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R.I.P Kim at Historic Makeovers 😔

MarcB

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 1, 2023
Messages
1,510
Just landed back into Boston and according to @Friedokra’s instagram.. Kim LaFleur from Historic Makeover has passed away..
I’ve only ever heard very good things about him and his work.. and would’ve loved to have a guitar reworked by him.. alas that will never be..

I know a lot of you knew Kim personally and have guitars reworked by him..
I offer my most sincere condolences to all the family and friends..

rest easy Sir..
you’ve left and indelible mark on the guitar world..

🫡
 

K Dub

Member
Joined
Apr 21, 2024
Messages
12
This is very sad news, indeed. I had my R9 refinished by Kim at Historic Makeovers about 2 years ago. We had several phone conversations during the process. He was a super nice guy, loved talking about guitars, and genuinely cared about his customers. This is a big loss to the guitar community. 😢
 

MBSC

Member
Joined
Oct 31, 2023
Messages
87
super nice guy and I bought a load of PAFs from him when I first started on the conversion train 25 years ago. what happened
 

MarcB

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 1, 2023
Messages
1,510
super nice guy and I bought a load of PAFs from him when I first started on the conversion train 25 years ago. what happened
ive only seen one post in regards to this personally on instagram (im not on Facebook) and there is no further information available other than the passing.
I assume the family and close friends would want some privacy and peace at this very sad time for them.

The outpouring on JoeB’s instagram is heartwarming.. Kim touched so many lives x
 
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jb_abides

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
6,237
Wow and OMG! Very sad tidings.

RIP and condolences to his family, friends, and compatriots in the guitar community.

I hope HM preserves in order to keep his legacy alive.

👆 Repeating what I posted on another thread, why not...? Kim was a member of our community and active here.
 

jaegerguitars

Active member
Joined
Jan 4, 2006
Messages
223
Just landed back into Boston and according to @Friedokra’s instagram.. Kim LaFleur from Historic Makeover has passed away..
I’ve only ever heard very good things about him and his work.. and would’ve loved to have a guitar reworked by him.. alas that will never be..

I know a lot of you knew Kim personally and have guitars reworked by him..
I offer my most sincere condolences to all the family and friends..

rest easy Sir..
you’ve left and indelible mark on the guitar world..

🫡
I´m very sad. I met Kim 2010 in Arlington. Kim was friendly, generous, educated and funny at the same time. He taught me a lot; we shared a lot, and we kept in touch ever since. My thoughts fly out to his family. Farewell, man.
 

Steve Craw

Formerly Lefty Elmo
Joined
Sep 9, 2004
Messages
5,331
I've had many conversations with Kim over the years, and always marveled at his knowledge and friendly attitude. He never seemed in a hurry to end a conversation, and always seem to just enjoy the whole guitar life. I wound up owning an R8 that had been made over by him. It was a work of art. I've always regretted letting it go, and with the master now gone, even more so. You will be missed Kim, thanks for all you did and blessings on your family.
 

Midnight Blues

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 20, 2011
Messages
1,815
I'm stunned. This is such sad news! He was such a nice guy, a fellow New Yorker and transplanted Floridian. I really feel bad :(

My condolences to his family and R.I.P. Kim. :(
 

MarcB

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 1, 2023
Messages
1,510
Official statement from Historic Makeovers:

historicmakeovers Kim LaFleur


REST IN PEACE


It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kim LaFleur. He passed at home with family at his side after more than a year long battle with cancer.


Our prayers go out to his wife Rossana of 20 years, their 3 young sons, and Kim's 3 adult sons.


His immense passion for vintage guitars was so engrained in him that 17 years ago he started Historic Makeovers as a conduit for that passion.


He lived and breathed it.


We ask that you please bear with us during this difficult period as we adjust here at the shop and continue our work on current and future customers.


For the time being, necessary inquiries can be made to our email: info@historicmakers.com


We will publish a new shop phone number soon.


In his memory...


Mission Forward.
 

Mr. Legit

Active member
Joined
Sep 11, 2016
Messages
114
I just found out today about this. Kim and company performed the deluxe package on my number 1 Les Paul after my house had burned down in a fire. He not only took care of everything and vouched for my position with the insurance company, but performed a spectacular job. When I asked for that 1960 Les Paul Standard neck carve, he delivered what I asked for in spades. Years ago before I started Cooper Musical Components, I presented the idea by Kim of making my own stuff after all the DMC ABR bridges and parts (2014) I was looking for had run out, and surprisingly, Kim was far more supportive of me taking on the venture myself than I thought he'd be. His knowledge about vintage instruments, his kindness to always answer questions I knew nothing about, and his support are knowledge and lessons about vintage guitars and parts I will carry on for the rest of my life. Godspeed Kim and Rest in Peace. My condolences to his family and loved ones.
 

GreenBurst

Active member
Joined
Mar 5, 2004
Messages
776
Very sad to hear of Kim's passing. Condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. He will be missed by the Les Paul community.

I first met him at the Dallas Guitar Show in 2007. HM was just starting and he had an amazing Goldtop on display as a sample. This was in the Dave Johnson era.

A very friendly and engaging person with a passion for guitars and Bursts. I didn't hesitate to provide my deposit and quickly arranged the shipment of my Y2K R9 for a Braz board update, that was delivered in January 2008.

Phenomenal workmanship. See pages 4 & 5.


Rest in peace Kim.
 

bluzguy55

New member
Joined
May 22, 2023
Messages
1
Official statement from Historic Makeovers:

historicmakeovers Kim LaFleur


REST IN PEACE


It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kim LaFleur. He passed at home with family at his side after more than a year long battle with cancer.


Our prayers go out to his wife Rossana of 20 years, their 3 young sons, and Kim's 3 adult sons.


His immense passion for vintage guitars was so engrained in him that 17 years ago he started Historic Makeovers as a conduit for that passion.


He lived and breathed it.


We ask that you please bear with us during this difficult period as we adjust here at the shop and continue our work on current and future customers.


For the time being, necessary inquiries can be made to our email: info@historicmakers.com


We will publish a new shop phone number soon.


In his memory...


Mission Forward.
Kim had such love & knowledge of vintage guitars . always enjoyable to talk to. HMO seems to do the impossible, capturing the beauty & ageing process. was like a time machine , turned back to the 1950s & 60s. Kim & the crew @ HMO, REFURBISHED MY 60 BURST ,from a pic in beauty & the burst. they where able to capturing the flame with a more intensity in the color deepest condolences to his family. rest in peace Kim :(
 
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