The family that is the American Association of Woodturners is saddened to lose our woodturning friends and colleagues. If you know of an announcement to be posted here, please contact the AAW webmaster.
Earl Powell (May 7, 2013)
Earl passed away at his home with his wife and son by his side. Earl was a furniture maker and a woodturner who built his dream brookside studio behind his home in Winchester MA. He was a member of Furniture Society, the AAW, Central New England Woodturners, and Collectors of Wood Art. He was involved in activities at the Fuller Craft Museum and brought his warmth and generosity of spirit to the FCM Exhibitions Committee. Earl was one of the invited artists in the “Walk in the Woods” at the 2012 AAW San José symposium. He was a talented artist, had great sense of humor, and will be sorely missed by many.
Donald Manz (Apr 11, 2013)
Donald Manz passed away at his home in Oconto WI. He will be remembered by those who knew him as a close friend and an avid collector of wood, woodworking tools, and wood art. Don joined the AAW in March 1987, membership #598. He was an eager student of the woodturning process and always wanted his current piece to be his best work. He was a charter member of the Wisconsin Woodturners, Northeast Wisconsin Woodturners, Badger Woodturners, and Bay Lakes Woodturners and a member of the Chicago Woodturners and Collectors of Wood Art. Binh Pho got to know Don in 1998, and together they attended many symposiums until his health started failing in 2006. Don enjoyed meeting and talking with other turners and became friends with Curt Theobald, Steve Sinner, Kevin Wallace, Don Derry, Graeme Priddle, Bert Marsh, Ray Key, and Alain Mailland. Donald left behind a few pieces that he wanted to donate to the EOG auction in Tampa 2013. His anonymous contribution to the field of woodturning will be felt for many years. More.
Terry Smith (Mar 31, 2013)
Middle Georgia Woodturners founder and president Terry Smith passed away after a long battle in the hospital. Burial with firefighter honors was atCedar Ridge Cemetery in Gray. Terry was born in Macon. A graduate of Jones County High School, he was a retired firefighter with the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department, having earned the rank of sergeant and serving for 30 years. He was an avid woodtruner and was the founder and president of the Middle Georgia Woodturners. He was also a member of the Middle Georgia Woodworkers, the Barnesville Woodturners, the Peach State Woodturners, and the American Association of Woodturners.
Robert H. Tuck (Jan 2013)
... of Portland OR, an AAW member since December 1986.
William "Bill" Stacy (Feb 2 2013)
Born in Winchester KY on May 20, 1948. An extremely ethical business man, Bill endowed an Engineering Ethics Education Series at the University of Kentucky in 2008. Bill enjoyed a rewarding 37-year career with BellSouth/AT&T, retiring as CIO/Vice President of Telecommunications Business Markets. Bill was always reading, learning, growing and teaching. He was an avid woodworker and collector of antique tools and very much loved the ocean and beach. More.
Jerry Glaser (Jan 8 2013)
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Jerry Glaser, who passed away of a heart attack. He was a pioneer in the woodturning field. He began turning seriously in the 1950s, and his work was exhibited at major shows in the 1960s, alongside Sam Maloof and Bob Stocksdale. Being an engineer, he began making tools after having a conversation with Bob, who talked about what he wanted in a turning tool. Jerry was able to produce the Stocksdale gouge in high speed steel. Although more like a hobby than a business, Jerry created a line of the highest quality woodturning tools, including gouges, skews, scrapers, and screw chuck. Jerry was 93. Register your AAW 20th Anniversary commemorative edition Jerry Glaser gouges.
Frank "Mir" Verner (Dec 28 2012)
Of Mahtomedi MN. More.
Will Dawson (Dec 27 2012)
Willard Dawson passed away in Concord CA. Born in 1933, he was active in drama, music, and photography, journalism, and English. He served in the Navy, was a Berkeley CA police officer, and was a member of the Office of Naval Intelligence. He later worked for the Bay Area Rapid Transit (northern California), retiring to Oregon to take up woodturning and carving, teaching woodturning in his shop. Additional pastimes included watercolor painting, astronomy, leatherwork, and foreign languages.
Kenneth D. Neitzel (Nov 28 2012)
of South Milwaukee WI.
