RIP Keith Larman

[Joss]

Keith Larman, polisher of (mostly) US-made Japanese style swords and a sometimes contributor here, passed away a few days ago on Jan 24. He had been in the hospital for several months, first due to acute pancreatitis, then sepsis, according to a Facebook post by his friend ABS Mastersmith Howard Clark.

You can see some of his work on his site:
http://summerchild.com/summer.html

I have at least three pieces he polished for me. He was someone I had a lot of respect for.

 

[horseclover]

His wife, Gail had been posting updates to the end. His daughter now in college. A legend in his own time.

Cheers
GC

http://theartofaiki.blogspot.com/2010/03/keith-larman-on-aikiken.html

 

[mross]

Speechless

 

[horseclover]

Many of his thoughts here
http://www.swordforum.com/vb4/member.php?131-Keith-Larman

 

[Triton]

What!? I'm at a loss. I remember when he was just starting to learn how to polish. I remember when his daughter was born. I remember how happy he was about that. I remember how he named the sword polishing business after her. I remember the amazing work he did. I suddenly feel older and sadder.

 

[Kenneth F Huls]

New here, and very distressed to find this news. I was regular on SFI for some time in the past and learned a lot from Mr. Larman there and on his site. Still had been checking it out from time to time. I have other fine American smithed Japanese style swords, but none polished by Keith. Planned on sending the always hoped for acquisition of a L6 to him for polish and possibly fitting. This is so very, very sad. My heart goes out to his family and friends.