Sheila Perkins (left) with Dennis Gage of “My Classic Car.”
Sheila Perkins of Evansville, Indiana, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 17, 2016, after a two-year battle with a rare form of ampullary cancer. She had just turned 44 years old.
Perkins was vice president of MadStache Inc., producers of the TV show, “My Classic Car.” She was elected to multiple terms on both the Young Executives Network (YEN) and Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) select committees, and volunteered on many other SEMA taskforces. Her beautiful voice and love of music enabled her the opportunity to sing at numerous SEMA Banquet after-party events.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to pay their respects hug their loved ones a little bit tighter and find the good in each and every day.
Perkins is survived by her husband of 20 years, John “Chip” Perkins, and daughter Paige Perkins.
Sheila Perkins (left) with Dennis Gage of “My Classic Car.”
Sheila Perkins of Evansville, Indiana, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 17, 2016, after a two-year battle with a rare form of ampullary cancer. She had just turned 44 years old.
Perkins was vice president of MadStache Inc., producers of the TV show, “My Classic Car.” She was elected to multiple terms on both the Young Executives Network (YEN) and Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) select committees, and volunteered on many other SEMA taskforces. Her beautiful voice and love of music enabled her the opportunity to sing at numerous SEMA Banquet after-party events.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to pay their respects hug their loved ones a little bit tighter and find the good in each and every day.
Perkins is survived by her husband of 20 years, John “Chip” Perkins, and daughter Paige Perkins.
Sheila Perkins (left) with Dennis Gage of “My Classic Car.”
Sheila Perkins of Evansville, Indiana, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 17, 2016, after a two-year battle with a rare form of ampullary cancer. She had just turned 44 years old.
Perkins was vice president of MadStache Inc., producers of the TV show, “My Classic Car.” She was elected to multiple terms on both the Young Executives Network (YEN) and Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) select committees, and volunteered on many other SEMA taskforces. Her beautiful voice and love of music enabled her the opportunity to sing at numerous SEMA Banquet after-party events.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to pay their respects hug their loved ones a little bit tighter and find the good in each and every day.
Perkins is survived by her husband of 20 years, John “Chip” Perkins, and daughter Paige Perkins.
Bill Trumpfheller, president and CEO of the Nuffer, Smith, Tucker public relations firm in San Diego, suffered cardiac arrest while in the San Bernardino mountains with his family last week. He passed away December 29.
Trumpfheller joined Nuffer, Smith, Tucker as an intern in 1986 and became its president in 2000. As the PR firm that represented WD-40, Trumpfheller was instrumental in putting together the SEMA Cares/WD-40 relationship eight years ago.
He also directed organizations ranging from the San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross to the San Diego State University Alumni Association to CowParade La Jolla, according to the San Diego Union Tribune. He was named Public Relations Professional of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America’s local chapter, which also presented him with the Otto Bos Lifetime Achievement Award and the Eva Irving Award for Community Service.
Trumpfheller has served on the boards of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Senior Community Centers, LEAD San Diego and the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau. He regularly turned out for fundraising galas supporting the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Council on Literacy and other events.
He is survived by his wife Nola and two daughters. Arrangements for a memorial service are pending.
Bill Trumpfheller, president and CEO of the Nuffer, Smith, Tucker public relations firm in San Diego, suffered cardiac arrest while in the San Bernardino mountains with his family last week. He passed away December 29.
Trumpfheller joined Nuffer, Smith, Tucker as an intern in 1986 and became its president in 2000. As the PR firm that represented WD-40, Trumpfheller was instrumental in putting together the SEMA Cares/WD-40 relationship eight years ago.
He also directed organizations ranging from the San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross to the San Diego State University Alumni Association to CowParade La Jolla, according to the San Diego Union Tribune. He was named Public Relations Professional of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America’s local chapter, which also presented him with the Otto Bos Lifetime Achievement Award and the Eva Irving Award for Community Service.
Trumpfheller has served on the boards of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Senior Community Centers, LEAD San Diego and the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau. He regularly turned out for fundraising galas supporting the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Council on Literacy and other events.
He is survived by his wife Nola and two daughters. Arrangements for a memorial service are pending.
Bill Trumpfheller, president and CEO of the Nuffer, Smith, Tucker public relations firm in San Diego, suffered cardiac arrest while in the San Bernardino mountains with his family last week. He passed away December 29.
