Uncle Bill is gone --
 

Last night one of the really great guys, Bill Martino, of Himalayan Imports passed on. He was hanging on for quite a while with a variety of maladies.

A strong, but gentle man. He developed a group of kamis in Nepal who make some of the best khukuri I have seen. The only modern edged weapon that I collect.

We mourn his passing, but he leaves behind a group of friends that has no equal.

May he be free of the Wheel of Samsara.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=340713

This is very sad news indeed, my prayers for Yangdu, and all the Kami's of HI, may they find the strength to do Uncle Bill proud. :(

Inevitabilaty makes it none the sadder....this was a gentlemen known to many through the fruits of his labor at HI, and I was even fortunate enough to have owned some of his truly unique pieces.
RIP
Mike

I have bought a big kukri from Uncle Bill a couple of years ago and I always found him to be extremelly kind.

I'm trulu sorry to hear the news. I am sure he is much better now.

Antonio

Need to also mention that the Himilayan Imports moderator Rusty Slate also passed quite suddenly just a few hours after Bill Martino.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=341448

Rusty's last post was "Uncle Bill is gone"

Uncle Bill passed around 4pm Pacific tiime on Monday March 28 and Rusty followed him about 12:30 am on Tuesday March 29. Sad day for HI and the khuk community. Rusty was 54.

We all knew that Bill Martino was "expected home." He had been very ill for a long time. However Rusty's sudden passing was a bigger shock as no one knew he was sick.