“In your lifetime you run into a few people that leave a mark on you for the rest of your life and Ken was one of those people; kind, nice, and could see the future. I’m sad that he’s gone.”

“It was 2010 my first time going to Bonneville. I drove my 1939 Ford pickup 6 hours from Vegas to Wendover. I remember thinking I was such a bad-ass because I drove across the desert in the August heat to the salt flats.

I arrived on Friday early morning went straight to the salt. After an hour of taking it all in I drove to the pits. As I drove around I saw this green camouflage tent with these amazing hot rods drove over to them parked walked around. I drove away only to drive right back to see them again, and again. On my fourth time of driving up and parking near by Ken walks over to me. I’m sitting in my truck getting ready to leave when Ken shouts is this your peace of shit yes this is mine let’s check it out Ken said. I get out we walk around it. He asked where you from. I live in Vegas I just drove it 6 hours. not knowing they drove from NY to Bonneville every year. Ken, I like your truck have you eaten breakfast yet. We have food at the table come over and meet everybody and eat. Not being shy I walked over and grabbed a doughnut and coffee. Ken introduced me to everyone sitting there. He introduced me to Judy and Keith. I spent 4 hours with them. And when I left I remember thinking wow Judy is a really nice lady and knows a lot about hot rods.

Ken was a kind soul. I knew I had made a friend for life after the way he had excepted me to join there pit area.
I went back to Bonneville for the next straight 15 years. Making sure I always stopped by to see my family the RBHS pits.”

“My words are all tangled up with the memories in my heart. I just loved him so much. To hear him call me “Kid” one more time, or to tell me he loves me too…I feel blessed that, through him, I’ve made so many special friends.”

“Ken Schmidt was my football and wrestling coach in the 70s, which means I may have known him longer than most on this site. I was proud to call him a friend, and many of my stories are not necessarily ready for public consumption...

I chuckled when I read the comment about ‘Schmoot’ not being very effusive with his praise. In my senior year, he wrote in my yearbook, “Best of luck. It’s been a real pleasure over the past few years. You certainly did your share for us”.

I cherish those words like I would a lottery check.”

“I called Ken one day and asked him if he would allow my son Alex to come visit his shop and learn more about Rolling Bones cars. My son and I were and are big admirers of the cars and artistry. I learned about Ken and all the cars through the Grand National Roadster Show. On that phone call to Ken I explained how Alex would benefit from his time with Ken. I was looking for some mentorship and friendship for my son and Ken listened to my pitch. Once I was finished he said, “Well, I’ve got a better idea for you and Alex. How about you send Alex out to me and he joins us on the Rolling Bone trip across the USA to Bonneville.” He said Alex could photograph the trip and meet everyone. I was blown away and of course jumped at the opportunity. Alex took that trip and learned so much along the road from Ken and everyone who participated. It inspired his photography, his passion for building cars, and it was a positive personal experience. I met up with everyone in El Mirage after Bonneville wrapped. What a brilliant group of friends who came together to celebrate, race, and surrounded Ken and Rolling Bones. We are forever grateful to Ken and everyone in the Rolling Bones family. We miss Ken and hold on to our amazing memories.”

“It has been said there are different types of people who will change your life. This includes The Optimist, The Thinker, The Mentor, The Storyteller, The Listener, and The Minister. I have only met one man who embodies all of these qualities, Ken Schmidt. Ken changed the lives of so many including myself.

My road with Ken Schmidt began many years ago when one of my buddies brought me to garage night. After attending garage night for a couple of years, I asked if I could do a ride along. The deal was I would take photos and document the trip – and Ken and Keith would take me along and give me a place to sleep on the floor. Although I have to admit, with my snoring no one slept much!

Ken took a chance on me without seeing my work. He was an Optimist. Maybe not the always happy giggling, annoying type, but Ken didn’t make excuses. While he made me work to earn his respect, Ken had an open mind. He was a true teacher and encouraged the same in others – including myself.

Ken was also a Thinker, a Mentor, a Story-Teller, a Listener and a Minister. He put a great deal of thought in his work and always took the time to explain the choices he made and their importance. If you ever really listened when you stood by Ken’s side next to a car you would hear the story of where a Rolling Bone’s car started. Why the lines of a car are where they are. Why the tail is tucked, the roof is chopped and the unwritten story he passed on to each one of us.

While I am a candid photographer at heart, Ken mentored and taught me the importance of telling the story with my work. He knew the right kind of questions to ask me to make me a better photographer and a better person. Where I should stand, what people see, and why a photo was good or not good. But he didn’t just tell me. He listened too. And this just begins to scratch the surface.

I don’t believe Ken ever set out to be a Minister. But if you ever read one of the Bonneville Travel Itineraries from the early days, Ken wrote the Gospel. For each of our many trips across the country Ken had a vision for the adventure we would be on. And no matter what happened on our trips – we always came back with stories to tell.

Ken may be on a new adventure, but he did teach us the Rolling Bones cars are living, breathing, beings. Each with their own smell, personality and feeling. The cars have always been “the glue” and they have just begun to tell their stories that live on through each one of us.

I miss you, my friend!”