PORTLAND, Ore. — Ace Frehley , one of the founding members of the rock band KISS, died this week at the age of 74, leaving behind a legacy of iconic riffs and hits embraced by generations of fans.

In St. Johns, one record store owner is mourning the loss of a rock idol he also called a friend.

Steven Cook, owner of Vinyl Resting Place , met Frehley more than 30 years ago when he was still a teenager. He said the experience changed the course of his life.

“I wouldn’t be here owning a record store today if it wasn’t for KISS and Ace Frehley,” Cook said.

Cook first met Frehley while hanging around before a show. Members of the production team were searching for someone to run the spotlight that night.

“He just turns to me and says, 'You know, what about this kid?' and I was like, 'Ye

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