Bob Varner - Master Wood Craftsman

Bob Varner is a master craftsman with wood. Not only does he make exquisite gift items like the birdhouses pictured here; He even makes pens.

I have personally enjoyed getting to know Bob. We share a common faith in Jesus Christ and are active members of thesame local church. Incidentally, we also trace our family lines back to John and John Quincy Adams.

When Bob appeared in Sunday School recently with these crafts in hand, I had to capture them on disk. He told me they are made of Ambrosia Maple, New Zealand Pine and Camphor, finished with CA glue. That was the first time I realized Super Glue could be used as a finish.

Born and raised in Melvindale, MI, Bob has had a wide range of employment venues. He began as a journeyman pipefitter and worked on industrial robots for a corporation in Connecticut. His work with robotics put him on a team which developed the GM bird-and-robot ride at Epcot. In more recent years he and his wife, Julia, moved to Florida where he worked at Palm Harbor Homes in engineering. Somewhere along the way he picked up various hobbies including martial arts and scuba diving.

I might also add, storyteller. For anyone who gets to know him, Bob has a wealth of engaging tales such as leaving Mexico City just before its major earthquake and serving as a chauffeur for some noteworthy folks.

If you are in the Lakeland, Florida, area there will be two opportunities to meet Bob and Julia. They will be displaying his handwork at two upcoming fairs.

Friday, December 5, 2014 – Women’s Missionary Conference at the Church at the Mall in Lakeland, FL.

Saturday, December 6, 2014 – Highland Village, 375 W.Brannen Road.  (Be sure to park on the Road to the SPCA)

For more information Bob can be contacted at bobjulia1977@gmail.com

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