I am very SAD to announce the loss today of a well known Member FTroopChief (John Penz) after a prolonged illness.
He passed away quietly in his sleep last night 2/8/2016
John was a Charter member at CICCI and a true Crossfire enthusiast
John owned 3 different Crossfires over the past years and modded each in his own way to make them special.
He attended several Crossfire events in the area around Texas
Most might know John from attending the annual Laps for Charity event at the Texas Motor Speedway (photo below)
Beside his love for the Crossfire and the people he was proud to be a highly decorated veteran

I have been told the that John being a highly decorated Veteran will have a Full Military Funeral with the appropriate Taps Etc.
Funeral arrangements are being made today.

 

This was one of my favorite moments and memories with John !
John asked me to pose with him in this picture taken after he let me drive some laps in his SRT while he shot some video from the passenger seat on the Texas Motor Speedway.

 

My condolences to the family. Read about it earlier and couldn't put a screen name to the face and car. Sad loss to the community.

 

Sorry to hear of his passing ,
May He Rest In Peace.

 

John was a rare find for anyone to become acquainted. I still enjoy the books he gave me several years ago.


He will be missed.

 

I was lucky to have been able to spend many nights talking to John via PM for hours about his family, his military career, good wines and his love for cars especially the Crossfire and its community. Such a great gentlemen with a wealth of knowledge. He will truly be missed. Gayle and I send our condolences to his family. R.I.P.

 

RIP to an awesome member and fellow enthusiast. He will be missed

 

So sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family.

 

Sorry to read this. I always made sure to read his posts and learn from them. His input and remarks will certainly be missed.
PACEMAKER

 

Sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family.

 

R.I.P. My deepest sympathy & condolences go out to his friends and family.

 

never had the honor of meeting this man.
Can sure tell that He was one h... of a good person.
Sad to see him leave us.
RIP

 

Sorry to hear of this loss. Roberta & I wish to pass along our condolences to his family.

With Sympathy,

Dennis & Roberta

 

Details for the services now posted......

 

~ I'm so sorry to hear this... my condolences to his family.

 

A PROUD SALUTE to a 'brother-in-arms'. Most gave some, some gave all. Many do not know the sacrifices of those who wear the uniform of our services. I can tell John brought the same dedication to his life after military service. My most heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Although I never met or conversed (to the best of my mind), I see he loved life and lived it to the fullest. RIP John!


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On behalf of the Family, I would like to thank you all for the comments made about this wonderful man, my friend. John was laid to rest yesterday with, well deserved, full military honors. I followed the hearse in Johns beloved Crossfire, also followed by Bill F in his Black coupe. Unfortunately due to the hastened funeral, it was not possible to gather more Crossfires, Thanks again. God Bless John, the angels have you now.

 

RIP very sorry I saw this late. I hope him and his family find peace in their time of need.

 

To all above,

My husband and I met John Penz about a year ago. As he was driving home, he saw my husband's two Miatas in the driveway and pulled up in his newly purchased 2010 Miata. We talked about cars for an hour in the driveway! He joined our San Antonio Bluebonnet Miata Club recently, but due to health, he only attended a few meetings. I remember seeing him zooming by in his gorgeous 2005 Roadster Limited and commented to my husband how beautiful it was. After he passed away, my husband offered to help his wife Eileen sell his Miata. Well, to make a long story short, tomorrow, I am going to be the new and proud owner of John's Crossfire. To those who are unfamiliar, it is Alabaster with black and white interior. GORGEOUS!! I also have a 2008 Miata, Grand Touring, Power Retractable Hardtop and the color is True Red. I located it in Houston with only 3,184 miles a year ago, and snapped it up. Needless to say, I am in love with both cars.

Wish we would have known John longer. He was so well liked by you all, but I will be keeping his memory alive every time I'm driving that beautiful car.

Karen
Kerrville, Texas

 

Karen,
First thank you for the story and the introduction
Welcome to the forum and the Crossfire family !!!
This forum will be very useful for you to participate in
You can see where all the others here are meeting and be informed of cruises and car shows
I'm happy to know John's car is in the hands of a new forum member
Enjoy the Crossfire and again welcome