 
Lest We Forget |
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The leather world lost a truly remarkable man. Leather artist Bill Boyd, 70, of Kerrville, Texas passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Bill was what many would call a unique character. He was a strong individual with a great sense of humor. He loved to joke around and when he laughed, his eyes twinkled and you could tell his whole being was pleased. He was easily recognizable at leather shows - a tall, skinny drink of water topped off with his black hat -complete with a carved longhorn steer head over the front brim. Al and Ann Stohlmantext from "Leder-Gilde E.V." Ann Stohlman: June 30, 1924 - June 10, 2004 See photos of their work "Stohlman Museum"
"Mac" McMillenpassed away June 5, 2000IILG Member from June 1998
Dan ChristySeptember 9, 1932 - December 9, 2000IILG Member from May 1997 Leathercraftsman for 56 years Daniel C. Christy, III was born on September 9, 1932 and died on December 9, 2000. He graduated from Westtown Friends School, Westtown, Pa. in 1949 and Earlham College, Richmond, Indiana in 1953 with a major in Industrial Psychology and a minor in Religion. His profession was in education as a teacher and as a guidance director for forty-one years retiring in 1995. He married Janet Halter, in 1957. Two daughters and four grandchildren resulted from this marriage. Dan received his Masters Degree from Rutgers University in New Jersey. His leather crafting began at the early age of twelve and continued for over a span of fifty-six years until his death. He loved to be creative in his craft and hand designed most of his work. He was so pleased to discover IILG and joined immediately becoming a member in 1997. He enjoyed canoeing, camping, swimming, tennis, archery, soccer and genealogy. His passions were reading and music. He studied violin at age five and continued playing throughout his life adding guitar, mandolin, banjo and recorder. He was a very compassionate and gentle man, devoted husband, father , and grandfather. Janet Christy (Dan's wife)
Robb Barrpassed away March 16, 2002IILG Member from January 1999 Robb Barr passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday, March 16, 2002. He had not been too well lately and we both had thought he would still have more time. It was devastating news. He left behind many wonderful memories and many friends worldwide. He would want his friends to remember the good times you had together and all the jokes he told. Treasure the memories you have of him, as he was an Original!
Eleanor T. Moscola
IILG Memorial Tribute to a Posthumous Benefactor, Eleanor T. Moscola was involved in some form of art from the first time she took a crayon in her hand as a child. Over the years she had two loves-nursing and art. She developed a love for art in many forms - painting, stain glass, jewelry-making, glass etching, ceramics, wood-burning, and leather crafting. When she discovered leather crafting in the 1960's, it became a passion. She was a self-taught artisan, starting with kits , key fobs, wallets, and stamping to learn the basics and reading about all forms of the craft. As Eleanor's skill increased, she combined her love of painted art with her love of leather craft, recreating magazine photos by drawing them free-hand on the leather and then painting them. She would also trace very intricate artwork (Mucha) onto leather and then cut into the leather to create dimensional art- all of this in spite of increasing difficulty with her hands caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. It was probably her love of the craft that gave her the incentive to have corrective surgery. When Eleanor became a member of the Craftsman's Guild of PA, she was the only one listed as a leathercrafter. She would have been thrilled to know that there is now an Association of LeatherCrafters and that it is accessible via a computer, another interest she developed when home/personal computers were in their infancy. Always known for her generosity and willingness to share her knowledge and skill with others, Eleanor would be pleased to know that her love of the craft will live on through the use of tools and other equipment that once gave her such joy and pleasure. prepared by her friend, Mary Ellen Blackwell Christine Stanleypassed away March 23, 1990Master Leather Craftsman
THE EARLY YEARS: Christine has often told me about when she was eighteen. "I wanted a horse so bad, I whined and pleaded until my dad gave in and bought a beautiful, real live, little mare for me -- Goldie." This was during the Great Depression, and here was Christine with a new horse, and no money to buy decent-looking tack. What to do? Jack Mehargpassed away September 9, 2004 IILG Member from October 2001 Leathercraftsman since 1950 He enjoyed carving/tooling, Renaissance/Black Powder and historical reenactment equipment. He crafted as both a hobby & business, Meharg Leather Products.
