Dave Walden passed away (ECS Auto)

[Crocha617]

Anyone hear about what happened to Dave Walden ?

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10216261275416834&id=1001550703

[Cuda Cody]

This as not been confirmed, but there's reason to believe David Waldon of ECS Automotive has passed away.  I don't know much more details right now, but if it's true it's a sad day for the hobby.  Love him or hate, he did a lot for the Mopar hobby.   

[1 Wild R/T]

That Sucks...  Truly sorry to hear of his passing... I heard he was battling Cancer..

Lots of folks didn't care for him, he was opinionated & didn't hold back... And at times he did things just to ruffle feathers.. But he was very dedicated to perfection & ya gotta respect that...

[RUNCHARGER]

That's too bad. He upped the game.

[anlauto]

Truly a sad day.... I just placed an order with ECS on Monday for Carlisle pick-up...Tom was telling me how much they were looking forward to vending for the first time  this year...It will be very difficult for the guys to pull through and get to the show only to hear countless condolences all weekend.   ...or it may help them grieve.....either way I hope they don't pull the plug on the show....I know a lot of people, myself included, were looking forward to buying a trunk mat or two...


Dave and I never really liked each other....I'm not sure what the started our relationship off in the wrong direction. Years ago when he was just getting into the decal business, I supplied an original decal or two...We exchanged phone calls at that time and talked "cars" for hours...I was just looking at the care package he sent me with a whole bunch of free samples the other day....That was then....

Then with the power of the internet and chat boards just like this one....comments, suggestions even criticisms got misconstrued and then next thing I know I was enemy number one...he hated me with a passion...I got threatening emails...even phone calls....which for the most part I just laughed off...

It was finally at Carlisle two years ago when he displayed the 4Dr Cuda....I met him for the first time....He yelled my name from 20 feet away...calling me out....I thought he was going to beat me up or something....he introduced me to his wife as "this is Alan Gallant...the GUY I was telling you about" .... I didn't really back down, we talked about the 4dr project, I told him to his face anything and everything I've ever posted on the internet...he seemed to appreciate my honesty....we talked that time for over an hour....that night he bought me dinner at Hosses and my friend too....We talked again though-out the weekend and I'm happy to say that we parted  as pleasurable allies that weekend.

My deepest condolences to his family and friends 

[JH27N0B]

He did seem to have a gift for ruffling feathers, was there an enthusiast board that he didn't end up getting kicked off of?  It cracked me up when from time to time someone would post something on Moparts he didn't like, and he'd figure out a way to get registered there with a new name so he could argue with the poster there, until the mods would catch on and ban his new alias!
He was a perfectionist whose car restorations had to be perfect, and who always had to be right.  And the hobby benefitted from his products as you knew they were as close to perfect reproductions as was possible.  He will be missed and I hope ECS continues on in his memory producing excellent products. 

[Floyd]

That is a bummer indeed. 

[VCODE]

RIP Dave,
You will be missed. Thank you for all you have done for the Mopar hobby.
Bob

[J-Code Jeni]

I met him 2 years ago when he was showing the 4-Door at Carlisle as well. The 4-Door alone was an engineering marvel. His passion was immediately evident and he was kind to Cody & I. Rest in peace, Dave.

[Chryco Psycho]

Sad day , My condolences 

[cuda hunter]

I was hoping to get to meet him this year at carlisle.  This is very unfortunate. 
I pray for the best for his surviving family. 

[Jay Bee]

I met him 2 years ago when he was showing the 4-Door at Carlisle as well. The 4-Door alone was an engineering marvel. His passion was immediately evident and he was kind to Cody & I. Rest in peace, Dave.

Same here. He didn't know me from Adam but talked as if we were buddies. He was courteous, pleasant and congenial. When I asked interior questions about his 4 door he told me to come over the rope barrier for a closer look. RIP Dave   

[GCragtop]

Very sad news.

[mccannix]

We had friendships then differences, but in the end, love him or hate him...he was a true pioneer in the hobby
RIP Dave

[RzeroB]

He's from right here in the St Louis area. Met him a couple of times locally. He was only 50-something and looked to be the model of physical fitness. I don't mean to sound crass ... but I wonder what happened to him? Illness? Accident?