IN MEMORY OF TANK We recently lost a true legend within the motorcycle community with the passing of Tank – of Tuff Cycles. We were blessed to have him within our local riding community and regardless of the challenges he faced – he always had an open door at his shop for anyone stopping by. As talented as he was, it was his character and heart that left such an impact on those that were fortunate to have known him. In considering how we might honor and remember him, I thought that it only fitting that for someone who impacted so many – we share the words of many. As cool as the machines are – it’s the spirit of Brotherhood that truly unites and drives the ride. Thanks for being such an incredible example to us all. – D. A. Smith
“ Tank Tuff he was the most innovative and talented master of creating amazing spectacular motorcycles. Every custom builder on this planet will feel this void that has been created. He was genuine, one of a kind and, one of the pioneers in custom motorcycle fabrication. A genius above the rest, a gentle giant, a kindhearted loving human being, a friend amongst friends, a buddy and, my cousin. RIP Tank until we meet again on the "Momma Koo Koo Rock" in Heaven and you better not cheat.” – “Big Man” 46 46
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“He was truly very talented . I am proud to call him my friend.” – Donnie Smith “I was very fortunate to have visited the famous Tank Tuff at his custom motorcycle emporium whilst visiting my friends in USA a year ago. He didn’t know me from Adam, welcomed me in (using many expletives) sat me down with a beer and verbally abused me like a long lost brother. Unfortunately he passed away recently so my thoughts and prayers go with him and his family. He was a rough diamond and an extremely talented craftsman who turned motorcycles into art. There can never be another Tank like you, thank you.” – Paul S. “Met Tank when he was 14 or so. His dad, Bob brought him to work at a bodyshop in Bedford we both worked one Saturday for one reason or another. Tank told me a few years ago "I remember going to work with my dad, you had the engine out of your bike masked off and sandblasting getting ready to paint. I never forgot it." I never for one moment felt I ever left any kind of impression on him. But what a compliment! RIP Tuff guy. You gave too much to others.” – Dave G “Remembering the way back days like 40 years ago, driveway drinking and just hanging out ... before he was famous :) Rest in Paradise Tank.” – Jackie R. M. “Tank, you taught me so much. You were a hard working talented painter and bike builder. I respect and love you. You are missed! Enjoy your next journey.” – JR “Another great, gone too soon. The passing of our friend, Tank Ewsichek (owner of Tuff Cycle in Aurora, OH) over the weekend was a punch in the gut. Tank was much more than a bike builder or a dealer, he was a good friend to our company. We were extremely fortunate to work with him on many projects over the years. His incredible builds and creative paint jobs graced the covers of several FatBooks, but it was his big-softy personality and humor that will be missed most. RIP Tank – Ride in Peace.”
Merry Christmas
– DRAG SPECIALTIES Corporate Release “Ohana means family, family means no one gets left behind or forgotten. It was a pleasure knowing you. The memories of you will fill our minds and warm our hearts. RIP Tank Tuff” – A. Misseldine THUNDER THUNDER ROADS® ROADS® OHIO OHIO MAGAZINE MAGAZINE
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“Tank, the one feeling I’m experiencing is awe. I am in awe of how many paths he crossed and lives he made an impression on. Although saddened by his passing I know he is up there with some of the best right now" – M. Ewsichek “It’s hard to believe. I worked at Kendall John Customs During biker build off. Tank came to town to paint the bike. I got to work with him for two weeks. He was a great guy. Rest in peace Tank.â€? – Jack Scheffer “There are only a handful of people in life that truly have an impact you. If you never had the pleasure of knowing Tank, you could never understand that impact. He was as large as life (literally), the center of attention and always the life of the party. He loved anything on wheels, his family and his friends. Every Saturday, or any day for that matter; he rolled out the welcome mat. Didn’t matter if you had money or didn’t bring a thing, everybody was welcome. He’d give you his last dollar or anything else he had if you needed help. If you needed someone to talk to, he’d always listen. And almost always tell you to “suck it the fuck upâ€? and ask if you wanted a beer. He was the first guy to reach for the check every time you went out to eat or drink. If he’s ever called you a “sackâ€?, “pouchâ€?, “bagâ€?, “hagâ€? or “meat whistleâ€?, those were usually terms of endearment. If he called you those and he didn’t know you, not so much! Holidays will never be the same! Godspeed my friend.