Still Rembering Uncle Bill and Rusty

Yangdu

Himalayan Imports Owner ~ himimp@aol.com
Moderator
Joined
Apr 5, 2005
Messages
9,127
This month is always difficult for me because
my beloved husband, Uncle Bill and Rusty, a
close friend and forum moderator, both passed away
within 12 hours of each other on March 28.
That day is definitely the saddest day of my life.

I know that both of them are looking down on
us and are delighted to see that we are continuing
to build HI and that I haven’t forgotten what my
husband started many years ago.

Please hold them both in your hearts and minds
today so they will know we have not forgotten
them. All of you forumites have helped me many
times so that we could keep HI going and support
the Kamis who make our knives and swords. Uncle
Bill would have been delighted to see the support all
of you have given me, even on the rough days.

Thank you all.
 
A sad day for all of us and all those fortunate enough to know them. You've done them both proud in continuing the efforts they started.

I'm sure everyone of us feels honored and fortunate to help you in any way we can. And hopefully that brings a smile to Uncle as well.
 
I wish I was around back then so I could have met him. Through Himalayan Imports and the community here he left a wonderful legacy.
 
RIP Uncle Bill and Rusty. I only wish I could have known them both, at least for a little while.
 
We stand with Yangdu during this difficult day.
They are not forgotten. Many lives have been changed, for the better.
 
Amen to that in a sitting sort of way but I'm with ya in principal.
 
A somber moment in remembrance for two fine men. A tip of me hat to the legacy tangibly living with us here.
A heartfelt thank you to all who've helped and continue to help keep HI running and continuing the Dharma work.
 
As with others I only know them both through the legacy they have left here and the vision that is HI. It is extremely special that HI continues to grow and I am glad that it's founding principals and vision are rooted deep enough that it continues to thrive. It is the best memorial I can imagine for them that their work continues on.
 
A toast in the Cantina to Bill and Rusty, and the karmic swirls they left behind.

I can see Bill's raised eyebrow because my glass is full of sparkling water and not his favorite Heinekin. Look Bill, it's lunchtime here on Earth.
 
A toast in the Cantina to Bill and Rusty, and the karmic swirls they left behind.

I can see Bill's raised eyebrow because my glass is full of sparkling water and not his favorite Heinekin. Look Bill, it's lunchtime here on Earth.

Ain't you ever heard of a liquid lunch? :D
 
Smoke up for Uncle Bill and Rusty! Wish I'd had a chance to know them as well but going through their old post here makes me feel like I do! Special thanks to Aunti for everything she has done to keep everyone together and keep this fire burning!
 
God bless, they will never be forgotten, Auntie what you have done here and continuing the legacy of HI goes without saying, you are one special lady and it is my complete honor to know you and support HI.
 
It has been a long time since I bought a kukri from HI. I have simply moved in other directions. I bought many from Uncle Bill. He was a thorough gentleman with a code of honesty and goodwill I have not seen since his passing. The best thing I can say is that I sincerely miss him and the world trully is now a lesser place without his presence. Yangdu, please accept my sympathies on this day. As mentioned by pugs75, you have continued his legacy.
 
Never met uncle Bill or Rusty since I only got my first Kukri last year.
All I can tell is that Aunty, Karda and all the members here make HI BF a special place. It's unlike any other place online as well as offline.
Reading from and about Uncle Bill makes me think that it's very close to his vision and I really like it. seriously wishing that I could have met him.
 
IIRC, at the time of his passing Uncle Bill was by far the most prolific poster on the Bladeforums with something like 3x the number of posts of the next runner up. He made it a point to acknowlege and encourage every thread in his subforums, no matter how silly it may have been, and he always seemed to be supportive, constructive, fair and interested. If he had an issue with any of the content, he would politely take it to PM. But, most of the time he and Rusty would simply join in and genuinely enjoy the endless chatter. Over the years I ordered many knives from Uncle Bill, including many one off modifications and custom items. And we all laughed at some of the language and cultural problems that would sometimes arise; like the time someone at the factory contacted him to ask if Uncle Bill really wanted then to make a 3 inch thick, 14 foot long khukri (it was supposed to be 3" wide), or the time we tried to make a sword size AK Bowie and ended up with only the handle being extended giving the whole thing a very wierd stubby look. I still have that knife. :)

n2s
 

Attachments

  • Stubby.jpg
    Stubby.jpg
    42.8 KB · Views: 16
I can only say I wish I had interacted with bill and the forums back when I had the chance, instead I only purchased a couple of blades and never caught the fevah until lately-- but each thing in its proper place, we are all where we need to be, glad to support HI and yangdu, in rusty and bill's memory.
 
Back
Top