It is with a heavy heart that I inform the letterpress community that Bill Jones passed away on November 6, 2012. He was comfortable and not in pain.
Bill felt that Virgin Wood Type was his legacy. So he dedicated most of his time since his diagnosis to training me to make wood type. Most of the type that has shipped over the past few months was made by me, Geri McCormick, Bill’s wife. I am determined to continue the manufacture of wood type.
I have found this wonderful young man who reminds me of Bill of yesteryear. So Derek and I are working together to continue to make wood type.
I was very sad to hear of Bill’s passing. He will truly be missed. What a maverick to set out to supply an obsolete technology, what an adventure! He was and continues to be an inspiration.
Geri, I am glad to hear you’re picking up the craft. I’m sure Bill is smiling.
Geri, thanks so much for continuing Bill’s craft and passion. I’m looking forward to seeing more great things out of VWT.
I’m so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing; I’m very glad his legacy can continue in you and Derek, though. I hope it carries on giving you pleasure.
n
Sorry to hear of Bill is no longer with you. So glad he inducted you before he departed, obviously a clever man. Looking forward to saving some pocket money for some of your type soon. Best wishes Russell
So sad to hear about Bill’s passing. It’s a big loss for the printing community.
Thanks Geri for continuing with his passion and keeping his craft active.
Sorry to hear about Bill. He and you guys do great work.
This poem is always nice:
“death is nothing at all. i have only slipped away into the next room. i am i, and you are you. whatever we were to each other, that we still are. call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way you always used to. put no difference in your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. play, smile, think of me, pray for me. let my name be ever the household word that it always was, let it be spoken without effort, no trace of a shadow on it. life means all that it ever meant. it is the same as it ever was. there is unbroken continuity. why should i be out of mind because i am out of sight? i am waiting for you, somewhere very near. just around the corner. all is well.” — Henry Scott Holland 1847 – 1918 Canon of St Paul’s, London
Oh, I am so sorry. I just now learned of Bill’s passing, through a piece in the APA bundle. I will always treasure the type Bill made for me last year and respect the craftsmanship he brought to his work. I wish you all the very best.
I was very surprised to hear this news. I’ve been communicating with Bill by email at least once a month and was very fortunate to have purchased a few fonts of type from him. Thank you Geri for continuing the craft and my heartfelt sympathies to you.
Casey
Inky Lips Press