â€? – J Newhouse “Tank will truly be missed he did so much for so many including myself I was hospitalized for a yr for anurism tank and his guys participated in a bike run to help me they all used to come up to village for bkfst when I worked I am so sad to hear this god bless him and his family!â€? – Ellen Eisele “Buddy I will bend a few straws for YOU as we did for your dad .Will miss you very much.â€? – Donnie Smith “The memories and laughs will last forever..... you were a special personTank....I will treasure being part of your posse, love you ď¸? Behnke xoxoâ€? “Man, we had some great times playing this game of life! Tank was a talented fabricator and builder. And always full of 1 liners about all kind of shitđ&#x;˜Ž He will be missedâ€? – Kim Suter “Sorry to hear. He will be missed.â€? – Cory Ness “RIP Tank – coming from Mr. Z. My dad had him on the radio back in 94’‌ he was a class act for sure, a good dude.â€? – C. Zanoskar “I remember bringing a bike back to you. I told you it wouldn't shift. Lol you got on it and ripped it down the road, came back and said. "Shifts fine, choppers ain't Harleys, get some balls and let her breathe" I knew if I made it up on the hill I was always safe. You be safe man and RIP brother. Tank Tuff you were talent!â€? – Jesse C., Jr. “RIP Tank – Til’ we meet again on the Breakfast Ride.â€? – J. Allen “Cheers to you! I’ll love you always!! They broke the mold with you. I’m a better person for knowing you!â€? – Lizzie C. N. “He told me it was a Road King so he gave it a crown. Friends with him since 1982. He had a heart of gold.â€? – John Baker “This man has taught me so much over the years (good and bad) and I’ll never be able to repay him for that. Tank was like a second father to me in more ways then one and I’m going to miss his crazy ass! The world lost another good one. Rest In Peace tank thanks for everything old man, the sack will see you again one day.â€? – K. Lohr 48 48
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“These two were huge influences in my life. And they built some of the baddest bikes together. I can only imagine what they are up to right now.� – Ryan Plesotis
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“Im so thankful to have had this crazy rough around the edges man with a heart the size of a "TANK" my friend. In his own unique way, he was able to share countless lessons about life, love, art, a little about bikes and what not to do with them "gay lights" (inside joke)... Ill never forget all the great times we had together in such a short period of time.” – Bill P “It took me a moment to realize the man I looked up to the most in this world has passed on I couldn't have asked for a better dad he was a great friend to many people and will always be missed until we ride again rest easy dad - Tank.” – Dalton S. “It was a blessing to be able to stand next to one of the most talented men I ever got to meet. Rest high in heaven, Tank Tuff riding with Angel's” – Brian B “Our Hamster family lost another good friend today. Rest in Peace, Tank Tuffaka Ron Ewsichek. You are free of your pain and reunited with your Hamster brothers, friends and family who have been waiting for you. I will miss him, as I know many of you will as well.” – Patty Mesenbrink “Ride Tuff, Tank. R.I.P.” – Rick Fairless “Rest in Peace, Big Brother!” – Rob Roehl
“Today we lost a true gentleman, and a motorcycle genius. RIP Tank Tuff, you will be missed. Good Night, Dad!” – Nigel Benn
“Our hearts are heavy and broken today with hearing about the loss of such a great man. Tank had one of the biggest hearts of anyone I’ve ever met, he was the biggest supporter when it came to Kiely's Lemonade Stand. We will never forget everything you’ve done for us Tank. We were so very lucky to be able to call you our friend. You were very loved and will be greatly missed. You will always hold a special place inside our hearts. Rest In Peace, our dear friend.” – B. Spreitzer THUNDER THUNDER ROADS® ROADS® OHIO OHIO MAGAZINE MAGAZINE
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Moorcycle provided by Tank Tuff, Photo Courtesy: Bob Mazur, TRO, Model: Becky 50
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