originally posted on 2/17/2023
Photo: Kevin Knapp. View full-sized image.
Following a surgery in November, ACE member Chuck Hett passed away on January 10.
Chuck was the Regional Rep for ACE Southwest from 1990 to 1995. He suffered a stroke after the turn of the millennium and subsequently had not been as active with the club, although he did attend a few events.
“My defining memory of Chuck was riding Titan with him at Six Flags Over Texas shortly after he had his stroke,” recalled former Regional Rep Kevin Knapp. “As our train crept up the very long and noisy lift hill, Chuck explained to me that his doctors told him not to ride roller coasters anymore. He attended at least one more Coaster Con after that, and he remained a regular at our annual ACE Night at Lakeside event.”
Chuck joined ACE in 1989. In addition to supporting events in Colorado, he also attended many events in Texas during his years of heavier travel.
Friend Randy Duffer shares his thoughts:
“Chuck was a great friend to everyone who had the good fortune to have known him. He loved music and was a walking encyclopedia of songs and artists. He amassed an amazing collection of vinyl albums, tapes, CDs and videos.
“Chuck also loved vintage cars and traveled to the Hot Rod National Convention for many years, as well as countless automobile shows.
“When Chuck joined ACE in 1989, it became his new passion in life. He could be found most weekends at Lakeside Amusement Park in Denver. He traveled all over the country visiting every park he could and spent every vacation at ACE events, conferences and conventions. In addition to being a former regional representative, he was an avid photographer.
“Chuck passed away after a long battle and is now riding roller coasters in heaven.”
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