Wow shocked, saddened and stunned! In 1986 I needed a part for my TR3. Never ordered from TRF before or heard of them. I remember talking to someone from the rebuild shop and they sent me the part with out having to pay for it up front. They told me to send it back if it wasn't right. Trust like that, it can only come from the top (Charles) this speaks highly of him and of his organization. I was hooked after that and a TRF customer for life.
I can't tell you how much fun I have with my cars because of Charles. He came up with innovative ways to use our cars. Summer Party. Racing, mountain tours, tech sessions and I even got to meet 2 retired Lucas engineers that he had flow in from England and one of the developers of the Sabrina motor. Even got to watch one come apart and back together. It doesn't get any better then that! Who can forget valve cover racing on Killin RD in front of The Roadster Factory. The countless friends I've made at Summer Party, the knowledge I gained from the tech sessions, all this because of Charles.
His love for LBCs and particularly Triumphs set him apart from other parts suppliers who just want to take our money and give us substandard parts. Charles was trusted and spent his time and fortune to invest to make sure we had better parts that lasted and as stated above, gave up profits to be competitive with his superior products. Well done Charles! We will all miss you.