Hawaiian turner Elmer Adams has passed

[Justin Stephen]

I'm sorry if this was mentioned here already but the only recent mention of Mr. Adams I could find did not mention his death about 3 months ago.

While re-watching one of the Youtube videos of him creating his massive hollow forms, I noticed a recent comment that said that he had passed away on September 14, 2010. A little Google searching appears to have confirmed it:

http://www.localhawaiinews.com/elmer-adams/


Elmer D. Adams, 76, of Keaau, died Sept. 14 at his residence. Born June 6, 1934, in Clovis, N.M., he was co-founder and member of Big Island Woodturners, member of American Association of Woodturners and Volcano Art Center.

His website is also no longer up.

If you have never seen the videos of his work before, I strongly encourage you to do so. If nothing else, it is about the biggest darn hollowing tool you will ever see:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPSwy6wiDvI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GslfEkuxpcY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGwa5TtXsdA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUNaHh_lvSk

[Nathan Hawkes]

The turning world has lost a great man. he will be remembered for his contributions to AAW and the turning community.

[Mike Stephens]

Rip Elmer Adams

I saw these you tube videos when I first started turning. I was very impressed then and am still now.

I am sorry to hear about his passing.

[Bob Boettcher]

A number of years ago when I was pretty much a turning newbie, I visited Elmer at his home shop. He was most gracious, and gave me the complete tour of his operation. I gave him a pen, and he then went into his wood storage and gave me several pieces of beautiful wood, such as curly Koa, that I could use for pens. I'm still saving those pieces for that "special turning".
I'm sorry to hear of his passing.

[Greg Ketell]

I'm really sorry to hear of his loss. I've only dealt with him once but he was very helpful and a great person to talk to. May he find the biggest lathe, ever-sharp tools, and the best burls ever!!

GK

[Rick Markham]

Thanks for sharing! Those were amazing videos, It looks like Elmer was an amazing and great guy! It's very sad that he is gone, he will be missed dearly! His beautiful artwork lives on.

[Jeff Nicol]

His videos were some of the first I ever watched on YouTube, the size and beauty of what he created was an inspiration to me and to many others. He will be missed and praised for his contributions to the turning world.

God Bless you Elmer as you now know all the answers in Woodturners heaven where they have every lathe and all the tools one could ever dream of!

[Baxter Smith]

Impressive links. Thanks for posting!

[George Guadiane]

I too watched his videos. I never had the chance to meet him, but always thought I could do it on one of my many visits to Hawaii.
Life only lasts so long.
I'm sorry to hear of his passing.