HANOVER, Md. -

The National Automotive Finance Association said one of its founders and the only executive director it's ever had passed away earlier this week.

The NAF Association confirmed in a statement on Friday that Jack Tracey passed away on Monday after a brief illness. The NAF Association said his funeral in Hydes, Md., is scheduled for next Monday.

"He will always be remembered as a founder, leader and fierce advocate for the non-prime automotive lending industry," the NAF Association said in its statement.

The NAF Association plans to proceed with the Non-Prime Auto Financing Conference in Plano, Texas, on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, which also includes a celebration of the organization’s silver anniversary.

While saddened by the passing, NAF Association leadership remains resilient.

“I want to convey to the world is that the NAF will live on — no question about the conference, the organization, our training — any of it. We are here to stay — and that is how we can honor Jack,” current NAF Association president Joel Kennedy said via email.

SubPrime Auto Finance News connected with Tracey and other NAF Association founders for a special feature in the June edition, reminiscing about the organization’s early days and its journey to its current successes. As part of that project that can be read here, Tracey was asked how proud he was to have been part of the association’s formation and continued membership.

“As a founding participant and the association’s initial and only executive director, I feel that this is my most significant professional contribution to an industry that I have been a part of for over 45 years,” Tracey replied in a message sent in late April.

Before leading the NAF Association, Tracey served in executive roles at PNC Bank, Maryland National Bank and Wells Fargo, guiding teams to help the intuitions build their automotive portfolios.

According to an online obituary posted by Evans Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, Tracey is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Tracey; and his daughters, Megan Elizabeth Carroll (Sean); Cara Jean Pyles; and Maureen Aimee Hudson (Chris); and by eight grandchildren, Ryan, Grady, and Molly Carroll; Lizzy, Kealy and Joey Pyles; and Caroline and Nathan Hudson.

The obituary also said that in lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Tracey’s memory.