I know of no greater compliment to a man than to pay tribute to what he made with his own hands. From a simple 1920s farmhouse, surrounded by mud, all the way to our own beloved Serendipity Farmhouse, there have been men and women who have had skills, patience, imagination, and great ability. They were caring individuals who knew what this simple farmhouse could be, should be, and would be. And they made it happen.

Today, we learned of the passing of one of those people – Our dear friend Bill. (Please see post SFH Skills 2018-01: Bill Skills.)

There is virtually no building on this property, no room in this house, no direction we might turn that does not reflect the work of this inspired craftsman. And every fixture or feature that has known his touch is now better, brighter, more functional, more pleasing, and more highly valued. We would tell him our vision, he would make it a reality.

When we moved into this house, the wood on both the front porch and the back deck had rotted. This was a matter of replacement not repair. Bill got it done. There was no door for the rear porch and it was a non-standard size. Bill custom made the new door. Two joists under what is now our living room had broken and needed to be shored up. Bill got it done. – – I could go on, but there is no room in this post to list all Bill did here at Serendipity.

Bill was not just a repairman, he was a craftsman. When we explained that we had more books than space to store them, Bill came up with a perfect design for a set of shelves for the living room. Practical and functional as it was, it was also what could be expected in a house of this vintage. It was not out of place. In fact, it probably should have been here to begin with.

I think the previous owners and occupants, those who either grew up here or had children here can understand why my beautiful wife and I are feeling a great loss tonight. This little old Virginia farmhouse deserves great care and constant attention. So many have done so much for this house. And tonight one of those people is no longer here. Yet, when we look at the paint, walk up the  steps, open the screen door, turn on the tap at the kitchen sink, we cannot help but be thankful and appreciative of the work that Bill did here. He loved old homes and had a craftsman’s skill and Serendipity Farmhouse will display his love for years to come.

Rest in peace, dear friend.

* Thank you to Jackie for the old picture featured in this post.