Chopper

[catpack68]

I don’t know if any of you have heard this or not but Ted “Chopper” Lear passed away this morning.A big loss to the hobby! ?

Edited November 4, 2020 by catpack68

[jas1957]

Very sad news, he was a great guy & a fantastic modeler.

[John B.]

I got to meet Ted at one of ACME's shows several years ago. He was a super model builder and a nice guy. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Chopper.  

[misterNNL]

Ted always had a smile and hearty hand shake. He had uncanny ability to rearrange body panels and chop tops that would leave me shaking my head wondering why I didn't think of that. I know he was married and suffering with diabetes. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

[keyser]

Rip. Creative, great modeler. Will be missed. Best to family and friends. 

[Can-Con]

Sorry to hear that. I considered him a friend.

[falcon wagon]

Prayers for his family and God speed to him.

[Ramfins59]

Condolences to his family.  I met him a few years ago and was always impressed by his models.

[Modlbldr]

Never got an opportunity to meet him but was always amazed at his style of building. 

Later-

 

[Kit Karson]

Chopper and I go back a long way!  Years of comparing notes on current and past builds. He had a large impact on our modeling community. We inspired each other in so many ways over the years. He will be missed by not only me but so many others in the entire world of modeling. 

ps

One of the K&R Kustoms+Rods builds that Ted "Chopper" Lear revered most was our SD 40 de Aire Barn Find! Chopper had asked us to allow him to restore it a few years ago. RRR & I packed it up and mailed it to Ted. 

K&R Kustoms+Rods SD 40 de Aire Barn Find

[OldNYJim]

I never met Ted but I admired his work and always enjoyed seeing it - and I’d love to see more if anyone has a good collection of photos of his builds

[1930fordpickup]

Prayers for his family.  Such a loss for them, he is another gone too young. I meet him In Toledo one year, yes a nice guy. 

[Tom Geiger]

Chopper was a very nice guy and a talented builder. He would come to NNL East every year with Viper Dave, who passed a few years ago.

Both were gentlemen and great friends of the hobby.  We will miss them.

[DrKerry]

Ahhhh man! Just saw this!! Loved his work!! He will be missed greatly by all!!! Gods speed Chopper!! 

[Lunajammer]

Just saw this too. I've been a big fan of his work and over the decades would always take a little extra time to mull over his stuff in the contest issues. Sad. ?