All,

Haven’t seen it mentioned so I will do so.  John Heatwole, a woodcarver, writer, historian, recently died after a bout with cancer.  Some of you may remember him from articles he wrote in FWW years ago on figure carving and coloring wood with oil colors. 

I first met John in the early ’70’s when he went to work at Virginia Craftsmen, a shop in Harrisonburg Va that built reproduction furniture.  He soon left his job there as their carver, and opened his own shop where he built a national reputation as a folk artist. 

In addition to his carving, John had an abiding interest in the history of the Shenandoah Valley, and wrote at least two books on the civil war, and on local folklore.  He also hosted a monthly radio roundtable discussion on the civil war.  In recent years he had concentrated on his writing more than carving, and I had lost touch with him.

John was only 58 when he died.  Sad that such a good craftsman, artist, and talented researcher and writer has gone so soon.

Ray Pine