It is with a heavy heart that I must let you know of another passing in our ranks. Dick Knudson, MG evangelist and recent inductee into the British Sports Car Hall of Fame, has passed away last Friday, September 1st. Services will be held Friday, September 8th, in Schenevus, New York.
The Reverend Dr. Richard L. Knudson was a co-founded the New England MG ‘T’ Register in 1964 and has been the register’s backbone ever since, guiding the register and its many events over the years. He was editor of the Register’s “Sacred Octagon” magazine for many years. He became an “MG Expert”, even traveling to England to do MG research. He authored a number of books on MGs, including “MG – The Sports Car America Loved First”.
Although I had been a fan of the man and his work for many years, I did not get a chance to meet Dick until this past June at the British Sports Car Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. He was both friendly and genuine, and I was immediately drawn to him. I could talk about his books or about his role with the New England MG T Register, but primarily he was simply a good guy with a passion. Here was a man who not only was an MG fan but was also someone who had helped to promote the hobby in ways that most of us can only aspire to. Frankly, he was a personal idol of mine. Sometimes when we meet our idols it can be very disillusioning. Not in this case. Dick will be sorely missed, and our hearts go out to his family and friends.
The family has let us know that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Knudson Churchill Scholarship Trust, 8 Woodston Lane, Palm Coast, FL 32164 or to The Church of the Holy Spirit, Arch Street, Schenevus, NY 12155. This link also provides a printed form download for those who wish to donate by check.
Michael Carnell is the editor and founder of the Just British Online Motoring Magazine. As a lifelong British car enthusiast, he has owned or driven British cars of all ages from Austins and MGs to Jaguars and Triumphs. He currently owns a 1966 Vanden Plas Princess 1100 and a 1977 MGB. But there is always room for more - no matter what his wife says.