| nelsb01 | -- 12-02-2024 @ 11:42 AM |
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It is with a very heavy heart that I have to write this, as another good friend and long time member of the Early Ford V-8 Club has passed away. On Thanksgiving Day, while driving, Lou Mraz had a medical emergency and was involved in an auto accident. According to his son, Lou was uninjured in the accident, but died at the hospital. More than a week ago Lou had undergone the ‘stint’ procedure and was feeling so much better. I was glad that he was and told him that one of my parents had also had the procedure and it made so much of a difference in their lives. I first met Lou way back in 1984 at the Western National Meet in Beaver Creek Colorado. I didn’t know it then, but we would have a long and enjoyable friendship over the years. As with others that have enriched my life, Lou became a mentor and reference point for life. While others such as Gunn, Nacewicz and Terrio taught me about National Meets, Lou taught me about National Driving Tours. He was the person who came up with the idea that now has created 14 successful National Tours. He was even planning on hosting another one this coming September. He would call me about 3 times a week to ask about how my planning was going and what he was working on for his. Lou and I seemed to alternate being North Central Director for the Early Ford V-8 Club, as he had a long tradition of working for the Club. He was President for the years 1985-86. Lou was President during my first term as North Central Director. Lou started his V-8 Club involvement out east, and due to his employment with the Department of Transportation, made a lot of events over the years by planning his work trips around V-8 events. While finally settling in Colorado, he found an active Regional Group (5 National Meets) and enjoyed the area and his vehicles. He never let the ‘hills’ keep him and wife Donna at home. And, then there were the V-8 TIMES cover photos. I do not know the exact number, but they had to be in the dozens. Lou had a very good eye for creating what I call story photos and worked very hard to pose the details needed to make the photo look like a real event was taking place. One of my favorites was of his son Mike talking to an elderly lady about her old F0rd V-8 in the driveway of her home. The photo let you think that the young man convinced the lady to sell him her car. A member who replied to information I sent out about Lou’s passing said, “it just keeps happening”. And how right he is. In life, we are lucky enough to create memories and meet exceptional people along the way. During this season of joyous celebration, take that extra time, make that extra time to let your friends and family know that you appreciate them and will not forget the memories that they helped create. We will miss you Lou. Bruce Nelson 2020 President - Early Ford V-8 Club (photo courtesy of Trevor Poulsen)
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