I lost my friend and mentor......

[Jeff Magnus]

Last month Bill Niedermeyer (Festool Supply) past away. Bill was one of the original Festool suppliers for the US. He was, in my eyes, the last word in Festool. Bill had used Festool for his solid surface company for over 12 years before deciding to sell Festool as a second business. The man was a true craftsman in any direction and always had the answers and equipment you needed (IN STOCK, no drop shipping bullsh*t).
Thought I might pass this by for those of you who have met Bill. Festool USA has lost one of its rudimentary components. And I lost my good buddy.

 

[robtonya]

Sorry to hear that Jeff.

 

[Mark]

I remember Bill being really patient and spending a lot of time letting my try out any Festool I was interested in. What really impressed me was his shelf of battered Festools he used everyday in his solid surface business so I immediately knew he was the "real deal" and knew what he was talking about. I also remember Bill showing me this contraption he invented and it turns out it was the prototype for the boom arm which eventually came to market. Sad news indeed.

 

[Bob Marino]

TERRIBLE NEWS. I had only spoken with Bill one time, but right you are Jeff, Bill was one of the original dealers (called ISA's then) and was very well regarded. My condolances to Bill's family.

Bob

 

[Dan Clermont]

That is awful news!!!

I have spoken to Bill several times over the years and he was full of advice for me when I started selling Festool's

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family

Dan Clermont

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Jeff,
I've been so busy lately, haven't had an opportunity to check the discussions.  I didn't know this terrible news.

Bill and I communicated several times, about many ideas and issues related to the FOG, and I was always happy to have his advice and friendship.  He was there for me as a stable and reliable source of wisdom during some of my most challenging periods running this forum.

I am extremely sad, and shocked, to learn that he is no longer with us.

I have an uncomfortable question now: Bill's profile is still active and viewable (CLICK HERE).  What do you think is the right thing to do here?  I feel it's wrong to just leave it open without comment, and yet at the same time we would not want to close it.  I feel a certain degree of urgency to do something here.

I've never had to face this issue before, so I don't quite know how to proceed.

My deepest sympathies to Bill's relatives and colleagues.

Matthew

 

[Jeff Magnus]

As far as his profile is concerned, you got me? I will be heading up to his shop today, hopefully his wife is there and I will ask her what she would like done. I will post back this evening.

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Jeff,
Just let me know what you learn.  As much as possible, I would want the forum to help honor Bill, as the family wishes.

Of course, the family has more pressing concerns right now.

Thank you again,
Matthew

PS: I moved this discussion into the "Member Connections" board, which seemed more appropriate.