Calif. tank enthusiast dies at 59

PORTOLA VALLEY, Calif., Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Jacques Littlefield, an army tank enthusiast who made his private collection of military vehicles available to the public, has died. He was 59.

The San Mateo County Times reported Saturday that Littlefield died in the San Francisco-Bay Area Wednesday after a decade-long battle with cancer.

His collection of more than 150 vehicles, including tanks and armored cars, is one of the largest private collections in the world.

The newspaper said Littlefield made his museum a safe haven for people who had to evacuate their homes in the event of an earthquake or fire.

Mitch Postel, executive director of the San Mateo County History Museum, said he will remember Littlefield for "his openness (and) his willingness to share what he had with others."

"He was an extremely gracious host," Postel said. "He was just a terrific spokesman for those who are interested in preserving history."

Littlefield is survived by his wife Sandy, five children and one grandchild.