’s greatest pleasure came from his family. He made sure his family knew how much he loved them at all times. He is survived by the love of his life, Susan, Gasoline Alley, Newman Lake WA; Daughters, Marisue & Kevin Kimp, Bonners Ferry, ID; Karrie & Scott Fay, Liberty Lake, WA and son Russ & Lora Freund, Post Falls, ID. Grandchildren; Ashley & Chad Nordhagen, Shawn & Melissa Kimp, Hannah & Madelyne Doyle, Katelynn Fay.Great Granddaughter: Aleah McClendon. Numerous nieces and nephews.
Claude befriended everyone with his quick wit and charm, from the checker at the store to his many fellow street rodders. Claude’s passion to help those in need, he donated a kidney to dear friend Tesesa Jones in 2000. It is comforting to know his gift lives on. He will be dearly missed by all.
He was proceeded in death by his parents Arthur and Wilma Freund, brothers, Ronald and David Freund.
A public viewing will be held on May 1st at Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Rd, Spokane Valley from 12 to 4 pm.
A car show and celebration for Claude’s life will be held 12 pm May 7, 2011 beginning with a graveside service at St Joseph Cemetery Trentwood, followed by a cruise to Gasoline Alley, Newman Lake, WA.

In lieu of flowers the family will be accepting Hot Wheels/die cast cars to be donated to children’s Charity in Claude’s honor.

Ol Deuce · May 1, 2011

So Sorry........RIP Claude ..........Randy

TMoney · May 10, 2011

Thought maybe everyone would like to see how we sent Claude out.

First of all, at the funeral, there were about 200 hot rods, street rods, customs and muscle cars in attendance. It was a rainy, cloudy cold day and everyone drove their cars anyway. This was really cool to see. Here's a pic of the first few cars, the line went completely around the cemetary and overflowed in a parking lot on the other side.

After the funeral we all drove to Claude's compound, Gasoline Alley, and had a great celebration of life party.

Claude didn't want people to bring flowers and bouquets in remembrance. Instead he wanted people to bring Hot Wheels to donate to less fortunate kids in his name. Here's some of those Hot Wheels completely filling the bed of Claude's S-10. After that was full toys overflowed into the living room of the house and there are also cases of Hot Wheels on their way donated by others, including the Hot Rod Hall of Fame, which Claude was a member of.

Lastly, we did donuts and burnouts in the street in front of Claude's house. This was a tradition that Claude loved. Every year after the Goodguys event in Spokane, saturday night, Claude hosted a party at his house. He opened up his doors to anyone and everyone that wanted to attend. It was always the highlight of the weekend. At night people always did burnouts in the street with Claude rooting them on. These happened for Claude and were the best way we knew to pay respect.

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5FMgNhW8HSg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/k5IxcVgoGWw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BL8LtT20UlQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

We will always miss Claude and will never forget him of the time he gave to all of us. He treated all of us like his own and was the most giving man you could ever hope to meet.

Rest in paradise Claude. I love you.

sirstude · May 9, 2011

I just heard yesterday afternoon, and I offer my condolences to Claude's family. I did not know him well, but he always was good for a hello and hand shake when I did run into him. And the smile was everpresent.

Doug

giant nerd · May 9, 2011

great post, tyler. saturday was probably the happiest sad thing i've ever been a part of: a great send-off for a great guy.

TMoney · May 9, 2011

giant nerd said: ↑

great post, tyler. saturday was probably the happiest sad thing i've ever been a part of: a great send-off for a great guy.
Click to expand...

Agreed. Glad that most of the local Emperors were there. Good to see such a huge turnout. On another note, we have a new spot or 2 opened up in the local chapter. Hahaha, seriously though.

johnnyboy76 · May 10, 2011

TMoney said: ↑

Agreed. Glad that most of the local Emperors were there. Good to see such a huge turnout. On another note, we have a new spot or 2 opened up in the local chapter. Hahaha, seriously though.
Click to expand...

House cleaning... Check!

JeffreyJames · May 10, 2011

So sad to hear that Russ. I can't tell you how my heart goes out for out and your family/friends. Losing a father (especially one that you look up to and respect) is one of the hardest things I have ever had to go through. The thing that I know you'll keep close and that with help you through all of this is that your father was loved by all and that he knew how much you loved and respected him. That's as good as any man can hope for.

Marcy · May 10, 2011

Thanks for the coverage Tyler, I was there in spirit.
Godspeed Claude

Marcy

Ken Carvalho · May 10, 2011

Another note to ad.... Not sure if it was posted, BUT Russ had some of his dad's ashes put in a moon tank to put on the front of his ride. That way Claude will always be at an event with Russ. I have nothing to do with my father, so hearing that Russ is doing that, kinda got me in the gut of how truly his father meant to him!! Very classy move to me!!!

Quote:-we have a new spot or 2 opened up in the local chapter-Quote:
Hmmm...I'm trying to get something going to get "BACK" in!!!

TMoney · May 10, 2011

chopperimpala said: ↑

Another note to ad.... Not sure if it was posted, BUT Russ had some of his dad's ashes put in a moon tank to put on the front of his ride. That way Claude will always be at an event with Russ. I have nothing to do with my father, so hearing that Russ is doing that, kinda got me in the gut of how truly his father meant to him!! Very classy move to me.
Click to expand...

