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Article source: https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/A-model-retirement-in-store-for-this-Maryland-13544543.php

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Article source: http://www.rrobserver.com/opinion/article_a695659c-1b7f-11e9-b8d1-a7340b68ef56.html

As a child, Marten Cornelissen, who grew up in the Netherlands, was captivated by the airplanes that flew over his house during World War II. He went on to build model airplanes, and eventually studied engineering to further this interest. 

But when he purchased a broken violin when he was in his early 20s, he found his true calling: making stringed instruments. Rather than taking it to a luthier, he decided to fix the violin himself.

Cornelissen, who now lives in Northampton, is one of several luthiers in the Valley. He’s best known for his violins, having practiced his craft for approximately 60 years. 

In 1963, Cornelissen entered an international competition for luthiers, which he described as both a motivational and humbling experience.

“I had gotten very inspired and also very clearly realized I was an amateur,” Cornelissen said on a recent evening at his house. 

But Cornelissen attracted the attention of more experienced luthiers who saw potential in his work, and when he returned to the competition in 1966, he took home second-place honors. 

Decades later, Cornelissen has made more than 600 instruments — mostly violins and violas, but also cellos and guitars. 

Now 82 years old and legally blind, Cornelissen’s output has slowed, though he still considers making instruments his calling.

“If I had to start again and someone said, ‘What would you like to be?’ ” he said, “I would like to be a violin maker.”

‘The accidental luthier’

Over a decade ago, Stephen Beauregard got interested in the ukulele, partly due to the instrument’s easy portability — it

Article source: https://www.gazettenet.com/Valley-string-instrument-makers-share-their-stories-22039262

Roger Allen Ward, age 85, passed away Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019. A Celebration of Life service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, at Roden-Pryor Funeral Directors, 425 S. Church St., Paris, TX 75460. The family will greet friends at the funeral home one hour prior to services.

Roger was born June 16, 1933, to Viola and Sylvester Ward in Newark, New Jersey. He graduated from Bloomfield High School in New Jersey, attended Paris Junior College and later graduated from Oklahoma University with a degree in mechanical engineering. In between colleges, he served in the U.S. Navy for four years and was later honorably discharged.

Roger spent 33 years in the printing industry and retired as vice president of manufacturing with Ennis Business Forms. He was instrumental in building three new plants and driving each to successful business.

He married the love of his life, Marilyn Willison on Aug. 29, 1964, at Lovers Lane Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas. Together they started their life in Riverside, California, and soon their daughter, Robin Anne, was born.

Roger began his love of aviation and the mechanics of flight while building model airplanes with his father. Later in life, Roger received his private pilot’s license. He was involved in many more beloved activities: tennis, cooking, water volleyball, wood working, art, reading, playing the violin and spending time at the beach.

He was a member of Central Presbyterian Church of Paris where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher.