Kenny “The Mechanic” Ludwig (b. 9/21/56) was well known for the magic he performed repairing surfer’s cars, trucks and boats while driving up and down the California coast in his vintage tan-colored 1962 GMC Suburban. He was dubbed “Mechanic to the Surf Stars” by the Santa Cruz surf media.He was an accomplished longboarder, migrating to a longer board in the early 1980’s, well before the beginning of the longboard resurgence.
Kenny grew up in Long Beach, moving to Pleasure Point in Santa Cruz where he lived on and off for 35 years. He was a member of the Pleasure Point Night Fighters and the Santa Cruz Longboard Union.
Kenny passed away in early February in Hawaii while on his annual, extended surf trip. He passed away in his sleep from a heart attack. He will be greatly missed.
Funeral Service: Thursday, March 13 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 6220 E. Willow Street Long Beach CA. 562-594-4657.
Reception to follow at Ludwig residence: 2150 McNab Ave. Long Beach.
In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be sent to the Surfrider Foundation, PO Box 6010 San Clemente, CA 92674 “in memory of Kenny ‘The Mechanic’ Ludwig”.
A service for Kenny will take place in Santa Cruz later this spring.
Info: Dan Young 831-239-6322
Mrs. Mary Ludwig 562-596-9449
1 response so far ↓
boots // Mar 16, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Kenny was a creative character who’d always have something to say that was both quirky and funny. And he was a heck of a mechanic. The guy’ll be missed for sure.
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