RUSH ON MT. RUSHMORE, carved in a 4x6x12 inch block of basswood for the purpose of raising money via the Red Cross for Sioux Falls area victims of the 1993 flood. (Photo shows carving posed between a painted background and trees cut out from pages of a Nature magazine). The project was inspired by Jeff Gould, then a popular radio broadcaster for KELO AM, where one could tune in every day since 1988 to hear Rush Limbaugh.
BORN
September 13, 1931
DIED
December 31, 2020
We mourn the passing of our dear friend and loyal member of SDWC. Both he and his wife Evelyn were talented club members and served respectively as Treasurer and Secretary. Bill's service to country and community extended way beyond our woodcarving club: Over the air and far away | The American Legion.
Evelyn posted the following on FaceBook:
I am so grateful for all the kind expressions of sympathy now at the time of my husband Bill's death. He didn't really care much for Facebook or took the time to figure out a way to appreciate it. But to me it hasn't been just a gossip place, but a source of comfort at this time. Other times a place to see things that make me laugh. Even the political arguments are interesting. I didn't know Bill in his younger years. He was 49 when we met. I'm sure I missed a lot, but these last 40 years have more than made up for it. Now in the middle of the many decisions that need to be made I'll keep all the memories in my heart. He was a great man, maybe a little rough around the edges at times, but always kind to me and the children. He had a determination and drive that kept him going all these 89 years. Even through the pain of injuries and illnesses he kept going. His philosophy was that when he was sick he could work it off. Very hard for me to understand that. I'd rather just go to bed until I am well. It didn't work out so well for him this time. I guess he had to give in and go rest. A rest that he very much deserved after all he did and accomplished in this life. With God he's getting the rest, peace and happiness that he so deserves. Our family and I are going to miss him. It is a comfort to know that he is in a better place and we'll all hold these memories in our hearts. And thank you everyone for your caring expressions of sympathy. God bless you every one.
See Obituary: William Huntimer Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information (legacy.com)
An Online Conversation with Harley and Norma Refsal
It was an honor, a privilege, and a bit of a challenge to be commissioned to carve a caricature of the late Gene Abdalla to be presented at his party for retiring as U. S. Marshal in 1994. The assignment by former honorary member of South Dakota Woodcarvers, Inc., the honorable Frank Gibbs, was to show Gene attired as an old west marshal holding a hat with two bullet holes. The end of his many years of service under President Reagan was supposedly due to shots fired by Sen. Daschle and Pres. Clinton.  |
| Projects offered for chip carving and ball-in-cage spoon with typical carving knives |
