Jack Trepanier
“Farewell to our Hot Rod Friend”
1943 – 2014
Copy by John Aschenberg
Photos by – Julia Aschenberg
We lost a great Hot Rod Hero and friend this past March. Jack Trepanier passed away March 14th at the age of 70 years old. As many of you know, Jack was the father of Troy Trepanier of the famous Rad Rides by Troy. Jack was a very talented individual who got started in the automotive business many years ago when he and his wife Judy opened up their own tune up and repair shop. It was first called Manteno Motors, later to become Jack’s Auto Specialties Inc. Anyone who knew the Trepaniers, could see that there was that special father and son bond that Jack and Troy possessed that a lot of families wish they had.
Jack was a big part of the business and was beside his son Troy all the way in making Rad Rides the empire it is today. This is truly a family run business along with Jack and Judy’s daughter, Annette who is public relations manager, and wife Judy who is show assistant/navigator. Jack was not only a car guy, but at the same time a great friend. I’m sure everyone that really knew Jack, all have some wonderful memories that we’ll all treasure forever. Julie and I first met the Trepanier family back in the early 90’s when we were first freelancing for the various car magazines and did a feature shoot on the famous ’50 Buick that Troy had built. From there we shot a few other builds from Rad Rides and started to get to know Jack, Judy and family.
If you knew Jack, he had a nickname for everyone, especially if he liked you. He never missed me, and always called me “Johnnie” and my wife Julie he always called her Jules. We have some very special memories ourselves of times spent with Jack, and we’ll treasure those moments forever. Jack leaves behind his lovely wife Judy of almost 50 years this coming October, his son Troy along with his wife Angie, daughter Annette and her husband Rob and four grandchildren, Carly, Gavin, Jack and Luke. We will all miss Jack this coming car show season, be it his smile, humor, jokes and laughter not to mention his friendship. Jack my friend, you left us all too soon, and leave behind a lot of broken hearts.
We’ll never forget you, rest in peace my friend!
Your Good Friends at LIA Magazine!