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Boyd Coddington Obituary

Car-building legend Boyd Coddington, whose testosterone-injected cable TV reality show "American Hot Rod" introduced the nation to the West Coast hot rod guru, has died. He was 63.

Coddington died at Whittier's Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital at 6:20 a.m. Wednesday. Coddington's La Habra office spokeswoman Amanda Curry wouldn't disclose the cause of death.

Coddington, who started building cars when he was 13, set a standard for his workmanship and creativity, with his popular "Cadzilla" creation considered a design masterpiece. The customized car based on a 1950s Cadillac was built for rocker Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Palm Beach Post from Feb. 27 to Mar. 3, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Boyd Coddington

Not sure what to say?





Wilian

May 18, 2024

A vida passa por nossos olhos, e pessoas incríveis deixam seus legados, vamos aproveitar a vida!

William Littlefield

July 1, 2020

Cadzilla period !

Woodson Hardy

December 12, 2018

May you rest in sleep!

Todd Leavitt

January 8, 2018

Watched your show going to miss it rip boyd god bless you and your family

Charles Giddins

August 11, 2017

Watched your show. Great looking cars. Peace

Todd M

April 16, 2017

You helped stoke my love of cars, and indeed my career as a mechanic. Rest in Peace, while we miss your creativity here.....

Kale Rodgers

April 21, 2016

I loved watching your show American Hotrod. You sure built some VERY AWESOME RODS. You will be missed my friend.

ABDUL KHAN

February 20, 2016

IN MY HEART YOU WILL ALWAYS BE THE MASTER OF HOTRODS....IT BROKE ME TO LEARN OF YOUR PASSING..I LOVE YOUR WORK MR CODDINGTON..YOU ARE A LEGEND..MAJOR LOSS TO THE HOTROD COMMUNITY.ME AND MY PARTNER VANESSA LOVE YOUR FLOWERY SHIRTS SIR..:)..YOU ARE ONE OF A KIND.

Donald Williams

January 31, 2016

Mr. Coddington was and is a master. A fantastic boss to his employees. Firm but soft. You will be missed by all of your fans.we love you Boyd

Craig W

November 19, 2015

Without question American Hot Rod was the best car show ever produced. Thanks Boyd. RIP

Richard Caplin

November 16, 2015

Richard caplin Newbury u.k

Alan Howard

September 22, 2015

Just found out loved the cars he built,ironically found out watching chasing classic cars,his legacy will live on.

James masko

April 24, 2015

it was a great show I loved it very much no one can be like you

James masko

April 24, 2015

it was a great show I loved it very much no one can be like you r I p

phil gregory

March 10, 2015

god bless Boyd, one of a kind human being

Harry Simpson

February 27, 2015

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Douglas Wright

February 6, 2015

I just learned about Boyd's work today. I saw a picture of CadZZilla linked on a Facebook page and started searching. WOW! His art lives on. My condolence to his family and friends.

July 22, 2014

Our prayers go out to his family and the whole office,his builders. Tom Amori, Apple Valley,Ca.

justin burgess

July 21, 2014

You where the man. U proved me right time after time to my brother.

Dutch Carr

July 8, 2014

very simply a huge fan

July 3, 2014

Just learned of Boyds death now, 8 years later. I am and will continue to be a fan of American Hot Rods. Mr. Coddington still provides me with many hours of entertainment.
Chris Addison, Las Vegas, Nv.

john zwart

June 8, 2014

john and marion van der zwart
the netherlands

S Lace

January 24, 2014

Watching BC right now, still is surreal, like his is still building the best darn rods around.. Not forgotten <3 Died too young~

bertram joyette

October 17, 2013

u were an inspiration r.i.p boyd c

September 30, 2013

Great show Boyd RIP in Hot Rod Heaven AL Chesterfield Va

Mat

April 22, 2013

Boyd Coddington family I am so saddend about this still to this day. My heart goes out to you and your family. I still watch your show faithfully. The hot rod world owes you a great deal of respect and honor. Here's to you Boyd and family sending prayers your way. Thank you for all that you have given us Boyd. Mat from Boston

Frank Garcia

April 19, 2013

may you rest in peace and we miss you

s. d.

February 28, 2013

Hot rod world will never be the same . r.i.p boyd c.

michelle kempff

February 8, 2013

Sorry about ur loss. My husband and son still watch his programs. Another grt loss to this world.

scott williams

January 21, 2013

You were so dam good at what you did god called on you to come and build his. I bet it was one heck of a burnout going through the gates. Sometimes as adults we make up things to explain to kids what something is or means a little fib, from now on those puffy white clouds will be Boyd Coddingtons burnout in the sky.

Michael J Mang

January 19, 2013

Here it is 2013 , and I did'nt even know of Boyd's passing!! What a terrible loss,to his family and the whole car culture ! Rest in peace my friend!!!!!

gary campbell

January 17, 2013

i know it has been awhile but my son and i have thought of boyd as and idle. we are building a 1972challenger. his name comes upquite often. guess he says that as crabbie as iam maybe i was related. lol he was a great american icon.

