Gene Crozat, founder of G&C Auto Body in Santa Rosa, Calif., has passed away. A post on G&C Auto Body’s Facebook page on Nov. 23rd read:

It is with profound sadness and grief that we must announce the passing of our Husband, Father, Founder and President Gene Crozat. Gene was a unique individual, whose passion for his business, his love for people and his uncompromising devotion to his principles made him a strong leader and loving person. We will miss him dearly.

We ask that in place of flowers that you please donate to his Crozat Family Foundation which was near and dear to his heart so that his work to help families in need will be continued in his memory.

BodyShop Business covered a lot of the developments with G&C Auto Body over the years, including its expansion to 11 shops throughout Northern California, its efforts to become more environmentally friendly and Crozat’s fight against steering. Editor Jason Stahl credits Crozat with educating him on the collision repair industry when he first joined BodyShop Business 10 years ago.

“Gene was one of the first industry people to call me and educate me on what was happening out in the collision market,” said Stahl. “It’s not everybody who can take the time and effort to teach a newbie the ropes, but Gene was more than generous with his time in enlightening me on the inner workings of the auto body business.”