RIP Kent

Chris_Hamilton

Chris_Hamilton

Trying to be the best me, I can be
Staff member
Just learned that Kent White, AKA The Tin Man of TMTechnologies in California passed away over the weekend in a tragic accident. For the automotive restoration, metalshaping and aviation communities this is a HUGE loss. Kent was a source of so much knowledge, and passion about what he did.

His videos on metalshaping, gas welding etc were legendary. He started doing educational vids in the 1980's. His folksy yet scholarly style is unmistakable. He single handedly re-popularized the lost art of gas welding aluminum sheet here in the US. He held dozens of classes teaching all aspects of shaping and gas welding. He consulted with many companies including all the big aviation companies like Boeing, McDonnell-Douglas, etc. He was involved in building the Hughes H-1 clone. Restored several Ferrari's and Cobras of true historic importance. I could go on.

He was such a knowledge base. He was truly a giant. I'm just in shock right now as I considered him one of my "Gurus". I'm sure some of you here are familiar with him as well.

Go to his site and peruse some of the stuff he did over the last 50 years. Many incredible projects spanning art, aviation and classic automotive restoration. Many Ferrari's. A huge talent and so much knowledge gone.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Godspeed Kent.

TM Technologies: Tools, Sheet Metal Shaping Machines, & Gas Welding Supplies for Better Metalworking

TM Technologies: Tools, Sheet Metal Shaping Machines, Gas Welding Supplies, Articles & lWorkshops for Better Metalworking
www.tinmantech.com

 
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I’ve caught some flak in the past about my usage of
“Appreciation, Gratitude Thankfulness “
Not that I’m an advocate of the touchy feely philosophical modern world….
People should communicate those words, and moreover act on them while those we hold in our esteem are among the living.
I’m certain countless people can testify to the impact that Kent White had on their lives through his mastery of metalworking….I sincerely hope he knew before leaving this plain of existence.
With that, I’m grateful to you men that let those like my self, stand on your shoulders, to reach goals that would not be possible without you.
 
Awe man! He was a good guy, and helped me a bunch. When he would answer the phone, I always felt bad letting him go, he wanted to talk all day long if you’d let him.
 
Spoke with him a couple weeks ago. Wealth of knowledge. I called and spoke with a family member and they are overwhelmed. I was trying to get him to do another metal class. I built one of his hammers years ago and finally got it going last year. If he sent a tool out, it was top quality.
 
Brad J. said:
Spoke with him a couple weeks ago. Wealth of knowledge. I called and spoke with a family member and they are overwhelmed. I was trying to get him to do another metal class. I built one of his hammers years ago and finally got it going last year. If he sent a tool out, it was top quality.
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I don't know the family, I just called the shop to give my condolences. I was surprised someone picked up. When I read that he'd past from here, it felt like losing a friend, and I didn't know him other than his videos and phone calls ordering. Sad, in my world the mentors I've know have been going fast.
 
Brad J. said:
I don't know the family, I just called the shop to give my condolences. I was surprised someone picked up. When I read that he'd past from here, it felt like losing a friend, and I didn't know him other than his videos and phone calls ordering. Sad, in my world the mentors I've know have been going fast.
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Kent was a link to the past in many ways. The old guys he worked with in the early 70's at Harrah's were Master Craftsman who had been doing it since the 20's and 30's. he felt a kinship to those men and endeavored to preserve and spread their knowledge that they passed on to him. We owe him a debt of gratitude though for sharing so much of his knowledge and for capturing much of it on video and in written form.

Thing I have always had a hard time with is reconciling losing people I knew, loved, or respected greatly. Some people I know it seems to slide off their shoulders. For me it feels like just more weight added to the sack I'm carrying. I feel for his family as he had a HS or College age daughter (I think) and no one is ever prepared to lose their father. Just makes me sad.

If you want to get an idea of Kent's breadth and depth of knowledge on metalshaping both automotive and aviation parts, welding, and his unique sense of humor, here is a link to all his posts on Allmetalshaping.com. You have to register but it's worth it to gleam a bit of knowledge from Kent.


If the link doesn't work, Kent's username on allmetalshaping.com was crystallographic


Link to his profile on AMS

:

All MetalShaping

all metalshaping
allmetalshaping.com
 
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Little update on Kent and the future of TMTechnologies. This was posted on Allmetalshaping yesterday.

Today I received a call from Lorien Whitestone, Kent's daughter. She asked if I could post this message on the metal shaping sites. Please feel free to share. John


To all our valued T.M. Technologies Customers and our late Father’s friends and business associates,

Thank you all for your kind words and for communicating your concerns about the future of T.M. Technologies. My Brother and I are in the grueling process of trying to get the company back in working order. This unexpected and tragic loss of our Dad, Kent White, has been more challenging than we ever could have expected. At this time our goal is to fix the website and move forward on completing orders that predate his passing, we will then address orders up to date.

Unfortunately the phone and internet bills were being sent to a mailbox that we did not have access to, which resulted in both utilities being shut off. This has been a devastating blow to the company, and to me personally. If we have had the pleasure of speaking, you know my goal is to stay connected with all of you and continue on with my Dad’s business and legacy. This unfortunate turn of events has made me feel that I have let so many of you down, especially after voicing our intent to keep up a consistent line of communication regarding our forward progress. Please know it was not my intention, it was out of my control, and I am truly sorry for any inconvenience or stress this has caused each and every one of you.


I appreciate the inquiries about an obituary, I am working on it. As you may already know, he had many noteworthy accomplishments. I want to include some of his most significant achievements in his obituary. If there is something that you are passionate about being included, please email me, lorienwhitestone@gmail.com

Please bear with Colin and I, while we navigate the challenges of reinstating accounts and catching up with all of our wonderful vendors and customers.

Thank you all, for your patience and understanding, I appreciate you greatly,

Lórien

__________________
John

Ron Covell, Autofuturist books (Tim Barton/Bill Longyard) and Kent White metalshaping DVD's available, shipped from the US. Contact lane@mountainhouseestate.com for price and availability.
 
Just saw this, it's hard to absorb.
I met Kent many times at the Santa Cruz metalmeets, and bought much good stuff ff him including one of his Air Power Hammers for which he was duly proud.
Wow, what a shock.
 
I read where he "had a fatal accident while working on his property".
Anyone know what happened? I'm accident prone so always like to avoid the mistakes of others if I can.
 
kenc295 said:
I read where he "had a fatal accident while working on his property".
Anyone know what happened? I'm accident prone so always like to avoid the mistakes of others if I can.
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He was clearing Manzanita brush alongside the edge of his driveway. My understanding is that he was pulling on one by hand when it let go and he fell backwards suffering a fatal head injury. Just a freak accident. He was just 73.
 
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