Glass Message Board
Glass Mall => Glass News => Topic started by: nigel benson on March 05, 2015, 01:30:13 PM
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Hello everyone,
This morning I had an email from the organisers of the Knebworth and National Glass Fairs to let me (and others) know that, to our great sadness, Bernard Cavelot has passed away.
He was a consummate member of the GMB and always wanted accuracy with anything to do with glass history and identification; he also had an in depth knowledge of publishing that he shared when helpful to others.
He and I often had lively discussions about glass, sometimes on the GMB and occasionally via email which enhanced our mutual respect and I, amongst many, will miss him, both on these boards and meeting up at fairs.
A few fairs back he came up to me with a parcel and said "You seem to be the Hailware man, so here's something that may help your research." He handed me the parcel which contained a Hailware lampshade. How very kind, but typical of the man. He would do anything to help forward knowledge about glass.
At Knebworth recently, there was a breakage on his stand while he and Janet were packing. A sad event, which he took badly. It obviously affected him, particularly as it was a piece of Walsh Walsh that he'd only seen two examples of. After a bit he came over to me (our stands were diagonally opposite each other) and suggested that perhaps he should send the pieces of this rare piece to Corning in order that they could analyse the shards to work out the chemical composition. It was his way of making the best out of a rotten situation, and I considered that it would be both cathartic for him whilst also realising that it was also a generous thought.
I am very pleased that or last conversation was positive and will be a lasting memory of a well thought of glass man.
Bye, bye Bernard
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My condolences to Janet and Bernard's friends and family. We didn't always get on, unfortunately, but it is very sad to see a life cut short.
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My sincere condolonces to Janet and the rest of Bernard's family.
I'm stunned and shocked. He will be sorely missed.
He was a completely unique, larger-than-life, character.
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So sorry to hear this I was hoping to meet him one of the days, deepest condolences to his family.
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Having only chatted to him once or twice in person, not enough to say he was a friend, I still admired the unchanging precision of Bernard and his commitment to the history of the glass he admired, irrespective of fashion. His threads on the GMB reflect this informed, unstinting enthusiasm.
Robert (Boba)
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Very shocked to hear this sad news, particularly since I saw him so recently at a fair. I can hardly believe it.
He sometimes had forthright views, but no one could deny his passion for or knowledge of glass.
My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
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Sad sad day Bernard , Harvey Ferry and Harry Crossley . RIP and get together Guys .
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R.I.P
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I'm so sad to hear this news, and send my deepest sympathies to Janet and their family. Bernard was one of the first members to welcome me to the board when I landed here, green and keen to learn more about glass, and generously shared his knowledge both on the board and by email on many occasions. I had the pleasure of meeting him just the once, at the Northern Glass Fair, and had a really interesting time with him and Janet. Bernard has also served the Glass Message Board as one of its Committee since its inception, and his wise advice and humourous approach to dealing with issues will be much missed by his fellow Committee members.
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I am doubly sad.
Sad that he has passed away (although my own beliefs entail a continuation for all).
And sad that at the Knebworth event I was too engrossed in other things to make time to say hi to him and Janet.
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Rest in peace. You will be truely missed.
Terry
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It's been a while since I've posted on the GMB...but really wanted to give my condolences to Bernard and his family on his passing away. I remember him with great fondness. x
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OH NO! I loved him very dearly, one of the glass world's great characters. Greatly to be missed.... :'(
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Oh such sad news, I had only just met him for the first time at Knebworth when you introduced me to him Nigel.
I frequently read his contributions here and had great respect for his knowledge.
My condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.
Rosie.
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How very sad. My condolences to Janet, their family and all his friends here on the GMB!!!! :(
Carolyn
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My condolences to his family.
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Dreadful news he will be missed for his uncompromising personality.
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I never knew Bernard personally, but he did take the time to email me and congratulate me on my Monart collection shown ARS.
A sad day indeed for his family and the glass fraternity.
Gary
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This news came as a great shock. I hadn't been in touch with Bernard since last summer when his two daughters, Abi and Heidi came on one of my glassblowing courses. This was their Christmas present from Bernard and Janet. We had a great day and I think Bernard was very impressed with the glass they made.
He had an encyclopaedic mind and paid meticulous attention to detail and he will be sorely missed here and elsewhere.
Bernard was a good friend and my thoughts are with Janet and his family at this difficult time.
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Sad news indeed - condolences to his family and friends, he will also be greatly missed here on the board.
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So so sad to hear this news, which I only learnt about yesterday from Nigel. We chatted and reminisced about Bernard, often with wry smiles!
Bernard always took a great interest in my own research and was always ever-willing to make contributions of thought and the occasional donation of items. We last met at Knebworth where we arranged to meet up at the National Glass Fair in Birmingham where once again he had found a piece of glass for me.
I tended to think of him as a deaf cuddly bear - and I know he would laugh at that description - with my soft voice he would often have to say, "Pardon? I think my hearing aids are playing up..." - no, but I would end up having to shout (in my mind) the rest of the conversation!
Bless you Bernard, you will be sadly missed, and my sincerest condolences to Janet, whom I hope to see again very soon.
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One of Bernard's stepdaughters, Abi, has written to say how much Bernard's family appreciate the very thoughtful messages left here about Bernard.
She wants you to know that Bernard's funeral is to take place at 3.30pm on Monday 23rd March 2015 in The Oak Chapel, Crownhill Crematorium and his glass friends will be very welcome.
All flowers welcome, any enquiries to J. S. Cowley & Son (Funeral Directors) 71 High Street, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes, MK11 1BA. Tel: (01908) 565353
The Milton Keynes Citizen has a special website for leaving messages in memory of Bernard at:
http://announce.jpress.co.uk/miltonkeynescouk/obituary/bernard-cavalot/41063514?s_source=jpmi_mkc
Bernard was a dear friend and many of us will miss him very much indeed.
angela
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We can take some small comfort in that his words and wisdom - and his personality shines through those, are archived here. It's a lovely legacy to have from him.
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And I think it is a legacy that he would agree with :-|
Carolyn
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I've only just seen this. I am so shocked ... stunned. Very, very sorry to learn of Bernard's passing. My heart goes out to his family.
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I can only repeat Glen's comments. I will be for ever grateful for his kindness in sharing his vast knowledge.
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Only just found out, rest in peace Bernard. :'(