Lost - An Inspiring Carver & Teacher

[Lindy]

Hi All,

My first instructor Don Williams of Calgary, Alberta passed away this past New Years and I thought I would share this passing with people who can appreciate what a difference someone like Don made for so many.

Don Williams was didn`t really know how to pull a punch and he was a gruff old guy with a wonderfully dry sense of humour. Once you figured out that he liked to get back as good as he got, well he became fun. Don was an amazing wildlife carver both in the round and in relief. His work inspired many students at Lee Valley Tools in Calgary over the years. The better you got - the more he demanded. If he saw a natural talent in you then you were expected to draw out that natural skill.

Don had a heart attack several years ago which left him with congestive heart failure - it took away his ability to carve as well as to teach. He turned to painting as he had to have some outline for all of his artistic talent. His poor health took him away from us and for that were his student - he is already missed, for future students - he will be missed even though they may not know it.

Don - fare thee well.

Lindy

[pallin]

Thanks for sharing your tribute to Don Williams, carver and teacher. Though most of us never knew him personally, this remembrance may inspire us to share our knowledge of wood carving with others.