CC’s greatest strength is the wide range of voices here; who wants to hear the same one constantly? The community of CC Contributors is diverse and eclectic, but all have a passion for things automotive. But perhaps the most unique and passionate voice here was that of Kevin Martin, who shared his many personal interests and life experiences here, which ranged from vintage Indy 500 racing, Cars of My Girlfriends, Checker Cabs, Bonneville, trains, his 1960 Fury and many other subjects, with an unmistakable style, humor, and dry wit. And often illustrated with his splendid vintage Kodachrome photos. I’m really going to miss him here.
Kevin passed away on November 6th, after a fairly brief struggle with liver cancer. His last post was in April of this year, and his last comment, on a subject very dear to him (VW Rabbit racing), was just on October the 12th. His obituary is here. Our condolences go to his wife of 38 years, Sue, and his two sons and one grandson. Kevin was a devoted family man and will be missed greatly by them.
All of Kevin’s CC posts can be accessed here, chronologically. And in memoriam, I’m going to pick various ones and re-run them for the next week or so. We may not be able to savor anymore fresh posts by Kevin, but we can relive his past ones, thanks to the posterity he left us here. Thanks, Kevin, for sharing your rich and full life with us all here on the pages of CC.
Kevin Martin on Bonneville, Indianapolis, and so much else has brought me hours of pleasure. Wish I’d said “thank you.”
I’m so shocked at this sad news. As a cancer survivor, I personally know what an awful thing it is, and how it changes life permanently for all concerned. Many don’t make it, and for those of us who do it remains an awful memory buried in the backs of our minds, to awaken once more when those we know (even if only via a website and a mutual love of automobilia) are taken. I didn’t even like drag racing or snow-mobiles until Kevin’s fascinating articles – his writing style made me want to read – and learn – more. To Kevin’s wife, sons, family, my heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you from New Zealand. And isn’t that the mark of a great man: that his writing was noticed, read, loved and eagerly awaited on the other side of the world. RIP.
Sad news, indeed. I enjoyed Kevin’s reminiscences of his years at Subiaco, a Catholic boarding school about two hours away from where I now live.
Never had the pleasure to met him in person, but you could tell from his writing that he was a neat guy. Rest in peace.
I was wondering why he stopped posting. Know I know, unfortunately.
He was a very entertaining writer, and he’ll be missed.
I’m very sorry about this. I would have loved to have met him. We will all miss his posts.
I will miss his writings. He was an interesting man.
Jeez, I’m sorry. I always enjoyed his stories, the man could really write an engaging story! My sympathies to his family.
Wow… that’s sad. I wasn’t as familiar with Kevin as some of the site’s other members, but I did enjoy his stories and his passing is a significant loss to the CC community. RIP.
I send my sympathy to the Martin family. Thank you for sharing Kevin with us.
As noted above, it suddenly feels very wrong that I’ve never met some of you, or even heard your voices.
R.I.P Mr. Martin.
I especially enjoyed the cars of my girlfriends piece. Your writing will live on here.
🙁
I’m really gonna miss him. Kevin was a bottomless pit of witty remarks, colorful language, fascinating stories and obscure knowledge. His comments could make me “LOL for real” like no one else… CC will never be quite the same without him.
So sorry to hear of this.
Let this be a reminder to all of us…life is short, we had best make the most of it. It sounds as if Kevin did.
All the best to the Martin family.
Richard, I second what you and Scott (above) have written. As a two-time cancer survivor, I really appreciate every day. I’m sorry that Kevin could not have more days but it appears he made the most of life and will live on in the memories of his family and many, many others.
Quinn, you sound like a wonderful son – the best to you and all of the family from yet another person who appreciated your father’s talents and zest for life.
One of my daily pleasures, sometimes there are no others, is Curbside Classics. I marvel at Paul’s dedication, energy and talent, but it is the selfless efforts of contributors, such as Kevin was, who make this site so special. Like everyone else I will miss him.
My condolences to Kevin’s family and loved ones on their loss.
My thanks to Paul for this post, through which Kevin’s spirit and wit lives on, in this very community on which he left an indelible mark.
I’d like to echo the comments and sentiments of the many others who have already posted. I’ll start off by saying that due to work and other responsibilities, I don’t always get to read CC every day. That said, this site seems to me almost like a rather close-knit yet far flung family of auto enthusiasts. While I never personally got to meet Kevin, it seems as though we’ve all lost a close friend. And, I certainly extend my condolences to his immediate family. His loss is sad, yet I feel blessed that he was able to share his thoughts, wisdom and passion at CC.
Sad to hear of Kevin’s passing. I really related to his stories, and he could tell one well. His contributions to CC were great, and I’ll miss his writings and comments. He will be missed, and I hope the best for his family.
I only just noticed that – damn… I enjoyed his style of writing and knowledge. Such a loss – condolences to his family.
That was an incredible obituary. What a life well lived. Godspeed Mr. Martin, and condolences to his family and ours.