A Passing...

[mercsgoodgirl]

Early yesterday, my dad, 86, slipped peacefully away. It seemed very fitting that he died on Memorial Day.

Comments

[brontosproximo]

The passing of a hero and exemplar for all of us. I thank you and your family for his service both military and with the park service.

[mercsgoodgirl]

Thank you so much BP. You and my dad had much in common, one of the many reasons I've always enjoyed your posts. Looking at your icon I return to so many memories of his workshop, the smell of freshly cut wood, the tools worn smooth through many years of skilled use, and the mysteries he was ever 'discovering' inside those pieces of walnut and buckeye and applewood. :)

[brontosproximo]

I would strongly recommend contacting www.chipchats.org or a local woodcarving group to capture the legacy of your father's works. Too often when a carver passes, their unique insights and designs are lost to the community.

Depending on what your father has preserved, it can be as simple as an article about his pieces or as complex as inventorying and publishing his patterns.

I've been involved in a couple of these projects so let me know if you have questions.

[mercsgoodgirl]

Thanks you for this thoughtful suggestion. Actually, we donated a collection of his work to the local Arts Council as part of their permanent display of local folk art. He had to go into assisted living about eight years ago, and his estate was dissapated to create resources for his care. I retained many of his hand tools and books and my husband kept a few larger pieces of machinery. I know that he frequently worked from the patterns of others in books and ChipChats, but never found any patterns for his original pieces. Mostly he did smaller pieces: animals, birds and cartoon figures. He also made a lot of furniture we had as I was growing up.

[alsunwunderland]

Thinking of you and sending good karma, peaceful thoughts and prayers your way.

[mercsgoodgirl]

Thanks, hon.

[sorryno]

May he rest in peace. I'm glad he visited you in your dreams to let you know he was okay :) *hugs*

[mercsgoodgirl]

Thank you. *hugs you back* Yeah, that dream was great and just him.

[xenaclone]

May his ship steer faultlessly into the harbour

[mercsgoodgirl]

Thanks, XC. I found myself thinking of that line from "Peter Pan": "...Straight on 'til morning!"

[quicksilverjen]

My sympathies. He was a true member of "the Greatest Generation," and the world is poorer for his passing.

[mercsgoodgirl]

Thank you, Jen.