Hello All,
It is with a tear in my eye and a heavy heart that I let you all know that Will Beemer (a member here, screen name "Heartwood") passed away peacefully at home Thursday June 23rd in the afternoon.
Will was a one-of-a-kind guy, a leader in the timber framing world, and a mentor to many and good friend of mine.
He will be missed by so many.
There will be no services.
He was the previous owner of the Heartwood School located in western Massachusetts. And author of the book "Learn to Timber Frame."
Take care and God bless.
Jim Rogers
Sorry to heat that, Jim. My condolences.
Condolences to family, friends, and all.
Oh dear - thank you Jim for letting us all know that another one of the TFG old guard is gone.
I first met Will at Franklin Pearce College, New Hampshire back in 1994 where The Guild was building a scissor braced gazebo designed by Ed Levin and now they are both no longer with us and even that building has also gone.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/tweet_video_thumb/FWRGFFhXgAY-h5m?format=jpg&name=small)
By way of hommage to Will I ordered up a copy of his book "Learn to TIMBER FRAME" and following receipt and review of same I thought this this was well written by Will and nicely presented by Storey Publishing. This book now stands testament to Will's working life experience and lays down a significant contribution to our better understanding of the craft of timber-framing.
Wow, very sorry to hear that. I met him in Annapolis when they had an event there a few years ago. I enjoyed listening to him sing and play guitar.
Godspeed Will Beemer. His legacy will live on.
I'm sorry to read this, a true craftsman with the patience to teach. He was a rare and enjoyable person.
So sad to have to add another member to the In Memorium group.
I'm sorry to see this, I was reading his book a few days ago.
Rest in Peace Will.
Sorry to hear of Will's passing. I took the TF class at Heartwood about 12 years ago.
My grandmother used to tell us "Death comes not with the last breath, rather with the last time your name is spoken". Likely that Will Beemer will live forever.
Really sad to hear this news. I only knew of him from his excellent timber framing book but he seemed like a great fellow. I'm sure many timber frames made under his instruction will survive a great many years.
Certainly a true mentor in the timber frame world. Sad for sure. And while we are on the subject, if anyone knew Scouter Joe from Northern Ontario, sadly, Joe passed away last May at the age of 70 from his battle with cancer. I was out to see him a few times, as he had taken an interest in my timber frame build.
I can say that I could not hold a candle to Joe's talent in building log homes. His setup on his property was incredible, to say the least. The man was a bull when it came to work. He was truly a very good human-being. RIP Joe.
RIP Will.
JIm, thx for sharing.