Don Comer (Nov 15 2012)
Don was a great woodturning friend and exceptional woodturner. He was an integral and valuable part of Glendale Woodturners Guild, serving as its president for several years. The summer 2004 issue of the American Woodturner journal ran an article about the Glendale Woodturners as a "Chapter Highlight," and Don's spiral-carved cocobolo vessel was featured. He had hollowed it to about 3-8" thick and then hand-carved 1-4"-deep spiral grooves to perfection. In his "real life," Don had been an aerospace manager of small satellite programs.
Robert "Bob" Matern (Oct 9 2012)
Bob, of Lucas TX, passed away October 9, 2012. He earned his degrees from the University of Michigan and moved to Texas in 1967 to work for Touche, Ross, Bailey & Smart, and then the Berkeley Insurance Group before starting his own CPA business. He returned to & retired from Berkeley. Bob & his family moved to Murphy TX in 1976, where he enjoyed volunteering for the Murphy VFD and serving as Mayor pro tem. Bob was an avid woodturner and was a member of Southwest Association of Turners, Dallas Area Wood Turners, and Hunt County Wood Turners. Please send donations to the Selwyn College Preparatory School via the Northstar Bank, c-o Selwyn School, 400 North Carroll Blvd., Denton TX 76201.
William "Bill" Neddow (Oct 2 2012)
Bill, 72, passed away on October 2, 2012. He began his career in journalism before turning his talents to public service, retiring from the Department of Finance in 1997 and finding a true passion in woodturning. This hobby became all-consuming and led to him discovering a second family of woodturners from all around the world. The family would appreciate donations to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Bill Jewell (Jun 21 2012)
Many of you knew Bill, the founder of the Historical Woods project. Bill developed a brain aneuryism and passed away June 24. For those who had the pleasure of working with Bill, you had to admire his unending enthusiasm for the medium. Bill was always upbeat and worked tirelessly to promote his project and the many talented artists he was able to enlist in it. He will be missed.
Bill McCoy (May 17 2012)
A charter member of Willamette Valley Wooodturners in Salem OR and Beaverstate Woodturners in Eugene OR, Bill passed away on May 17. He was an accomplished turner, extremely knowledgeable and unselfish with his talent and knowledge. He knew who was in the greater arena and what & how they were doing their specialty. Even though beset by health issues in later years, Bill continued to turn and make lovely gifts for family and friends. It would be hard to find someone with a greater scope of knowledge concerning the turning world and turners. He was a member of the Northwest Chapter of the International Wood Collectors Society. A dedicated citizen, Bill and his wife Verlean were instrumental in bringing a library to the community of Creswell OR. Anyone who knew what they were looking at appreciated Bill's talents right up front. He has give numerous demonstrations for clubs and helped many individuals unselfishly. He will be missed.
Phil Brennion (May 15 2012)
Phil Brennion passed away May 15 at the age of 58. He was a professional woodworker since 1976, joining the AAW in 1987. He was active, involved, and highly respected within the woodturning world. He served on the AAW Board of Directors 2002-2005 and as president those last two years. He was an effective leader, skillful organizer, excellent communicator, and a visionary. In the most positive way, he motivated people with whom he worked. He was always open to new ideas and was instrumental in starting the AAW Youth Program and the Professional Outreach Program. He also initiated and promoted the AAW's permanent collection. Many knew Phil from his leadership positions in the AAW. The list of other accomplishments includes talented woodturner; teacher in Chino Valley AZ, where he was instrumental in creating an unprecedented woodturning program at Yavapai College; co-owner of Van Gogh’s Ear, a successful crafts gallery in Prescott; and author of articles in American Woodturner and WOOD magazine. Phil made the most of each day. His determination, knowledge, positive attitude, and friendliness were inspirational. Those who knew him were deeply saddened by the debilitating circumstances he encountered over the years and now mourn his recent passing. At the same time, our memories of the man, the turner, the teacher, the leader, and his spirit will forever be cherished. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Prescott Area Woodturners, Prescott AZ. More.
Jim Bohmer (Apr 1 2012)
Jim was a member of North Coast Woodturners since May 1993 and treasurer from 1998 through 2004. During Jim's membership, he did several demos for the club and helped in the teaching program mentoring new turners. He was very passionate about wood turning and always willing to help members in the club. He will be missed by all. More.
