I am saddened to tell you that I just received an email from ABS member Julie Coffey that Apprentice Smith Merle Rush has passed away on April 2nd. Merle had been an ABS member since June 2004.
Julie wrote: “ABS Apprentice and member Merle Rush passed away 4/2/2013. He lived in Streator, Illinois. Merle was a Vietnam War Veteran, husband, and grandfather. Merle had taken classes at the ABS school in Texarkana, and additional classes with Master Smith Ed Caffrey. He was a good friend and mentor to anyone interested in the art of knifemaking, he will be sorely missed at the forge.â€
Dan Cassidy
Journeyman Smith
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Blessings to him and all his kin.
Sorry to hear this. May he rest in peace. My condolences to his family and friends.
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
Merle and I made quick friends at the ABS Intro Course, both being Illinois-boys at the time.
I had the opportunity to exchange many ideas with Merle over the couple following years.
The man was brilliant and I will miss knowing he's out there.
RIP, Merle.
Karl B. Andersen
Journeyman Smith
