Thank you Ron Covell, for making this tribute video to the man who gave me the tools, both literally and figuratively, to shape my own destiny in the custom car industry. "Give a man a fish, he will eat for a day. TEACH a man to fish, he will eat for a lifetime." Growing up, Ron was an Urban Legend in the Detroit area, "One of the best metal shapers in the world lives a stones throw away from us," my dad told me. No way I thought. It can't be, that's too good to be true. Well, in 2003 I found out the legend was true AND HE TAUGHT PEOPLE THIS MYSTERIOUS ART! There was no need to make a few dozen failed attempts to persuade a grumpy hermit to teach you his magical craft! No need to dedicate your life to a monastery to gain enlightenment. Ron was as accessable as your local trombone instructor, only Ron was waaaay cooler and practiced a rare art that is a million times more interesting! After I had hung around Ron's shop and spent time soaking up every tip, trick and lesson I could. Eventually I went on to open my own shop, about 20 minutes down the road from Fournier Enterprise. Today, we specialize in classic cars, motorcycles and race cars. Even still, on any given day and time, I could pop up at Ron's shop with a weird question about German Silver boat cleats.One of Ron's best qualities was his patience. If he knew you were serious about learning, he was amazingly patient. So I could stop in and he would patiently spend 2+ hours with me, as we scratched our heads in unison, trying to figure out what the hell kind of metal to use, to fill in the pits on these cleats. Ron was my metal security blanket. He was always my "Go-To Guy" for any problem I didn't understand or couldn't figure out. I knew he either had the answer, which was typically the case. Or he would stick with me until we figured it out together. To watch him tackle and work through a problem was inspiring and made me want to work harder right along with him. Even after a lifetime of work, when faced with a problem, he would DIG IN and GENUINELY ENJOY figuring out the solution.It wasn't until recently, this past December 2017 that I met a new friend in the car industry and when he saw me working an English Wheel, he asked where I learned to do it at, I proudly told him "Ron Fournier taught me." A few days later that man came and told me, "Hey, I mentioned to a friend what you can do with sheet metal and he knows of Ron Fournier but he said he thinks he passed away." My heart sank! I hadn't seen Ron since he retired and I will forever regret not getting to pay my last respects to him. I will always value the lessons Ron taught me. Every time I utilize those lessons, I realize with more and more clarity just how important they have come to be in my life. I decided long ago, that my own tribute to Ronald J. Fournier will be a lifelong tribute....every time I have the mind, hands and ears of a student of life, who's interested in metal work, I will teach them and pass Ron's lessons on to that student with the same level of patience he showed to me. I encourage everyone who's life was impacted by Mr. Fournier to do the same. By passing on these wonderful lessons, Ron's spirit will always be in the shop with us. Thank you Mr. Fournier, for everything!
Wow - that's one of the most touching tributes to Ron Fournier I have ever read! I certainly agree that Ron was a passionate and patient man, who took delight both in working with metal, but also working with people who were serious about learning this challenging art and craft! Thanks so much for sharing your experience with Ron Fournier here, for others to savor.
I first met Ron about 30yrs ago, I was a new arrival in the Detroit area from New Zealand, and had spent a lot of time reading his first book about Metal Shaping during my formative years. To my surprise Rons' workshop was in the same area I was working at the time, Troy Michigan. I walked in and introduced my self and just watched, taking in everything I could. Over the years I made semi regular visits, Ron was always interested in what I was building and always willing to talk. My last visit was about 8yrs ago, just before I moved back to NZ, Ron hadn't changed, still willing to talk, and always with enthusiasm for his craft. A sad loss.
I am very sad to learn of Ron's passing. I was a big fan of his work and I got the opportunity to meet and talk with him at the Detroit Autorama several years ago. He was a real nice fella! I got his autograph that day. He encouraged me to keep on learning and trying new things. I built my own English wheel and I am still learning today. I love making repair and custom parts for cars. I also own his first book. Rest in piece! All the best to his friends and family! Mike
TRE I`m an engine builder in Germany and eversince liked also metalshaping. Ofcourse to a less skilled amateurstatus, I buyed his "Metal fab. handbook" in the mid 80`s and learn a lot from his immense knowledge and see the tools and how to work with it. From time to time, I`m now 65, look inside and still enyjoy ...RIP Mister Ron Fournier.
