Deepest sympathies

Lynn,
It was very nice to meet you at the DC pen show this past weekend. I was truly dumbfounded by the news of Eagle's passing, and I appologize for not stopping and talking with you more. Although Eagle and I had our differences, I generally enjoyed our debates and have a great deal of respect for his work.

I can remember standing at the Heritage Pen booth and being able to instantly recognize Eagle's work that was on display there - in fact, it was those pens that made me stop and look at the booth! I was about to walk right past (I don't know how- I was LOOKING for Lou!), but they called out to me and really grabbed my attention. Eagle's work was always that way - very unique, and incredibly detailed.

Last Christmas Eagle and I had a brief conversation (at least, brief by way of any pen conversations I have - I think it was easily 15 to 20 minutes!) in which we discussed several topics, including a dust-up we'd had online at the IAP. It took all of about 10 seconds for us to bury the hatchet, and I really respect that about him. He could get worked up like crazy, but he'd also come back the next day, give you a big "hug", and agree to let bygons be just that. Unfortunately, I had to cut the conversation short because I was going in to a store for a last-minute Christmas gift, and I always regretted not calling him back to finish the conversation. Now I regret it even more.

He made some excellent contributions to the art of pen making, in his works themselves, in the information he shared with others, and the inspiration he provided to us all. He'll be sorely missed.

- Jim