Fellow woodworker has left us....

[John Miliunas]

I apologize for posting on multiple forums but, I felt it necessary. Individual forum moderators are welcome to delete if they feel the need. It WILL stay on the Turners' Forum regardless.

This is, without a doubt, the most difficult thread I've posted in all my years on the Internet. As some of you know, Dale Thompson (Pesh) has been a long standing member of this community but, most recently, has been battling cancer. I just received a phone call from his daughter, Stacey. Long story short, they don't expect our buddy to make it a week. He's comfortable and at home but, his body is no longer able to process oxygen properly nor clean up the CO2 in his body. Stacey assured me that Pesh has made peace with himself, his family and his Lord and is ready for the next leg of his journey.

Stacey did have a special request, though. She is looking to see if there's any appropriate poem or prayer for a Woodworker, which may relate a connection between The Number 1 carpenter and those who have followed in this craft. If any of you folks know of such a verse, please, forward it on to me and I will be sure to get it to Stacey, as she really would like this on the front page of the church program.

I just don't know what else to say, plus it's just too hard to see the monitor through the tears. Pesh, you will be missed. But, your humor, your completed projects, all the good which you've done for so many and your words of wisdom will carry on into Eternity. The good Lord will now be taking care of you. You will never be forgotten. Be at peace, my friend. Be at peace.

[Nancy Laird]

John, here you are:

http://home.comcast.net/~strathamwoo...ers_prayer.htm

[Nancy Laird]

Here's another appropriate quote:

"The reverence that the object maker has for the materials, for the shape, and for the miracle of his skill transcends to God, the Master Craftsman, the Creator of all things, who uses us, our hands, as His tools to make these beautiful things."- Sam Maloof

[John Miliunas]

Nancy, thank you for both of those. I will be sure to get them to Stacey. Much appreciated...

[Gary Herrmann]

The quote from Sam Maloof is very good. Sorry to hear about Dale. Condolences to him and his family.

[Dennis Peacock]

This news really saddens me greatly. Pesh meant a lot to many of us turners here on the forum. I hate to see him go, but I don't want him to linger on and suffer either. Pesh and his entire family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[Andy Hoyt]

Man. Where's Chaffee when Pesh needs him most?

Hang in there, bud. When you get to the other side, you'll no doubt find that catches, launches, and design opportunities no longer exist. Just lots of great curls.

We'll never miss you, because we'll always remember.

[Steve Clardy]

Sorry to hear about Dale.
He is quite a hoot.
Always liked his respones, humor.
I will miss him and his postings.

[Roger Myers]

John,
So saddened to hear the news about Pesh...
The prayer cited by Nancy was written by my daughter Katie, and I also posted it on Sawmill Creek in the past.
Stacey (and anyone else) is more than welcome to use this prayer.
Roger

[Lisa Gilbert]

Please let Stacey know that many of us are praying for peace for all of her family.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Pesh will be missed. Let him know John, he and his family are in our prayers.

[John Miliunas]

John,
So saddened to hear the news about Pesh...
The prayer cited by Nancy was written by my daughter Katie, and I also posted it on Sawmill Creek in the past.
Stacey (and anyone else) is more than welcome to use this prayer.
Roger

Thanks, Roger, to you and your daughter. Like many of us here at the Creek, I too saw your original post of that prayer by your daughter and it's hanging in my shop. I daresay, it's probably hanging in the shops of many Creekers. I have passed it along to Stacey, along with the wonderful quote from Sam Maloof.

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts, wishes and prayers.

[Jason Roehl]

Wow. John, please pass along condolences and prayers from the Roehl family. I'm glad to know he's at peace with his situation, and hope his suffering is not long.

[Mike Ramsey]

My heart goes out to Dale & his family...We all have to make that trip
one of these days....

[John Miliunas]

Several of Dale's friends here have requested I provide any updates if/when I receive them. I did indeed just receive a short note from his daughter, Stacey. In part, it reads:

Suffice it to say these past few days have been long and hard … but they’ve also been joyous and cherished. My father is still with us though the days/hours will be very few. He is resting very comfortably at home in his own bed and surrounded by loved ones. That is truly a gift from the Lord.
________________________________________

Stacey is planning a seperate note of thanks sometime in the future but, for now, she simply appreciates all the wonderful comments, prayers and well wishes. I too would like to add my "Thanks", as well.