Andy Motter
May he rest in peace
Our prayers and thoughts go out to the family of Andy Motter, who lost his battle with cancer Feb. 28, 2008. Andy was 64, born in Chicago, and left behind his wife of 38 years, Signe and their two daughters Kaia and her husband, Brett WIlson, and Kelda and her husband, Devon Mazzone. Most of us knew Andy because of his woodturning. I had the pleasure of meeting him when Dick Batcheldor had a scheduling conflict and asked Andy to substitute teach for him. That was my first experience with Andy and the rest is history. We soon got together and planned a class that he would teach every other Thursday night, and then spend the night with my parents in our farmhouse. Andy and my dad would have great conversations after class (which ended at 10 pm) about woodworking, woodturning, and music, while enjoying a piece of home made pie. Andy was the only one I knew, that could get my dad to stay up that late!
Andy gave unselfishly to the guild and others by demonstrating at events like Wood Days, guild meetings, woodturning symposiums, etc. He was a member of the Central New England Woodturners group and also gave many presentations and classes for them. He also taught classes at the Worcester Center for Crafts and my Homestead Woodworking school. Andy's tool business, Butternut Tools, was started for the sole purpose of getting quality tools into the hands of his students at a reasonable price. That business grew as he attended different venues like woodturning symposiums all around New England and New York. However, if you stood back and watched him, you would notice that it wasn't the sale of the tool that excited him, it was the conversation that went along with each transaction. Whether it be about which tool to use for what, how to sharpen the tool, or perhaps about who's running for president, it didn't matter. Andy just enjoyed meeting and talking with people, a quality I really admired.
We will surely miss Andy and the woodturning instruction that has helped us all. So many times I would watch as he stood next to a student, gently touched the handle of their tool, and rotated or guided it in a little different direction. Just then their expression would change from anguish to a smile as their tool started to peel away the shavings. It was that gentle touch and quiet, unassuming way that endeared him to so many. I think if Andy was to give one last word of instruction to us all, it would be 'practice'!
Andy's love of woodturning was infectious. Even during his last weeks in the hospital he would remind me of how much his turning and teaching had meant to him. It was what he loved to do and he could never get enough of it! What many of us may not have known is that he had a passion for music. He carried a guitar in the back of his truck, right alongside his turning tools. He never passed up a chance to 'jam' with friends. He also played drums and had a small group of musician friends who would get together and play gigs at a wedding, school function, party, etc. One of his favorite turning exercises for his students was to make spurtles (a long slender stirring stick). I quickly learned never to let him pick up two of these sticks at the same time or he would be drumming on everything in sight for the rest of the night!
I will miss Andy, not only as one of my best and most requested teachers, but more importantly, as a long time friend.
Alan Mitchell<--Back Woodschool Home
Remembrance of Andy Motter
I was fortunate to be in Andy's woodturning class 2 years ago at the Homestead Woodworking School. Andy was the consummate teacher and woodturner. I shall always remember him at the lathe as he demonstrated various turning techniques. In his quiet and self-assured manner he made woodturning look so easy. He loved woodturning and enthusiastically shared his experience and knowledge of it with his students.
Erick Berglund Jr
Deerfield, NH
As mentioned in Allen's message, "Andy was a great friend and teacher to many of us and will be surely missed". He was a gentleman and a pleasure to know. My condolences to his family.
Ned GelinasAlan-- I was sorry to hear of Andy Motter's passing. I attended a number of his domonstrations over the years and I remember him with fondness and respect for his encouraging and patient approach to teaching, always encouraging people to try, pointing out there is no loss in making mistakes, just new opportunities to learn and grow. I actually remember him smiling as he turned and spoke. I will never forget him and his contribution to my life--in fact, I will remember him, with a smile.
Sincerely, Wayne Baker[I] Do not think I can add to your thoughts but would like to add a thought. In years gone by I have bought tools from Andy and he was very helpful as to what and why. At any rate I do not know if he carried an inventory or not but if so maybe the Guild can help with an auction or sale or to post what is available. He was definately an asset to the Guild.
Many Thanks,Syd
<--Back Woodschool Home
We have taken turning classes from a number of different instructors and are always surprised that ALL of them had learned from Andy. We want to thank Andy for his patience and teaching us to become turning enthusiasts, he will always be remembered.
Barb & EstelleAndy, you will be missed by all of us who grew to know you and learned your art through your example along with your incredible desire and ability to teach others. Much of what I have learned in woodturning can be attributed to being your student, your fan, your friend. You will not be forgotten.
- Don Larnard, North Hampton, NHAndy was a kind, gentle guy. He had a world of patience to help an old guy like me learn a few new tricks. My condolences to his family. A great teacher, his simple demonstrations and encouragement will be sorely missed.
Dick SargeantI am so sorry to hear about Andy's passing. I believe it was my asking Andy to fill in on one of my early classes due to a schedualing conflict that got him involved in the woodworking school.
Andy was one of the most patient teachers that I have met. Always with a smile and encouraging words. The earthly woodworkers lose a friend, and heaven gets a master. Andy you will be truly missed.
Dick Batchelder<--Back Woodschool Home
I'm so sorry you have lost [Andy]. I did not know he was battling cancer. My heart goes out to his family and friends. He was such a kind and gentle man who was always willing to share and help others. As a teacher, he had the unique ability to adapt to the various ways people learn whether by word, demonstration or guiding with his hands. When he taught me how to turn, he adjusted to my lefthandedness and was the first teacher who helped me actually "get it". I've always been grateful for that wonderful beginning. To this day I have always remembered his teaching whenever I step up to my lathe. I will miss him.