Patricia Thompson (May 5 2012)
Patricia G. Thompson, age 59, of N. Olmsted, passed away suddenly on March 5, 2012. More.
Henry E. Cahill (Jan 26 2012)
Henry E. Cahill, 90, of Abington died on Thanksgiving Morning at the Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital. Cahill has been a member of AAW since 1986 and was a founder and former President of the South Shore Wood Turners Club. More.
Robert E. Bahr (Jan 1 2012)
Robert E. Bahr, M.D., 79, passed away Sunday, January 1, 2012 at his home in Fort Wayne. Born in Fort Wayne, he was a Medical Doctor and co-founder with First Care Physicians for 39 years, retiring in 1997. He founded NEI Chiselers and Turners Woodturning Club, member of Artlink and Fort Wayne Museum of Art; and enjoyed golfing and cycling. More.
Ed Moore (11-9-11)
C. Edward Moore, 73, died Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at his home in Burnt Chimney VA. Mr. Moore was a native of Seaford DE. Carrying on a family tradition, he was a master woodworker. He designed and crafted custom furniture for homes in Annapolis. Artifacts of Maryland history are displayed at the state's Court of Appeals Building in a case built by Mr. Moore. He authored numerous articles for woodworking publications. He shifted his attention to woodturning and made his mark with ornaments and decorative boxes. He led the organization of the Smith Mountain Lake Woodturners Club and was an instructor at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown NC. More.
Norene Nish (9-6-11)
The AAW board and staff are sad to learn of the passing of Norene Nish, wife of Dale Nish. We wish to express our condolences to the family and hope they find comfort with the wonderful memories of joyful times together as we celebrate a life well lived. In loving memory of a wonderful supportive person that was dedicated to family and community. Norene will be missed. More.
Ken Sager (8-31-11)
We have received word that Ken Sager, the Founding President of the New Zealand National Association of Woodturners, passed away at the end of August. Ken forged many ties between US and NZ. At 90, Ken was still going to his workshop to turn a bowl every day. Ken often traveled to the Utah and AAW symposiums and demonstrated for numerous AAW chapters. He was instrumental in bringing many US turners to NZ. Ken was a source of inspiration to all the turners in NZ and a a few years ago was awarded a Queens honor for his services to woodturning and the community. He will be deeply missed. More.
Bert Marsh (5-22-11)
Bert Marsh, a prominent English turner, passed away on May 22, 2011. After suffering heart problems for a number of years, Bert passed during a recent operation trying and correct them. He is survived by his wife Mary and two sons. Bert was made an Honorary Life Member of the Association of Woodturners of Great Britain in August 2009 for his contribution to woodturning. More.
Joan Gilmer Kelly (5-17-11)
Joan Kelly passed away on May 17 from complications that were a result of a woodturning injury. Joan would be flabbergasted at the impact her passing has had on the woodturning world. She will be greatly missed by many. More.
Kenneth Dubay (5-19-11)
Kenneth Dubay passed away peacefully at his Columbia residence on May 9. More.
Victor D. Walker (4-23-11)
Victor D. Walker passed away after a brave & courageous fight with liver cancer on April 23, 2011. He was a proud member of AAW and enjoyed woodturning very much. More.
Pete Holtus (4-3-11)
Pete Holtus passed away in Denver CO on April 3. More.
Frank Lafrate (4-1-11)
Frank Lafrate, Cumberland RI, passed away on April 1 in Providence. More.
W. Keith Adams (3-19-11)
W. Keith Adams of Decatur IL passed away on Saturday, March 19. He was passionate about turning wood and was honored to have been one of the founding members of the Association and wasmentioned in a recent article. More.
Stan White (2-13-11)
Norris Stanley White of West Rockhill Township, a carpenter, wood carver and wood turner, died Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, of congestive heart failure. He was 87. More.
Russ Fairfield (1-4-11)
The woodturning community has lost one of it's finest with the passing of Russ Fairfield. Russ was a prolific turner and teacher. He was a frequent demonstrator at clubs and symposiums around the country. Russ authored articles for numerous websites, magazines and journals including the AAW American Woodturner. Russ was an Army veteran, a graduate of the University of Washington, devoted husband, father and grandfather. At his family's request, two of Russ' dear friends turned an urn for his ashes. At his service, members of the Inland Northwest Woodturners brought sawdust and woodchips to be included with his ashes so that Russ could rest with a representation of the art and friends he loved.
