Greetings all,
This is my first post to this discussion group, and I ordinarily do not send emails to large groups of people. However, the notice today that was sent to members of the Ocean Woodturners in RI (thank you for sending...) that Ken Dubay, of Columbia, CT, passed away last night, is terribly sad - for his wife, Mary, his two children, and for his many good friends who loved him.
Ken was a very special person in my life. Several years ago I wrote an article about him, in 'Woodturning Design' magazine. What was lost in the article, with the editing and trimming of the writing, was the depth to which Ken gave of himself to those around him. Ken was generous to a fault, patient, and his sense of humor was just fantastic. His love of life showed in all that he did - from his woodturning and teaching, to his impressive gardening, to biking. He mostly loved to sit in his shop with good friends, with the pot-belly wood stove (that he welded himself, as he was a master welder) burning on a crisp afternoon, sipping a bit of vodka, and telling jokes and stories about growing up with an Arcadian/French ethnic background in the very north woods of Maine.
As a woodturner, Ken never considered himself to be an artist, and he did not take risks with his designs. Yet, his mastery of the natural edge bowl, sets of nested bowls, and technical skills were truly impressive. The one thing he enjoyed in the shop, far more than turning himself, was the opportunity to patiently teach others.
I apprenticed under Ken, on a very regular basis, for over 5 years. He was my teacher and my dear friend. This world is a better place for his contributions, philanthropic efforts, friendships, stories and laughter. This is a sad day for me - and for anyone who knew him well. My heart goes out to his wife, Mary. Many people, myself included, loved that man very much.
Pete Snyder
East Greenwich, RI
This is my first post to this discussion group, and I ordinarily do not send emails to large groups of people. However, the notice today that was sent to members of the Ocean Woodturners in RI (thank you for sending...) that Ken Dubay, of Columbia, CT, passed away last night, is terribly sad - for his wife, Mary, his two children, and for his many good friends who loved him.
Ken was a very special person in my life. Several years ago I wrote an article about him, in 'Woodturning Design' magazine. What was lost in the article, with the editing and trimming of the writing, was the depth to which Ken gave of himself to those around him. Ken was generous to a fault, patient, and his sense of humor was just fantastic. His love of life showed in all that he did - from his woodturning and teaching, to his impressive gardening, to biking. He mostly loved to sit in his shop with good friends, with the pot-belly wood stove (that he welded himself, as he was a master welder) burning on a crisp afternoon, sipping a bit of vodka, and telling jokes and stories about growing up with an Arcadian/French ethnic background in the very north woods of Maine.
As a woodturner, Ken never considered himself to be an artist, and he did not take risks with his designs. Yet, his mastery of the natural edge bowl, sets of nested bowls, and technical skills were truly impressive. The one thing he enjoyed in the shop, far more than turning himself, was the opportunity to patiently teach others.
I apprenticed under Ken, on a very regular basis, for over 5 years. He was my teacher and my dear friend. This world is a better place for his contributions, philanthropic efforts, friendships, stories and laughter. This is a sad day for me - and for anyone who knew him well. My heart goes out to his wife, Mary. Many people, myself included, loved that man very much.
Pete Snyder
East Greenwich, RI