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News of the Club
October 10, 2017Every year at Hershey Sue Roberts puts up a signing sheet and asks all of our members who stop by to sign up. Look how many did!
Member Update
December 3, 2017It is with great sadness that we note the passing of Susan (Sue) Dexter McKnight. Sue passed away on Thursday, November 30 with her husband, Dick, by her side.
Sue was a graduate of Cortland High School class of 1953 and SU class of 1957. While at SU she was a member of ZTA. She received her Master’s degree from Cortland State and taught in the Cortland City and Spring Valley School Systems. Sue was a member of the Otisco Presbyterian Church, an active member of the H.H. Franklin Automobile Club and member of the Dome City Doll Club. She enjoyed the time she spent on DeRuyter Lake. She was predeceased by her parents Grace and Coe Dexter Sr. and her brothers Coe Jr. and James Dexter. Sue is survived by her husband Richard J.; her son, Richard S.; several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Thursday December 7 from 10am to 1pm with a memorial service to follow at 1pm at the Hartwell Funeral Home, 461 Route 281, Tully, NY. Interment Tully Cemetery. Contributions may be made to: McKnight Fund at the Otisco Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 276, Tully, NY 13159 or to your local American Cancer Society in remembrance of Sue.
In the 1970's, the McKnights started the Early Bird Tour at the Franklin Trek. At the time, the Trek started with Wednesday dinner. Many people were arriving earlier in the day on Wednesday and wanted something to do, so Dick and Sue provided a great tour. As the Trek expanded, the Early Bird Tour remained, somewhat incongrusously, in the middle of the week.
September 16, 2017
We sadly note the passing of one of the stalwarts of the Franklin Club, Sinclair Powell who passed away on September 13.
Sinclair, born November 9, 1922, was a Franklin car expert and a lawyer for many years. Born in Toronto, Canada, he spent most of his childhood in Wyandotte, Michigan. He graduated from Michigan State University (BA in History and Political Science), and from Cornell Law School (JD).
In addition, he attended Lehigh University (Army Engineering Training Program). Sinclair served in the US Army during WWII. He was a long-time member of state and Federal bars. Following a period of general legal practice, he entered the fields of urban planning and development and municipal government administration. He then re-entered private practice serving as a legal and management advisor to state and local governments and to private non-profit agencies. His legal and consulting work included major studies in the area of transportation. His office was in Ann Arbor, Michigan. During his career, he taught urban planning, public administration and public law at several Midwest universities. Long interested in the field of transportation history, after retirement he began to research the development of the American auto industry. He owned a 1928 Pierce-Arrow and a 1929 Franklin. He ultimately concentrated on studying the history of the Franklin Automobile Company, a firm located in Syracuse, New York. This research culminated in a book entitled "The Franklin Automobile Company", published in 1999 by the Society of Automotive Engineers Press. The book received the McKean Memorial Award from the Antique Automobile Club of America, the Nicholas-Joseph Cugnot Award from the Society of Automotive Historians, and the Franklin Medallion from Syracuse University. From 1997-1999, he was president of the Society of Automotive Historians, an international organization of persons interested in the history of the motor car.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Suzanne. He is also survived by a son, Robert, of Manhattan Beach, CA, a sister, Betty White, a nephew, James Lynn and a niece, Peggy Lynn. Sinclair liked reading, walking and travelling to vintage car meets in all areas of the country. Services will be held on Friday October 20, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, 1432 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor 48104. Please share a memory of Mr. Powell with his family at: www.muehligannarbor.com
Patricia Jean Exter Kern, 88, beloved wife of Robert Kern, passed away August 24, 2017. She made her home in Genesee Depot, WI.
An exceptional woman of quiet grace and dignity, Pat was a friend, a wife, a mother, a grandmother and great-grandmother, who gave generously of her time and talents to people and organizations about which she cared deeply.
Pat was a natural leader who served on several boards of directors, including 23 years on the board of Northern Baptist Seminary. She was also involved with the boards of Green Lake Baptist Assembly, the Ten Chimneys Foundation, and Old World Wisconsin. She was the first board chair of the Kern Family Foundation, which she co-founded with her husband Bob in 1998. Pat received many awards for her work, including honorary doctoral degrees from Milwaukee School of Engineering, Northern Baptist Seminary, and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
In 2002, to address the diminishing supply of pastors nationwide, Pat was instrumental in establishing a scholarship program for aspiring pastoral ministry students. With this scholarship, over 700 young people enrolled in seminaries across the country over the last fifteen years.
Born in Urbana, Illinois on September 30, 1928, Pat grew up in Monmouth, Illinois and Bridgeton, New Jersey. She attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she met her husband Bob. Together they founded Generac Corp., now Generac Power Systems, in 1959. Pat was Generac’s first bookkeeper and served on its board of directors for 47 years.
