Rick Rennebohm, 71, of Whidbey Island, Washington, passed away on March 17, 2022. Rick was born in Seattle, Washington and grew up in the Ballard area. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1968.
Rick was a savvy businessman with dozens of rental properties, but most knew him for his vast knowledge and his passion for classic collector cars. His love for cars started at a early age that would span his entire life. Rick bought his very first car with his paperboy money, a 1936 Ford Cabriolet which he later restored. Rick started working for Bill’s Auto Parts on Aurora Avenue, North Seattle when he was a senior in high school. He was known to pick up cars no one wanted and would sell the parts off the cars. He eventually had to rent a lot in Seattle to store the cars and buy a tow truck and that’s how “Rick’s Auto Wreaking” was born. Rick was in the scrap iron business for several years.
Rick closed the wrecking yard in 1992, met the love of his life, Cheryl Rennebohm, and started a new journey in the new car business and classic cars. Rick and his former partner, Gary Funk, purchased Frontier Chevrolet in Oak Harbor, Washington and also started a company known as Frontier Auto Outlet and Classic Car Corner in Anacortes, Washington. His new career gave him opportunities to buy and sell not only new cars, but the cars he love most, classic cars. He travelled to all the car auctions, car shows and swap meets all over the U.S. He mostly collected 1932, 1936, and 1940 Fords and later was obsessed with all the early Corvettes. His last project was a 1963 Corvette split window which he was most proud.
When Rick retired, he and his wife became snowbirds in 2009 and purchased a second home in Scottsdale, Arizona so he could drive his cars all year around and attend his favorite auctions, Barrett-Jackson, Silver Auction and Mecum to list a few. Rick gained many long lasting friendships in his careers and retirement.
Rick is survived by his wife, Cheryl, his daughters Rena Rennebohm-Malubay (Nathan Malubay), Raegan Fierro (Richard Fierro) and his step-children, Tyler Terry and Bridget Terry; many grandkids; his brother, Ron Rennebohm and sister, Cathy Hanshaw; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Rick will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. Rick was preceded in death by his father, Albert Rennebohm, and his mother Ruth Louise Seeley.
A public graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday April 7, 2022 at Fernhill Cemetery in Anacortes. We would like all to share stories and memories at the Deception Cellars Winery across from the cemetery at 7656 State Rte. 20, Suite 1, Anacortes, WA 98221, immediately following the service. All are welcome to attend. We will also be holding a Celebration of Life in Arizona on April 30, 2022 at 3:30 p.m.
