My Dad passed away on March 29th. He was an amazing and complicated man, and as many know a well-known figure in the racing world. He had an incredible rebound last March after a months-long series of dramatic hospitalizations for heart, lung and neurological issues, in which he not only got fully back to work running his 50-year-old company Jenkins’ Competition here in Malvern, living on his own, and driving his inimitable custom-built red GTO coupe, but also managed at the age of 80 to start working out at a gym 3 times a week (he liked the physical therapist there so much he would buy her coffee and a danish on his way in). Things quickly became very hectic as we are organizing the arrangements and fielding calls from his hundreds of colleagues and supporters over the years. Thankfully I was able to practice with him for some time at the hospital after he died, so he might have a peaceful transition.
If you’re curious, this links to a number of articles about my Dad. There will be something in the NY Times on Monday also.
https://www.google.com/search?q=Bill+%22Grumpy%22+Jenkins&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
Dear Susan;
What an amazingly poignant and touching tribute to your father….I’m sure you’ve heard this a million times but as a young kid growing up in the late 60’s/Early 70’s, and being influenced by my racing heroes, obviously his name and “personna ” was well documented and known to any young guy in love with fast cars and horsepower….And now that I’m middle aged and having witnessed the passing of both my parents, I relate to feeling that same void….You’re fortunate in that there are so many well documented and detailed stories of his exploits and his positive influence on many, many people….It is very interesting to see the man from a personal side as opposed to only the “racing” side….I very much enjoyed reading your blog and viewing your art, photos and stories….I always viewed him as a “mechanical artist” and while you pursue your art in a totally different vein, it is obvious he passed on his meticulousness, attention to detail and ability to think “outside the box” to you….It is great to see that there is still much interest in all things “Grumpy”, in part because of Doug Boyce’s book and Facebook page, but also because he was a pretty unforgettable guy, a true American original….God Bless and all the best in your future endeavors….
Long Live The Grump!!
Sincerely,
Lee Hinton
Chicago, IL