BRC, MA, GP, Ken Hake

[George Hollins]

We regret to advise that Ken Hake passed away July 23, 2019.

Here is a link to his obituary:
http://www.robertsfamilyfs.com/obituary/kenneth-hake

During the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000’s, Ken restored 10 each of the BRC, GP, MA. He also made parts for many other collectors for their restorations.

I had the good fortune to know Ken and visit his shop in Tipton, Kansas.

Our sincere condolences go out to Ken’s family.

George

[Duncan Rolls]

Very sad to hear the passing of the pionner in the restoration of the three prototype jeeps, Mr. Ken Hake.
He was a very pleasant and knowledgeable man. I first spoke to him in the mid 90's and was happy to visit
his home in Tipton Kansas while recreating the Pilot. The photo of Ken and I looking at my BRC 60 was taken
at the MVPA in Topeka Kansas in 2010. He was always willing to share his knowledge. There are a lot of prototypes
restored because of Ken Hake taking the time to rebuild these great pieces of the American legend, the jeep.
RIP
Sincerely,
Duncan and Kim Rolls.

[soccergorilla]

Ken was a good man and always good to me. He really was a monumental figure in the prototype jeep world. I enjoyed meeting him and his family in Topeka. His parts have been loaned and copied many times so he is still helping the hobby along, even today. Don't forget all the p-40 stuff he did as well. When i was younger I saw all these plane sections stacked by a building in Dutch Harbor Alaska. I heard years later these went to Ken for his p-40 project. Small world because I ended up buying a jeep from him years later. Thanks for everything Ken.

[gpwmke]

Ken was a very good man. Back in the 1990's he rebuilt my body tub for GP 15141. It was an excellent piece of craftsmanship.

[dowsport1]

What a fine man first of all! Contributed so much to the hobby. Thank you for your willingness to take on the prototypes and save history.

[George Hollins]

Below photo of Ken Hake in a BRC. Following behind Ken were Gary Sloggett in a GP, and Larry Gillette in an MA. These three gentlemen were the team that restored approximately 10 each of the BRC, GP, MA.

Here is a 2014 video interview of Ken Hake recorded by the Austin Bantam Society.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmI9cBk ... _i7ELiGVVA

Here is the Austin Bantam Society BRC web site.
http://historywithheart.com/BRC75/index.html

George

[Bill M]

There was an excellent article in Army Motors about Ken's efforts with the 10 Bantams written by Joe Hudak.
RIP Ken Hake.

[ArmySailor]

The world is a much more empty place without Ken. I visited him several times and he was unfailingly generous with his time, knowledge and his collection. I would never have had the privilege of being able to test and compare the pre-standardized jeeps without his generosity. The jeep world is in his debt.