Jack was well known in the Toronto area for his leather work. He was a member of the IILG and the Canadian Society of Creative Leathercraft. Our sympathies go out to his wife, Bea, and the rest of the family.
Ronald Shorterpassed away March 2005 IILG Member from January 1999 grew up in southern West Virginia (Ral. Co.) James "Butch" Howepassed away April 2006 IILG Member from June 2000 James "Jim" R. Robarpassed away May 25, 2006 IILG Member from October 2004 Leathercraftsman since 1970 Jim and his wife, Janice, resided in Dartmouth, Novia Scotia, Canada. He was retired and enjoyed, tooling, carving, Renaissance/Black Powder, designing and planning leather projects. Phillip "Phil" Chamberspassed away July 12, 2006 IILG Member from June 2000 I know that leather was his one true love and a hobby he has had since being a young boy. He had years and years and countless hours of enjoyment from creating things from leather. My sisters and I are very lucky that he had a hobby that produced us such wonderful one of a kind keepsakes.
Ben HughesApril 14, 1938 - June 27, 2007 IILG Member from August 1997 
Donald "Don" L. KingAugust 19, 1923 - July 28, 2007 Founder of King's Saddlery, creator of the Sheridan-style Darwin E. OhlerkingDecember 23, 1929 - August 4, 2007 Leathercraftsman 
Verlane Desgrange1949 - December 2, 2007 IILG Member from December 2002 
Paul Baca1945 - December 30, 2007 IILG Member from December 1999 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Newspaper - Obituary
As the Founder of the IILG I am well aware of the many contributions that Paul made to the guild over the years. He will be missed by us all and we know he awaits us in that great leather shop in heaven.
Although I never met Paul in person, we had many lively conversations by phone on IILG guild matters and life in general. I will miss talking to him greatly. I considered him a very good friend.
My deepest sympathies to Paul's family and friends.
Paul will be missed by everyone in the IILG. He was always willing to share ideas and offer helpful suggestions. Our prayers go out to his family.
My sincerest condolences to the Baca family and anyone who knew him. I am Michael Hughes,the son of member and guild builder Ben Hughes, who passed June 27th 2007
Larry J. HustonMay 23, 1947 - December 24, 2008 IILG Member from May 2005 
Billy W. Wootres Sr.April 13, 1927 - September 07, 2009 IILG Member from May 2007 
Marion Alice WilkesJanuary 18, 1944 - September 24, 2009 Beloved wife of Jim Wilkes, IILG Member Marion Alice (nee Seip) Wilkes passed away peacefully with family and friends by her side at Lisaard House on Thursday, September 24, 2009. Beloved wife of Jim Wilkes (IILG Member). Loving sister of Ron Seip (Diane) of Kitchener. Much loved Mum of Megan Wilkes (Rich), Amy Lightfoot (Eric) and Elizabeth Wilkes. Doting and caring Gramma of Alexander, Madison, Quinlan, and Rebekah all of Hespeler. Marion will be sadly missed by Kathy Clegg (Wilf) and many of her close family, friends and pets. Marion was a life time and active member of Saint John's Anglican Church, a member of the OES Chapter #208 and the Addison Women's Choir. Friends were invited to celebrate Marion's life at a memorial service held at Saint John's Anglican Church, Preston, Saturday, October 3, 2009. As expressions of condolences, donations to Saint John's Altar Guild Fund, Saint John's Choir Music Fund, or Lisaard House would be appreciated by the family. Tributes may be made online at www.barthel funeralhome.com Online Guest Book to sign &/or view 
"Carol" Virginia King ZaharekAugust 22, 1944 - October 31, 2009 IILG Member from May 1998 Beloved wife of Frank Zaharek, IILG Member Virginia King Zaharek - Obituary - Tributes.com Virginia King Zaharek, 65, of Hopewell passed away Saturday, October 31, 2009 in Johnston Willis Medical Center. Mrs. Zaharek was a retired machine operator with Philip Morris and a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband, Frank J. Zaharek, Jr., three sons, Frank J. Zaharek, III and his wife, Melissa, Christoper J. Zaharek and Nathaniel J. Zaharek, six grandchildren, Chelsae E. Zaharek, Frank J. Zaharek, IV, Christopher J. Zaharek, Jr., Brandon J. and Ashton J. Zaharek and Victoria Deer, her parents, Nathaniel Hartwell and Erma Daley King, brother, Nathaniel H. King, Jr. and a