Paul Hinds has passed on.

[Mike Hill]

Wow, there is sadly, a hole in the wood world now! I found WB after leaving a couple of other forums, because of in-fighing, back-biting and disrespect. WB is not just one person - it is all of y'all! And the loss of one of you'ns is somber. Paul's passion for wood ID and the outgrowth manifested in his Hobbit House is immeasurable. RIP Paul Hinds!

Count me in on flowers, etc....

 

[barry richardson]

Darn, I noticed that he hadn't been active on here lately. He will be sorely missed, he put a ton of work into Hobbit House, hope it lives on as his legacy, Rest in peace Paul...

 

[Cloud of Sawdust Farms]

The samples he sent me are now in my university's collection -- the core and foundation of what I hope will grow much greater in the future. I'm honored to have known him, even if briefly and indirectly, and am grateful for his legacy.

 

[BoonareeBurl]

I am SO SAD to hear this news! If I recall correctly, Paul had just recently commented on something I posted, helping to ID something (maybe the Chinese elm I thought I had?). He is/was a freaking legend and a font of knowledge. I will miss him and his place as an elder statesman in this wood family.

G

 

[chatometry]

This is very sad news. Paul introduced me to this forum 5 years ago. His wit, kindness and skill will be missed.
His presence here will be greatly missed.
I think he gave a big contribution to human knowledge with the hobbithouse. My first thought is: did he give control of the website to someone who is going to take care of it?
@Mr. Peet please mention to the family that he will be missed from Italy as well.
:(

 

[woodtickgreg]

@chatometry His son will keep the site up.

 

[duncsuss]

This news completely slid by me until now. I'm sad for Paul's family and close friends, and I'm sad for us, and I'm sad for the people who won't have the opportunity to benefit from his knowledge in the future.

RIP Paul.

 

[Jordan Pisowicz]

I just now saw this and it took me by surprise... it really bums me out to say the least and I am very saddened and sorry to hear this...
Though he probably wouldnt remember me , Ive always held him up high with the utmost esteem and respect. He was a true Wood Guru. He didnt know it but he taught me so much.
I am not proud to say that though I have meant to for some time, i have not yet made the time or made it a point to let him know how he impacted me or to thank him for all the knowledge he unknowingly shared with me.

I have spent so many hours nerding out and scouring hobbitthouseinc mostly in the massive collection of end grain closeups and also general wood ID and educational material he wrote and posted and shared on there.

This really makes me sad as I had always hoped id get to meet him and shake his hand someday. This life we live here is short indeed and it always kinda hurts when you are reminded of how short it truly is.

My prayers and my sincere condolences go out to his family and to his friends.

He made a profound impact on me and didnt even know me. He educated me more than I can really express just through his efforts in keeping hobbit house going and growing and im still astounded every time I bring up the permanently open tab in my browser just by the amount of time and effort he spent sanding all those wood samples....
...All those wood samples... I know some credit is due elsewhere, specifically with a couple of you wood collectors i need not name as you know who you are - who he was always on top of crediting for sharing.

But I am sincerely grateful for the knowledge he put in and shared with anyone looking for it lucky enough to find it. Thank you, Paul.