Jim Pettine

December 1, 2012

Even though you've been gone for 4 years now,its nice to see American Hot Rod on the Destination America channel. Rest in peace,as your legend lives on.

Karen Wooten

September 1, 2012

So sorry to hear this news, prayers to the family, watched american Hot Rod series, have friends that rebuilt a 56 Chevy and have Boyd Coddington wheels. what a great loss, so sorry to hear this news.

leo

April 11, 2012

You were the very best and I miss your show immensily I hope to someday start restoring cars but i am sure not to details you did no one not even foose can hold a candle to your work

Andrew Brown

August 11, 2011

Oh well, such is life.

gary owen

April 30, 2010

boyd you will be sadly missed now that your gone lets hope all your family new and old use this oportunity to come togeather and become one big family r.i.p boyd this place is a sadder place without you

adrian fawcett

March 22, 2010

so very sory to here the news,hot rod series is running over here in england and has a big following,boyd your cars will live for ever ,god bless his family and friends x

stephen howe

March 4, 2010

Sorry to hear of the loss of a great man i have just started to watch the hot rod series and we are in England. we Boyd watch everyday he had a great talent for turning a old classic into a work of art and the world will far less bright and cheerful may he rest in peace and our thoughts are with his family in this hard time.

Steve Quick

December 5, 2009

Just started to watch & get into the world of hot rods by Boyd, never has a man been such a master of his craft as him,the world of hot rods will be a poorer place without his mad skills,rest in peace dude.

delmar williamson

November 8, 2009

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Philip Price

January 14, 2009

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

brian carpenter

October 11, 2008

boyd you will be greatly missed in the hot rod world. keep lighting them up up there man...we all loved you

Annie McDaniel

May 30, 2008

Was shocked and saddened by the death of Boyd, he truely was one of a kind, and a remarkable designer of one of a kind rods. He will be missed terribly.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Jo, his sons.
Rest in peace Boyd--- You were the Man.

Harold Fosdick

April 26, 2008

I never got to know you in person but I wish that I could have. I love every thing that I have seen and watched every show. You will be missed. My blessings to the Coddington family.

Linda Hawkins

April 26, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Coddington family. My husband and I enjoyed his show immensely.
God Bless!

Taylor Walker

April 24, 2008

Boyd, my family and I enjoyed your show and creations. You are at home with the Lord. You and your loved ones will be remembered in our prayers. Thank you for shows.

Darrin Morseman

April 24, 2008

boyd even if we never met I was a big fan of yours you are a big inspiration to all of us. I love your show!

1940 Plymouth Club Coupe GREEN with a 'Cuda 340 ci

G. Dennis Parker

April 24, 2008

He will be missed

donnie ledford

April 22, 2008

i have truely lost a mintor and a isperathion in my life, dont think of boyd as passed think of hime as mooved on to faster tracks sliker cars and looking down on us guiding our hands from time to time in our trade mutch love to all the coddingtons. thanks for all the years.

Blue Gann

April 16, 2008

Boyd showed us see the world through his eyes. And WOW what a view! I am grateful for the time he was here.

Donald Stewart

April 15, 2008

Sorry to hear about a great legend, and a man with great appreciation for automobiles, always loved his show and his talent, my deepist sympathy to his family. The memories will last for ever.

Dennis Samperi

April 13, 2008

I was very shocked to hear about this sad news. A huge loss to the hot rod community. My heart goes out to his family. He will be missed!

Russ Whitmore

April 6, 2008

Great loss for the Hot Rod Community, Loved to watch his show have a photo of his version of a 32 pedle car that was his entry for charity.

kenny mofield

April 4, 2008

my deepest sympathy to all those who knew and loved boyd. he was a master builder. although he won't build any more cars, his style will live on in those he taught. his influence will live in all who have marveled at his creations.

R.B. Mushaney

April 4, 2008

Boyd was the greatest in a very talented field of builders. You will be sorely missed and left far too soon. Godspeed.

Stanley T Rzad III

April 3, 2008

To Boyd, Jo, family, and friends. You will be missed. Your designs are timeless and your American Hot Rod Show was a pleasure to watch.

David Willett

April 2, 2008

Boyd! You will be missed dearly. I looked forward to your show on a weekly basis. (from one tradesman to another.) (David Willett, Burks Falls, Ontario Canada.)

Darryl Steele

March 30, 2008

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Charles/Jamie Ives

March 30, 2008

My husband loved watching you build cars. You are an icon. You will definetly be missed.

Robert

March 29, 2008

An eye for style was your gift to me.
Without you there wouldnt be so many great car builders, you were truely a pioneer. You will be missed

Joe

March 29, 2008

I will miss you and the show. I an greiving as well.

BOYD CODDINGTON JR

March 26, 2008

YOU WILL BE MISSED.YOU WERE A TRUE GENIUS.