sister, Valerie Joyner. Memorial contributions may be made to the Virginia Cancer Institute, St. Francis, 14051 Saint Francis Blvd, Midlothian, VA 23114, Phone (804) 378-0394. Online Add Condolence or Light a Candle David Stanley OffuttMay 15, 1940 - December 10, 2009 IILG Member from June 1999 David Stanley Offutt - Obituary - News Record Mr. David Stanley Offutt, 69, passed away on Thursday, December 10, 2009, at Moses Cone Hospital. A memorial service was held Thursday, December 17, at Friendly Avenue Church of Christ. Mr. Offutt was born on May 15, 1940, in Vincennes, Indiana. He was of the Protestant faith and was a member of Friendly Avenue Church of Christ. Mr. Offutt retired in 1992 from Lab Corp as a medical technician. He was a veteran, having served in the United States Air Force. He enjoyed leather crafting, biking and bird watching. Mr. Offutt was a member of Piedmont Bird Club, and past member of Julian Lions Club. Survivors include his wife, Judy Rozanne Offutt; parents, William and Alberta Day Offutt; daughter, Renee Godoy and husband, Frank, of Pleasant Garden; son, Scott Offutt and wife, Nicole, of San Diego, California; sister, Judy Lahr of Indiana; grandchildren, Elyssa Godoy and Caillou Godoy; and his beloved K-9 friend, Angel. Memorial contributions may be made to Hemingway Group, 4583 Lambeth Mill Road, Bennett, NC 27208, or Kopper Top Life Learning Center, 6657 Kimesville Road, Liberty, NC 27298. Forbis & Dick, Pleasant Garden Chapel, assisted the Offutt family. Online Add Condolence 
Jim LewisAugust 12, 1946 - April 5, 2010 IILG Member from August 2003 Jim Lewis - Obituary - San Diego Union-Tribune Jim Lewis, 63, died Monday evening, April 5, 2010, surrounded by his wife Rena, son Dylan, daughter-in-law Jen, and several close family friends. Jim was born in Florence, Arizona, on August 12, 1946, the last of eight children and the first born in a hospital. He retired in 2008 from Miramar Community College in San Diego and lived in El Cajon, CA, and Sedona, AZ. Jim's professions and pastimes ranged from cowboy to hippie, copper miner, diesel mechanic, Oak Creek Canyon fisherman, Professor of Diesel Technology, accomplished leather craftsman, SASS shooter with the alias Gila, and two-time national champion of cowboy trap shooting. He and Rena were married 41 years, and of all his accomplishments, Jim was most proud of his son Dylan and his granddaughter Kendall Hope Lewis, age one. He leaves behind his brother Dudley, sister-in-law Myra, and six other brothers and sisters. Jim also leaves behind his animal companions: Rosie, Ruby, Lizzie, Dot, and Red. A brief Service was held April 17th, at St. Alban's Episcopal Church in El Cajon, CA. After the Service, as Jim wished, family and friends were invited to a party to celebrate his life. Donations may be made in Jim's name to the San Diego Humane Society, Rescue Fund of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Greater San Diego, or American Cancer Society. Online Add Condolence 
William "Bill" R. ReisMarch 19, 1937 - May 12, 2010 Co-Owner of The Leather Crafters & Saddlers Journal 
Gael ArensFebruary 27, 1956 - June 6, 2010 IILG Member from March 2006 Gael Arens - Obituary - Eagle Valley Enterprise Gael Arens passed away on Sunday at her home in Eagle (Colorado) surrounded by her family after a courageous, two-year battle with cancer. She was 54. Gael was born on Feb. 27,1956, in Leadville, to Bert and Phyllis Williams. The family later moved to Kremmling, Colorado, where Gael attended high school. Gael was a skilled leather crafter by trade and enjoyed making leather gifts for friends and family. Gael also enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, cooking legendary big meals, and animals of all kinds, especially dogs, horses and birds. Gael was preceded in death by her mom and dad and her son, James. Gael is survived by her husband, Glenn Arens, of Eagle; sons Chris (Jenny) Moffat and Ken Moffat; sister Brenda (Steve Rocky) Williams; brothers Pat (Geneva) Williams and Mike Williams; and all of her dogs and animal friends. Gael also will be missed by her mother-in-law, Linda Arens, of Chicago, Brian (Julie) Arens, of Chicago, and numerous family members and friends. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Mountain Hospice and the Shaw Regional Cancer Center. 
