Sad news: R.I.P Ken Welke, inventor of GraBars
02-28-2017, 10:49 AM
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Sad news: R.I.P Ken Welke, inventor of GraBars
We, the team at WD Automotive, have very sad news. Ken Welke, founder of our company and inventor of GraBars, passed away Saturday.
We have lost a dear friend and an inspiring person. The Jeep industry has lost a man of serious integrity, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Ken leaves behind a company that he built with the idea of helping others, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of WD Automotive.
No words can ever fully express our sadness at Ken’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of his family - for that is how the man treated his workmates, as family. Ken entrusted his company to us and we will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.
To get an idea of what this work is, click here.
We have lost a dear friend and an inspiring person. The Jeep industry has lost a man of serious integrity, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Ken leaves behind a company that he built with the idea of helping others, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of WD Automotive.
No words can ever fully express our sadness at Ken’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of his family - for that is how the man treated his workmates, as family. Ken entrusted his company to us and we will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.
To get an idea of what this work is, click here.
02-28-2017, 11:10 AM
#2
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Man, sorry to hear that. My condolences to the family and good blessings to the rest there at the company.
I don't own any of the products but at least he had the integrity to keep his company and most importantly the mfg here stateside. It's not easy in the land of corporate greed.
I have had my eye on the overhead storage compartment...
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Man, sorry to hear that. My condolences to the family and good blessings to the rest there at the company.
I don't own any of the products but at least he had the integrity to keep his company and most importantly the mfg here stateside. It's not easy in the land of corporate greed.
I have had my eye on the overhead storage compartment...
.
Last edited by DJ1; 02-28-2017 at 11:14 AM.
02-28-2017, 12:45 PM
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Thank you for your kind words! It's been tough, to say the least. The Jeep community is amazing, however, and we appreciate the support!
This will always remain true. Ken filled his company with only like-minded people. Keeping things local - and in the USA - isn't a just priority for us, its mandatory.
This will always remain true. Ken filled his company with only like-minded people. Keeping things local - and in the USA - isn't a just priority for us, its mandatory.
03-01-2017, 08:51 AM
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I'm very sorry to hear about this loss. My condolences to his family and friends. His GraBars are a great product and actually one of the first things people notice when getting in my Jeep.
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03-03-2017, 12:43 PM
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Again, thank you all!
We've got some cool products coming out soon and in development - much to look forward to. But it won't be quite the same with out Ken. He'll always be missed.
We've got some cool products coming out soon and in development - much to look forward to. But it won't be quite the same with out Ken. He'll always be missed.
