Uncle Bill is gone --

Bill M · 29th March 2005, 02:37 PM

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

Federico · 29th March 2005, 04:49 PM

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.

Conogre · 29th March 2005, 06:18 PM

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

Antonio Cejunior · 5th April 2005, 08:57 PM

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

Bill M · 6th April 2005, 11:26 AM

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.

29th March 2005, 02:37 PM	#1
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	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

29th March 2005, 04:49 PM	#2
Federico Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA Posts: 312	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.

29th March 2005, 06:18 PM	#3
Conogre Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 371	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

5th April 2005, 08:57 PM	#4
Antonio Cejunior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Macau Posts: 294	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

6th April 2005, 11:26 AM	#5
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	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.