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After a week and a half of complications preceeding a stroke, my mentor and best friend past away this afternoon. He was 86 and had painted signs, lettered and striped trucks and gold leafed fire trucks for over 60 years.
Too many great stories to tell you about, but for those who learned from one of the masters, you know and can relate to how wonderful they are.
Take the time to call an old signpainter. They are a dying breed. I remember when I started out, everyone told me about the signpainter in town that "didn't need patterns" "he just uses a piece of chalk and a yardstick". I needed paper for patterns and a big eraser on the end of my pencil. I didn't think I had a chance. I couldn't imagine making a few marks on a door and then start lettering. When I met him I found out "he could" layout a truck door with a piece of chalk and yardstick, but he was humble and said he needs patterns too, don't let the rumors get me down. He was willing to teach me anything and everything he knew about the trade.
I have a color press that he gave me(among other things). I can't image the day of making your own oil colors, but I am sure there are a few of you out there yet that use to.
Just wanted to let you know there is one more of the great ones gone now. I can't imagine life without him. The Bullboard has been a great help in preparing for this day, though. So many good people to talk signs with, laugh with, share concerns with.
Take care, I have some phone calls I have to make now.
Pam
-------------------- Pam Eddy Niles, MI ple@qtm.net Posts: 460 | From: Michigan | Registered: Dec 2000
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I got a mentor of my own. He is not in the best of health, either. I talk to him every now and again. I think I am going to call him very soon.
Yes, the old timers are a dying breed. I can wax eloquently of the past but I am glad to be where I am today.
Thanks for sharing. Our sympathies go out to you for the loss of your friend.
-------------------- Bruce Bowers
DrCAS Custom Lettering and Design Saint Cloud, Minnesota
"Things work out best for the people who make the best of the way things work out." - Art Linkletter Posts: 6465 | From: Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Registered: Jun 1999
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Pam, I have one of those old color cans that is soldered together, but don't have the press. The can I have was a gift when I completed my apprenticeship and was given to John that gave it to me when he finished his. Those items help us grasp the memories and keep the history alive. Take the path of heart.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6811 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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It's sad, but the stories of the old mentors passing seem to be getting more frequent. The two men who took the time to teach and encourage me have departed also. Hopefully, my life has been a continuation of that spirit. None of us have arrived at whatever spot we are now alone - someone was behind us giving us a nudge. To those we owe a great debt.
This weekend I was reading the editorial in Signs of the Times in which Wade Swormstedt was telling of the life of Paul Davis. He was exactly my age. Sadly, Paul died alone and penniless. If you read the commentary you find a life's legacy of tremendous contribution to the industry, yet a personal life of torment.
Often, I wonder what my legacy will be. Hopefully, there will be some who will remember my contribution as helpful. What will you leave for the next generation?
[ September 01, 2003, 10:32 AM: Message edited by: Raymond Chapman ]
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Bruce, Rick and Ray, thank you for your replies. It has been a tough holiday weekend. I just dug out some old photos and newspaper clippings to make copies for his kids while they are in town. They have family pictures, but I want to share some of the signwork pictures and articles. They have a lot to be proud of.
He was a woodworker too as well as a signpainter, and was in the process of doing some oil paintings of the grandkids when he passed. I have several pieces of furniture he made me and kaliedascopes too, his father was a violin maker. Although he admired his father's work, he never quite mastered violin making himself.
Ray, you mentioned what we leave as far as a legacy. I attended a seminar of yours in Indianapolis once and you left an impression with me and I'm sure with others too. I always read your post on this Bullboard. You are a kind and thoughtful person as well as Rick and Bruce. There is so much in this life to learn and share, and you three have a wealth of knowledge that you always mix with thoughtfulness and compassion for others.
Thanks again for being there.
Pam
-------------------- Pam Eddy Niles, MI ple@qtm.net Posts: 460 | From: Michigan | Registered: Dec 2000
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This brings to mind that I lost track of my mentor a few years ago; he moved from Arizona to Florida in 1995 and left no forwarding address. His name is Brad Lindsey; if anyone knows of him, please let me know.
-------------------- "A wise man concerns himself with the truth, not with what people believe." - Aristotle
Cam Bortz Finest Kind Signs Pondside Iron works 256 S. Broad St. Pawcatuck, Ct. 06379 "Award winning Signs since 1988" Posts: 3051 | From: Pawcatuck,Connecticut USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Sorry Monte, between lack of sleep lately, stress, and sorrow, I forgot to tell you his name. Maurice Maxedon, most called him Max, and his family and childhood friends called him Bubb.
He told me he started lettering signs at the age of 17 when he would tie the sign to a rope and hoist it through the second story window of his parents house so he could letter them in the hallway by his bedroom. I have a couple of pix of him airbrushing nose art on the front of airplanes in WWII.
Cam, I hope you find your mentor that is now in Florida. Maybe he has a computer now and you can keep in touch via email.
Pam
-------------------- Pam Eddy Niles, MI ple@qtm.net Posts: 460 | From: Michigan | Registered: Dec 2000
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