It is with great sadness that I report the passing of a great supporter of the military vehicle movement and owner of the Ropkey Armor Museum here in Indiana. Fred had been fighting the big "C" for some time. He passed on Thursday Nov. 7th, 2013.

At one time he owned as many as 100+ armor vehicles, but had downsized to about 30 vehicles when he relocated to Crawfordsville from Indy.

He is best remembered for his Shermans used in James Garners' movie "Tank" and I believe the Blues Brothers' at the City Hall scene in Chicago.

He and his staff had also done some restorations for the Marine Corps Museum over the years. As a former Marine he maintained closes ties with the museum and it's staff.

As a member of the Indiana MPVA I was fortunate to spend time with Fred and his wife Laney at various IMPVA events and at their museum for many years.

He will be missed.

Jake

John F. Stanwood