Dale Brobst (4-11-10)
Dale passed away on April 11 as a result of injuries sustained in a house fire on April 6th that destroyed everything in his home. He was apparently working on a piece he had turned when the fire broke out, and did not have a fire extinguisher close at hand, which every shop should have. Dale is survived by his wife of 40 years, Clairece. A talented and well-known turner.
Gordon Little (3-30-09)
Gordon Little, fellow woodturner and collector, passed away this last Tuesday, March 30, from complications of a stroke.
Charles Brownold (9-3-09)
Charles Brownold passed away Thursday, September 3, following a brief illness.
Bill Tilson (7-21-09)
Bill passed away July 21, 2009 in Huntsville TX at the age of 63.
Bradford J. Chaucer (4-17-09)
Bradford J. Chaucer of the Wilmington NC Area Wood Turners Association (WAWA) passed away Friday, April 17, 2009, as the result of a car accident.
Giovanni Mastrangelo (4-17-09)
Giovanni “Doc” Mastrangelo, 72, of Flintstone, was killed in an accident on Friday, April 17, 2009. The newest of his many endeavors was woodturning, and in typical fashion, he eagerly read, watched videos, practiced, and attended workshops – all the while passing his new skills on to his grandchildren.
Jerry Rush (4-09-09)
AAW member and former President of the Panhandle Area Turners Society in Amarillo TX, Jerry Rush passed away suddenly in November 2008. Jerry was an inspiration and motivator to club members and the community.
Doug Newlove (4-01-09)
We are very sorry to have to report the death of AAW member Doug Newlove of Toronto Canada.
Don Hunkins (11-23-08)
Don was a long time member of the Sawdust & Woodchips Woodworking Association and joined the CNY Woodturners about 4 or 5 years ago. Because of his health, he was not really allowed to be around woodworking, but he loved the interaction, information, and friendships he made through the clubs. Whenever possible, he was always there to help with our projects.
Jim Bryne (2008)
The wood turning world lost a good friend this year in Jim Byrne. If you knew Jim and think back to when you first met him, you were probably drawn to him by his quick wit and disarming smile. Yet behind that great smile and humble attitude was a man with diverse talents.
Doug Barnes (7-23-08)
Doug Barnes, 68, of Murphy NC, died Wednesday, July 23, 2008. A native of McMinnville TN, he had lived in Cherokee County for the past 27 years. Doug retired in 1993 to pursue a life of woodturning. Doug was President of the Brasstown Woodturners Guild for many years. He was the Resident Artists in Woodturning at the John C. Campbell Folk School and was instrumental in pursuing the dream of a fellow woodturner in getting the new woodturning studio built. Memorials be made Doug Barnes to the John C. Campbell Folk School Woodturning Program, Brasstown NC.
Everett "Frank" Lynn (5-5-08)
Note the passing of AAW member Frank Lynn, a locally well known, great pen and bowl turner. He also made many a turners tools. He will be missed.
Catharine Feringa (10-29-07)
Catharine (Cathy) Louise Feringa, age 35, passed away October 29. She was the youngest daughter of Tymen and Faye Clay, of Oneway Manufacturing, located in Stratford Ontario, Canada. The Clay family have been members of the AAW for many years, always active at our AAW Symposiums as a trade show vendor and a major supporter of our hobby and trade.
Paul Cavanagh (2007)
Paul Cavanagh, our Secretary and member of the Chicago Woodturners for many years, has passed away. A rocket scientist (literally), world sailor, wood artist and collector, and a dedicated family man, the sadness of his unexpected passing is countered by the remembrance of the many wonderful and important things he had accomplished. A kind and generous man, Paul was always the first to volunteer for a club project. He came to every meeting, arriving early to help with set-up and always stayed late to help clean up. He made numerous contributions to the club over the years, both in expertise, equipment and materials. It was through Paul’s efforts that the Chicago Woodturners were able to acquire our most recent classroom lathe. Paul made the first, generous contribution to the fund that will make possible the first Midwest Woodturning Symposium, to be held in 2008. He was among the first to volunteer for a Symposium committee post. Paul was always available to help set up for a Guest Demonstration, and attended nearly every demo held in the last seven years. He took great joy in even the simplest of duties, and without Paul, there would not have been fresh doughnuts at every demonstration. Paul had an eye for great turned art pieces, and was proud of his collection. He not only purchased work from established lathe artists, but pieces from emerging artists whom he felt showed promise and deserved support. To many of us, that makes him a true patron of the art of woodturning. His contributions to the Chicago Woodturners, the AAW, and the world of turned art are many and varied. A true gentleman, he will be greatly missed.
