Normally, I am happy to bring you the link of the week each Friday. But, today, it’s with a heavy heart that I present this one.
My local hardwood supplier, Weiss Hardwoods, lost a member of the family a few weeks ago.On July 15th, owner Jeff Weiss passed away. A loving husband, father and local business legend, Jeff joined the staff at Weiss on July 1, 1976. Over those years, he helped build Weiss Hardwoods into a local institution, providing full-service milling and a great array of native and exotic hardwoods for contractors and little guys like me. He even took the time way back in early 2008 to sit down with a young woodworking blogger to tell about the ins and outs of shopping for hardwood.
I remember one day walking into the store, and Jeff was making beignets and chicory coffee the weekend before Mardi Gras, serving his customers as they came in to conduct their business. As we chatted that morning, I realized that he was just a genuinely funny guy and a quick wit.
Jeff was always a great friend to the local woodworking community, and he will be truly missed.
Rest in piece, my friend.
A loss for sure.
R.I.P. Mr. Weiss.
A reliable hardwood supplier is a great find no matter where you are, but in our area of Florida, it’s a blessing. I first met Jeff while picking up wood ( in 2006) for the cabinet shop at which I was employed. We talked about our mutual origins in the Buffalo area. He developed a business of great value to woodworkers. He assembled a great staff, and the business will carry on, but a good man died too young.
Tom
I was a local woodworking artisan until I retired in 2009. My specialty was custom doors and windows. Jeff let me pick out my lumber. I really appreciated that. I was very busy until the great recession of 2009. Business died and I was old enough to apply for Social Security. I have a Wiess Hardwoods price sheet dated 11/19/02. How did he die? I remember it was cancer?
Vincent Scuderi
vscuderi44@gmail.com