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A sad end for a modeller

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  • Member since
    August 2006
  • From: Neenah, WI
Posted by HawkeyeHobbies on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 1:10 PM

Don't forget about Michael J Fox, he has had this disease for years...it knows no age limits.

His inability to continue on with a hobby he loved may be a source of frustration and depression. Chat with the wife or stop in to chat with him, ask his "secrets of modeling" and make him feel useful again.

Gerald "Hawkeye" Voigt

http://hawkeyes-squawkbox.com/

 

 

"Its not the workbench that makes the model, it is the modeler at the workbench."

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Monday, September 14, 2009 11:28 AM

Sorry to hear that Wirraway.

My mom has Alzheimers and she is starting to forget a lot of major things in her life.

She thinks it is just forgetfulness for her age (she's only 81) but I know the difference.

It is a horrible disease as it robs your memory and then takes your life. 

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon
  • Member since
    August 2008
Posted by Sandy on Thursday, September 10, 2009 1:54 PM

 Very nice gesture Wirrawy,nobel indeed. One of my greatest pleasures is building and collecting, been at it for the best part of 40 years, if I was in that position it would crush me to see my stash and tools go because if illness.

Just my 2 cents.

Sandy

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Left forever
Posted by Bgrigg on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 9:46 AM
 RedCorvette wrote:

While your intention is certainly noble, I'd suggest that you might want to discuss it with his wife first. 

If he had become frustrated or depressed due the deterioration of his modeling skills, then your refurbishing of his built-up kits might have the unintended consequence of reminding him of what he has lost or be interpreted as criticism of his work. 

Mark

 

A good point, certainly do ask the wife for her opinion. On the other hand, I think most modellers would be pleased to see someone pickup the pieces when they cannot.

So long folks!

  • Member since
    January 2006
  • From: Sarasota, FL
Posted by RedCorvette on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 8:29 AM

While your intention is certainly noble, I'd suggest that you might want to discuss it with his wife first. 

If he had become frustrated or depressed due the deterioration of his modeling skills, then your refurbishing of his built-up kits might have the unintended consequence of reminding him of what he has lost or be interpreted as criticism of his work. 

Mark

 

 

FSM Charter Subscriber

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Monday, September 7, 2009 8:48 PM

That is a very nice idea Thumbs Up [tup]Thumbs Up [tup]Thumbs Up [tup]

My step father, who passed away at easter, used to build balsa remote control aircraft. He got Parkinsons and Altzeihmers which eventually put an end to his building but he still bought the kits and parts. Like this guys wife my mum is makeing sre they all go to good homes.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Northern KY
Posted by mucker on Monday, September 7, 2009 8:22 PM
Very nice idea, Wirraway. That's very kind of you and one of the reason's you are a very respected person on these forums (outside of being a darned fine model builder).

  • Member since
    February 2007
Posted by mitsdude on Monday, September 7, 2009 12:34 AM

My dad died from the ravages of Parkinsons 3 years ago this Thanksgiving.

He wasn't a modeller but he spent every free moment working in his yard.

Its very sad to see anyone slowly waste away from the effects of this disease.

My heart goes out to the man and his family.

 

 

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Cleveland, OH
Posted by RadMax8 on Sunday, September 6, 2009 11:39 PM
Parkinson's and Alzheimer's claimed my great grandfather. Both very hard diseases to experience. Wirraway, your mission is a noble one. I'm sure the gentleman that you bought the kits from would be absolutely thrilled to see some of his old builds redone. I hope you can keep in contact with him.
  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: Amarillo, TX.
Posted by captfue on Sunday, September 6, 2009 6:55 PM
A very nive thing to do for another modeller, good luck and I hope he gets to see them
Rules are overrated
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Rain USA, Vancouver WA
Posted by tigerman on Sunday, September 6, 2009 6:29 PM
A nice thing to do. Good luck.

   http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/wing_nut_5o/PANZERJAGERGB.jpg

 Eric 

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: phoenix
Posted by grandadjohn on Sunday, September 6, 2009 2:47 PM
Vary sad indeed
  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: Massachusetts
Posted by jadgpanther302 on Sunday, September 6, 2009 2:15 PM
Thats sad, not even 60 yet. At 14 i cant even begin to comprehend how his wife must feel.
  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Rhode Island
Posted by jmabx on Sunday, September 6, 2009 1:08 PM
 Wirraway wrote:

 I'm going to try and resurrect them and hopefully show them to him.

Very touching. I wish you luck and hope he enjoys them. Thumbs Up [tup]

Jeremy    Propeller

    

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Left forever
Posted by Bgrigg on Sunday, September 6, 2009 12:45 PM
Truly a terrible disease. I hope you get the chance to finish up a couple to show before his time.

So long folks!

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Biding my time, watching your lines.
Posted by PaintsWithBrush on Sunday, September 6, 2009 9:54 AM
We are fragile creatures, venerable to a variety of illnesses that will eventually rob us of the very essence of "us". Having already experienced death once, I hope when it wins, it is as quick as the first time and not a slow, lingering decline.

A 100% rider on a 70% bike will always defeat a 70% rider on a 100% bike. (Kenny Roberts)

  • Member since
    January 2006
  • From: Pineapple Country, Queensland, Australia
A sad end for a modeller
Posted by Wirraway on Sunday, September 6, 2009 6:10 AM

I picked up a bulk lot on e-bay this week.  About a dozen unbuilt kits and about the same number built.  Wife was selling them on behalf of her husband who now has advanced stage of Parkinsons disease.  Got talking to her when I picked up the items, he is now in need of full time care and that occupies most of her time. 

When I got the built kits home, you could really chart his gradual decline.  The early kits were lovingly built, with nice paintjobs, flawless decals, interior detail.  Then things started to slip.  He would not bother to paint the undersides of aircraft, the interior detailing dropped off and in the end,  he was just slapping decals on unpainted glue bombs.  He just shook so much, his wife said he could no longer hold an AB or a brush.  I'm going to try and resurrect them and hopefully show them to him.  A very insidious disease.  And this guy isnt even 60 yet.

"Growing old is inevitable; growing up is optional"

" A hobby should pass the time - not fill it"  -Norman Bates

 

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