Jill has allowed me to make the announcement that my dear friend and ABS master smith John White, 71, died peacefully in his sleep, last night Oct 4, 2014.
John was unexpectedly diagnosed with inoperable liver and pancreatic cancer five weeks ago. His condition declined very rapidly and he is now at rest.
This is not only the greatest loss to Jill, his wife of forty years, but to the knife community. Those who knew him saw a vivacious, smart, funny, and highly skilled artisan. There will be no services and his ashes will be spread on the bayou near his home. I have been asked to arrange for the sale of his shop contents, and in a short while will drive to Florida to inventory and price this part of his estate.
Please keep Jill in your prayers. We'll miss you John.
Terry Vandeventer
ABS MS
Terry L. Vandeventer
Master Smith
That is a shock John was an inspiration to me and I'm sure many other makers. He will be missed but not forgotten. I'm In shock.
Scott
John was a knife maker who made exceptional knives. He was also one of the nicest men who I have ever met.
I will miss him.
My prayers to Jill.
I was very sad to hear about John today. John was an exceptional gentleman and talented artisan.
Sally and I have his family and many friends in our thoughts and prayers.
Dan Cassidy
Journeyman Smith
Send an email to Dan
Sad news indeed. I always looked forward to John's smiling face and positive attitude. I last saw him at Batson's hammer-in, where he have a great damascus demo. He will be missed.
This extremely sad new. I met John for the first time when I assisted him with his demonstration at Batson in April. I really enjoyed working with him. I feel like I've lost an old friend. My condolences to his family.
Dale Huckabee
Journeyman Smith
dalehuckabeeknives.weebly.com
Karen and I were close enough to Jill and John to know about this terrible turn of events for a little while now and I don’t think a day has gone by that we were not on the verge of tears at the thought of this day. The quality of Johns White’s work could only be surpassed by the quality of his character, he was one of the greatest talents that I have ever seen and one the gentlest and kindest people I have ever met. Karen and I now cannot hold back those tears. The bladesmithing community has lost a true treasure who will not merely be missed but will leave an unfillable void in the craft and in our hearts.
They say that some stars burn so brightly that their time to shine is all too brief. If this is the case I can say that I had the privilege to have known a super-nova in the knifemaking field. Be at peace my friend.
"One test is worth 1000 'expert' opinions" Riehle Testing Machines Co.
I heard about John's passing this evening and am still in shock. John was a very good friend and will be greatly missed. Always willing to help and always had that wry smile. Diane and I send our thoughts, prayers, and sympathies to Jill and the family. The knife community has lost one of the really good guys. I miss you John.
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
John was a fine gentleman, he will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with his family and friends.
Cindy Sheely
ABS Office Manager
(419) 832-0400
[email="[email protected]"][email protected][/email]
Sad news! I had the pleasure to meet John at the Batson Symposium this past April. John was an outstanding individual, as well as a perfectionist
Bladesmith, his work was unsurpassed. John shared what he had learned with us at the Batson symposium, and I am truly thankful.
I will never forget what I learned from John! He was a Master friend, as well as a Master Bladesmith.
Russell
John's work has always given me something to work toward. Yet he was always quick to commend and was such a friend and gentleman. I am sort of in shock still at this news. We have lost a great craftsman and friend in John White. Kay and I send our sincere condolences to Jill.
John was truly a gifted knife maker and friend to all. His willingness to share his experience will always be remembered.
We have lost a legend. Safe travels John
Condolences to the family.
God Bless
Bing
I just recently found out John was sick, then got the call yesterday. Very sad news indeed. John was one of the good guys!
John made a pretty big splash in the custom knife community, went from just starting to MS in 5 years if I remember right.
I was sure looking forward to seeing him at Jerry's this weekend... He will be greatly missed.
Don Hanson III
I'm going to miss John a great deal.
Like I've seen written all over the place - he was such a gentle soul. Always a smile to great me and always the kindest of words.
And always encouragement for whatever my next project was.
I called him often simply to toss around ideas I had and he always urged me forward.
I respectfully offer this bit of trivia - John was a boat builder of many kinds. And I had included him in my most recent project of building my own cedar strip canoe.
He was enthralled.
And just two weeks ago sent me the message - "Karl, you're gonna have so much fun and many beautiful hours in this bit of grace you've made!"
And to consider that these words came from one who saw his own "grace" ending humbles me to tears.
I am so sad.
Karl B. Andersen
Journeyman Smith
Very sad and shocked to here of the passing of John , met him at the ABS shows and he was always open to giving advice on damascus and construction of bowies and daggers . I am sure his legacy among all of us will be that he was a true Master Bladesmith and craftsman . His knives will give us all a target to shoot for.
