forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
Modelers Lounge => How's it going? => Topic started by: Brad Cancian on October 04, 2024, 05:41:46 PM
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Hello all,
I am saddened today to report the sudden passing of member James Berkman, aka "Old Man".
James was one of the 'old comtemptables' of the site; he joined back in the early days of the forum in 2012. He was a strong contributor right through the forum's life, always quick with an encouraging word. He was also a fine modeler.
(https://i.imgur.com/iybvlWn.png)
I tip my hat to you James, Blue Skies, until we meet again at the officer's mess bar in the sky.
(https://i.imgur.com/nRtVLiM.jpeg)
His Partner, Deb, has now joined our site (member 'olady'). Deb still has plenty of James' kits and tools which she would love to offer to our members here. In her words:
"His workshop is a big fat mess, which is how he liked to work. Many planes are in various stages of completion. Many kits are stacked all over. In addition to kits he purchased glue, accelerator, spray paint, jars of paint, plastic rods, brushes and more.
I joined ww1aircraftmodels hoping I can offer the members the unused materials he worked with, as well as his kits, in very affordable lots. Even the incomplete kits could be of use to someone. There are several books like French Aircraft of the First World War and stacks of datafile booklets that he also printed out. I'm thinking I could just post those for anyone to download. Even with family helping it will take months to work out.
He was generous with information he found and techniques he shared. He would have liked to know his workshop was shared with others"
It would be fitting that a part of James would find a loving home amongst the membership here.
I invite Deb to post more details here (or in the buy-swap-sell-trade section of the forum).
Thank you all,
Brad Cancian
Owner and Administrator
forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
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Very Sad News Indeed. Like you said, He was always encouraging to all of us!
RAGIII
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It is sad when any member passes away. My heart goes out to his family.
Alan.
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A sad day for the forum.
R.I.P. James, You will be missed.
BB
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Very sad news indeed! I always enjoyed his posts and contributions and his approach to the hobby. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
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Very sad news. My condolences to James' family.
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Sad news
Intimations of mortality and thoughts of John Donne in his 'No man is an island' Sonnet
"Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee."
Condolences to James' family
Sandy
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Sad tidings. My condolences to the family.
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Blue skies, James. You'll be remembered and missed here. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this sorrowful time.
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This is indeed sad news. Like Brad said, he was always very positive and constructive to all of us.
Blue skies James.
Willem
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I'm very sad to read of this, far too young.I was a great fan of James' builds, and learned a great deal from his posts.
Dave.
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Hi, I'm Deb.
James was the heart, soul and brains of the extended family I'm part of. He looked after us, and we all miss his wisdom, care and love. “Blue skies” is where I like to think he has gone.
It will take some time to sort out all the kits and usable materials he worked with. Meanwhile I’d like to know what members would find useful for your purposes.
- James worked exclusively in 1/72 scale. Do many members work in that size? Do you?
- Are incomplete kits useful for your projects?
- James left a lot of bases in various stages of prep. Is Would you find them useful for your projects or will photos be enough?
- Should I offer kit lots by plane type, kit brand or an assortment of kits? I’m planning of keeping lots down to 4 to 8 kits per mailing.
- If you live in or around Chicago, you can save mailing costs by picking up your purchase from me, on the far north side.
Do you have any questions or suggestions for me?
Many thanks to Brad for assisting in this project. Glad to meet you!
Best,
Deb
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Just to reiterate, I am saddened by James Passing. I think we can adjust to whatever proves to be easiest for you in respect to selling his collection. I generally don't build WW1 subjects in 1/72nd but in order to help you I will consider purchasing something to Honer Him. Just do what you think is best!
Rick Geisler/ AKA RAGIII
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That is terrible news. My heart goes out to Deb and his family. He was always quick to offer advice and positive comments, and since we both worked exclusively in 1:72, we always shared that little extra when it came to tips and appreciation of each other's work.
He will be sorely missed.
Ian
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I have just seen this and am saddened and shocked - he was such a fine modeller who offered wonderful ideas and great encouragement to all.
I am a 1/72 modeller but I only scratch build - as James did on occasion. I found his models to be unique, and he encouraged me to try ideas and techniques which I had hitherto considered to be impossible. I will miss his comments and models greatly - this forum will be a lesser place through his passing.
Blue skies James - until we meet in the eternal modelling room.
Stephen.
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Another very positive and solid supporter of our unique brotherhood steps into the next realm; blue skies James, you will be missed.
Lance