Trumpfheller joined Nuffer, Smith, Tucker as an intern in 1986 and became its president in 2000. As the PR firm that represented WD-40, Trumpfheller was instrumental in putting together the SEMA Cares/WD-40 relationship eight years ago.
He also directed organizations ranging from the San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross to the San Diego State University Alumni Association to CowParade La Jolla, according to the San Diego Union Tribune. He was named Public Relations Professional of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America’s local chapter, which also presented him with the Otto Bos Lifetime Achievement Award and the Eva Irving Award for Community Service.
Trumpfheller has served on the boards of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Senior Community Centers, LEAD San Diego and the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau. He regularly turned out for fundraising galas supporting the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Council on Literacy and other events.
He is survived by his wife Nola and two daughters. Arrangements for a memorial service are pending.
Bill Trumpfheller, president and CEO of the Nuffer, Smith, Tucker public relations firm in San Diego, suffered cardiac arrest while in the San Bernardino mountains with his family last week. He passed away December 29.
Trumpfheller joined Nuffer, Smith, Tucker as an intern in 1986 and became its president in 2000. As the PR firm that represented WD-40, Trumpfheller was instrumental in putting together the SEMA Cares/WD-40 relationship eight years ago.
He also directed organizations ranging from the San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross to the San Diego State University Alumni Association to CowParade La Jolla, according to the San Diego Union Tribune. He was named Public Relations Professional of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America’s local chapter, which also presented him with the Otto Bos Lifetime Achievement Award and the Eva Irving Award for Community Service.
Trumpfheller has served on the boards of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Senior Community Centers, LEAD San Diego and the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau. He regularly turned out for fundraising galas supporting the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Council on Literacy and other events.
He is survived by his wife Nola and two daughters. Arrangements for a memorial service are pending.
Nick Arias Jr. was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2012.
SEMA Hall of Famer Nick Arias Jr. passed away the morning of January 2, 2017.
Born in Los Angeles in 1929, Arias grew up as a mechanic and hot rodder. In high school, he formed a car club with his neighborhood friends Joe Pisano and Kenny Bigelow called the Photons. In 1949, Arias was a part of the first organized drag race in Goleta, California. From 1950–1952, he served overseas in the Korean War, and when he returned, he spent time racing on the El Mirage dry lakebeds.
After the war, in tribute to his friend Bigelow, Arias purchased a ’37 Chevy coupe in a partnership with fellow veteran Bob Toros. As a team, the two salvaged the GMC engine from the wreck, transplanted it into another ’37 and ultimately used it to power their way to a championship as Russetta Timing Association’s most successful Class A and B Coupe. The two also advanced the existing record from 136 mph to 148 mph unblown on alcohol, winning the Kenny Bigelow trophy two years in a row.
With the success of the ’37 Chevy Coupe, Arias joined the Screwdrivers car club of Culver City, alongside members that included Craig Breedlove, Don Rackeman, Joe Pisano and Lou Baney. During the buildup of the GMC block, Arias was also offered a job at Wayne Manufacturing—purveyor of high-performance inline six-cylinder engine parts. This proved to be an ideal location, because Frank Venolia was making pistons next door and selling them to Arias’ boss, Harry Warner. Arias thereby had the chance to learn everything he could about designing heads and pistons at the same time.
A few years later, Arias was introduced to Louis Senter via fellow Screwdriver member Rackeman, who was working next door to Senter’s Ansen Automotive. It was rumored that Ansen’s piston division needed an overhaul, and knowing that there was a huge market potential for that type of performance part, Arias suggested that Senter sell him the piston business, including the machinery. One month later, Arias bought out the business from Senter, and he opened Arias Pistons in 1969.
Arias became a legend not just for his forged pistons, but also for his ’72 Hemi-head conversions for big-block Chevys that were known as “Hemi-Chevys,” as well as his complete 10L engine that dominated tractor pulls and drag boat races, an 8.3L powerplant for Top Fuel and Alcohol drag racing, the Arias four-cylinder for USAC midget circuits, the Arias V6 Hemi, A/R Boss 429, Howard 12-Port GMC and more.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Carmen, five children and 13 grandchildren.
Nick Arias Jr. was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2012.
SEMA Hall of Famer Nick Arias Jr. passed away the morning of January 2, 2017.
Born in Los Angeles in 1929, Arias grew up as a mechanic and hot rodder. In high school, he formed a car club with his neighborhood friends Joe Pisano and Kenny Bigelow called the Photons. In 1949, Arias was a part of the first organized drag race in Goleta, California. From 1950–1952, he served overseas in the Korean War, and when he returned, he spent time racing on the El Mirage dry lakebeds.
