CELEBRATING OUR FOUNDER
“The only regret I will have, is that I did not get a chance to meet you sooner in my life.”
“I will miss all the miles we would log waking around your yard looking for just the right wood for whatever I was working on.”
“Thank you for always extending your knowledge and friendship.”
“I want to express my deep gratitude for all you’ve done for me over the years.”
“His greatest passion is teaching others to be the best woodworkers they are capable of becoming.”
“I cannot express enough the impact you have had on my life and my woodworking. Thank you for being a mentor and a friend.”
“You made sure I always went away with treasures, teasing, and challenging me with “see what you can do with this.”
Bill,
I have been truly blessed and inspired by your investment in me over the years I’ve known you. Not only as a woodworker, but as a person. Your mentorship has made me a better woodworker and human being. I will miss all the miles we would log walking around your yard looking for just the right wood for whatever I was working on at the time. You entrusted me with what you have learned through the years, and not just your knowledge of woodworking. You’ve been a wonderful mentor. Passing the torch to me to lead the club was a great honor. I hope I can be to the club what you were to me. Thank you for all your care and support.
Tim
Bill,
Thank you for all your kindness and knowledge. Thank you for always etending your knowledge and friendship.
Dean, “Chief”
Dear Bill,
I want to express my deep gratitude for all you’ve done for me over the years. Your remarkable talent as a woodworker can’t be overstated, but the time, patience, and willingness you’ve always had to share your knowledge with me is something I’ll never forget. You never said no, no matter the request, and if it weren’t for your teaching and guidance, I know my interest and abilities in woodworking wouldn’t be where they are today.
You’ve contributed so much–probably more than anyone–to my appreciation and love for our craft. For that, I’m truly grateful. Thank you for being such a generous teacher, mentor, and friend.
My best,
Ted
Edwardsville Woodworkers,
I met Bill through my sister and was invited to his house for Christmas baked goods!
I later took several of his woodworking classes and joined the Edwardsville Woodworkers Club, as a beginner I did not have the skill to create the things that I wanted to create.
The first project that I took to Bill was a cherry display box that another friend was helping me with. I was two years into that project when I took it to Bill half finished. I dropped it off to Bill and was not expecting to see it for some time. Bill called me three days later and had the display box complete with custom hidden hinges and finish!
Bill can turn a stack of hardwood into a pile of sawdust and a beautiful one of a kind creation faster than anyone I know. His greatest passion is teaching others to be the best woodworkers that they are capable of becoming.
Stan
Bill,
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement, pearls of wisdom, and for persuading me to join the Woodworkers Club. Your knowledge and contagious enthusiasm for woodworking influenced me, and so mny others, to continue making and learning. I cannot express enough the impact you have had on my life and my woodworking. Thank you for being a mentor and a friend.
Sherri
Bill,
You greeted me with a handshake and a welcome when I went to my first Woodworkers meeting at the Glen Carbon location. As I got acquantied with the group, you invited me out to On The Natural Edge and I was hooked. I am grateful to have attended saw days and bought wood for various projects from you. You made sure I always went away with treasures, teasing, and challenging me with “see what you can do with this.”
You have become a friend, mentor, and colleague.
You helped create a club that is a resource to share ideas and offer assistance to all woodworkers. Thank you for fulfilling your vision for a club dedicated to wooworkers that has stood the test of time.
Gary
Bill,
Getting to know you has been an absolute pleasure of mine and I will never forget you. The only regret I will have, is that I did not get a chance to meet you sooner in my life. Your inspiration and knowledge to woodworking and life now plays a part in every wooden item I create.
Pary
Bill,
Thank you for inviting me to join wood club. I will always remember your advice, “NEVER STOP ASKING QUESTIONS.” Enjoy your wood spirit.
Fellow Woodcarver,
Cheryl