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 […]
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 […]
In Memoriam: Jacques Lavigne of Intact Auto Insurance
Montreal, Quebec –– Jacques Lavigne, longtime member of Canada’s automotive aftermarket through Intact Auto Insurance, has died. He was 67. Lavigne died on September 14, 2021. He was an instrumental force in the creation of Intact Insurance’s Rely Shop network and an active member of the sector. The Lavigne family will be hosting a service […]
In Memoriam: Richard Bannister, founder of RS Finishing Systems
Toronto, Ontario — Richard Bannister, the founder of RS Finishing Systems, passed away last Friday, August 13 with family by his side after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Richard (Dick) Bannister was a well-known face in the industry, having come from Spraybake UK to Canada in 1986 and launching the Aurora, Ontario-based RS Finishing Systems […]
Remembering Ralph D’Alessandro: CSN 427 founder dies at 89
Toronto, Ontario 一 CSN 427 Auto Collision is saddened to announce the passing of the company’s founder and former president, Ralph D’Alessandro, who died on Monday, July 26. D’Alessandro was nearing 90 years old and had served as president of CSN 427 Auto Collision for 40 years, from the company’s foundation to when he passed […]
In Memoriam: Rocco ‘Rocky’ DeLorenzo
Toronto, Ontario — Rocco ‘Rocky’ DeLorenzo, longtime member of Canada’s collision repair community and founder of Toronto’s Ryding Auto Body, has died. He was 86. Rocky’s auto body career began in 1960 as a body repair man at Allied Auto Paint, three years after immigrating to Canada from Italy. He obtained his body repair license […]