After the war, in tribute to his friend Bigelow, Arias purchased a ’37 Chevy coupe in a partnership with fellow veteran Bob Toros. As a team, the two salvaged the GMC engine from the wreck, transplanted it into another ’37 and ultimately used it to power their way to a championship as Russetta Timing Association’s most successful Class A and B Coupe. The two also advanced the existing record from 136 mph to 148 mph unblown on alcohol, winning the Kenny Bigelow trophy two years in a row.
With the success of the ’37 Chevy Coupe, Arias joined the Screwdrivers car club of Culver City, alongside members that included Craig Breedlove, Don Rackeman, Joe Pisano and Lou Baney. During the buildup of the GMC block, Arias was also offered a job at Wayne Manufacturing—purveyor of high-performance inline six-cylinder engine parts. This proved to be an ideal location, because Frank Venolia was making pistons next door and selling them to Arias’ boss, Harry Warner. Arias thereby had the chance to learn everything he could about designing heads and pistons at the same time.
A few years later, Arias was introduced to Louis Senter via fellow Screwdriver member Rackeman, who was working next door to Senter’s Ansen Automotive. It was rumored that Ansen’s piston division needed an overhaul, and knowing that there was a huge market potential for that type of performance part, Arias suggested that Senter sell him the piston business, including the machinery. One month later, Arias bought out the business from Senter, and he opened Arias Pistons in 1969.
Arias became a legend not just for his forged pistons, but also for his ’72 Hemi-head conversions for big-block Chevys that were known as “Hemi-Chevys,” as well as his complete 10L engine that dominated tractor pulls and drag boat races, an 8.3L powerplant for Top Fuel and Alcohol drag racing, the Arias four-cylinder for USAC midget circuits, the Arias V6 Hemi, A/R Boss 429, Howard 12-Port GMC and more.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Carmen, five children and 13 grandchildren.
Nick Arias Jr. was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2012.
SEMA Hall of Famer Nick Arias Jr. passed away the morning of January 2, 2017.
Born in Los Angeles in 1929, Arias grew up as a mechanic and hot rodder. In high school, he formed a car club with his neighborhood friends Joe Pisano and Kenny Bigelow called the Photons. In 1949, Arias was a part of the first organized drag race in Goleta, California. From 1950–1952, he served overseas in the Korean War, and when he returned, he spent time racing on the El Mirage dry lakebeds.
After the war, in tribute to his friend Bigelow, Arias purchased a ’37 Chevy coupe in a partnership with fellow veteran Bob Toros. As a team, the two salvaged the GMC engine from the wreck, transplanted it into another ’37 and ultimately used it to power their way to a championship as Russetta Timing Association’s most successful Class A and B Coupe. The two also advanced the existing record from 136 mph to 148 mph unblown on alcohol, winning the Kenny Bigelow trophy two years in a row.
With the success of the ’37 Chevy Coupe, Arias joined the Screwdrivers car club of Culver City, alongside members that included Craig Breedlove, Don Rackeman, Joe Pisano and Lou Baney. During the buildup of the GMC block, Arias was also offered a job at Wayne Manufacturing—purveyor of high-performance inline six-cylinder engine parts. This proved to be an ideal location, because Frank Venolia was making pistons next door and selling them to Arias’ boss, Harry Warner. Arias thereby had the chance to learn everything he could about designing heads and pistons at the same time.
A few years later, Arias was introduced to Louis Senter via fellow Screwdriver member Rackeman, who was working next door to Senter’s Ansen Automotive. It was rumored that Ansen’s piston division needed an overhaul, and knowing that there was a huge market potential for that type of performance part, Arias suggested that Senter sell him the piston business, including the machinery. One month later, Arias bought out the business from Senter, and he opened Arias Pistons in 1969.
Arias became a legend not just for his forged pistons, but also for his ’72 Hemi-head conversions for big-block Chevys that were known as “Hemi-Chevys,” as well as his complete 10L engine that dominated tractor pulls and drag boat races, an 8.3L powerplant for Top Fuel and Alcohol drag racing, the Arias four-cylinder for USAC midget circuits, the Arias V6 Hemi, A/R Boss 429, Howard 12-Port GMC and more.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Carmen, five children and 13 grandchildren.
