Just read this...sad day for the auto community. Portland auto magnate Ron Tonkin dead at 82 | OregonLive.com RIP Ron
The owner of the oldest Ferrari dealership in the USA has passed away tonight at the age of 82. He and Marcy were at their home in Indian Wells, California. Portland auto magnate Ron Tonkin dead at 82 | OregonLive.com I was privileged to get to know Mr. Tonkin back in 2003 when I was the coordinator for the Ron Tonkin Kidney Car Show. In recognition for his kidney transplant, Mr. Tonkin wanted to create a fund raising event for the National Kidney Foundation. Thus for two years I was fortunate to meet with him and his staff to coordinate this event. There will likely be more information to follow over the weekend. --Mark Regional Director Northwest Region Ferrari Club of America
Sad news indeed. I'll always remember how gracious he was when he gave a bunch of us a tour of his collection.
That sucks. He was always nice to my wife and I and allowed us a private tour of his collection where it was just us and a guy that oversaw the collection. I wonder what is going to happen with the dealerships as a whole and the Ferrari dealership which is under construction.
RIP Ron, It was a joy knowing you all these years. The Dealership theme " For the Love of Cars" could not better describe Ron. He will be missed.
Had the opportunity to speak with him on several occasions. Always impressed by how genuine he was, very gracious, and a legitimate "car guy". On a tour of his collection once, I will always remember that he wasn't trying to hurry folks through, instead he would tell a story about each car. You could see the 'love of cars' on his face. Thoughts go out to Marcy and the rest of his family. RIP Ron; you will be missed and never replaced.
For those of us who had the honor of meeting and hearing his stories, and icon has truly passed. Condolences to his family and friends. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I am very sorry to hear that-- RIP, Mr. Tonkin. The tour of the collection, with his stories about every car, was quite an experience. I asked him how he got the Ferrari dealership in the first place, and he said he answered a classified ad in Automotive News.
+1. It was an honor and a pleasure to view his collection and listen to him speak with such affection about automobiles.
The man had a nice collection. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5EnKZeoBFI]Ron Tonkin car collection - Portland Oregon - YouTube[/ame]
I am somewhat close to Ron and his family. Since I have known him, I have had nothing but enduring respect. RIP Ron, and know that those who survive you respect your many accomplishments.
Service will be held at 2pm this Tuesday at Temple Beth Israel1972 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209 Phone: (503) 222-1069 Funeral arrangements are being handled by Holman Funeral Service: 2610 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214 Phone: (503) 232-5131
Jon, There will undoubtedly be several exotics in attendance. It may very well be one of the largest spontaneous car shows in Portland. Hope to see you there, Mark
Been a long time since I lived in Portland, but when I did, I met Ron on several occasions ---- helluva nice guy. So sorry to hear this I am sure his son will take over the "family business" and do a fine job keeping the legacy alive .
Following the memorial service, there will be a reception downtown at the Benson Hotel. 309 SW Broadway Considering that parking near the Temple is in very short supply, several attendees are planning on parking in the Union Bank tower next to the Benson Hotel, and taking cabs back and forth. The Union Bank parking garage has a parking attendant, and an underground tunnel to the Benson.
Rest in Peace. Prayers to the whole family for a man that did a lot for the Ferrari and car community.
I had the pleasure of meeting Ron when I bought my 348 from his dealership back on 2008. A gentlemen indeed, may he RIP
