I was born in Ottawa, Canada's capital. Most of my professional life was spent as an auto and heavy-duty mechanic in western Canada.

I started making hobby furniture in the late 70's, mostly tables, chairs, bookcases, beds and various odds and ends using recycled or reclaimed lumber as much as possible. It may have been a little more work but I enjoyed adapting designs and techniques to using materials which had not originally been designed as furniture and in most cases where not built to be displayed, like pallets or automobile windshield crates. In addition to the low cost benefit, I derived particular pleasure in reshaping the materials to give them a second, more useful life.

In the late 1990's, I was finally introduced to woodturning. I was just about ready to quit when I had the opportunity to attend the Ottawa Woodshow in 2001. The work displayed was beyond anything I could have imagined. That year, I received a present of a 1 year membership to the Valley Woodturners and a place for their basic course from my daughter. I never looked back and the rest as they say is history. There are not enough words to describe the benefits I've drawn from being a member of the Valley Woodturners. Every member, from novice to master, has information to share. My only regret is that I never considered woodturning as a career 30+ years ago!

I turn a little of everything, vases and bowls, pens and other spindle work, jewelry and toys. I always try, as much as possible, to use reclaimed lumber. Most of my pieces have some natural defect or blemish but these are often what gives character to an otherwise dull piece. No two pieces are alike or offer the same challenge.

If you are interested in woodturning or would like any other information about it, please drop me a line. Next to turning, nothing makes a woodturner happy as much as talking about woodturning!

I also dabble in website design and maintenance. A few of the websites I have had the privilege to work on are the
North Gower Farmer's Market
Terra-Foods
Valley Woodturners
Ingrid's Cookie Tin