Fellow woodworker has left us....

[John Miliunas]

I apologize for posting on multiple forums but, I felt it necessary. Individual forum moderators are welcome to delete if they feel the need. It WILL stay on the Turners' Forum regardless.

This is, without a doubt, the most difficult thread I've posted in all my years on the Internet. As some of you know, Dale Thompson (Pesh) has been a long standing member of this community but, most recently, has been battling cancer. I just received a phone call from his daughter, Stacey. Long story short, they don't expect our buddy to make it a week. He's comfortable and at home but, his body is no longer able to process oxygen properly nor clean up the CO2 in his body. Stacey assured me that Pesh has made peace with himself, his family and his Lord and is ready for the next leg of his journey.

Stacey did have a special request, though. She is looking to see if there's any appropriate poem or prayer for a Woodworker, which may relate a connection between The Number 1 carpenter and those who have followed in this craft. If any of you folks know of such a verse, please, forward it on to me and I will be sure to get it to Stacey, as she really would like this on the front page of the church program.

I just don't know what else to say, plus it's just too hard to see the monitor through the tears. Pesh, you will be missed. But, your humor, your completed projects, all the good which you've done for so many and your words of wisdom will carry on into Eternity. The good Lord will now be taking care of you. You will never be forgotten. Be at peace, my friend. Be at peace.

[Nancy Laird]

John, here you are:


http://home.comcast.net/~strathamwood/images/a_woodworkers_prayer.htm

[Nancy Laird]

Here's another appropriate quote:

"The reverence that the object maker has for the materials, for the shape, and for the miracle of his skill transcends to God, the Master Craftsman, the Creator of all things, who uses us, our hands, as His tools to make these beautiful things."- Sam Maloof (http://americanart.si.edu/maloof/introduction/index.html)

[John Miliunas]

Nancy, thank you for both of those. I will be sure to get them to Stacey. Much appreciated...

[Gary Herrmann]

The quote from Sam Maloof is very good. Sorry to hear about Dale. Condolences to him and his family.

[Dennis Peacock]

This news really saddens me greatly. Pesh meant a lot to many of us turners here on the forum. I hate to see him go, but I don't want him to linger on and suffer either. Pesh and his entire family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[Andy Hoyt]

Man. Where's Chaffee when Pesh needs him most?

Hang in there, bud. When you get to the other side, you'll no doubt find that catches, launches, and design opportunities no longer exist. Just lots of great curls.

We'll never miss you, because we'll always remember.

[Steve Clardy]

Sorry to hear about Dale.
He is quite a hoot.
Always liked his respones, humor.
I will miss him and his postings.

[Roger Myers]

John,
So saddened to hear the news about Pesh...
The prayer cited by Nancy was written by my daughter Katie, and I also posted it on Sawmill Creek in the past.
Stacey (and anyone else) is more than welcome to use this prayer.
Roger

[Lisa Gilbert]

Please let Stacey know that many of us are praying for peace for all of her family.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Pesh will be missed. Let him know John, he and his family are in our prayers.

[John Miliunas]

John,
So saddened to hear the news about Pesh...
The prayer cited by Nancy was written by my daughter Katie, and I also posted it on Sawmill Creek in the past.
Stacey (and anyone else) is more than welcome to use this prayer.
Roger

Thanks, Roger, to you and your daughter. Like many of us here at the Creek, I too saw your original post of that prayer by your daughter and it's hanging in my shop. I daresay, it's probably hanging in the shops of many Creekers. I have passed it along to Stacey, along with the wonderful quote from Sam Maloof.

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts, wishes and prayers.

[Jason Roehl]

Wow. John, please pass along condolences and prayers from the Roehl family. I'm glad to know he's at peace with his situation, and hope his suffering is not long.

[Mike Ramsey]

My heart goes out to Dale & his family...We all have to make that trip
one of these days....

[John Miliunas]

Several of Dale's friends here have requested I provide any updates if/when I receive them. I did indeed just receive a short note from his daughter, Stacey. In part, it reads:

Suffice it to say these past few days have been long and hard … but they’ve also been joyous and cherished. My father is still with us though the days/hours will be very few. He is resting very comfortably at home in his own bed and surrounded by loved ones. That is truly a gift from the Lord.
________________________________________

Stacey is planning a seperate note of thanks sometime in the future but, for now, she simply appreciates all the wonderful comments, prayers and well wishes. I too would like to add my "Thanks", as well.