Frank Sudol (December 2006)
Frank left us at the age of 72. He was known as one of the world's leaders in the woodturning community, exciting aficionados and art collectors with his style of piercing thinly milled birch. He created works known for their color, animal shapes and woven filigree designs. He lived in Paddockwood, Saskatchewan Canada and was a member of the Prince Albert Woodturners Guild. Frank was also a member of the AAW for many years. He was to be one of our featured demonstrators at the summer 2007 Portland Symposium. Frank was an inspirational speaker. In one interview with a local newspaper, he shared his philosophy for being a successful artist. "The message for my students is you will never be remembered for what you copied, but you will be remembered for what you created ...Once you reach inside, you will have original work." He is survived by his partner Lois Laycraft and his Children. Photos of Frank and his work.
William C. "Bill" Floate (9-19-06)
William C. "Bill" Floate - A member of the Chicago Woodturners since 1995, passed away on September 19, 2006. Bill contributed to the Chicago Woodturners, the AAW, the Collectors of Wood Art and many other organizations in both spirit and substance. Bill, along with his wife, Carole, were responsible for publishing and distribution of “As the Wood Turns” for many years. Short deadlines and long hours were no problem for Bill. The newsletter always reached the membership on time. He had a keen eye for excellence in woodturning, and frequently took the stage as a reviewer at our monthly meetings. His critiques always pointed out the virtues of a piece, and if there was criticism, it was always accompanied by an explanation of his opinion, encouragement for future work, and an understanding of both the artistic and technical challenges woodturning presents. The Floates opened their home to visiting demonstrators, making travel arrangements, entertainment for their guests, and hosting wonderful dinner parties, where Bill’s graciousness as a host and skills as a chef were always appreciated. Bill’s contributions to the woodturning community and his family and friends will remain an inspiration to all of us. Contributions may be made to Condell Hospice Foundation, Libertyville IL.
William "Bill" A. Giese (7-29-06)
Segmented Woodturner Extraordinaire. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sequoia Humane Society of Humboldt, Eureka, CA.
* Long time resident of Beecher, Chicago area. Resident of Eureka CA since 1983
* Graduate of Lane Tech, Chicago Il
* Graduate of University of Pittsburgh
* Served the US Army Air Corps in WW II as a bomber pilot & flight instructor
* Commander & Helicopter pilot with the 33rd Maintenance Battalion of the Illinois National Guard with rank of Major.
* Former President of Tinley Park Archery Club
* Cabinetmaker & former member of Carpenter’s Union-Local 272
* Recently honored by The College of the Redwoods Wood Fair. 2006 Wood Fair was dedicated to William Giese. Perhaps best known for his segmented woodturnings. Has won many prizes for his works.
* Avid Fly fisherman and wood turner
Norma G. Bell (6-2-06)
Norma G. Bell, 90, of Lake George, Fremont, died Friday, June 2, 2006. He was a former Fort Wayne Businessman. Following the war in 1945, he and associate Robert Federspiel founded Customcraft, Inc., designing and fabricating custom commercial cabinetry, and industrial products used in trade exhibits. After Customcraft, Inc. was sold in 1979 and became Icon, Inc., he served as General Manager until retiring in 1981. He was very active in the Jaycees, Optimist, Rotary, Fort Wayne Advertising Club, Indiana Manufacturing Association, the Fort Wayne Builders Association, and the Exhausted Roosters Club (former Jaycees). He also was instrumental in the efforts to have the Coliseum built, the Embassy Theater saved and restored, and was involved in with the first Sports and Home Shows locally. He and his brother-in-law, John Larimore, co-designed and built the Inland Cat, one of the very first all fiberglass sailboats built. A large fleet of Inland Cats continue to be active at Lake George. After retirement, he became an avid woodturner, and belonged to the International Wood Collectors and the American Woodturners associations. Survivors include his wife, Patricia; son, Gregory Bell (Cathy Husar); daughter, Kathleen Skinner; grandson, Andrew Skinner; and sister, Bette Reed. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Larimore in 1988; brothers, Bruce, Ray, Bob and Noble, and sisters, Helen Bell and Agnes Wilson.
