In Memory of 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. Click on this link to read more about Frank. In Memory of 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. In Memory of 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 American Association of Woodturners and the world of turned art are many and varied. A true gentleman, he will be greatly missed. In Memory of 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. Click here and here to view photos of Frank and his works… In Memory of William C. (Bill) Floate (September 19, 2006)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, 115 W. Church St., Libertyville, IL 60048 In Memory of William (Bill) A. Giese (July 29, 2006)William A. Giese (1/29/1924 - 7/29/2006), Segmented Woodturner Extraordinaire. Survived by Son William H. Giese & wife Robin, Daughter Catherine Fanucchi & husband Evo, Grandchildren William R. Giese & wife Debi, Nicole Giese, Great Grandchild Julia Giese and Sister Phyllis Thompson. In Memory of Norma G. Bell (June 2, 2006)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. In Memory of Earl Choromokos (May 4, 2006)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, 3229 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229. |
In Memory of Sidney Lorenzo 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. In Memory of Rev. Ellis Willard Baxter, Jr. (6/28/04)Gainesville, GA. 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 -- 1 800 FOLK-SCH or 828 837-2775. 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. 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 31st, 2004.,
at the age of 83, in Jacksonville, FL, where he & June had moved in September of last year. June's phone
number and address are: Phone 904-777-9644; Address 8386 Firefly Lane, Jacksonville, FL 32244. The
remains have been cremated. In Memory of 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 in memory of 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, you can contact Mark at 215-348-0272. His home address is 169 Mechanic Street, Doylestown, PA 18901. Or via e-mail at citytoshore@yahoo.com. ObituariesThis webpage is new as of 2/04. The objective is to provide a place where we can remember former woodturning friends and colleagues. If you would like to submit an entry, please email the AAW Webmaster or Mary Lacer, AAW director mary@woodturner.org. Please do not send jokes or hoaxes. |
