Prayers for Al Barton

Kwaiken56

Kwaiken56

Joined
Apr 17, 2000
Messages
1,287
I'm this with a very heavy heart. I regret to inform the forum I've some bad news. As many of you know, bladesmith Al Barton has been battling cancer for some time now. His wife Helen informed me this morning that things do not look good at this point. He is just being made comfortable.

For all who know Al, you know that he is a man of the highest caliber...a caring, giving man who loves children. He was very kind to my oldest son one year at the Oregon Show. My son, and myself have never forgotten him for that.

If you pray, please include Al & Helen Barton in your's tonight. Let's all hope that Al is comfortable, and that his fine wife is strong in these very tough days..
God's speed...


[This message has been edited by Kwaiken56 (edited 08-16-2000).]
 
Al is one of the great gentlemen of the knife world. I too, extend my prayers that Al be comfortable and his family be consoled by those who are thinking of him.

Harry
 
Dave Ellis here- Al and Helen Barton have been friends since I moved my family from L.A. to San Diego many years ago. Al took me under his wing and brought me to a level so that I could test for my ABS Journeyman stamp. We both tested that year and passed the tests. When Al attained his Mastersmith stamp (I failed that year),Al's words of encouragement caused me to work harder and the next year (1997) I went to Atlanta and passed my M.S. test!
Al has been an inspiration to my Bladesmithing and my life! This man would give you the shirt off of his back!
My wife and I will be visiting the Bartons this week. I hope and pray that this is a temporary set back. Al has come back before.
With sincerity and much love,
Dave Ellis, ABS, Mastersmith
P.S. there is a photo in Knife world showing Al's Mastersmith knife of the year, a fitting tribute that he was chosen to create this piece since he has been so instrumental to many west coast smiths education.
 
I have read much about Al over the years, I'm sure he's facing this "test" with as much courage and determination as possible. I hope whichever path has been placed before him is as comfortable for him and his family as it can be in these difficult times. I wish him and his family "Aloha" in every sense of the word.
 
Al is one who is always open to helping other makers any way he can. (Even lowly collectors like me).

Thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

------------------
" I am continually reminded of the rewards of dealing with custom knife makers and the custom knife community." Jeff J.
 
Another one of the Excellent Ones goes down
frown.gif
May his passing be peaceful, with those that love him surrounding him. No matter how you cut it, it still sucks though. No pun intended...sorry. Al fought bravely, but unfortunately there's battles we're meant to loose.

God's speed,
John Johnson
 
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