Earl Choromokos (5-4-06)
Earl Choromokos, past Vice President and President of the Ohio Valley Woodturners Guild passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2006. He was 67 years old. Earl had been involved in the leadership of the OVWG since 1994 in some capacity. He was instrumental in starting the original and successive symposiums put on by the Guild. Membership grew quite rapidly due in part to many demonstrations at shopping centers and tool stores. Earl invited many beginning and experienced turners to his shop every Wednesday for many years. We all enjoyed the camaraderie and sharing that is so typical of woodturners. Everyone enjoyed his wit and intelligence. Earl worked for the University of Cincinnati Medical Center after being recruited out of Chicago's Northwestern University. His specialty was photographing the eye. From what we understand many diseases can be diagnosed using this method and he was just one of two people with this specialty in the United States. He also trained doctors from across the US in his specialty. Earl is survived by his wife, Mary, a daughter, Nikki, two grandchildren, Sean and Alexis, and three brothers, Louie, James, and Sandy. His family, friends, and woodturning friends will miss him a great deal. Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, Cincinnati OH.
Sidney L. Rogers (3-26-05)
Sidney Lorenzo Rogers, 81, husband of Mary Sue Valvero Rogers, died at home on March 26, 2005. Born in Carthage, Mo., the son of the late Henry Elias and Lillie Mae White Rogers, Mr. Rogers was the caretaker at Laurel Baptist Church and a graduate of Fruitland Baptist Bible Institute. He also served in the U.S. Navy, was a Mason and a Shriner, and was active with the Greenville Literacy Society, Piedmont Woodcarvers, Carolina Mountain Woodturners, and the American Association of Woodturners. Sid was an accomplished musician, donating much of his time and talent to local nursing homes. He will be missed by his family and many friends.
Rev. Ellis Willard Baxter, Jr. (6-28-04)
Reverend Ellis Willard Baxter, Jr., age 71, of Gainesville GA, passed away at home Monday June 28, 2004. Mr. Baxter was the son of the late Ellis Willard Baxter Sr., and Thelma Stevens Baxter. Funeral services were held Thursday July 1, 2004 at Lakewood Baptist Church with burial following in Memorial Park Cemetery. Dr. Tom Smiley, Sheriff Steve Cronic, Rev. Bob Baxter and Rev. Don Ormsbee officiate. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Sarah Holcombe Baxter, Gainesville; daughters, LouAnne Baxter, Sandy Springs; Mary Elizabeth Baxter, Gainesville; brother-in-law, David Holcombe, Douglasville; nephew, Jeff Holcombe, Aurora CO; niece and great-niece, Julie and Madeline Grace Cromie, Winston GA; and numerous cousins. Rev. Baxter was born in Harralson County, Georgia, but made his home in Hall County. Mr. Baxter was ordained a Baptist Minister at the age of 19. Rev. Baxter graduated from Mercer University, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, North Carolina Baptist Hospital School of Pastoral Care, and was Assistant Administrator at the Georgia Baptist Children's Home. He also graduated from the FBI National Academy after which he served for 17 years as bi-vocational Pastor and Law Enforcement Officer in Gwinnett and Hall Counties. Among the churches he served as pastor include, Belmont Baptist Church, Gainesville, GA and Bethel Baptist Church, Bethlehem, GA, and Pastor and Pastor Emeritus at Lakewood Baptist Church Gainesville, GA. He also held a host of Baptist affiliated denominational positions, and was a member of Johnnie's Hill Masonic Lodge. Willard was a master woodturner. Ten years ago John C. Campbell Folk School, in Brasstown NC, was introduced to Willard – a true wood turner with a background of organization and perseverance. Willard became the resident artist for wood turning. Things started to change. Soon, wood turning became the most sought after class in the program. The class facilities were improved, but space was limited. Willard developed a plan for the total wood arts program. It was based on adding space to the existing building, changing the location of the various wood classes within the building, providing more teaching and working space, bringing utilities up to code, providing better air filtration, increasing equipment, and many other improvements to be able to increase the number of classes and students – all within a pleasant environment. Willard was unable to see the beginning of his plan, having passed away from a victim of brain cancer. It is the goal at the John C Campbell Folk School to finish his dream. When completed, it will be known as the “Willard Baxter Wood Arts Center." A fund-raiser has being initiated in order to raise $ 95,000. Please contact the John C. Campbell Folk School for further information.