[Jonathon Spafford]

I'll be praying for him and his family... I don't know Dale personally, but with the creek we all feel like friends though most haven't met!

[Belinda Barfield]

"The Carpenter"
a poem by G.E. Nordell

There was once a master carpenter
and he lived a good life
for he loved to work, building things of wood.
He was loved by his family,
by his sons and his daughter,
and especially by his wife.
He was loved by everyone who knew him.

And at the end of that good life
when it came time for him to die
the old carpenter soared
into the white light of death –
for the white light is where the good souls go to.
And the white light warmed him and
nurtured him and
fed him great peace. And when this carpenter arrived in heaven
he was expected and
immediately he was put to work:
for the Pearly Gates
were a bit loose
and St. Peter's desk
had a couple of drawers that stuck.
And before long
the old master carpenter
began to build
a new throne
for God.

[John Miliunas]

Thank you, Belinda. I'll be sure Stacey gets a copy of this. Much appreciated.


"The Carpenter"
a poem by G.E. Nordell

There was once a master carpenter
and he lived a good life
for he loved to work, building things of wood.
He was loved by his family,
by his sons and his daughter,
and especially by his wife.
He was loved by everyone who knew him.

And at the end of that good life
when it came time for him to die
the old carpenter soared
into the white light of death –
for the white light is where the good souls go to.
And the white light warmed him and
nurtured him and
fed him great peace. And when this carpenter arrived in heaven
he was expected and
immediately he was put to work:
for the Pearly Gates
were a bit loose
and St. Peter's desk
had a couple of drawers that stuck.
And before long
the old master carpenter
began to build
a new throne
for God.

[John Miliunas]

Received this note from Dale's daughter early this morning:

Hi Friends,

It is bitter sweet that I must write you with this news … but my dad has left us to be with Jesus. He passed away late yesterday afternoon following his 10-month battle with lung cancer. My mom was at his side as he peacefully passed which is such an answer to prayer. The funeral will take place in Peshtigo next Saturday (June 2nd), so your prayers for God’s sustaining mercies would be appreciated.

What a journey this has been, but I’m so thankful to God for His strength, love and peace throughout. Knowing that my dad was at peace with His Savior has allowed us to be in a place of peace also. Eternal peace is truly a precious gift and one I’ve learned not to take for granted in these past days.

Thank you again for your concern and support. I pray you are blessed for being a blessing to us J

In His Care,
Stacey
____________________________

I too would like to add my "thanks" to you folks for your prayers, thoughts and messages. I'm sure Pesh now has the absolute best woodworking shop in the universe. Good bye, my friend....

EDIT: In looking at this post, I suddenly realized that it's really NOT "over". For our dear friend, it's merely a continuation of his journey. I only hope and pray that one day, our paths may once again cross. God speed, Pesh!

[Steve Clardy]

May you rest in peace Dale

[Nancy Laird]

Pesh's body may have left us, but his spirit will live on here in this forum in all of the threads in which he imparted his wisdom, his wit, and his emotions.

Rest in peace, Pesh. You will be sadly missed.

Stacey, my heart goes out to you and your family at this time, but please be comforted that so many, including those of us who never had the honor of meeting your father, will remember him as a decent, honorable, and just plain funny man.

Our sincere condolences.

David and Nancy

[Jason Roehl]

See you on the other side, Pesh. You've got it better than we do now. Our condolences to your family.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

My sincere condolences to Stacy and other family members and friends.

Pesh........we'll miss you!

[John Miliunas]

Hey folks. While I realize it's most probably not feasable for most of you to attend, many folks have asked for continued information on Dale's final arrangements as passed on to me by Stacey.
______________________________________________

Friends and Family,

Your outpouring of support has been so appreciated. Many of you have asked about the funeral arrangements for my dad … for that I am grateful.

Date: Sat., June 2nd
Visitation: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Service: 5 p.m.
Location: Faith Baptist Church
350 N Stephenson Ave
Peshtigo, WI 54157
(715) 582-3655
www.fbcpeshtigo.com (http://www.fbcpeshtigo.com/)

Dinner will be served at the church immediately following the service.

If you’re unable to attend but desire to write condolences to the family, visit the following link:
http://hansenonionmartell.com/forms/condolence.php (http://hansenonionmartell.com/forms/condolence.php)
His full name is Dale A. Thompson.

Your continued prayers during this time are appreciated. God has been so faithful to answer those prayers throughout this journey J

With love and thanks,
Stacey
_________________________________

Again, a personal "thanks" from me, as well, for all the support.