Saddened to hear that He’s passed. I still have a copy of his first book from 1982, The Metal Fabricators Handbook, it was an invaluable reference for me along with other references and experiences. I’ve carried out many and varied metalwork projects and I can thank Ron for imparting his extensive experience. God Bless him. He came over as such a decent & down to earth guy. We need more people like Ron.
I had no idea Ron passed. I contacted Ron via mail over 25 years ago looking for information, I never expected to hear back from Ron. It was about a month and I received his reply. I was shocked he took the time to answer my letter. I actually spoke with him on the phone. I was inspired by Ron Fournier and Ron Covel as well. My sincere condolences to Ron's family. Ron was a great guy! Jon Thompson
I've taken classes from "both" the "Ron's" and own the "quick shaper" Fournier is sitting in front of. Great guy, more than willing to share his knowledge. Great family too, I met his daughter and his son. I hope they continue to carry on the tradition!
@@RonCovell Ron, I really enjoyed your class too. I took it in Northern Calif. I'd really like to take another couple of them. How is it working with Covid-19? Have you had to suspend classes? I mainly want to get more practice at TIG welding, Bead Rolling and using the wheel. I had taken classes but got super busy with work. I am not a month out from retirement so I'll be working on a 1928 Model A Ford roadster and a 1930 Model A Ford truck!
RIP Ron. I learned a lot from his teaching materials and use some of his hand tools in my own shaping work. The business won't be the same without him.
A terrible loss. I've never met Ron, but his videos and books not only taught me how for work metal, but instilled a love for the craft in my life. Prayers for his family.
Thank you for this video. It certainly shows his passion for metal work and making sure that the trade is passed on to new generations. He was a great man who will be missed, but his students will carry a piece of him with them :)
Ron was a super nice guy with many gifts. I worked with him on several car projects and was always amazed at his ability to summarize 'how' to do things with the exact right words - it was like he could see into my brain. Of course I have his books and hope anybody with ideas about shaping metal will give him a read. He used to sell a little kit for gas welding aluminum and I actually learned how to do that with some minor degree of skill using his instructions in the kit. RIP Ron - you are missed!
great tribute ron. many many years ago i got one of his books and it was one of those moments, later watching the videos, listening to the voice and the passion of him was another thing. thanks to ron fournier, to you and all the masters sharing knowledge. you will sure live forever. thanks again. pete
Thank you Ron. Very nice that you had the footage to put this together. He was definitely a master craftsman, not to mention all the information he shared through his books and videos. Both of his books are right behind me on my bookshelf.
Thank you so much for posting this tribute to a superb craftsman and artisan. You are gentleman, scholar and craftsman in your own right and a humanitarian for posting this tribute to Ron. May God bless you for this effort.
Thank you for the kind words. Ron Fournier was an incredible man, who inspired many, many people, and I am so thankful for the precious time I spent with him!
Thanks Ron and Ron! Fournier's handbook on Metal Fabrication sits proudly in my library. I bought it when it first came out and it still fascinates me! I'm always digging into it. And thanks Mr. Covell for your work. Your column in Street Rodder is always the very first one I read.
What a nice tribute! I couldn't get enough of the books and videos from both! As somebody mentioned in the clip, it was almost a secret society in the past. I am thankful for both Rons!
I did not know of Ron's passing...I have all of his books and was lucky enough to take 3 classes with him...I learned so much and still use it today...Building ATT Bugatti " A Tribute to Bugatti" a stylized 1923 Bugatti Tank to race in the Mexican Chihuahua Express in 2020...Rest in Peace Ron...
I first came aware of Ron F. through his books many many years ago then I started to purchase videos if his and yours Ron. they have opened my eyes on many techniques to shape sheet metal. He will be missed by so many.......