Dave TorixJanuary 31, 1966 - October 2, 2010 Longtime IILG Member & previous Webmaster Dave Torix passed away this morning (October 2, 2010) from heart related issues. He was born January 31, 1966 in Moscow Idaho. He is survived by Sandra his wife and 5 siblings. Dave joined the IILG and also was active in PSLAC-East, the local Spokane chapter of Puget Sound Leather Artisans Co-op. At one point in his leather career, Dave worked for Hickman's Saddlery in Post Falls before becoming a long haul trucker with his current employer Interstate Distributors Trucking. Even trucking didn't stop his interest in leather work as he carried his tools wherever he drove. In fact two weeks ago he was helping us with classes at the Spokane Leather Factory. He will be missed..
Dave was indeed a good man. Some of you may recall he was one of our earlier guild members and did a lot to help us grow. He also did some work on the web site. A good friend and leather artist. He will be missed!
I remember this man very well! My condolences!
I am sorry to hear that, Dave was a really good guy.
Phil LeDucJune 24, 1948 - December 22, 2010 IILG Member from January 1998 
Marvin LabschJuly 27, 1951 - February 23, 2011 IILG Member from June 1999 
Ted Anderson1952 - July 2, 2011 IILG Member from March 2010 
Blanche ByrneJuly 1, 1931 - July 8, 2011 IILG Member from April 2000 
Bonnie L. DunnewindJanuary 1, 1944 - January 18, 2012 IILG Member from November 2007 
Gary Z. LyonJanuary 4, 1957 - June 4, 2012 IILG Member from August 2011 Gary Z. Lyon - Obituary - Santa Fe New Mexican Gary Z. Lyon Age 55, was born on January 4, 1957 and died June 4, 2012. He was a self made leather artist and loved what he did. He influenced many in the leather and tool industry to be creative and to follow their dreams. He is survived by his mother, Lena Carr; son, Billie James Lyon; daughter, Maxine Marie Vigil; many brothers and sisters; and companion of 17 years, Anna Marie Madrid. Gary will be greatly missed and his art will continue to inspire many. We love you Gary! "I was not the lion, but it fell to me to give the lion's roar." |
![[Photo of Al and Ann]](../images/people/AlAnnStolhman.jpg)
Al Stohlman's introduction to working with leather began in 1943 in the jungles of New Guinea during World War II. Some buddies were doing leatherwork. The only tools were nails, shaped into various forms to press the designs in by hand. Man has been linked with leather for centuries using it for clothing, shelter, tools, etc. Modern times have produced a great variety of tanned leather that can be used for anything imaginable. Al Stohlman has devoted most of his life to leather, constantly seeking ways to improve his work and develop new techniques. The results of his extensive research are published in numerous instructional books which have been - and still are - a guide and a source of inspiration for generations of leatherworkers all over the world.
