A legend in the jeep world, Don Prine passed away this morning at the age of 97. Involved in jeeps since the age of the prototypes (he was one of the drivers who drove a jeep up the capital steps in early 1941), Don has lived and breathed jeeps — jeeping, racing, selling parts and servicing them through Prine Jeep — his entire life. I used to see him at races when I was a kid. In 2008 I spoke to him over the phone about stainless bodies; he couldn’t have been more helpful. He will be missed.
You can read about Christian Hazel’s visit with Don here:
http://www.ewillys.com/2012/08/27/part-ii-of-the-don-prine-story/
Left to Right — Don Prine, Christian Hazel, Herm Tilford. Photo by Marty Tilford.
Don Prine never met me, but his story impressed upon me how important it is to pass on the history that he lived. I first knew of Mr. Prine’s contributions to the Jeep at the Saturday Dinner during the Northwest FC Get-together about three years ago. As we filed into the restaurant, Pop Pratt saw him having a nice, quiet dinner, where his daughter (who raced Jeeps, too.) was the lead chef. He split away to say a friendly hello to Mr. Prine. Pop came back and asked me, “That’s Don Prine. Do you know who he is? ” Hailing from two states away, I promptly said without emotion, “No.” Then he explained to me about Mr. Prine and a bit of his history and about his Jeep shop. Now, I thought “He’s a pretty neat guy.” But I didn’t want to interrupt his dinner, so I didn’t bother to go over and introduce myself, even though Pop made a point to say good-bye as we were leaving.
I think of that day I met him, but he didn’t meet me, and that I at least know who Mr. Prine is, and what he stand for. He will never know that someone like me who reveres his life with Jeeps appreciates all the knowledge he has acquired over the years. As with the loss of many WWII veterans, I think: There goes another little spot in history; the young lad who drove up the Capital Steps; and we lost a wealth of knowledge with his passing. His knowledge and experience with Jeeps is something we all strive to achieve. I see that quest for knowledge in person, and here on the information highway.
**Steve E.**
He will be greatly missed. Im proud that I was able to spend time with him these last few years at the jeep races. My highlight would have to be taking Christian Hazel, the editor of JP to meet him and do an article about him.
Thanks for the post Dave. I will forward any information I get about his services when or if they have them.
I know one thing for sure, I will be going and proudly be driving my Jeep in his memory.
My brother and I went to meet Don , in August 2012. We both bought jeeps from him. We spent a day with him . Don showed us his jeep collection, and then he took us out to lunch. I will never forget our trip to meet him. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Don and his family.
Eric Jarvis
Don was a true Babe Ruth in the Jeep world. A legend from the beginning . God give him eternal peace. He is now with the good lord as one of his many proud soldiers.
I seemed like a great man even though most of us never meant him. I hope his stories, his history will be available as a book. The article I read is a good start.
I am glad I got to know Don he was a great person and a awesome friend he taught me more about jeeps
than anyone else.He was the man that got me involved in the stainless steel jeep world I will never forget the look on his face when he seen my black 1953 willys 3b Hihood with all the Jewels stainless on it He had a smile form ear to ear. Prine jeep was where I got some of my first stainless parts for my flatfender projects .He will be missed and there is a lot of knowledge gone also. He will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
DON PRINE
Obituary
Don Prine Born in Ellsworth, Wisconsin on November 22, 1917, Don passed away on at great peace on March 22, 2015 at the age of 97-1/3. As the second eldest of 5 children of August and Dorothy Prine, he helped on the family farm and assisted his father in his construction business of building bridges. During the Great Depression he joined the Conservation Corps, which provided infrastructure for the country. He enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II, and during his service he was awarded the Purple Heart. Don owned and operated Prine’s Jeep Service in Tillicum for 52 years along with his son Donnie. While in the Navy, he had his first contact with the jeep while serving under Admiral Sharp, one of only three star Admirals in the service at the time. Don was the Admiral’s mechanic for his personal jeep. As the jeeps came off the assembly line, they were shipped to Washington, DC, where Don’s unit was in charge of distributing them throughout the United States for overseas use. President Roosevelt became a believer in the jeep and its role in the victory of World War II after Don drove it up the White House steps to prove how awesome the jeep was. His biggest passion was those jeeps he saw in 1942 – the Bantam, Willys, and Fords. Dad loved his family, jeeps, and hunting. He enjoyed Sunday dinners with his children and working on the race jeeps because “that next race is coming up quick and we gotta be ready.” Don is survived by his sons Randy and Keith, daughter Diana, and grandson Alex. He was preceded in death by his son Donnie. Special thanks to Gentiva nurses Chris, Cassie, Julissa, and Amanda for all their wonderful care and support. Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, March 28th, at Fir Lane Funeral Home, 924 E. 176th St. in Spanaway. Please drive your 4WD’s and come in your PNW gear. Throughout his lifetime Dad was grateful for his friendship with so many people. Miss You Dad!
Funeral Home
Fir Lane Memorial Park Funeral Home & Chapel
924 176Th St E Spanaway, WA 98387
(253) 531-6600
– See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tribnet/obituary.aspx?n=don-prine&pid=174478637#sthash.iAPWRqWL.dpuf