Roy E. Schabel was not a celebrity, but a person who loved motorcycles and people. He had the ability to bring a spark of life to those around him, just as he did to a freshly built motor. Known only as "Duck", the Litchfield Township businessman never used his real name with any lending institution. There were only a handful of people who knew him by his real name. Duck was a Vietnam veteran who acquired his nickname doing Donald Duck impressions for friends and operated Duck's Putter Parts. The duck paraphernalia that adorned his motorcycle repair shop was a testimony to the name recognition that it gave him both personally and professionally. People came from across the country to have him repair their motorcycle engines and transmissions. Over a period of twelve years Duck judged motorcycle entries to the Cleveland Auto-Rama. As a judge, he was impartial and fair. When Duck became a judge, the problems associated with awarding motorcycle trophies disappeared. Most of the entrants were entertained by Duck's impersonations after the show closed, although very few people knew he was doing them. Roy's life was snuffed out on October 2nd, 1988 when a drunk driver swerved left of center and collided with his motorcycle head on. We at the Cleveland Federated Auto Parts Auto-Rama have decided to honor Roy E. "Duck" Schabel with an ongoing award in his name beginning in 2005. This prestigious award will carry a cash award of $3500.00. The award will be given to the best motorcycle first-time shown that exhibits the most creative originality, design engineering, and workmanship.

Roy was also a Navy Vietnam Veteran Aviation Electrician's Mate Third Class (AE3) attached to Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron Three, HA(L)-3 as a helicopter door gunner from 1970-1971.