Dr. Bob McNeil (9-25-04)
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of #29 in the AAW list of members, Dr. Bob McNeil, a wood turner, sponsor and advocate. He is survived by his wife Dede (also an excellent turner), daughter Margie, and sons Robert & Don. Dr. Bob was an accomplished wood turner and one of the founding members of the Central Coast Woodturners. Through his generosity the club was able to see several demonstrations from professional wood turners such as Rudy Osolnick, David Ellsworth, Melvin Firmager, Ray Key and Gerry Glaser. He and Dede sponsored many club functions. Dr. Bob invited new members to his shop and helped them get started. Then he would encourage them to join AAW and attend professional lessons. I think his mantra was to think outside the box; every challenge project was incredibly creative. He will be missed by the wood turning community and especially by the Central Coast Woodturners.
Reidar Klemetsen (4-30-04)
The Bayou Woodturners lost a great craftsman on April 30, 2004. Reidar Klemetsen, originally of Norway, a resident of Metairie, Louisiana succumbed to a cancer related illness. Reidar (Radar) was a master craftsman and founding member of The Bayou Woodturners. Known as the luckiest man in the club's monthly wood raffle and a man who could appreciate fine woodworking. His friendship and talent be missed by all woodturners.
Don M. Westerman (1-31-04)
Don M. Westerman, Born September 20, 1920, passed away at noon, Saturday, January 31, 2004., at the age of 83, in Jacksonville FL, where he & June had moved in September of last year. The remains have been cremated. June is planning a "Life Celebration and Ashes Dispersal Party" sometime in May in Key West, FL. Don had wanted his ashes to be spread on the waters of the Gulf Stream. She will be happy to have any of his friends attend who wish to. Just call or write and let her know. Don was born in Minneapolis MN, and grew up in Rockwell City IA. He started turning when he was 11 years old, taught by his grandfather. His family was in the lumber business and this provided a great background for a kid bitten by the woodworking bug. He attended college in Ames, Iowa and graduated with a BA in architectural engineering. He spent four and a half years as a pilot in the Air Corps during WW II. After the war he studied naval architecture and went on to a career of building and designing pleasure boats: As chief engineer at Thunderbird Boats; Director of Product Development at Well Craft Marine, VP of Engineering at Chris Craft and Director of Product Development and Design Engineering at Donzi. He spent his last two years as VP of engineering at S-2 Yachts in Holland, MI. After retirement he did some consulting for Yamaha of Japan. Since retirement and taking up woodturning in earnest, Don had his work displayed in several museums and galleries, including Germany, France, Denmark and Japan. Don was instrumental in starting the Brasstown Woodturners. Sometime in May 1993, he, Herb Mulligan, and Lissi Oland got together and decided that there were enough woodturners in the area to try to form a group to help each other. The first meeting was held in Westerman's back yard the evening of July 6, 1993. He had suffered from emphysema for several years, which was the main reason for the recent move to Florida. Don was a good man and a talented artist. We will miss him.
Palmer Sharpless (2003)
It has been almost a year since we lost Palmer Sharpless. In his memory, Mark Krick of Doylestown, PA has created a 6' 5" honey dipper (Palmer was about that tall and was well known for his honey dippers). This honey dipper will be on display at The Wood Turning Center in Philadelphia. Mark asks that anyone who was touched by Palmer in some way turn a honey dipper, split it in half and write a memory or thought about Palmer on it and send it to him. The idea here is that you keep half of the honey dipper Palmer and the other half would be on display. Whole honey dippers are also acceptable as well as other small turnings that you may deem appropriate. Mark would like to receive the dippers by Thanksgiving if at all possible. If you have questions, contact Mark at 215-348-0272 or e-mail.