Bent Rune Ous

March 25, 2008

We gone miss you inn norway

Cc Pond

March 24, 2008

Boyd a man of talent One who will be truly missed in the car world and as a great person We will miss you

RON CRANE

March 24, 2008

CAR GUY FROM THE FIRST WATER. SORRY TO SEE YOU GO.

Paul Christensen

March 20, 2008

I'm going to miss seeing Boyd (and the crew on "American Hot Rod") on T.V. and at various motor events around the country. He was one of the greats of the business!

Mike Hardiman

March 19, 2008

Our hearts go out to the family

vizzo

March 19, 2008

rip boyd you were the real deal!

johnnys auto trim-john-mike-aron-ryan martin

March 18, 2008

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Ruben Marquina

March 18, 2008

Boyd...It was my pleasure seeing you around the town, In N Out Burgers, the Italian restaurant, and especially the shop. Thank you for helping with my GTO paint job, you will be very missed in La Habra. My condolences to the Coddington family.

jackie evans

March 18, 2008

boyd we never meant you but you will be missed from alot of people we watched you on tv all the time rest in peace and my thoughts are with your family from jackie and joe in florida.

Carlos Diaz

March 18, 2008

Boyd you were an insperation to a lots of people. You will for ever live in our hearts.

Michael Jungck

March 15, 2008

Boyd you will be missed by everone who ever seen your cars and watched them being built. rest in peace

Ed Caldwell

March 14, 2008

It was great to watch the show every week. You will be missed.
Ed

Richard Barry

March 14, 2008

I hope that Boyd's family get a chance to read my small note. I recently moved to Sweden and in my search for a job I found myself watching a program everyday in teh morning here. Boyd's show brought a regular injection of fun, ambition and energy to my morning whilst I looked for a job. I will miss watching his show and hope that the journey through your grief is as short as possible....

Chris @ Michele Hawk

Chris @ Michele Hawk

March 14, 2008

You had a great talent and will be missed forever rest in peace Boyd!

John Prescott

March 13, 2008

Our deepest sympathies to the Coddington family. We enjoyed the show and would always get recharged to get back out in the garage to work on my restoration. I'm sure he inspired many.

JEFFREY WHEELER

March 13, 2008

I WAS TOLD ABOUT BOYD GROWING UP MY MOTHER WENT TO SCHOOL WITH HIM WE WATCHED THE SHOW EVERY CHANCE WE WERE ABLE WE WILL MISS HIM VERY MUCH THANK YOU FOR ALL THE GOOD TIMES

Lawrence Hammond

March 12, 2008

We have lost another great person who had the passion and God given gift of working on and building cars. Mr Coddington will be missed.

Mike Asher

March 12, 2008

As a young builder I have looked up to Boyd Coddington since I started playing with cars at the age of 12. He was one of my long time idols and I wish that I could have met him before this unfortunate event. He will forever be missed and never forgotten.

Frank Schöbel

March 11, 2008

We will never forget you!!!!!!!!!!!
Frank from Germany.

Bruce Grady

March 11, 2008

As a car restorer ,I have learnt so
much just watching the show.Boyd will be missed by a lot of people he never even knew.What a great tribute.my condolences.

Brad Arnett

March 10, 2008

I will always remember Boyd Coddington for all his T.V. shows I watched all the time.He was a great one and always will be. Only the good die young!!!

Donny and Kiersten Fisk

March 9, 2008

Boyd will be missed not just by me but the HotRod community. I just hope that everyone in the famliy and at the shop are doing ok.
GOD BLESS.

NOEL BEALE

March 9, 2008

Boyd i loved your show although i my self did not own a hotrod,i picked up some some great ideas.for a future build.Very sorry to hear of your passing,my deepest sympathy Jo and family .GOD BLESS NOEL BEALE SOUTH AFRICA.

Bob and Angie Schweingruber

March 8, 2008

Please accept our deepest sympathies. God bless you all.

Bob and Angie Schweingruber

March 8, 2008

Please except our deepest sympathies. God bless you all.

charlotte walker

March 8, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

Leo Love

March 7, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

jack cavanee

March 7, 2008

we loved to see what boyd and the crew was building, we have seen his work in reno and gateway colo, please keep the shop going, sorry for your loss.

Dan Catharine Riley

March 7, 2008

Please accept our deepest sympathies.

rodney & letty mc sweeney

March 7, 2008

you will be missed dearly

Jeff Dvojack

March 7, 2008

You brought hot rodding to a new level you will be missed

Dennis & Annette Ricklefs

March 7, 2008

Boyd was a close friend for 35 years. He was good to us, and our 2 sons. We will miss him very much. He helped our business letting my husband show his talent. Boyd trusted his input. Our best to the family. Thanks, Boyd you were a friend. We owe you alot. You will be missed. We had good times with you and loved being around you. We watched your business grow and the boys, from Stanton days.

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