Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: tunes on January 17, 2015, 10:00:01 am

Title: Archery lost one of "The Good Guys" on Friday
Post by: tunes on January 17, 2015, 10:00:01 am

Ernie Appel passed away Friday (1/16/2015).

Ernie was one of the quiet guys nobody heard much about. He was 88 years old and had been building bows and Indian related stuff since he was 12. Back then he rode his bike or hitchhiked from his place in Milwaukee out to Hales Corners, nearly 10 miles away. There he studied under Ben Hunt, noted authority on Native American Crafts.

Anyone who has seen any of Ernie's, bows arrows or quivers, just shakes their head in admiration of the great work he did.

Ernie was a long time pal and hunting partner of John McDonald of "Big River Bows". Together they enjoyed archery together for over 75 years.

Here is a small sampling of his work, a double Otter skin bowcase and quiver with a sinew backed horn bow, and a close up of another sinew backed Osage bow.

Farewell Ernie, it was my pleasure to have known you.

 (http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh20/rudycu/P6070128_zpsdb1ed526.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/rudycu/media/P6070128_zpsdb1ed526.jpg.html)

 (http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh20/rudycu/P6070130_zpse474ff5d.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/rudycu/media/P6070130_zpse474ff5d.jpg.html)

 (http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh20/rudycu/DSCN7412_zpsc119198a.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/rudycu/media/DSCN7412_zpsc119198a.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Archery lost one of "The Good Guys" on Friday
Post by: Pat B on January 17, 2015, 10:47:20 am

This is sad news. I didn't know Ernie but know that now he can spend time with the ones that passed before him. Bon voyage, Ernie!

Title: Re: Archery lost one of "The Good Guys" on Friday
Post by: bubby on January 17, 2015, 10:49:43 am

Sorry for the loss of your friend, he did beautiful work

Title: Re: Archery lost one of "The Good Guys" on Friday
Post by: Buffalogobbler on January 17, 2015, 11:04:46 am

My condolences.
From the pictures it is easy to see that he was a very talented man.

Kevin

Title: Re: Archery lost one of "The Good Guys" on Friday
Post by: mullet on January 17, 2015, 11:29:55 pm

That's a shame. I never met him but a few years ago I saw some of his work at the Rendevoux down here. Truly an artist.

Title: Re: Archery lost one of "The Good Guys" on Friday
Post by: chamookman on January 18, 2015, 04:23:33 am

RIP Ernie. Thoughts and Prayers sent - Bob.

Title: Re: Archery lost one of "The Good Guys" on Friday
Post by: IdahoMatt on January 18, 2015, 09:56:06 am

Sorry to hear that.  Looks like he did amazing work.