I bought Ron first HP book in the eighties, skimmed through it, but never read it all the way through. About a week ago, before seeing this video today, I finally decided after all of these years to read that book from front to back and I am almost finished reading it. I'm sad to see that he passed. I wish I would have read that book earlier and learned metal shaping back then.
Ron Covell I would like to thank you too for composing this video. Mr. Fournier's books first showed me that mere mortals could shape metal. I have attended a couple of your workshops also (Sachse Rod Shop) and I will be indebted to both of you gentleman for the education and inspiration. Thank You.
All is well with myself and Peggy. We are raising a Grandson! He wears me out with ease and keeps me on my toes. We Wish You the Best Life can Offer, Thank You so much for the Books and Videos Ron, this video really hit home hard.
I started learning when i was 12 but by the time I was an adult. if you didn't have a certification they wouldn't hire you. so I spent my kids years studying and learning just to be told NO when i came to finding a job
Thank you Ron Covell, for making this tribute video to the man who gave me the tools, both literally and figuratively, to shape my own destiny in the custom car industry. "Give a man a fish, he will eat for a day. TEACH a man to fish, he will eat for a lifetime." Growing up, Ron was an Urban Legend in the Detroit area, "One of the best metal shapers in the world lives a stones throw away from us," my dad told me. No way I thought. It can't be, that's too good to be true. Well, in 2003 I found out the legend was true AND HE TAUGHT PEOPLE THIS MYSTERIOUS ART! There was no need to make a few dozen failed attempts to persuade a grumpy hermit to teach you his magical craft! No need to dedicate your life to a monastery to gain enlightenment. Ron was as accessable as your local trombone instructor, only Ron was waaaay cooler and practiced a rare art that is a million times more interesting! After I had hung around Ron's shop and spent time soaking up every tip, trick and lesson I could. Eventually I went on to open my own shop, about 20 minutes down the road from Fournier Enterprise. Today, we specialize in classic cars, motorcycles and race cars. Even still, on any given day and time, I could pop up at Ron's shop with a weird question about German Silver boat cleats.One of Ron's best qualities was his patience. If he knew you were serious about learning, he was amazingly patient. So I could stop in and he would patiently spend 2+ hours with me, as we scratched our heads in unison, trying to figure out what the hell kind of metal to use, to fill in the pits on these cleats. Ron was my metal security blanket. He was always my "Go-To Guy" for any problem I didn't understand or couldn't figure out. I knew he either had the answer, which was typically the case. Or he would stick with me until we figured it out together. To watch him tackle and work through a problem was inspiring and made me want to work harder right along with him. Even after a lifetime of work, when faced with a problem, he would DIG IN and GENUINELY ENJOY figuring out the solution.It wasn't until recently, this past December 2017 that I met a new friend in the car industry and when he saw me working an English Wheel, he asked where I learned to do it at, I proudly told him "Ron Fournier taught me." A few days later that man came and told me, "Hey, I mentioned to a friend what you can do with sheet metal and he knows of Ron Fournier but he said he thinks he passed away." My heart sank! I hadn't seen Ron since he retired and I will forever regret not getting to pay my last respects to him. I will always value the lessons Ron taught me. Every time I utilize those lessons, I realize with more and more clarity just how important they have come to be in my life. I decided long ago, that my own tribute to Ronald J. Fournier will be a lifelong tribute....every time I have the mind, hands and ears of a student of life, who's interested in metal work, I will teach them and pass Ron's lessons on to that student with the same level of patience he showed to me. I encourage everyone who's life was impacted by Mr. Fournier to do the same. By passing on these wonderful lessons, Ron's spirit will always be in the shop with us. Thank you Mr. Fournier, for everything!
Wow - that's one of the most touching tributes to Ron Fournier I have ever read! I certainly agree that Ron was a passionate and patient man, who took delight both in working with metal, but also working with people who were serious about learning this challenging art and craft! Thanks so much for sharing your experience with Ron Fournier here, for others to savor.
