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John Weiss Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Weiss
February 6, 2011
It was a sad day a few months ago when I heard through buying a goose call online that my friend had died. I had been trying to catch up with him for some time. We shared many a beer through the years. Lived under the same roof several times. Worked together often, shared a penchant for fine art and above all loved working wood. John showed me the ropes of turning during the winter of 1976 or 77 up at his place between Elkhart and Broadwell. I'm still turning John. I've still got a small shop of tools just like the old days. I'll never forget building calls for a year at the "Wooden Goose' in New City. I'm actually going to be making a few here soon. I'll be remembering you when I do.
Thanks for the good times and memories John. I wish we could have gotten together those last few years. I was very much looking forward to seeing you again.
Doug Holle
Saint Ignace, Michigan
Phillip Henning
April 7, 2008
John is my friend. We played music together, fished some great days in the rain, and shared long discussions on the grain, of wood and life. May we meet again.
Phil Henning
Suzanne Allen
March 21, 2008
He was the best brother ever. I love him.
Rick Krimmel
March 2, 2008
An unexpected sadness filled my heart when I learned of John's passing, a sadness that grew into a feeling of despair. A bright and shining light has left our world.
John was my friend. And he is my friend; he still lives bright in my heart and mind. I still call him "Cowboy", the name he went by when we were freshmen together living in Crampton Hall at Illinois College in the fall of 1969.
Life with John was always an adventure. There was always another hill to climb, another stream to cross, another song to be sung. I was lucky and privileged to accompany him for a brief moment in time. He took me to a farm house where he was so honored a guest that the host served us homemade bourbon while he and John negotiated the price for a walnut tree that John would turn into objects of beauty. He led me to a field still muddy with spring rains that had revealed Indian arrowheads 10,000 years old. He took me duck hunting. From a blind, from a boat, puddle jumping, wading through flooded fields, it was his passion.
He taught me the beauty of nature and life and women. He had a way with women that I could only marvel at. He had a way with people. He was always open and entertaining and filled with life.
I am happy that my brothers knew him as well. Darrel worked with him on the train depot restoration project and Kevin got to share in more than one adventure.
It speaks poorly of me that my vision so narrowed over the years that I lost track of John. I am glad that he was sober the last ten years; I know of his struggles.
Last May I was drawn to Santa Fe, if only I had known he was there. But it comforts me that I walked some of the same streets that he did in his last years.
I could go on and on about the brave and intelligent man who was John Weiss, an artist who strove to share his vision of beauty with others.
Oh, woe is me. My friend is dead.
The world is a far poorer place. And yet it is richer, for he did live in it, if for all too brief a time.
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Ron Green
March 1, 2008
We shared the sunrises , worked the wood , and created memories that have lasted a lifetime. Be blessed John, I have missed you.
Save me a spot in the blind for my first opener when I get there.
Michael Mehlenbeck
March 1, 2008
My deepest sympathy to Johns family.John and I spent many a hour
hunting and fishing legally!I still have
the forearm and stock for my Browning that John made me.He was quite the craftsman.
Tom Weiss
February 29, 2008
My deepest sympathy for you lose. May God bless you with His peace and joy during this difficult time. I would like to know if you pronounce your family name Weece or Wice. My family is from Pocahontas, IL.
Paul Cragoe
February 29, 2008
John was 6' 4" as I recall and quite a good golfer. I looked up to John all through high school and enjoyed his company and sense of humor on the golf course at Lincoln Greens.
John will be missed by all who knew him.
Karen (Lauer) Fargusson
February 29, 2008
John was my 1st cousin, & I will remember him fondly. My proudest possessions are the unique & handsome pair of walnut corner cabinets that he custom made to fit odd corners of my 1st house & look made for each home since then. His spirit & talents will be sorely missed.
Caroline Stanhope
February 29, 2008
John was a very special person & I'll certainly never forget the great times we had together. He taught me many things about life. I'll never forget the time he & a friend took me duck hunting, the night he came by & picked me up to take me to Sangchris Park to listen to the night songs of a huge flock of geese, the many happy times spent in his shop in New City or the 50th birthday cake he brought to my party...it said "50 years of excellence" (which we all found hysterically funny.) He was a very talented artist & I think he really enjoyed his many crafts. His life wasn't easy but he certainly gave himself permission to march to his own drumbeat. Thank you to whomever wrote the wonderful obit. Condolences to all of his family from Don & I.
Karen Goatley Brockman
February 29, 2008
I am very sorry to hear of John's passing..He was a beautiful person..A long time ago, John made me a picture frame. I still have it up on a wall in my home. Even today, years later, it is one of the finest pieces of wood I have in my home. May your memories of John comfort you in the days to come.
Rod Pool
February 29, 2008
John,godspeed
NAMO TASSA BHAGAVATO ARAHATO SAMMA SAMBUDDHASSA
Rod
Sherry Jennings
February 28, 2008
I did not know this man but the beauty of the obituary touched my heart, as did his talent and appreciation of beauty. Bless you for sharing his life in this manner.
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