William Gilkerson

[CutlassCollector]

A friend in the US has informed me that Bill Gilkerson passed away at the end of last year, and as he is posting on the SFI I will do the same here as I think it appropriate that we mark his passing.

William Gilkerson, author of Boarders Away Vol I & II has passed away after a long illness on Nov 29th 2015. Many of us in the forum community know Bill's work as the standard reference books on early naval weapons. He was an accomplished author, artist, historian and sailor. He will be missed by all those who knew him and shared his love for naval weapons and maritime history.

See Online Obituary at:

http://www.obitsforlife.com/obituary/1208138/Gilkerson-William.php

[Rick]

I think of him often; this hangs on a wall in our living room.

Sloop Providence John Paul Jones commanding eludes HM frigate Solebay.

[M ELEY]

I'm very sorry to hear of his passing! It seems lately that we are losing so many talented people, not just from our field, but many (musicians, comedians, artists, etc). I guess I'm getting old!

Rick, very nice painting! I'm assuming it's one of Gilkerson's?

[Rick]

Yep, it is Mark; but it's a litho edition of 500 signed by the master himself. The painting was commissioned by a Massachusetts defense contractor.
Bill has or had a website with several different prints for sale. He also wrote a couple of novels: Pirates Passage and Ultimate Voyage.

[Jim McDougall]

I think of him often; this hangs on a wall in our living room.

Sloop Providence John Paul Jones commanding eludes HM frigate Solebay.

That is one of the most beautiful tributes to this amazing artist and author Rick.
As one of the group of maritime enthusiasts here I am also deeply saddened by the loss of Mr. Gilkerson. His references have been the mainstay of the study of all arms nautical, and will remain so as he does indeed 'sail on' with all of us.
Thank you CC for posting this.

[Tordenskiold1721]

Sad to hear of his passing. His books stands in my library and he lives on trough his books that always will be must have reference material on naval weapons.