Rest in Peace Will (Old Bessie)

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KenV

Member
Joined
Oct 28, 2005
Messages
4,720
Location
Juneau, Alaska.
Yesterday I got a box of blanks from Will and started a thread thanking him.

This morning I got the following PM. I like thinking that Will has joined the Celestial Chapter of IAP and is trading stories with suitable beverages with other pen turners.

" Old Bessie peacefully passed away this evening


Ive lived my life as honest and true as an old phart can. Was caught every time I did something wrong, paid the price and learned many a hard lesson. I was called a cripple, less than man, mute, retard and worse--and kept a smile on my face. Developed about a billion cheeks to turn---and lived the goal of being a nice man. A man who cared for everyone in so many ways you'd be able to just shake your head for days. Well it's my turn to leave this orb. Sickness, disease, multiple disabilities have worn me fdown. SInce I feel the quality of life is going going gone I have no concern for the quantity anymore. Hopsice people are wonderful and aiding me to fade out. Be kind to one another here. Share. Be polite and nice.
I hope that KenV recfeived his box of blanks and that he liked them--it was my last caper. Be well KenV--my Grandson Billy can fillyou in on the stories. I can say that I feel happy to be a mmber here most of the time. Look after the youngsters pass on the trade. Im kind a tired-gonna take my medicine and a nap. Be well.






I found Wll's computer on, he was slumped at the keyboard, and from all appearances passed away peacefully after writing your group this note. To fulfill his seeming intent I am forwarding this and can extend our thanks on behalf of the family-for the kindnesses that so many extended my dad. Thanks. So much to do and so much to plan. 8/15/1943 -9/13/2016 73years"


God Bless Will, God Bless
 
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I am deeply saddened to hear of Wll's passing. Aside from reading some of Wll's posts, I did not really know Wll. One thing that I know is that Wll must have been a very good teacher. As evidenced from the following excerpt from one of his posts, he certainly passed some outstanding skills along to his 12 year old Grandson:


These were all made by my 12 year old Grandson as I am severely afflicted since my last stroke. I believe that he has learned well and would have been a solid member here on this site in the future.

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My condolences to Wll's family and I hope his Grandson will continue Wll's legacy of fine craftsmanship. I hope that Wll's grandson will become a member of the IAP. Question, if he so desires can Wll's grandson become a member or does he have to have an adult sponsor?
 
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This is so sad to read. Even though Will was a member here for a short time he made an impact. He truly did like this place and had a lot to share as evident with his grandsons work. Sharing this note and also this thread when he first joined shows just how much he did like this place and enjoyed the company.

www.penturners.org/forum/f8/thank-you-iap-135203/

Life is just too short and we try to do our very best to live it in a way that is fulfilling and hopefully along the way we do touch a few hearts and make a few friends. And a good example of this is Will.

Rest in Peace Will. Hopefully your grandson does follow in your footsteps and keeps the pen making dreams alive. As we all leave this Earth we hope to leave behind a little better place for the next generation and from watching this site for the last 11 years I think the future of pen turning is in good hands.

God Bless.
 
That is touching. I didn't know him but judging from his last e-mail he was a kind and caring man. Rest in peace Will. God has a place for you. Life is short and sometimes things like this are a wake up call. Do the things you love most, keep family and friends close. Most of all, tell them you love them everyday.
 
Another regret to remember in my life .... not being able to take the time to get to know someone better before they're up and gone.

I'll miss Will in the truest sense of the term, as I never really even got to know him. I can see that he certainly gave his grandson more than the basics, as that's some very fine work on display, and I'll not be the first nor the last to regret not asking for just a bit of his time for advice or help.

We'll all miss him, especially those who came here looking for a good friend and neighbor.
 
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