Marc Posted August 25, 2005 Share Posted August 25, 2005 My teacher, mentor, and friend, Ken DeRoche, passed away yesterday. He got me started in blacksmithing five years ago and we continued to hammer together. He was also a farrier for over 20 years, earning numerous awards. Most recently he was awarded a lifetime achievement award from the Southern New England Farriers Assoc. Ken had numerous health problems, but he never let them get him down. Every setback always seemed to turn into an opportunity. When his health prevented him from shoeing, he took that as an opportunity to pass his knowledge on and started teaching both shoeing and blacksmithing. He was at dialysis when he got chest pains and died later at the hospital of a massive coronary. And he was just scheduled for heart surgery in a couple weeks. I guess when it's your time, it's your time. He will be missed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted August 25, 2005 Share Posted August 25, 2005 My condolenses Marc. It is tough when you loose a friend. He did provide you with something you will have the rest of your life - his knowledge of blacksmithing, his legacy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leah Posted August 25, 2005 Share Posted August 25, 2005 Marc, I am sorry to hear of your friend's passing. It is great that he was able to pass his skills to the next generation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralph Posted August 25, 2005 Share Posted August 25, 2005 Marc, Sorry to hear about your friends passing.I understand your loss. Just recently lost a good friend and smith. But as long as you pass on the know-how he passed on to you he will in that manner continue to influence and help others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted August 26, 2005 Author Share Posted August 26, 2005 Thanks for the kind words. I'm going to the wake tonight and expect to see more than a few smiths there. He did pass down to the next generation. I only wish I was one of them (the next generation, I mean ). :? But he did have quite a few younger students. I also find that I'm using his teaching techniques when I help others. They worked for me. I don't have his skills, yet, but I've got the basics. Pracice will hopefully get the rest. Take care, all. --Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elkdoc Posted August 26, 2005 Share Posted August 26, 2005 Sorry to hear about your lost friend, Marc. Ring your anvil for him. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wishwon Posted August 27, 2005 Share Posted August 27, 2005 yes I am sorry to hear as well... in some day you both with smash metal on the big anvil in the sky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woody Posted August 27, 2005 Share Posted August 27, 2005 Marc: My prayers are with you and the family of your friend. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him, may he rest in peace. Amen Woody Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irnsrgn Posted August 27, 2005 Share Posted August 27, 2005 His Forge is Cold, His Anvil is Still, His Hammer is at Rest, May he rest in Eternal Peace. The passing of any old smith is a great loss to those he was teaching and to the smithing world in general. Please accept my Condolensces Marc to you and his family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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