I first met Ron about 30yrs ago, I was a new arrival in the Detroit area from New Zealand, and had spent a lot of time reading his first book about Metal Shaping during my formative years. To my surprise Rons' workshop was in the same area I was working at the time, Troy Michigan. I walked in and introduced my self and just watched, taking in everything I could. Over the years I made semi regular visits, Ron was always interested in what I was building and always willing to talk. My last visit was about 8yrs ago, just before I moved back to NZ, Ron hadn't changed, still willing to talk, and always with enthusiasm for his craft. A sad loss.
I'm glad you were able to spend a lot of quality time with Ron. He was a friend and mentor to many!
I am very sad to learn of Ron's passing. I was a big fan of his work and I got the opportunity to meet and talk with him at the Detroit Autorama several years ago. He was a real nice fella! I got his autograph that day. He encouraged me to keep on learning and trying new things. I built my own English wheel and I am still learning today. I love making repair and custom parts for cars. I also own his first book. Rest in piece!
All the best to his friends and family!
Mike
Ron Fournier was a very giving, and very approachable person. I'm glad you got to meet him in person.
TRE
I`m an engine builder in Germany and eversince liked also metalshaping. Ofcourse to a less skilled amateurstatus, I buyed his "Metal fab. handbook" in the mid 80`s and learn a lot from
his immense knowledge and see the tools and how to work with it.
From time to time, I`m now 65, look inside and still enyjoy ...RIP Mister Ron Fournier.
Yes, Ron Fournier's passion for metal has inspired people from all around the world!
Saddened to hear that He’s passed. I still have a copy of his first book from 1982, The Metal Fabricators Handbook, it was an invaluable reference for me along with other references and experiences. I’ve carried out many and varied metalwork projects and I can thank Ron for imparting his extensive experience. God Bless him. He came over as such a decent & down to earth guy. We need more people like Ron.
I completely agree with everything you say!
Ron Covell Thank you for all you do!!
My dad gave me his metal fabricators handbook. Still read it every day. It's all I can do to keep it together.
Ron Fournier made a tremendous contribution to the metalshaping community, and his influence is still being felt today.
I had no idea Ron passed. I contacted Ron via mail over 25 years ago looking for information, I never expected to hear back from Ron. It was about a month and I received his reply. I was shocked he took the time to answer my letter. I actually spoke with him on the phone. I was inspired by Ron Fournier and Ron Covel as well. My sincere condolences to Ron's family. Ron was a great guy!
Jon Thompson
Yes, Ron Fournier was a real stand-up guy! He will certainly be missed.
R.I.P. Mr. Fournier. Thanks for making the tribute Mr. Covell, it was nice to see. I still have both of his books and multiple videos.
I'm glad you benefited from his teaching.
BOTH OF YOU MEN ARE "GIANTS" IN THE METAL WORKING TRADES!!! GOD BLESS YOU, BOTH!!! MANY, MANY, THANKS!!!!!
Thank you for watching, and commenting. We all miss Ron Fournier a lot, but his legacy will continue through all the people he trained!
A gentleman and a scholar, I have read his books and still have them in my shop today.
Thanks for commenting. Ron Fournier is dearly missed, but his legacy continues to this day!
I've taken classes from "both" the "Ron's" and own the "quick shaper" Fournier is sitting in front of. Great guy, more than willing to share his knowledge. Great family too, I met his daughter and his son. I hope they continue to carry on the tradition!
Yes, Ron Fournier was a great guy. Glad you got to spend some time with him and his family!
@@RonCovell Ron, I really enjoyed your class too. I took it in Northern Calif. I'd really like to take another couple of them. How is it working with Covid-19? Have you had to suspend classes? I mainly want to get more practice at TIG welding, Bead Rolling and using the wheel. I had taken classes but got super busy with work. I am not a month out from retirement so I'll be working on a 1928 Model A Ford roadster and a 1930 Model A Ford truck!
I have both of Ron's books, I think I'll get them out tonight fir another looks at the amazing work he has done.J.D. Keehn, Sr. Mfg. Engineer/AWS CWI
James - I'm sure you will find that a lot of the 'magic' will still be there!
