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Passing of Russ Fairfield

khertzog

khertzog

AAW Board Member
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Henrietta NY
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I regret to inform the pen turning world that Russ Fairfield passed away on January 4th. He was 75 years old and passed peacefully. In honor of his many years of contributions to the woodturning and particularly the penturning community and with his wife Gerri’s permission, the Principally Pens chapter of the AAW is implementing the First Annual Russ Fairfield Memorial Pen Competition. Russ was the Secretary of the Principally Pens chapter and a long time AAW member. Details will follow but this “competition†is to be an annual event in honor of Russ and all of his contributions to the woodturning community.

Kurt
 
This is sad news, Kurt. I visited Russ a few weeks ago at the nursing home just a few days after his 75th birthday. We talked about the articles he was writing, the demos he had planned for 2011 and the things that he wanted to turn once he re-gained his memory. He referred to all of the "old folks" there marking time and just waiting to die. Russ was doing neither. It is so frustrating to watch and wait for the inevitable, but, sadly, we all must meet our end. Unfortunately,for many, it is before their time. Russ still had so much to give. In fact he told me with a twinkle in his eye, "Heck, I am just getting famous as a woodturner!" You will be missed, Russ.

John
 
Very sad news!

Like many turners, I've learned a lot from Russ over the last several years. His webpage is a treasure trove of information. I hope that someone, such as the AAW, will adopt it and maintain it. It would be a blessing to future woodturners and an enduring legacy to Russ.
 
He left quite a mark in the turning world and he will live on in his work. Russ was a unique character. I never had the chance to meet him in person (that was supposed to happen in 2011), but got to know him through the chats and email. We used to joke about him being the head "Curmudgeon" and how I wanted to learn to be a great "Curmudgeoness". Russ taught me everything I know about finishing, and a lot of other stuff too. In the past year and a half, Russ was saying and posting some things that were out of character. Those who didn't know him thought that was just Russ, but it was not. It was the illness that was altering his personality. He was a sometimes "crusty" but very gentle soul. I will miss him.
 
Russ Fairfield

I never met the man but his writings in the American Woodturner were as clear as a bell on a winters day. Farewell Russ and Good Turning.
 
Very Sad News

I am so sorry to learn of Russ's passing. My sympathies to his family and the wider turning world. He was an extraordinary example of what it is to be a turner. Intelligent, witty, generous, sharing, giving and so much more. I know he will be well remembered. I consider myself fortunate that I was able to meet him several years ago at Totally Turning.

R.I.P. Russ-miss you already.
 
Carole Valentine said:
He left quite a mark in the turning world and he will live on in his work. Russ was a unique character. I never had the chance to meet him in person (that was supposed to happen in 2011), but got to know him through the chats and email. We used to joke about him being the head "Curmudgeon" and how I wanted to learn to be a great "Curmudgeoness". Russ taught me everything I know about finishing, and a lot of other stuff too. In the past year and a half, Russ was saying and posting some things that were out of character. Those who didn't know him thought that was just Russ, but it was not. It was the illness that was altering his personality. He was a sometimes "crusty" but very gentle soul. I will miss him.
Click to expand...

Your post says so well my feeling toward Russ I thought it deserved to be repeated. I too will miss him.
 
Saying Goodbye

I met Russ a few years ago when I drove to his place for two days' lessons over a weekend. I had reviewed his Finishing DVD for Wood Central, and after the lessons I'd written him with a finishing question. Later, in the mail, I received two unasked for DVDs and a resource letter and a follow-up e-mail to check on my progress. His generosity was well known. I also coaxed him back to Wood Central last year after he got so angry he up and left. A smile... I did it by writing him and saying, "Well okay, what now? Are you over your tiff?" Sort of a kick-*** challenge, that I knew he would respond well to. I will really miss him. He was just beginning to write a regular column for Betty's Journal, and I was looking forward to that immensely. This had to come one day, but it still feels like a great loss. I have a small bird house chain pull he turned, on a light over the bench in my garage. Tuesday I was putting things away out there and reached up to pull the chain light to turn it off, and muttered, "Good night, Russ." Little did I know.
 
As a new turner I found Russ's DVDs invaluable. Most, if not all, of what I know about pen turning and finishing came from those DVDs and his on line tutorials. He will be remembered, by me, as a friend I never met. He made a huge contribution to this, and I think all, Woodturner(s).

Thank you Russ.

George
 
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That is sad new. I never met Russ but did talk to him thru phone and e-mail. He was always helpful, answering questions and a real gentleman. He will be sorely missed. RIP
 
Russ Fairfield Rememberances

By now, I'm sure many of you are aware of the passing of our friend and Principally Pens chapter secretary, Russ Fairfield. If you hadn't heard, Russ passed away on January 4th after complications from surgery. He was 75 years old and passed away peacefully.

In honor of his many years of contributions to the woodturning and particularly the penturning community, the Principally Pens chapter has created an annual Russ Fairfield Memorial Pen Competition. Details on this can be found at www.principallypens.com. We have also implemented an educational fund that will be funded by contributions made in Russ' name at the request of his wife Gerri.

We are working with his wife to insure that all of Russ’ writings, videos, and web materials will have a home and will be available to the woodturning community in an ongoing manner.

Kurt
 
That is good to hear Kurt, that everything will be achieved!

Sure going to miss Russ's wisdom on so many things not just woodturning.
 
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