Yep, Claude will be in a fully polished MOON tank on the next car Russ is building for AMBR. It was one of his dreams realized to compete for AMBR earlier this year along side his son. Next go-around he's gonna be part of the car.

SO COOL!!!

Log in or Sign up

Folks Of Interest Lost another great today

doubletubtrouble
Member

from Spokane Wa.

Bass
Member

from Dallas, TX

k-member
Member

from Scarysville Wa USA

old soul
Member

from oswego NY

Chopt 34
Member

from Florida

///Friday Art Show Talent\\\ (F.A.S.T.)

HAMB Merc Club

1952-59 Ford Social Group

Payne
Member

from At the track, in the garage, or on the road somewh

mdcolby
Member

from kalispell mt

couverkid
Member

from Vancouver,WA.

chris98006
Member

from Seattle WA

Ken Carvalho
Member

from Spokane, Wa.

mthemi
Member

from montana

40 FORDER
Member

from Spokane Wa

choppedmerc
Member

from Spokane

Evel
Member

from Rancho Cucamonga

60s Show Rods

hotrod-40
Member

from Spokane, WA

AaronJJ
Member

from Dallas

Mnhotrodbuilder
Member

from Afton, MN

rsplum
Member

from Montana

Bigdaddykaddy
Member

from Middle of bean town!!

doubletubtrouble
Member

from Spokane Wa.

Ol Deuce
Member

from Mt. U.S.A.

TMoney
Member

from Spokanistan, WA

sirstude
Member

from East Helena, Montana, usa

Northwest HAMBers

giant nerd
Member

from spokane

TMoney
Member

from Spokanistan, WA

johnnyboy76
Member

from Sparta, WI

JeffreyJames
Member

from SUGAR CITY

Marcy
Member

from South of Heaven, TEXAS

Ken Carvalho
Member

from Spokane, Wa.

TMoney
Member

from Spokanistan, WA

Share This Page

Archive

Atomic Industry

Support

Subscribe

Log in or Sign up

Folks Of Interest Lost another great today

doubletubtrouble Member from Spokane Wa.

Bass Member from Dallas, TX

k-member Member from Scarysville Wa USA

old soul Member from oswego NY

Chopt 34 Member from Florida ///Friday Art Show Talent\\\ (F.A.S.T.) HAMB Merc Club 1952-59 Ford Social Group

Payne Member from At the track, in the garage, or on the road somewh

mdcolby Member from kalispell mt

couverkid Member from Vancouver,WA.

chris98006 Member from Seattle WA

Ken Carvalho Member from Spokane, Wa.

mthemi Member from montana

40 FORDER Member from Spokane Wa

choppedmerc Member from Spokane

Evel Member from Rancho Cucamonga 60s Show Rods

hotrod-40 Member from Spokane, WA

AaronJJ Member from Dallas

Mnhotrodbuilder Member from Afton, MN

rsplum Member from Montana

Bigdaddykaddy Member from Middle of bean town!!

doubletubtrouble Member from Spokane Wa.

Ol Deuce Member from Mt. U.S.A.

TMoney Member from Spokanistan, WA

sirstude Member from East Helena, Montana, usa Northwest HAMBers

giant nerd Member from spokane

TMoney Member from Spokanistan, WA

johnnyboy76 Member from Sparta, WI

JeffreyJames Member from SUGAR CITY

Marcy Member from South of Heaven, TEXAS

Ken Carvalho Member from Spokane, Wa.

TMoney Member from Spokanistan, WA

Share This Page

Useful Searches

Archive

Atomic Industry

Support

Subscribe

doubletubtrouble
Member

from Spokane Wa.

Bass
Member

from Dallas, TX

k-member
Member

from Scarysville Wa USA

old soul
Member

from oswego NY

Chopt 34
Member

from Florida

///Friday Art Show Talent\\\ (F.A.S.T.)

HAMB Merc Club

1952-59 Ford Social Group

Payne
Member

from At the track, in the garage, or on the road somewh

mdcolby
Member

from kalispell mt

couverkid
Member

from Vancouver,WA.

chris98006
Member

from Seattle WA

Ken Carvalho
Member

from Spokane, Wa.

mthemi
Member

from montana

40 FORDER
Member

from Spokane Wa

choppedmerc
Member

from Spokane

Evel
Member

from Rancho Cucamonga

60s Show Rods

hotrod-40
Member

from Spokane, WA

AaronJJ
Member

from Dallas

Mnhotrodbuilder
Member

from Afton, MN

rsplum
Member

from Montana

Bigdaddykaddy
Member

from Middle of bean town!!

doubletubtrouble
Member

from Spokane Wa.

Ol Deuce
Member

from Mt. U.S.A.

TMoney
Member

from Spokanistan, WA

sirstude
Member

from East Helena, Montana, usa

Northwest HAMBers

giant nerd
Member

from spokane

TMoney
Member

from Spokanistan, WA

johnnyboy76
Member

from Sparta, WI

JeffreyJames
Member

from SUGAR CITY

Marcy
Member

from South of Heaven, TEXAS

Ken Carvalho
Member

from Spokane, Wa.

TMoney
Member

from Spokanistan, WA