Norman Landry, a dear friend, passed away yesterday, August 20, 2011. Norman had a passion for building reproduction furniture and was deeply involved in the Society of American Period Furniture Makers (www.sapfm.org). I am not sure how far back he goes in the group, but I know that he was one of the founding members of the Houston SAPFM, and was on the executive committee for several years for the national chapter.
On a personal note, Norman was a great friend and encourager. I have to say that if it weren’t for Norman, I would not be where I am today in my teaching career. So many times Norman would just start talking to people – sometimes people he didn’t even know – and that is how I got connected to a variety of people and groups. He introduced me to Roy Underhill, helped me get my instructional DVDs on the SAPFM web site, brought me down to Houston, TX to teach several classes to the SAPFM group, and many other situations that I will probably never even know about.
Norman had an energy and an enthusiasm about life that was contagious. He was no-nonsense, down-to-earth, and a very real person. With Norman, what you see is what you get – no masks. That is very refreshing.
I remember visiting him at his workshop in Houston – a 2 car garage where he had his workbench on wheels that he rolls out into his driveway whenever he wanted to use it. One thing that really amazed me was that he had a Shopsmith – and he actually used everything on it! The shop was absolutely spotless – every tool had its own place, and was probably well oiled before it was put away. He must have cringed when he saw my shop.
Norman, we will miss you with your overalls, blue denim SAPFM shirt, and Ben Franklin pony tail and glasses.
Norman, we will miss you.
