Carlos Vivas passed away

[Don H.]

On June 30, 2019, Carlos Vivas, 69 years of age, long-time NCRS (10688) and Southern California Chapter member, and founding member of the Central California Chapter, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. Details regarding a service are unknown at this time. Carlos with his wife Sherry restored dozens of corvettes under the C&S Corvette Restorations banner, first in Torrance, then in Nipomo CA. Carlos was extremely well known on the west coast, perhaps less so back east. I am not sure, though he and Sherry were extremely generous opening their home and Corvette themed property for meets, tours, BBQs to both NCRS and the SACC. Carlos will be missed by many. This stellar video tribute was posted on the CF, and if you view it you will get a good sense of Carlos and his wife Sherry.
RIP Carlos.

https://youtu.be/QmSL9VpHXSg

[Harry S.]

Re: Carlos Vivas passed away

Wow, very nice tribute!

[Loren L.]

Re: Carlos Vivas passed away

A Class act. Wonderfully easy to talk with and exchange information. He will be missed. Best to Sherry and the family.

[Brian D.]

Re: Carlos Vivas passed away

Though I never met him personally, I do recall seeing his name listed on many a meet award summary in the back pages of Restorer magazines. My condolences to all his friends and family.

[Tom B.]

Re: Carlos Vivas passed away

Carlos and Sherry are Great People! Sat and talked with them at a few regionals. This was before they moved to Central Ca. He will be missed.

[James G.]

Re: Carlos Vivas passed away

I met Carlos and Sherry back in the beginning of the So. Cal NCRS Chapter days. I want to say 1983-85 era. They both had ''explosive'' enthusiasm for Corvettes and the Corvette hobby. They lived in Torrance California then and were very active with the Champion Chevrolet Corvette club and annual show.

Over the years Carlos got into restorations, and he restored many great cars for both he and Sherry and new friends in the hobby. He took their cars to the DUNTOV AWARD levels many times. He loved 1963-64 models, and had a wealth of knowledge of them.

He spent many hours restoring interiors for customers and did fine work. Later he and Sherry moved to the Central Coast of California. I loved their new home, and their generosity whenever a NCRS or local show was close by, they always hoasted a BBQ in the yard in front of the garage.

VERY FEW PEOPLE ''SHARE'' this hobby, but Carlos always opened his heart to anyone and he ''GAVE BACK''. We had many laughs at POMONA Swap meets, NCRS NATIONAL CONVENTIONS and other major shows across the country. I will miss you my friend.

I wish I was not so may miles away and closer Sherry so I could give you a big hug.

[Ken R.]

Re: Carlos Vivas passed away

So sorry to hear this. They hosted the 2009 National Road tour one evening. It was an evening that I and Vicki will forever remember. Am looking at my photos from that evening.

[Gary J.]

Re: Carlos Vivas passed away

Ken, was this the last night out of the Road Tour? It has been ten years ago. Every cook and cranny was filled with parts, not counting the cars that were double stacked. Sorry to hear of Carlos passing.

[Terry M.]

Re: Carlos Vivas passed away

So sorry to hear this. They hosted the 2009 National Road tour one evening. It was an evening that I and Vicki will forever remember. Am looking at my photos from that evening.

I remember that stop and the kindness and generosity of Carlos and Sherry. My condolences to Sherry and the family. RIP Carlos.

[Chuck B.]

Re: Carlos Vivas passed away

R.I.P. Carlos my friend 🙏
God Bless Sherry & family ✝️🙏

[Ken R.]

Re: Carlos Vivas passed away

Yes it was. It looked then just like the video shows now. They were very gracious hosts for our trip stop.

[Roy S.]

Re: Carlos Vivas passed away

Sometimes there is a loss for words, I've struggled for several days now trying to write something that is meaningful here, its not easy!! Carlos and Sherry were the epitome what what this hobby has been about for me and many others for years. "I came for the cars, I stayed for the people." The video is spectacular and even it in many ways fails to do Carlos justice. Sherry please accept our heart felt condolences to you and the family.