in Memoriam

[Randy Cornelius]

I am sorry to inform you all that I just got word that Verlane Desgrange passed away on Monday from Cancer. She had been in the hospital in Cody, Wy for sometime. I have no other details at this time.

For those that did not know of Verlane she taught Saddle Making at the University in Spocane Wa. She was the recipitaint of the Al Stohlman Award and shared her knowledge with anyone that would listen. She gave her knowledge freely to promote the craft.

She will be missed.

Randy

[Tosch]

I am shocked.

I had been in email contact with Verlane for a number of years before I got to meet her in person this June at her shop/home. I have known her to be straight forward, very friendly, very helpful...She was not feeling well when I met her but she sounded optimistic ... No wonder she didn't answer my latest email.

If you recieve more details , please, let me know. Also,please, in case you know how to reach her family.

I am shocked.

Tosch

[Randy Cornelius]

When I hear more details I will let everyone know. I do not have contact info for the family yet but her is her address that will most likely reach her family.

P.O. Box 1862

Cody, Wy 82414

Randy

[Billsotx]

Boy does that put a gap in the knowledge base of leather-work and the history of the craft. I am sorry to hear of Verlane's death. Her family will be in my prayers. Condolences to the bereaved. She will be greatly missed!

[Johanna]

Verlane was generous with her time and her knowledge, and she made many friends. She gave more than she took, and left too soon.

Godspeed, Verlane.

Johanna

[cjbleather]

Many of us have had the pleasure of one on one help from Verlane. I just want to add that she was one of the most knowledgeable leather artist that I have ever known. She also was one of the most sharing and caring persons. She, Bruce, Peter and Phil are the reasons that I have stayed with the IILG. When the speak, I listen and learn. God Bless Verlane. We love you and will miss you tremendously. You and your family will be in my prayers. carlb

[Orange]

She will be greatly missed,never meet her loved to read her articles.Designed my shop from her drawings.

Fred

[daviD A Morris]

Very sad to hear of Verlane's passing. I had corresponded with her a few times by email and then made a point of visiting her when I was in the USA in May '06. She had an extraordinarily broad range of knowledge and was so willing to share it all. Also talked with her for a while at Sheridan last May. Not only her leatherwork but also her illustrations and communication talents inspire me.

Verlane will be greatly missed, and her work will always be an inspiration to those who follow.

ars longa vita brevis

Art is forever, life is brief.

dam

[CitizenKate]

Wow, she has been one of those pillars of the field since long before my re-entry into it. This really does create a proverbial "hole" in your reality. It's hard to believe she's just gone.

Well met, Verlane. Thank-you for all the inspiring moments you gave us.

(And by the way, she was the one who convinced me to get that hideous 6lb maul. I objected, but I got it anyway. She was right, as usual. *sigh* I will miss her dearly.)

Kate

[Randy Cornelius]

I have been told that the family wishes no flowers be sent. There is no plans for a public funeral as she will be cremated.

They ask that memorials in her name be sent to the following:

Humane Society of Park County

5537 Greybull Hwy

Cody, Wy 82414

307-587-5110

I got this information from a sourse in Sheridan Wy as that is what infomation being passed around there. This is no way offical and I hope some offical word will be released at some point by the family.

Randy