Pat had a clear, soprano voice and loved singing in the choir at the First Baptist Church in Waukesha. She had a gift for friendship, a generous spirit, and a steadiness on which others relied. She was the calm in any storm, a voice of strength and courage in times of adversity.
Pat was the daughter of Frederick C. Exter and Marianna Collins Exter. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, who was her best friend and love of her life; by three daughters, Marcia Peterson (Gregory), Judith Kern, and Deborah Kern; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her sister, Carole E. Wever, and two brothers, Frederick C. Exter II (Julie) and Richard A. Exter (Deborah).
She will be greatly missed and in our hearts always.
The family will receive friends at Cesarz, Charapata and Zinnecker Funeral Home, 237 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, WI 53188, on Thursday August 31, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. A private memorial service is planned.
With deep appreciation for the wonderful flower arrangements already received, the family requests no more be sent.
June 29, 2017
STEVENSON (Levy), Nancy, age 65, of Bedford, passed away suddenly at home on Friday, June 23, 2017, with Jim, her loving husband of 46 years, at her side.
Born in Halifax, she was predeceased by both her parents.
Survived by husband, Jim; daughter, Maggie (Owen) Barnhill of Bedford; sisters, Thelma Fraser of Prince Edward Island; Donna (Curtis) D'Entremont of Halifax; her grandsons, Patrick (13), Christopher (11), and Nicholas (10), who were the light of her life.
"It's a grandmother's perogative" was always the answer to why she spoiled the boys rotten. Be it hockey games, voice recitals, or snuggles on the couch, she was always there for her grandsons. There is nothing she wouldn't do for the boys.
She loved to travel, spending many months a year globetrotting with Jim, seemingly on a mission to see every country in the world. Having achieved her goal of visiting over 100 countries, her favourite would always be Scotland. Scotland holds a special place, as many close friendships were developed throughout daughter Maggie's highland dancing career. Collecting friends along her travels, Nancy loved to laugh and learn.
She graduated with honours from MSVU at age 49, fulfilling her dream of becoming a university graduate. She was loved by many and will be forever missed.
Fernando "Fred" J. Antunes, 88, of Pohatcong Township, NJ, passed away Monday, May 22, 2017, at home.
Born in Mt. Vernon, NY, he was the son of the late Alvera (Elmeida) and Serafin Antunes. He was employed by several pump companies as a mechanical engineer. Most recently, he was employed as chief design engineer and retired from Ingersoll Rand in Phillipsburg. He served in the Army as a tank mechanic during the Korean War, earning the rank of first lieutenant. Fred was a graduate of Peekskill High School and Clarkson College with a B.S. in mechanical engineering. He was a volunteer with the Warren County Division on Aging and Disability Services.
Fred enjoyed sailing, skiing and dancing. He was also an avid antique car collector. Fred will be remembered for his willingness to help strangers, keen interest in learning, youthful spirit, strong opinions and ability to fix anything. He was a communicant of St. Mary Catholic Church in Alpha, member of the Knights of Columbus, H.H. Franklin Car Club, and the Antique Auto Club of America. Fred is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Gloria; daughter, Leslie Rounsaville; sons, Michael and Thomas; brothers, Anthony and Andrew; sister, Beatrice Finnerty; nine grandchildren and a great-grandson. He was predeceased by a daughter, Katherine Smith, and a sister, Theresa Eagen.
A Memorial Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, June 17, 2017 at 10 a.m. in St. Mary Catholic Church, 830 5th Ave., Alpha. There are no calling hours. Entombment will follow in the parish cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Doyle-Devlin Funeral Home, Inc. in Phillipsburg. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at devlinfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his name to St. Mary Catholic Church. Doyle-Devlin Funeral Home 695 Corliss Ave. Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 (908) 454-1361.
April 2, 2017
Patricia Ann Ball was called to be with her Lord, whom she loved and served, on
May 11, 2017
Tricia, as she preferred to be called, was born in Burbank, CA, on June 21, 1951,
as an only child to William and Donnajune Foschaar. She grew up in the San
Fernando Valley, and enjoyed family camping and water skiing trips, especially to Lake
Shasta and Lake Powell. She especially enjoyed girl time and horseback riding with her
best friend Linda Whipp, who became Maid of Honor at our wedding. She attended Simi
Valley High School, and graduated from Moorpark College with a degree in wild and
exotic animal training and management, which she put to good use working at Magic
Mountain with their wild animal shows. One of her favorite stories was about being
'asked to leave' after the manager found racoons and lions living in her apartment.
She loved flowers, and spent a lot of time in the garden. As soon as a plant
bloomed, she would bring flowers into the house. When we lived in Fillmore, she
worked for a cousin who owned Fillmore Flower Shop.
