Passing of John White

T

tvandeventer

Joined
Oct 5, 2006
Messages
199
Jill has allowed me to make the announcement that my dear friend and ABS master smith John White, 71, died peacefully in his sleep, last night Oct 4, 2014.

John was unexpectedly diagnosed with inoperable liver and pancreatic cancer five weeks ago. His condition declined very rapidly and he is now at rest.

This is not only the greatest loss to Jill, his wife of forty years, but to the knife community. Those who knew him saw a vivacious, smart, funny, and highly skilled artisan. There will be no services and his ashes will be spread on the bayou near his home. I have been asked to arrange for the sale of his shop contents, and in a short while will drive to Florida to inventory and price this part of his estate.

Please keep Jill in your prayers. We'll miss you John.

Terry Vandeventer
ABS MS
 
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Praying for Mr. White's family. I will miss seeing him at the knife shows very much.
 
John was such a good craftsman and person. I really liked his attitude as well as his work. I really hated to hear this. Prayers sent
 
Shocking news. I feel that I've lost a friend. I talked to John several weeks ago...such a nice gentleman. I hope to see him on the other side. Will definitely be praying for Jill.
 
He was such a kind man. So helpful to me as a bladesmith. A fine artist...a giant in the field. He will be missed.
 
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This is so aweful to hear. :( John will be known as one of the greatest forged knife makers of all time. My condolences go out to the family and I am sorry for the loss of your friend. I will forever cherish the knives I own from John. :(
 
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John was great and will be truly missed by everyone. Prayers go out to his wife.

Tad
 
Praying for Mr. White's family. I will miss seeing him at the knife shows very much.
 
This is sad news indeed. John was a true inspiration for a lot of blade smiths. Will continue to be one of mine.

Will surely miss him at shows

Rest in peace

Bing
 
A good man gone too soon. Shocked and saddened when I got the news this morning. Prayers and strength to Jill and the rest of John's family.
 
John was a knife maker who made exceptional knives. He was also one of the nicest men who I have ever met.

I will miss him.

My prayers to Jill.

Jim Treacy
 
Well dang. John it was a pleasure knowing you. I'll treasure the knives you crafted even more. It was always a pleasure talking to you, even when you asked to keep an order for another six months to use as one of your MS test pieces.

Jill, my prayers for you and the family.
 
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Crushing news. John was one of the greats, both as a smith and as a man. This almost seems incomprehensible, he had so much LIFE in him.

Jill, our hearts and prayers go out for you and the whole family.
 
This is so heart breaking. It was such an honor to call him a friend. So very kind, skilled, and talented, yet ever so humble.

I hadn't had tears in my eyes for quite some time now... I'm so glad I got to see him this year in Atlanta.

John, you will be missed my friend. Jill, I am so very sorry for your loss.
 
What horrible news..I can't believe it. John was one of the nicest, most supportive and talented knifemakers I have ever come across. I was very much looking forward to meeting him as he had become almost a mentor to me.
Prayers for his family.
 
Crushing news, indeed. He was so kind and wonderful to talk to.

I was just reading the latest Blade magazine ten minutes ago and was admiring John's Award-winning bowie for 2014. Then I got an email from a friend and now saw this.

John: You inspired a world of people in your life. This community will always remember your skills and your handshakes.

Thoughts and prayers out to all his family and personal friends.

Jim
 
I had the honour and privilege of meeting John at Blade show this year. We had conversed many times on this forum beforhand. He was on the judging panel for my JS. Very quick with a joke and made me feel that we had known each other for years. I like anyone else who has met John will know we have lost a true gentleman, a fantastic Bladesmith and a allround good bloke. My heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends. See you on the other side John :)
Cheers Keith
 
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