Hello, Our sincere condolences go out to the family. We had the honor of meeting Sam Foose at his house in Santa Barbara. There was a little kid named Chip that was well-behaved and running around the compound. We saw several hot rods in various stages of builds. But, we were up there for a photo shoot back in Goleta and were in awe of just being introduced to Sam Foose by our friend, Big Hearted Ken from Goleta. Thanks for the tour and memories. Every time we are in Santa Barbara for some reason, (if anyone needs a reason,) we think of that moment in time, a long time ago. A legend in our times...adios. Jnaki
RIP Sam Foose. Condolances to Chip, Family and friends. Huge loss for them, and the Hot ridding community.
Having had the opportunity to interact with Chip over the years on my job I can say he’s a gracious man, no ego, easy to talk to, truly loves what he does, and would do anything for a fan...and I know he loved his Dad...always spoke highly of him, the values he taught, the work ethic he taught..I never met him, but I could tell the way Chips eyes lit up When his Dad’s name came up he was a special person..Here’s a pic of some Sam’s work God speed to the Foose Family.
RIP Sam Foose... I was just looking at an old Magazine article about the latest shoebox he built with Don Lowe, whilst clearing out some old mags. So sorry to hear...
In the News ... Goodguys / Fuel Curve (by @John D): CUSTOM CAR ICON SAM FOOSE HAS PASSED AWAY Hemmings Motor News: Hod Rodder And Customizing Legend Sam Foose, 1934-2018 Bang Shift: Sam Foose Has Died At Age 83
From Chip's Facebook page: The Official Chip Foose Sunday, December 2nd 2018 Lessons for a fan As long as I can remember I have been a fan of my Father’s, not knowing at the time how truly talented he was at building “bitchin’ stuff” as he called it. I was a fan because he was Dad, my Father, my hero, I wanted to be with him every moment, I wanted to be just like him. Dad was my amusement park at home always playing with me and taking me places with him. He was quite a talented artist as well. At age three I would sit next to him for hours watching him draw and copying it myself over and over again. I wanted to be as good as him. When he finished he would help me. Show me how to draw ovals for wheels, how perspective worked, shading, etc. He made paper come to life and made thoughts become reality on the page. On the weekends we would go to the garage or to the shop where I got to help build those paper dreams into reality. The lessons learned have been my guide through life. The quotes he used to teach me apply in all aspects of life. Such as: “If you’re going to do something, do it right, or don’t do it at all”. “Pay attention to the details and the large areas will take care of themselves”. “Always act and make the choices in life that build your character, (when we are not there) as if you mother and I are watching you”. Too many lessons to list, but they flood my mind today. Because he had a true love of comedy he had more jokes than quotes of wisdom, so he would add something like: “Confucius say man who fart in church sits in own pew”.Then laugh harder than anyone in the room with a laugh so infectious, we would all laugh! His lessons were so simple, elegant and full of life. When it came to design it was “K.I.S.S.”, “keep it simple stupid!” He had a metaphor he would tell using the story about a women at a party. Take a lady at a party who is dressed to the nines; long black dress, mink coat, all the jewels she ever desired, big hat with all the fixings. He would say “she has it all!” Now take this same lady and keep the simple dress, one of the strands of pearls, a simple elegant pair of earrings and a great pair of shoes and now she becomes the most attractive women in the room! “Less is more” he would say. This is design sense that I’m blessed to have learned from him. He taught me that trendy design dates faster than bell bottoms on a hippie. That good design is timeless. This worked, whether we were remodeling the house, building a pool in the back yard or an elaborate custom at the shop. If it involved something we had never done before, he’d say “If someone else can do it, we can too!” I heard him tell many customers, “If you can pay for it we’ll make it go to the moon.” (He also worked on the Lunar Mobile with Delco in the 70’s so he meant it)! He truly believed he could do anything he set his mind to and I watched him do it many times, all the while learning how talented he really was. He could do it all! And do it with a smile, a joke and a beautiful laugh. I am blessed to have shared a passion with my Father, and I’ve spent my whole life striving to make my hero proud. On November 27th, 2018 I held his hand and felt the warmth leave with his soul. So sad, yet so calming after watching him battle for weeks. For me the toughest days are ahead as projects roll out of the shop and wishing he was there to share this new accomplishment with. He gave me his talent, opportunity, work ethic and desire to build. It takes a team. I want to thank all the people who have helped me with every project I’ve been a part of: Lynne, my wife and soulmate; all our customers who have allowed us to build their dreams; networks of people and companies; sponsors; coworkers; friends and family. Everyone who has helped me in my quest to make my HERO proud! I love you Dad! My career is an extension of yours, I will miss you forever, thank you for being my best friend, your Son your FAN ~Chip
To have a legacy such as Sam's, and to be able to see it continue in Chip's work, must have been very rewarding. Both father and son were extremely blessed to have each other. Here's a couple pictures of the squarebird Sam built.
Sorry to be reading this. Back in 99 a buddy and I decided to fly out from Toronto to the 50th roadster show. We flew in to L.A. and drove up the coast, along the way my buddy says "hey this is where Sam Foose lives." We pull over to a phone booth and my buddy calls 411 and a few minutes later is talking to Sam. He invites us over and couldn't have been more friendly and regular guy to two complete strangers from Canada. He was working on the blended 55/56 chevy ragtop for a customer and was more than happy to show us and discuss the finer points of the build. We were aware of taking his time and left hoping we'd someday see him again . A great craftsman and a great guy. Sent from my SM-G920T using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I have great respect for the high standards the Foose family has obviously always set for themselves in work ethics, personal character, and the importance of family. The genious artistic abilities are a bonus. Sincere condolences and peace to the Foose family.
Sam set the bar high. Only a very talented few will ever come close. Condolences to the Foose family.
My sincere condolences go out to the family, I had the pleasure of meeting Chip at a car show on Fathers day some years back and asked him how his dad was doing, I know his Dad was a big Inspiration and great teacher too!
Here's a few photos from Sam's "Celebration Of Life" held at Chip's shop on Thursday, January 24th 2019:
The Jalopy Journal
