Passing of an OG FSJ Guy

[rstep]

If you have been in this FSJ world long enough you knew about the TAD Rack,or SOA kits. Long time forum member Tad has passed away this past week. I've ran a lot of trails and burned more wire with him over 20 plus years. It's been a joy and one hell of a ride.
RIP

[Gambler]

Well, damn. happy trails Tad, lots of memories.

[letank]

RIP in the land of free gas and free access to the unlimited outdoors

[Stuka]

Oh man, this sucks to hear. We worked together a bunch on FSJ bumpers back in the early to mid 2000's for both Cherokee/Wagoneer and J-Trucks. I chatted with him not long ago.

Not sure how he passed, but I hope it was peaceful. My thoughts go out to his friends and family. The FSJ community has lost somebody that made a pretty big impact over the last 24 years.

[rocklaurence]

I didn't know him personally but only by his posts on the Boards. He's one of the Sages that always had answers and valuable insight regarding FSJs. RIP

Oh man, this sucks to hear. We worked together a bunch on FSJ bumpers back in the early to mid 2000's for both Cherokee/Wagoneer and J-Trucks. I chatted with him not long ago.

Not sure how he passed, but I hope it was peaceful. My thoughts go out to his friends and family. The FSJ community has lost somebody that made a pretty big impact over the last 24 years.

[badaboom]

R.I.P. - TAD Heavenly paths and smooth trails - REACH TO THE TOP

[chevelleguy]

R.I.P, Tad

[CherokeeJim]

It is with a heavy heart that I just found out about Tad’s passing from my dad. Tad was a great friend of mine. I first spoke with Tad in late 1998 regarding a shackle flip kit for an 82 Wagoneer I had at the time. Since that over the phone conversation Tad and I had become my main source of information. While on Active Duty in the Navy I contacted him often with questions on FSJs and networking. Over the years Tad and I met up for an outing, a drink, or simply a get together. Passing through AZ to see family, Tad let me stay at his house where I could see his madness behind the curtain. What a cool time, such a cool person. He had a plethora of info he shared with me and incites on builds I had going on in the past and the ones I am still building to this day. A lot of Tad’s products are on my Jeeps. SOA’s, Shackle Flips, shackles, Spring brackets, steering box arms, bumper brackets, and the like. I last spoke to Tad a few months ago, I always enjoyed talking to him and he often kept me grounded from the hype and excitement of FSJs while at the same time pushing me to do whatever I wanted and trying new things. Tad I thank you for always being there for me as I had always enjoyed your company. For anyone who never got enjoy Tad’s company or ever got to meet him, that’s the tragic. He made everything fun. Tad was also there for me when I first started Texas Full Size Jeeps and came all the way from AZ to TX to join the handful of us who showed up and kicked off the Texas chapter. You’re were a good man Tad, a heart of gold. This is hard for me. Truly a friend to all and a mentor to many! Until we meet again, Cheers my friend! See you on the top floor! Rest in Peace. Next Trail Ride is for you!

[will e]

I met Tad in person at a Mexican restaurant in Tucson. Behind my back my wife arranged a 'chance' meeting. Tad walked up and asked "Hey aren't you with the AZ FSJ Group". The three of us had lunch and then afterwards went out to look at each others rigs. He had a TAD rack in a box with my name on it. My wife had purchased one as a surprise (and Tad bumped up a place in line for me). I had the rack on my Jeep in less than 24 hours.

Like CherokeeJim my rig is adorned with parts from Tad and the Tucson gang. I did some of my first wheeling with Tad and am glad to say we finally made the Elvis run in 2022 TITD. I think it was our third attempt at doing a TITD Elvis run.

We were very fortunate as a community to have Tad take such an interest in Full Size Jeeps. Not only his knowledge but his willingness to fabricate parts for our rigs. He certainly left a mark on our hobby.

I can't count the trips and times together. He will be missed.

[will e]

Thanks for the memories Tad! I went through some photos and found a couple to share:

A bunch of us got together to do a body swap on Krista's Jeep. Here's Tad messing around.

workingonkrisajeep.jpg

Tad helping again, this time the master was working on my Jeep.

Jeepwork.jpg

At Ouray one year. Having some fun again.

tad screwing around.jpg

And who remembers the Ouray year that he brought a keg. It's kinda hazy but I remember having fun.

kegger.jpg

Tad preaching the FSJ gospel to his adoring followers...

2013-0104 Upper Woodpecker 45.jpg

[tgreese]

Sad to hear that. Never met the gentleman, no presence in the west since '92. RIP.

[Yeller]

Sorry to hear of his passing. Was some one that had really wanted to meet. My condolences to his family and friends, he has left his mark on our vehicles and hearts.

[tgreese]

Previous comment not needed. RIP Tad.

[backroadin']

Oh man, this sucks to hear.

Yup.
I'm grateful to have had his knowledge available to me when I got my wagoneer - post mount lifts and so much more.
For some reason I always pictured him to look like and be like the guy with the mustache and beret on Mythbusters.
He probably wasn't, but he was definetely one of those voices for me which I always trusted.

RIP Tadsal. You definetely made a mark.

[jaber]

My one run up here, he came up to camp and run it with us.

Peace be with you brother.