12 THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER June 2021
SpringRidge at Charbonneau
By KERRY PHILLIPS
Lifelong hobby connects residents to their families
As Father ’ s Day approaches , SpringRidge residents Glenn Slack and Ed Dey fondly recall how their love of woodworking helped strengthen their bonds with their fathers and connect with their own children , grandchildren and even great-grands .
“ Some of my greatest childhood memories involve helping my dad and cousin put a roof on our cabin ,” said Glenn , who discovered his passion for working with wood in the fourth grade . “ The skills I learned working with them led to my career as a maintenance superintendent for the Port of Portland .”
Like Glenn , Ed can trace his interest in working with his hands to childhood . He remembers his dad having lots of tools and being encouraged to try different projects .
Woodworking remained a constant in their lives , with Glenn and Ed sharing their lifelong hobby with their families .
“ My son took an interest in learning the craft ,” said Ed . “ He ’ d build birdhouses and feeders . It was wonderful watching him as he developed his skills .”
As Ed ’ s grandchildren got older , he was thrilled they too wanted to learn more about woodworking , and he happily shared his knowledge with the younger generation .
Ed said he would often supervise them as they made birdhouses , napkin holders and other wooden crafts . His most memorable experience was working with his granddaughter , Angie , to create an intricate cribbage board .
“ The design held two decks of cards and incorporated different inlays ,” he recounted . “ It was quite challenging , but we had lots of fun . As we worked together we got to know each other .
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COURTESY PHOTO
Ed Dey ’ s love of woodworking began in childhood . Today , he works on creating realistic duck carvings which can take three or four months to complete .
There ’ s such a feeling of pride in helping your grandchildren learn something new and different .”
Glenn is also proud of the new skills he has imparted , including seeing his 14-year-old great-grandson develop a love for woodworking .
“ Logan took a real liking to carving and chiseling so my wife and I bought him a set of tools ,” said Glenn . “ He ended up carving a wolf which he showed off when the family was gathered at the beach . I get so much enjoyment knowing he ’ s gaining this skill .”
Both men marvel at how their lives have come full-circle and hope their passion for woodworking will be passed down to future generations .
Ed , now 89 , still dedicates a few hours a month to woodworking . SpringRidge has an onsite woodworking shop , where he helps fellow residents safely acclimate to the equipment .
“ It ’ s been a great way to meet others who share my interest ,” he explained . “ Many friendships have been formed by giving guidance on a project or simply spending time in the shop .”
Ed has personalized his residence with much of his creations , including retrofitting a wooden cabinet for his third-floor deck and building flower boxes to attract native birds found within the Wilsonville area . Currently , he ’ s working on realistic duck carvings which he says requires a lot of patience and can take three to four months to complete .
Glenn is also a big fan of the wood-
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