Patti:
I met Ferris in Knoxville, Tenn. at a BR match in the eary 70's -- prior to the Super Shoots and the PPC. I even remember some discussion about that subject while listening in the background when all the Saints of the BR game talked. After that meeting, I had Ferris build me two BR guns: a tight neck .222 and a 6x47 switch barrel rigs. In 2002, Ferris put his mind to work for 22 straight days in the shop to develop a meplat closing die for my 1000 yd rigs.
Ferris had the energy of a 14 year old. He loved the game and his customers. We would spend hours talking long distance about technical issues, bullets, barrels, dies and the game. We exchanged letters and cards, and I will always hold those memories close.
As great as Ferris was as a man and as the best tool and die man on this planet, June was his equal. She was always by his side and always so very friendly. I can hear her now: "Ferris, Jim Hardy is on the line."
I also had many converesations with Ferris regarding his macular degeneration and I would encourage him with words and updats on certain vitamins etc. for that terrible eye condition. As the years went on, I also developed macular degeneration but never told Ferris as I feared it would upset him -- he cared so much for his friends and customers. My big regret is that life and business got in the way of my calling Ferris the last couple of years although I thought of him often. Friends, don't let time get away -- tell those you care about how much you love them every chance you have.
As I write this, I hold in my hand a letter from Ferris dated December 16, 2002. After his final success on perfecting my meplat closing die, a one-off mini lathe for meplat work, and some special fixtures for the lathe he wrote: "In my over 60 years in the bench rest game, I have found the following to be true. Accuracy is the result of a multitude of tremendous triffles." Oh, so true.
God bless Ferris Pindell as there will NEVER be another. Ferris was my friend, I was his customer, and he was a beloved client as well. I am absolutely diminished by his passing. He is absent from the body but present with the Lord.
My deepest condolences to June and Ferris' family and friends.
Jim Hardy
