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.
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.
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.
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…
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
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.
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 ! !~!
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...
The Jalopy Journal
