Just read this news. Shocked and saddened. Admired Rich's work greatly, what a meticulous craftsman and artist.

Over the winter of 2000, within a few months of receiving my '65, I'd already taken it completely apart, and was just trying to make sense of it all. Knowing absolutely nothing about anything, surrounded by parts I needed pictures, stories and ideas to keep me motivated and inspired. Rich's "When You're Ready For Some Serious Fun!" door mural became my slogan!



And so when Jennie and I had the opportunity to meet Barbara and Rich at the Chips Choice display Carlisle, I was also struck by their energy and engagement, and recognized his inspiration. Truly Rich was a great admirer of the red (as am I!)

I'd always admired Rich's show pieces but as we learned how deeply involved and hands-on Barbara was in their projects, I became equally inspired by the shared passion, efforts, commitment and vision this couple had to complete them. I do hope Barbara is seeing these posts, and someday will return to Corvettes at Carlisle, perhaps in one of their joint creations. The loss of such an intimately shared partner would be crushing, but no doubt their rolling examples return unforgettable memories of the tough yet triumphant times they shared.

Gone too soon, but thank you Rich (and Barbara!) for the continued inspiration, and not just with your Corvettes. The Lagasse Legacy continues!

 

I was honored to become a friend of Rich & Barb's. I admired him greatly, and we did have a lot of fun at those Carlisle dinners! I will never forget when I met him on the grounds at Carlisle for the first time when I came upon two of the nicest builds I had ever seen in my life. Rich was always so generous and accurate with his advice. The Corvette world has lost one of the greats..... Rich will be missed enormously :-(

 

I just found out, and am deeply saddened of the news. It was truly an honor and privilege to have met both Rich and Barb......2 of the best people on the planet.
Blessings to Barb and family.....RIP MR. CORVETTE

 

RIP Rich

 

Sounds like another good man down. RIP.

 

Sorry to hear this.

 

In case anyone missed it @ Carlisle, we brought a memorial to our friend Rich Lagasse. He built the finest Pro Classics and pioneered the Vette Rod era. Rest In Peace good friend !!
We miss you !
J & J

 

Somehow I missed seeing your tribute to Rich at CAC. Very nice - he was a great guy!

 

Border closure kept us back this year, but well done memorial.
Was also thinking of JackFit and the in memoriam we were going to hold for him.
Fortunately, fond memories have no limitations.

 

OMG. I rarely check this section. Today for some reason I did check it and saw this. I’m heartbroken to hear this. Rich was a wonderful guy. So sorry Barb. So sorry too Jim and Janet. I know how close you two were to Rich and Barb.
May he R.I.P.

 

I too just saw this, when I saw the for sale posting in the C7 section yesterday - been thinking about Rich since then.

Never met Rich in person or even spoke with him, but had many emails back and forth, years ago, while I was building my ‘63.

I remember seeing the various articles on Split Personality in a magazine and that is how I found contact info and reached out to ask a question. I can only imagine how many people reached out like that, I didn’t even have the car yet, was just looking and dreaming of various plans. I still remember telling numerous people at work, “look at this incredibly detailed and lengthy response - what a giving, kind gentleman”. Each time I’d write with a question or to get Rich’s thoughts on something I always tried to keep any question specific, always feeling like I didn’t want to take up too much of his time, and EVERY time he would respond back with such depth and always so quickly too.

That must be about 10 years back and yes, that type of kindness is NOT forgotten - it’s remembered forever and, as best I can, imitated.

That is one measure of a very good man - again I can only imagine how many strangers reached out to Rich, we know it’s global, and each one probably got the same type of caring response.

Barb - we obviously never spoke or met, but my heart filled condolences - I hope a complete stranger from a decade back just re-enforces what an impact Rich had on the people he crossed paths with.

God Bless,
Rich

 

Thanks Glenn !!! He is missed !! Like Linda and Brad !! Hannah, Brad's Daughter is a senior in High School !! Hard to believe it has been 15 years !!

 

WOW , Just came across this. What a gentleman. I have to search but When I was building my tube frame 62 I reached out to rich to ask how he got his suspension to sparkle. He sent me the info on a balder buffer and a belt sander. He then sent me a picture of him self covered in the Black material that comes off an aluminum part when trying to buff it , Rich till we meet again RIP

 

Greatly saddened in seeing this. I can remember ogling Rich's jaw-dropping resto-mods time and again, and exchanged a few messages now & then with him as well. Such a gracious man.

Many condolences to his wife, family and friends.

 

I miss my emails from Rich, always so proud of his family, the love he had for them and his friends was second to none, and there is no nice family than his, just fantastic people.

 

There will be a tribute to Rich & Barb on Corvette Night at Marks Cruise in East Granby Connecticut. Marks Cruise is the largest Cruise night in New England. Rich & Barb were involved in the annual Corvette Night at Marks Cruise for many years. There are well over 300 Corvettes at this event plus 500 to 700 other collectable vehicles on Corvette Night every year. This tribute may bring over 400 Corvettes. Everyone is invited. No admission.

 

It's been a year since Rich passed and a few of his friends wanted to dedicate what would have been Rich's 14th Corvette Night. The tribute was for Rich and Barb, after 54 years of marriage they continued to be inseparable. A few photos of the evenings Corvette class winners, the Lagasse family, Barb, sons Chris, Mike and Mark of Mark's Cruise nights.

Rich had been the spark plug behind Corvette nights, he continued to be hands on with no details left to chance. We were all surprised to hear that Rich had call Marks from his hospital bed last year to lock up the dates for this years Corvette night. The final count was 300 Corvettes and almost 800 cars, he had nailed it again.

A special thanks to Mark and Danny, John from the Corvette Posse, friend Cory and Chris Lagasse. Barb was touched by the outpouring of kindness.

 

I missed all of those very detailed Emails. Thanks for all of your help. You were a very, very helpful friend and always a true gentleman. I am 81 and will be in your area soon.

 

All true. Thanks for reminding us about Rich.
PS: l deleted your last sentence in my quote since Rich will not be inconvenienced if you stay here several more years.