[...] I always had the hope that one day Andy could teach Alex. I'm so sorry Alex won't have the chance to meet such a good, kind, funny man. Andy was one of a kind.
With sympathy and a hug [...]Andy Young
My experience with Andy showed him to be a very sincere, helping and sharing type of person. I thoroughly enjoyed his turning demos at our GNHW Symposiums. He has departed way too early ... they probably needed him in the next dimension, where we'll all meet him again !!
JERRY BURTSuch a loss!
"Andy's enthusiasm for turning and for teaching others his passion opened up a whole new world of woodworking for me. I couldn't wait for one of his new classes to be announced. I will miss his guiding wisdom"
Bob DeAngelis(Former Student)Andy was my first turning teacher and a great one. He took the time to make sure you really understood what he presented and had a very calming way about him. The woodworking community will miss him, he gave unselfishly of his time to teach others the world of turning that he loved.
Matt Barrett<--Back Woodschool Home
Andy has a permanent spot in my heart. I will forever carry the lessons, not just turning technique, but how to teach, motivate, cajole and lead with warmth and brightness that could only come from someone that knows the meaning of "a higher love".
The world that Andy touched became a better place to be.
Virgil BagdonasVery sad to hear about Andy.
I remember when taking a turning course at your school, I was having a lot of trouble with catches - just couldn't get it right. Andy came over and simply put his hands lightly on top of mine and it made all the difference. He was a great teacher and a very kind gentleman.
Tony ImmorlicaSorry to hear about Andy. I was afraid there might be bad news when I had asked about him at the last meeting at your place and no one had heard from him.
I wrote a little blurb and will include it below. I hope this is what you want. Thanks, John PitroneWell this is sad news indeed. I had no idea that he was ill. The last time I saw him was at the Symposium at Pinkerton last year. I bought a couple of things at his "booth," including a work apron. I will continue to wear it proudly always as a reminder of this kind gentle teacher who knew his stuff when it came to wood turning, and as the one who got me started in the craft. Most of what I know came from him. I will miss him.
Allan KnightGod, I miss him. I think it's because he left us high and dry....he just went away. He left me to carry on his mission and I feel unprepared and unable to do it as he would expect. I wanted so much to watch him just one more time...to feel his reach from behind me to assist in guiding my hand through the "bevel-rubbing cut". And now that can never happen again. I miss him, and because of that loss I will remember him every time I touch steel to wood. I will remember Andy in the same way that I turn wood, I will always marvel at the wonder of it all........
Marcel Durette<--Back Woodschool Home
The first time I saw Andy was at the 2006 symposium at Pinkerton. Andy was demonstrating how to turn a goblet with a captured ring. Andy was so interesting to listen to and watch. He had the entire audience captivated. I was struggling to learn woodturning as I did not have any personal instruction. Marcel Durette introduced me to Al Mitchell at the same symposium and I started taking Andy's turning class shortly after. Andy was not only my turning teacher, but he was a great source of inspiration, and a "go to" person for questions. Watching Andy teach in class I was amazed at the way he could make each turning tool glide through a cut with such ease. Almost like a hot knife going thru butter. He explained each technique, as he was cutting, with a very calm voice, almost as if it were his voice cutting the wood and not the tool in his hand. He described and showed us how to cut a bead with a skew that looked so easy. Something I still have not been very successful at. Andy taught me how to respect the tools and let them do the cutting without forcing them. He taught me how to grind an edge on the tools. Something turners need to know how to do. Andy taught and inspired me so much I could go on and on. If it wasn't for Andy's class at the homestead school I would not be enjoying woodturning today. Andy has taught many of us in the area. I was not of the first and even as he is gone will not be of the last. Andy’s teaching will continue in each one of us that knew him. As I attended his funeral service yesterday I was not at all amazed to see the amount of people who came out to pay their respects to him. He obviously touched many people during his life. It was also very apparent that his love of "wood" was known to them all. Andy Motter will surely be missed.
Rick ArnoldI am greatly saddened by Andy's passing. I will always remember fondly the hours I spent under his instruction in the 6 session class at the Homestead School. His instruction gave me the grounding in the basics and without his classes, Chester Toolworks would not exist.
Best regards,Dave Anderson
<--Back Woodschool Home
PRAYERS AND GOOD THOUGHTS
Please for the family and friends of Andy Motter. We lost Andy last week, and the world lost one its best craftsman and teachers.
When you refurbished a house that George Washington slept in and needed a stair spindle replaced that matched "exactly" the originals; you called for Andy.
I took a turning class from Andy once and left learning more than just how to use a lathe. Had bought a high end gouge - excellent steel - razor sharp and was making chips to be proud of. Andy looks over my shoulder - "Let me go fix that" - He takes my new, expensive tool; walks over to the grinder and starts changing the shape - sparks are flying and I'm thinking "there goes the best tool I own" - and the only gage he is using is his eyeball. Works for three or four minutes and hands it back to me with a "that should work" comment.
Up to that point I had not known how well a really "good tool" could cut - but better yet - left the class with the knowledge that "good" could always be made "better" if you weren't afraid to experiment and try.
Andy Motter was one Class Act.
Don Litchko<--Back Woodschool Home