My husband, life partner, business partner and all around wonderful, kind man departed this life on planet earth November 21, 2021. His big heart just wore out.
Gary and I met at RIT where he graduated from the School for American Craftsmen with a degree in woodworking and furniture design. He then taught woodworking at the College of Continuing Education night school for approximately 12 years. I was a student in his class. We eventually started a woodworking business called Exotic Wood Designs and sold the items we made at ACC craft shows to American craft galleries across the country. In 1980 we opened our own gallery, Craft Company No.6 in Rochester, NY. For a period of approximately 10 years we also had galleries called American Details in Coconut Grove, FL and Buffalo, NY. American craft was our life and passion and we were involved in so many ways helping to promote this growing movement in its earlier years. We met and still maintain friendships with a great many other artists, gallery owners, collectors and lovers of handmade craft in all media. Our gallery staff during the 37 years we were in business was family and so many have become cherished lifelong friends. We worked hard but we also had great fun and many laughs. In addition to the best staff, we had the best and nicest clientele many of who also became close friends. Gary and I loved our business family and our work life. We were so fortunate to be in the right place at the right time.
Gary taught several woodworking sessions at Penland School of Craft in the 70’s and we fell in love with the area and the people. We would visit our dearest and closest friends, Doug and Kathie Sigler, annually and they are the reason we retired to this area. Gary built us a wonderful home on the land we bought in Bakersville, NC with most of my time spent outside gardening and landscaping. An important consideration in choosing our property, at the end of a gravel road surrounded by forest, was that it be as safe as possible for our dogs to run free. Gary and I shared a great love of all animals. Our canine family was, and is, the most cherished part of our life. Many dogs have come and gone over the years and we hold them all in our hearts. Our Olive, Woody and Ella loved their Dad who was so good to them and I know they feel the loss.
So many wonderful friends have offered condolences and asked what they can do to help since Gary passed. What would mean the most to Gary and me would be a donation to Mitchell County Animal Rescue. We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful place for animals in need in Mitchell County and we love this shelter with it’s committed and caring staff, board and volunteers.
I miss my Gary so much but the great outpouring of love and support during this very difficult time makes the lonely road ahead a little less daunting. Thank you all.