Another of Tricia's loves was designing jewelry, and for a time, managed a
jewelry store in Ventura. She loved Square Dancing, and met her husband-to-be,
Sheldon (Shel) when she called a square dance for the high school youth group at
Bardsdale Methodist Church, of which Shel was the adult advisor. With her interest in
cars (she had restored her own Bug-Eyed Austin-Healy Sprite), she and Shel were a
natural couple. On their first date, she told Shel she had grown up handing wrenches to
her father while he restored and flew antique airplanes. They were married July 13,
1985. She became an 'instant mom' to Shel's two teen-age children, Allison and
Christopher, and later a loving grandma to Kimberly Ball, and Mei and Cole Tanaka.
When Shel retired from teaching vocational education at Fillmore High School in
1995, they moved to Mariposa, and built their home in the Lushmeadows area. Her
parents also relocated here about the same time. Tricia loved to be a homemaker, and
especially to cook. She designed her own kitchen, around which Shel built their home.
Each year she carried on a 109-year old family tradition of hosting a New Year’s Day
Pork and Sauerkraut dinner for family and friends.
Tricia's heart overflowed with love for her family, and for animals, and her home
was a happy place for Shel and their Doberman Pinschers.
Tricia and Shel enjoyed travelling, especially in their antique and classic cars.
She was a life member in the Horseless Carriage Club, member of the Marmon Motor
Car Club, the Pierce Arrow Society, the Franklin Club, the Studebaker Club, the Model
T Ford Club, and the Mountain Road Rattlers. She was the proud owner of, and helped
restore, her 1969 Camaro Z-28.
Tricia became a licensed pilot. She served as a docent at the California Gem and
Mineral Museum here in Mariposa. She took an active part in the United Methodist
Women. She sang in the choir at Bardsdale Methodist Church, and was a church
secretary .She (and Shel) served over 19 years as a volunteer with the Mariposa
County Sheriff Department's SCOPE She is a past officer in the Lushmeadows
Homeowners Association.
Tricia wanted to thank the caregivers who cared for her in the last days of her
illness, and to the members of Hornitos Masonic Lodge No. 98 for their love, support,
and prayers for both her and Shel.
A celebration of Tricia's life will be held at the Mariposa United Methodist Church,
Saturday, June 10, 1;00 PM. In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to make a donation to
the local SPCA, in fond memory of Tricia's love for animals, and/or to the Hornitos
Masonic Lodge 98 Sunshine fund.
April 2, 2017
I am sad to report the passing February 25th of long time member Jack Desch of Topeka, KS. Jack was 79. He worked 40 years for The Hobart Corp. and served 21 years in the Kansas National Guard. Jack was a former member of The HHFC Board, was active in the club, and he and Sharon attended a number of Franklin Treks. His sense of humor and gregarious nature will be missed by all. I think he gave Andy a real run for his money as to who had used the most film when at those Treks. I shall personally miss his numerous friendly emails. Our sympathy to Sharon, their five children and their families.
Barb and Ed Wyle
February 6, 2017
It is with great sadness that we report that Dan Grogan passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2017.
Daniel C. Grogan, was born in Bronxville, NY, Daniel had lived in Hawthorne for many years before moving to Wyckoff in 1985. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Army. After his service, he was the owner of Action Sprinkler Corp. in Hawthorne for many years. Daniel enjoyed antique cars, aircraft and gardening. He was a member of the Franklin Car Club, the North Jersey A's and the First Reformed Church in Hawthorne. Daniel was the wonderful husband of Janice Grogan (nee Cross). Loving father of Christopher Grogan and his wife Christine and Scott Grogan and his wife Jennifer. Adoring Pop Pop to Jack, Julia and Abby Grogan. Dear brother of the late Bob Grogan and the late Joe Grogan. Daniel will be remembered by his winning smile, love of coffee, kindness toward animals and surprise purchases in the garage. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Reformed Church, 259 Lafayette Ave., Hawthorne, NJ 07506.
Published in The Record on Jan. 12, 2017
Franklin Club member, Jim Kling from Nampa, Idaho, passed
away in September, 2016. He attended a Trek and drove his
1932 Franklin sedan on a Westrek and the Bakersfield Swap
Meet and Tour/Webb Franklin get-together. In 2013, I was fortunate
to be able to purchase the ’32 and I had a chance to visit
with Jim when I picked up the car. After we got the Franklin
home, Jim would call me periodically to make sure that I was
still happy with the purchase of the car! He had a friendly,
outgoing and helpful personality.
...Bill Charpier
Merle Brooks passed away November
27, 2016. An active west coast member
of the Franklin Club, Merle drove his
1927 Coupe and 1927 Oxford Sedan on
many Westreks over the past 35 years
with his wife, Armiene. In 1988, they
chaired the 19th Westrek in Leavenworth,
Washington. After retiring as the
General Manager of the Stevens Pass
Ski Resort where he was an innovator in
the ski industry (one of the lifts is named
for him), Merle and Armiene wintered in
Arizona and summered in Washington.
...Marlene Zimmerman