RIP Hank Rummell

Chuck Gedraitis Knives

Chuck Gedraitis Knives

Joined
Dec 10, 1998
Messages
4,860
It is with a sad heart that I bring you some bad news. Hank and Helen
were on their way to the Gator Show in Lakeland, Florida this coming
weekend and had stopped in South Carolina in their van. Hank took the
dogs out for a walk and never returned the early evening of Jan 29,
2012. He was hit by an automobile and was pronounced dead at the scene.
He died a very quick and painless death doing something he loved,
walking his dogs. He will be cremated and Helen and their son David
will drive back to New York tomorrow.

Please more this thread if this is not the correct place for it.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the message, Chuck. I'm floored. :(

I spent 30 mins chatting with Hank (and Helen) two weeks ago, as I browsed the East Coast Firearms Show in Stamford. First time in years I was only a spectator, and it allowed me to chat in depth with Hank.

I liked him more and more every time we talked. He was a HUGE teddy bear with a crusty exterior, and a soft heart. An encyclopedia of Custom Knife info, too.

My warmest thoughts go to Helen, who HAD to go through trauma, being there.

Sadly missed.

Jim
 
Hank was a great guy, yes gruff exterior but a sweetheart. Enjoyed many conversations and meals with him over the years, he will be missed. R.I.P. Hank
 
Always enjoyed talking to Hank at Janesville and the Guild show, how very sad.
Prayers for Helen and his Family.
Ken.
 
Dang, this is sad news!

I've known Hank and Helen for many years and enjoyed visiting with them at many shows.

Hank will be greatly missed!

My condolences to Helen the family.
 
Although Hank and I never met, we had several phone conversations and e-mail exchanges and he always came across as a fair and nice guy with loads of knowledge. He will for sure be missed. My condolences to his wife and family.

Marcel
 
WOW, sad news. I can't believe it. Hank and his buddy Arnie who was a collector at the time were solely responsible for introducing me to and getting me started collecting custom knives 15 years ago!. Hank went out of his way to get me my first custom knife, and the specific one I wanted. Sad sad sad.. Condolences to Helen and family.
 
Very sad, R.I.P. Hank. I was at one of the Chesapeake Shows and sat next to Hank for dinner. After dinner he graciously went up to his room and brought down several large, exotically engraved switchblades for me to see. He made a point of telling me how new regulations would keep him from flying with his knives and that he would only drive to shows.

Win
 
I'm still floored about this news. For those who need a face to the name, here is an image that was taken by Murray White from the 2008 Chicago Show. They had won an award for something. Not surprising.

Helen, Hank and one of their dogs. (Ed Wormser looking on from behind, Mark Nevling on the RH side, and Brian Tighe and his wife on the left)

orig.jpg


Sigh....

Coop
 
I heard about the news this morning, he will be greatly missed. My condolences to Helen and the family.
RIP Hank,



Peter
 
At second Guild show in Las Vegas, Hank saved me from making a very costly mistake.

I'll miss you buddy....may the cigars be tasty wherever you are!

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
What a senseless tragedy- Hank was a super guy who just plain loved knives and everyone in the game.

He will be sorely missed at the shows.

RIP

Neil Ostroff
 
This is very sad news. Helen called this morning. She is devastated.
I spoke to Hank Sunday. Then I Neil Ostroff called and said he had some bad news. It was a blow that was unexpected.
Thanks Neil for the heads up.

The knife world will be changed from loosing this great person.
He will be missed.

Buying knives from Hanks Site and from Helen to help her past this catastrophy.
That is my goal. Line up buyers for his knives.
Helen can use all the help she can get. She has been with him everyday for over 40 years.
 
Wow,

Can't believe it. He did more for us all then most will ever know. I will miss him.

My condolences to Helen and the family.

Cliff and Ruth Parker
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top