RIP Ron. I learned a lot from his teaching materials and use some of his hand tools in my own shaping work. The business won't be the same without him.
Ron Fournier certainly made his mark in the metalshaping world. A cousin of his - Jeff Fournier, - is continuing the business, and doing great job!
Great watching this video again.A pleasure to enjoy.
Glad you enjoyed it!
A terrible loss. I've never met Ron, but his videos and books not only taught me how for work metal, but instilled a love for the craft in my life. Prayers for his family.
I'm glad to hear that Ron Fournier helped you develop some valuable skills.
R.I.P Ron, condolences to his family. Spent a lot of time watching both of your videos. Thanks for everything!
I''m very glad you enjoyed both Ron Fournier's videos and mine!
His books have been very inspirational, Thank you sir!
Yes, Ron Fournier was quite a guy, and helped to educate a LOT of people!
Thank you for this video. It certainly shows his passion for metal work and making sure that the trade is passed on to new generations. He was a great man who will be missed, but his students will carry a piece of him with them :)
Very well said, Carrie!
Ron was a super nice guy with many gifts. I worked with him on several car projects and was always amazed at his ability to summarize 'how' to do things with the exact right words - it was like he could see into my brain. Of course I have his books and hope anybody with ideas about shaping metal will give him a read. He used to sell a little kit for gas welding aluminum and I actually learned how to do that with some minor degree of skill using his instructions in the kit.
RIP Ron - you are missed!
MrTele53 - Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings about Ron Fournier. He touched many lives with his skill and caring!
great tribute ron. many many years ago i got one of his books and it was one of those moments, later watching the videos, listening to the voice and the passion of him was another thing. thanks to ron fournier, to you and all the masters sharing knowledge. you will sure live forever. thanks again. pete
Thanks. Yes, Ron Fournier was a great man, and he inspired an entire generation of metalworkers.
Thank you Ron. Very nice that you had the footage to put this together. He was definitely a master craftsman, not to mention all the information he shared through his books and videos. Both of his books are right behind me on my bookshelf.
Brian - I still remember what an enormous effect Ron Fournier's books had on me when I first saw them as a young man!
Thank you so much for posting this tribute to a superb craftsman and artisan. You are gentleman, scholar and craftsman in your own right and a humanitarian for posting this tribute to Ron. May God bless you for this effort.
Thank you for the kind words. Ron Fournier was an incredible man, who inspired many, many people, and I am so thankful for the precious time I spent with him!
Thanks Ron and Ron! Fournier's handbook on Metal Fabrication sits proudly in my library. I bought it when it first came out and it still fascinates me! I'm always digging into it. And thanks Mr. Covell for your work. Your column in Street Rodder is always the very first one I read.
I'm glad you have enjoyed Ron Fournier's books, and my column in Street Rodder Magazine!
What a nice tribute! I couldn't get enough of the books and videos from both! As somebody mentioned in the clip, it was almost a secret society in the past. I am thankful for both Rons!
I did not know of Ron's passing...I have all of his books and was lucky enough to take 3 classes with him...I learned so much and still use it today...Building ATT Bugatti " A Tribute to Bugatti" a stylized 1923 Bugatti Tank to race in the Mexican Chihuahua Express in 2020...Rest in Peace Ron...
Ron Fournier was an amazing, and influential person. I'm glad to hear that he touched your life!
@@RonCovell Thanks Ron...I have seen all of your videos and they too have helped me greatly...
Wonderful tribute and thank you for carrying on the tradition of teaching.
Thank you too!
I first came aware of Ron F. through his books many many years ago then I started to purchase videos if his and yours Ron. they have opened my eyes on many techniques to shape sheet metal. He will be missed by so many.......
Ron Fournier was an amazingly talented man, and he certainly inspired a lot of people.
Artist that never get the recognition they deserve but we who know better will forever be indebted! Thank you Ron Fournier may you Rest in paradise!!!
Sad to hear that he passed. I'm always mesmerized by the work you guys do. May he rest in peace.
Yes, Ron Fournier is missed by many, many people, worldwide.
