Friends… I learned this morning that my friend Wayne Emery @Gemcutter is no longer with us. I’ve heard from others that he had a heart attack, and it was sudden and unexpected. I don’t know more than that, and it’s not the right time to reach out and ask for details. I’m told his brother is handling many of his affairs.
Many times on Orchid I’ve read threads where reference is made to someone who is no longer with us, and it’s rarely someone I knew well. Regretfully, that’s not the case here.
Wayne was a brilliant lapidarist, a selfless fellow, an honest man, and governed in all of his interpersonal relationships by a deep sense of honor and fair play. Many times he helped me with my International Gem Society project, oftentimes providing me resources and extensive research for the good of the community and never expecting anything in return. He hated stupidity and bullshit, and he believed in and lived old-fashioned values.
His trap gun and autoloader are in my safe - when he stopped shooting because of some health issues, he sold them to me. Now every time I break a clay or crush a target, Wayne will be there with me.
I’m angry about this. We’ve lost a good one. Wayne… maybe one day I’ll see you on the other side.