Corvette Action Center Loses a Valued Member

**Stingray6974** · 03-06-07, 10:24 PM

This is truly a sad day. I still have fond memories tearing up the hiway with Ken and Andre at BG in '02 and Blackdogs' pool party. That said I am at a loss for words.
Mike

**TODD L GRIFFITH** · 03-06-07, 10:24 PM

Sorry to hear about Ken's passing. I heard he's leading a caravan of Vettes to high heaven and racing some ricers on the way.

**unleadedbrew** · 03-06-07, 10:26 PM

Had hoped to never get that e-mail. Rest well my friend....you deserve it.

**Chas** · 03-06-07, 10:27 PM

Ride on....Peace be the journey.

**vee93** · 03-06-07, 10:33 PM

I was just thinking about Ken the other day--wondering how he was doing and put off asking about him on this forum because I didn't ever see him on here after he wasn't an administrator anymore.
My only connection to Ken was thru the CAC. He was funny and knowledgeable. What a thunk in the head and heart it is to log on here and find out he's gone.
He's at peace and free now.
Ken, Godspeed.

**BlackNBlue95** · 03-06-07, 10:47 PM

I haven't been following CAC as much as I used to. CAC was one of the first maybe the first Corvette Related Forum I joined... I remember reading Ken's webpage and his posts a while back. Though I never met him, I would have liked too, he seemed like a down to earth person and a true gear head...

Ken you'll be in our prayers! R.I.P. Brother...
-=Rick

**jrose7004** · 03-06-07, 10:52 PM

Sorry to hear this news!

**mvvette97** · 03-06-07, 11:01 PM

Very sorry to hear about this. God bless

**04z06ce** · 03-06-07, 11:04 PM

God speed

**GarryL** · 03-06-07, 11:05 PM

Well, I didn't know him, or even know of him, heck, I'm just a newbe, but I want to say Rest In Peace as well !

-Garry

**JHL** · 03-06-07, 11:07 PM

Sad news,

I had the good fortune to meet Ken when I visted LA and had a spin round in his Vette. A great guy, even after about 2 years when on another visit I just turned up at Ruby's by chance only to find Ken in his usual spot beside his Vette he instantly saw me, said hello and flashed that big grin of his at me like it was just last week.

J.

**jrbartholomew** · 03-06-07, 11:12 PM

ken you will be missed rip
we were glad to know you
jeff and sandy

**bogus** · 03-06-07, 11:30 PM

I know I don't post here often.

I met Ken at a meet at Ricky and Ronnies a couple of years ago. Both him and his car left one helluva impression.

May he rest in peace.

**GerryLP** · 03-06-07, 11:31 PM

It is said that some of the brightest stars furiously burn gloriously-short lives escaping the fate of a long existence obscured by the shine of others.

I learned of Ken Stapel back in Shark-Fest 2002, never having the chance for an introduction, but irregardless, he availed himself to others who had a technical question on some issue, or he expressed how he felt about some Corvette modification or unpopular subject. I know that he had a measure of devotion towards his C4, and when I first saw it, albeit in the midst of performance problems, I could tell that it was a special car.

It has always puzzled me how much higher his posts-count was in CAC, and when compared to some of the other early CAC members, it made me wonder -how did he do it? He had to speak his mind just about any subject discussed here, and so like so many of you, there lies my connection with him.

I felt the denial when hearing of his passing, but I also felt at peace thanks to my initiative at the end of last November to write to him and introduce myself in an "official" way.

Here is to one of our CAC members who illuminated us with his furious shine.

**Z06ADCT** · 03-06-07, 11:34 PM

Scott,

Thanks for posting this on the forum. I too have been away from the forum for quite some time. When I received the email from Brad, I was deeply saddend. I met Ken, you and Brad in 2004 after getting my car and meeting up with you guys at Ruby's in Redondo. Ken took me "the newbie" in and made me feel welcomed and part of the "Corvette Family". He even saved me a spot next to his car. I always enjoyed talking with Ken and learning from him. After I had that fender bender with that Jaguar, Ken offered to drive me home after dropping off my car for repair. Ken went 40miles round trip out of his way to help me. His dedication to help others was always there and will definitely be missed. When I visited him on Thanksgiving day, he was pretty down, but I think the visits and phone calls from all of us kept him going until yesterday. Please rest in peace Ken. We will truly miss you.

Craig

Attached are some pictures/memories from those times.