The Midwest lost a good smith far, far too early. Andy passed away this afternoon, and to say the crew at UMBA is devastated would be an understatement. Andy was a pillar.
I would like to personally extend my gratitude to Andy’s wife and family for giving a motley crew of dirty blacksmiths the opportunity to see him in the hospital this morning. My deepest condolences to you all.
Andy made everyone feel like family. As I reflect on the limited time I spent with him, I look back fondly. I think about the tremendous impact he’s made on my life in such a short time.
He was one of the first people to welcome me at UMBA’s Thursday night gatherings when I started going. Any time I was able to make it up that way, the first thing I did was ask him what he was up to or working on. He’d usually be prepping some meat or checking on some of his famous bread.
Then, he’d take me over to his little area at the forge, and show me what new thing he had just tried out … and was already nearly an expert on. He was just one of those guys. Whatever he put his hands to, he did it with excellence.
Every now and again you meet someone who just leaves an indelible mark on you. Andy had this creative spark that was mind blowing, but he also had a disarming, quiet willingness to share his creative process, and help you get better at yours. I wish I had the vocabulary to properly convey just how inspiring he is.
I hope to leave a mark, a spark, and a legacy like that to those around me some day. I am grateful to have met someone that fleshed out such character, work ethic, and creativity.
Thank you, Andy.
Godspeed
Andy with the miniature canon that he made.
Photo credits:
Hero image by Kayla Stork
Second image by Vernon James
