Thanks Mr. King
Just have to say thanks too all of you who let us know that Don King has passed away as we travelled in the UK. NO sadder news could be had, if you had ever the chance to have met Don, I know you would agree that few people have had as large an impact on saddle making in USA as did Don King.
I cannot write a true epitaph to Don that would do him the justice that he deserves, lets hope that someone does and maybe we will read it in the Western Horsemen etc. I can however write about what I know and remember about what Don has done for me, and what I know he has done for the art of saddlemaking.
We have a style of caarving here in USA that is known as the Sheridan Style, it may be the most popular style of western floral carving today. That is the master work of one Don King. While Don ran the King Saddlery in Sheridan, he turned out not only the finest RCA Trophy Saddles that have been made to date, he also turned out a group of younger saddle makers who carried on the style of carving. Today we know of it as Sheridan Style.
There has been a sort of rennassaince on interest in making saddles as well as making the tools that are required to make saddles, and I think Don King is persononally to be thanked for making that so. It was Don's idea to have that first Sheridan Leather Show, it was a place to showcase the tools and supplies required to build saddles. While Don had his own handmade tools at each Show for sale, he also went out of his way to encourage others to build handmade tools as well. Don was never short on supporting the individuals who attended the Show, in his buying of tools from other makers, but he also was free to give advice to other makers when they would ask.
Over the years that Don has sat at the head of the Kings Saddlery, he has made every effort to move the entire spectrum of saddle making forward in a generous way. From trade Shows to a Museum that houses a collection of tools and saddles that rivals anything else that has been collected to date.
As a fellow who is fortunate to have been able to call Don King a friend, as a saddle maker whom has been inspired by Don's kind words and critiques I would like to say thanks Mr.King for all you have done for this western form of Art. The energy and zeal that you brought to this body of artists and crafstmen will be forever missed.
Thankyou Don for all you have done. And my warmest regards to the King Family at this time of deep loss and mourning.
Good Night and God Bless
Comments
About all you can say is Amen. He contributed greatly even in the realm of rodeos with not only saddles but ropes, museum and the list could go on and on.
Regards,
Ben
Posted by: Ben Cox | August 3, 2007 5:27 PM
I am brand new to saddle making, but not to saddles and ropes. I roped with King Ropes through High School, tied one to my saddle when I outfitted and pretty much figured that King Saddlery had to have been around 100 years. That's the impact he had on a kid from Georgia who dreamed (like a lot of folks) of living the in the West someday. Well, I'm forty now and not much has changed except that several aspects of my life have come together in such a way and time as to foster an interest and fervor in the craft, and I find myself in a "place" to nurture this endevour. Nonetheless, I have opened a new chapter of understanding regarding the contributions of Mr. King and they are many. We truly do stand on the shoulders of giants and thank them for helping us all progress our own talents in a much accelerated fashion. Without folks like Don King, Dale Harwood, Chuck Stormes and you, Jeremiah, who have advanced the craft and shared your knowledge. I know that I am at a place that I should not be if I were trying to only advance myself through casual observation. Thank you and God Bless you Mr. King and all others who have shared. - Mike
Posted by: Mike Worthan | August 10, 2007 7:37 PM