Kim Howie

[ORIGLS6]

It's never easy to say goodbye to friends. We develop relationships with many people over the years and those relationships vary as much as the individual personalities. Some are easy; some require a little more care, and then there are the ones that just can't be described in words alone.


This morning we received word that Kim Howie passed away last Friday. The words aren't coming easily for this one.


I first met Kim about 20 years ago and we quickly became friends through a common interest in SuperCars and primarily the Fred Gibb legacy. Over those years we've had countless conversations about cars, racing, people, relationships and some of the dumb things we've all done or encountered. Kim was well versed in the cars and had a passion for the Gibb COPO Novas. He probably knew more about them than any other person I've met, and actually owned a number of them over the years. We've all enjoyed his stories about his latest discovery, and laughed at his escapades as he told us of his latest 'accident', an encounter with 'some dumbass' (sometimes himself), or maybe the latest project he had taken on that wasn't quite going according to plan. He never hesitated making fun of himself. "Hell, if I don't, one of you WILL!" The phone conversations would sometimes last for hours. We would wind down toward an end, then something else would come to mind and an hour later we would try again to say Goodbye, most often, unsuccessfully. I'm sure many of you can relate to that and have hopefully had the same experiences with him.


In conversations this morning with some of the SCR committee members one thought that seemed to be universal was, "you never had to wonder what Kim had on his mind, or what he thought of you". His feelings toward you were open and honest. Thankfully, we all respected that and we all agree we were honored to have known him, and blessed to call him our friend.


Arrangements are not available at this time but we're in touch with his family and will pass that information along to everyone once we are notified.

Rest in Peace and Godspeed my friend. Thank you for some Great Times. You WILL be missed.

[Xplantdad]

Kim Howie was a hoot! I always enjoyed my conversations with him.


Also, I love the pic above...taken at SCR 8 at the track. That's what Kim was all about...goofing!



Dennis is right...you always knew where you stood with Kim-He had his opinion...and he let you know what it was!


Godspeed my friend. Thanks for the call today, Dennis



BTW, here's another pic from the same Super car Reunion, except this was in the parking lot...and Ken Tibor is standing next to Kim!

[CamaroNOS]

Those are two touching stories. I will be honest, based on what I read and the passion behind them, I wish I had met him.

RIP and prayers to his family.

Paul

[RPOLS3]

Kim was very active on this site when I first joined back in the 2009 timeframe - his stories were always an enjoyable and usually funny read. I had the opportunity to meet him at one of the SCR's in Joliet. RIP sir and condolences to his family.

[JRSully]

Only guy I ever saw that set up a minibar on top of a garbage can, in the lobby of the hotel at Musclecar Nats. Very funny guy, RIP

[Copo_Cartel]

As many times as him and I sat down to talk, or in his terms…bullshit ….it always started with “do you remember when”. I will miss him in so many ways. Our Buddy.

[ORIGLS6]

A few more pix of Kim from 2018 when he was named SCR Man of the Year.


Kim was introduced (and Roasted) by Bob McClurg. Many of you may recall a hilarious incident from a previous SCR involving Bob, Kim, some of Bob's books, ...... and a legendary marathon run from Collinsville, IL to Albia, Iowa that ended up with a trip to jail and impounding Bob's rental car, ...... which held all of Bob's camera equipment!


Bob told the story at the Banquet on Friday Night and had everyone rolling in the aisles. Kim wasn't laughing at the time, still dealing with some local authorities in Iowa, but recounted the events many times later, and laughed as hard as we did. Despite all that they became very good friends and Bob would spend time at Kim's house during some of his trips back here from Hawaii.


I'm so glad I got to know him and spend many enjoyable hours with him.

[Steve Shauger]

Very sad news. RIP my friend.... Quite a colorful and fun character who didn't mince words. His passion in our hobby was limitless!!!

[Charley Lillard]

Dammit Howie ! Great to have known you. He was in it for the cars, friends etc. Rest in Peace Kim. This sucks.

[Copo_Cartel]

Amen Charlie