I took his metal shaping course 12 years ago. Very knowledgeable, kind man. He influenced many people during his time. Sympathy to his family.
Garth g - Yes, Ron Fournier touched the lives of many, many people. He is certainly missed, but he has left a rich legacy!
Fournier has described that true happiness can be achieved. Glad I found this video today.
Yes, Ron Fournier found fulfillment in life that many people find elusive. He has a lot of wisdom to share, and I'm glad that you 'get it'!
Thank You! Thanks to both of you I was able to build the radiator tanks for an antique Allis Chalmers tractor of mine.
Sounds like you picked up some useful skills!
I bought Ron first HP book in the eighties, skimmed through it, but never read it all the way through. About a week ago, before seeing this video today, I finally decided after all of these years to read that book from front to back and I am almost finished reading it. I'm sad to see that he passed. I wish I would have read that book earlier and learned metal shaping back then.
Well, even though Ron Fournier has passed, the great information he put into his books is still outstanding!
Thank you for this video.
I'm very glad you enjoyed it.
Wow this is a whole new world for me man, amazing! So grateful that we have these videos to learn from, thanks.
Bale Monte - Hey, I'm very glad you enjoyed the video!
Magicians of sheet metal fine arts. Both, Ron C. and Ron F.
Thanks!
That's awesome Ron! He will be missed
Yes, he will be missed very much.
thank you for posting this video.
Tom - I'm glad you enjoyed it.
RIP Ron. The first book changed my life.
Ron's books were game changers for a LOT of people!
Ron, very nice tribute. thank you so much for this. rgrds, walt
I'm glad you enjoyed the tribute to Ron Fournier. He certainly inspired a lot of people.
I have both his books, and ordered some hammers from him! Great talent! Thank you for posting this as sad as it is.
I'm very glad you enjoyed the video.
Thanks for this Ron C. Nice tribute to one of the masters.
Yes, Ron Fournier was truly a master, and he will be missed!
R.I.P
Thanks for the response!
Thank You Mr. Fournier.
Thanks for your comment!
Ron Covell I would like to thank you too for composing this video. Mr. Fournier's books first showed me that mere mortals could shape metal. I have attended a couple of your workshops also (Sachse Rod Shop) and I will be indebted to both of you gentleman for the education and inspiration. Thank You.
Good to be remembered.
There are many, many people with fond memories of Ron Fournier.
My first metal book was on welding and fabrication by Ron.
Yes, Ron's books launched many, many people on a memorable journey!
Hopefully someone took notes and brings the trade on for future generations.... R.I.P
Yes, I'm sure lots of people took notes - I'm one who did!
RIP Great Man! Hope See u in Motor Paradise
I believe Motor Paradise is where we will all end up, eventually.
RIP now we pickup where he left off.
Yes, there will always be new people adding to the body of knowledge about metalworking.
RIP
Very Nice Video.
Thanks, Joe - I haven't heard from you for a while. Hope all is well!
All is well with myself and Peggy. We are raising a Grandson! He wears me out with ease and keeps me on my toes. We Wish You the Best Life can Offer, Thank You so much for the Books and Videos Ron, this video really hit home hard.
Glad to hear all is well, and that your Grandson is keeping you young!
Ron's probably teaching God how to shape metal.
Yes, he probably is!
I started learning when i was 12 but by the time I was an adult. if you didn't have a certification they wouldn't hire you. so I spent my kids years studying and learning just to be told NO when i came to finding a job
I'm very sorry to hear that you haven't yet found the right place for your passion and skills. I do hope you keep trying!
Ron Covell thanks Ron your are the best!! ...I have found some happiness as a realtor.
Pro tip: background music is supposed to be in the background.
Thank you for the tip!
Fournier, the metal artist who turns 2d into 3d magic.
Yes, he was brilliant!
A terrible loss to this world. I have studied his books for years.
Yes, Ron Fournier is missed by many. Thanks for commenting!
Сочувствую.
Спасибо!
Too young these days.
Yes, we all miss that guy!
Thanks for sharing. he will leave a great void in all the lives he has touched.
Ron Fournier was quite a guy!