The Passing of Rick Whitehead
Custom Cycle Engineering
A couple of weeks ago we received a note from Kristine Grandlund of Custom Cycle Engineering.It was titled, “Our Dear Friend,” and it simply said, “It is with a heavy heart that I tell you Rick has passed away. It’s been very difficult for us all. He hasn’t been well for some time. As of now, his Brother has stepped in and is trying to manage things.”
We have known Rick for many years. Custom Cycle Engineering has been a consistent advertiser in Easyriders, and has exhibited their innovative products at the V-Twin Expo for years. We have featured many of their products in the pages of our magazines.
Joel Felty, of Headwinds, a friend and admirer of Rick, penned this note to us, and asked us to publish it in his memory.
“We‘re saddened by the passing of our friend Rick Whitehead of Custom Cycle Engineering (CCE).
“After attending Chico State Business College he joined his father’s company DEW (Donald Edward Whitehead) Manufacturing in 1979.
“Custom Cycle Engineering began making motorcycle parts in the 60’s. In the early 80’s DEW and CCE came together and started developed and manufactured such parts as the temperature gauge dipstick (Baja Products), steel triple trees, spool hubs, close ratio gear sets, intake manifolds, and more. They supplied parts for catalog companies such as Drag Specialties, Custom Cycle Delight, Motorcycle Goodies. The company was passed over to the brothers Rick & Jim Whitehead in the 90’s.
“Rick ran CCE until his passing, Jim will keep it going. He is survived by wife Sandy, daughter Heather and three grandchildren.
“A celebration will be held Sunday, February 12th from 12pm – 3pm at Custom Cycle Engineering, 1970 Peacock Blvd. Oceanside, CA 92056.”
Our hearts go out to the Rick's family, and the crew at Custom Cycle Engineering.
Check out Rick Whitehead's legacy of innovation at Custom Cycle Engineering
—Kit Maira
Posts
