On September 9th of this year the world lost one of the most influential craftsman and teachers of our time. And I lost my friend. My first conversation with Jim Krenov took place in the fall of 1987 and my last was just a few days before Jim passed.
I am so very grateful for our friendship that spanned over two decades. His words of encouragement shaped my work as a craftsman, and as a teacher. In 1998 an unfortunate life changing experience lead to the realization of the dream when I was given the opportunity to study with Jim at the College of the Redwoods Fine Woodworking Program the following year. I consider myself very fortunate to be alumni of that fine school. The year my family and I spent in Fort Bragg California had profound influence on our lives. Our school would not exist had not been for the generous assistance of all my teachers there. However it was in the years that followed that Jim’s impact on my life and work would be even more deeply felt.
Jim gave his first lecture at our school in the fall of 2005 and the last to my students earlier this summer. In the months that followed we spoke on a regular basis during which time I know he tried to prepare me for the time in which my own experience and the many years of conversations would be left to carry out his work. So today I said goodbye to my friend and make a promise to always remember.
On October 31, 2009 we gathered at the school to celebrate my teachers life and work. I would like to extend deep gratitude to Derrick and Trudene du Toit for allowing us to bring one of Jim’s last cabinets in for the celebration. To my students who insist that while his voice is silent, his spirit remains strong in our work at the school, I thank you for all of your kind words. Reflecting back on the day, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude, with alumni in attendance from each of our first five years. Many made significant sacrifices to attend and wish I had words to adequately convey my appreciation.
The celebration concluded with those in attendance writing a few words on a piece of Alaska yellow cedar at which time shavings were taken and placed in a box of Canadian maple and Mendocino cypress made by our students and resident craftsman in Jim’s honor.
The plane used was made by Jim in 1960, passed along to Michael Burns in 1980, the year the College of the Redwoods was founded. Michael passed the plane along to me in 2004, the year our school was founded. While he and Jim drifted apart in the later years Michael's friendship remains very important to me. The plane iron was careful sharpened by third year student and resident craftsman Daisuke Tanaka from Japan. The box will be burned at an Elephants to will take place at our home in a few weeks.
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