In Memoriam: Vincent Martino, co-founder Martino Brothers Collision
Toronto, Ontario — Collision Repair magazine is saddened to learn of the death of Vincent Martino, the co-founder of the legacied Martino Brothers Collision in Toronto. Vince began his career as a talented automotive mechanic at British American Motors. In 1955, Vince and his brother, Jack, opened a Texaco Gas and Service Franchise. They quickly […]
In Memoriam: Evan Charles Miller, 1984-2024
Fort Erie, Ontario — Collision Repair is extending sincere condolences to the entire Miller family and the Miller’s Auto Recycling team regarding the sudden loss of Evan Charles Miller. The operator of Miller Metal in Fort Erie, Ontario, Evan was a self-taught metal fabricator for more than nine years and was responsible for a number […]
In Memoriam: Centennial College auto body instructor, Al Lander passes away at age 80
Toronto, Ontario – Collision Repair would like to offer condolences to the family and friends of Al Lander who passed away on September 18, 2023. According to his recent obituary by Dods and McNair Funeral Home, Arthur Albert (Al) Lander, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2023 at the age of 80 in Headwaters Health […]
In Memoriam: Wayne D. James, 40-year collision industry veteran, has died
Fergus, Ontario — Collision Repair magazine is saddened to hear that a longtime friend of the industry, Wayne D. James, has died. James spent 40 years in the automotive aftermarket, starting as a painter and technician at Maaco facility in Waterloo, and moving up to become a production manager thereafter. From 1998 to 2015, James […]
In Memoriam: Dave Savoie of Kavia Auto Body
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan — Dave Savoie of Saskatoon’s Kavia Auto Body died suddenly on March 7, at the age of 40. Savoie spent his career in the automotive industry, spending time as a technician, a manager and a partner. He obtained a Red Seal journeyman technician certificate and a business administration certificate, according to his obituary. […]
In Memoriam: Guerino Mercanti, founder of Mercanti Bros. Auto Body Repair
Hamilton, Ontario — Collision Repair magazine is saddened to hear that Guerino Mercanti, founder of CARSTAR Canada, has died following a six-year battle with dementia. Mercanti grew up with his two brothers and nephew in Hamilton, founding Mercanti Bros Auto Body Repair, the predecessor to CARSTAR Collision and Ontario Auto Collision. He regularly came by […]
In Memoriam: Sheila Loftus, industry publisher and co-founder of Women’s Industry Network
Washington, D.C. — Collision Repair magazine is saddened to hear that Sheila Loftus, publisher of Hammer and Dolly, founder of CRASH Network and co-founder of Women’s Industry Network, has died. The editor and publisher of Washington D.C.-based trade magazine Hammer and Dolly for more than 30 years, Loftus was a trailblazer in the industry. She […]
In Memoriam: Randy Sarchuk, 1960-2022
Regina, Saskatchewan — Randall “Randy” Sarchuk, automotive painter and former paint rep for Reineking Paint and Color Compass, has died. Randy’s family announced his untimely passing last Friday; he died on March 12, 2022, at 61 years old. Randy was a longtime member of the automotive aftermarket and a familiar face to collision repairers in […]
In Memoriam: Sean O’Regan of O’Regan Automotive Group dies at 53
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia — The Canadian collision repair community shared a tremendous loss last week as news came to light that Sean O’Regan, CEO of O’Regan’s Automotive Group, died of a heart attack on Thursday at the age of 53. O’Regan was the third-generation CEO of his family’s company and his passing coincides exactly to […]
Farewell Frank: Linamar founder Frank Hasenfratz dead at 86
Guelph, Ontario — Frank Hasenfratz, founder of Guelph, Ontario-based auto parts manufacturer Linamar, has died at the age of 86 years old. Hasenfratz, a survivor of the Hungarian Revolution, was surrounded by family as he finished his battle with cancer on Saturday. Using his skills as a toolmaker and machinist, Hasenfratz managed to start a […]
