|
NFDA MEMBER
AND
|
THE
NFDA's 1st
QUARTERLY CARVER 2007 |
|
Ray begin carving in 1938 when
he was 14 years old. Nicholas Knaus, a Barber
in Cold Spring, MN gave him the inspiration to carve all these years. |
|
Ray was born and raised in Central
Minnesota.
He worked at Cold Spring Granite for many years.
During this time he married his wife and together they raised 11 children.
After retiring he moved further north in MN for 8 or 9 years but, he returned
back
to Rockville, MN which is where he is now settled with his wife, Lois.
Ray says he does not have a
favorite carver or decoy. He says anyone that can
accomplish to carve a decoy is a success. The decoys that swim are all good.
|
|
Although Ray is retired he
goes to his shop in Rockville, MN faithfully everyday.
He says some days are not as productive as others which is determined
by the number of people that come to visit Ray for his warming stories
and the viewing of his display of decoys.
Ray is a true pioneer of decoy carving. Ray quotes, "I am a living pioneer"
of decoy
carving. He has become friends with many carvers who are no longer alive but
his memories of them continue. He was awarded the "Living Legend" in 2005. |
|
If you are a collector and
don't have a "Ray Forner Decoy" you need to
get yours today. You can purchase his decoys from 'e-bay' or
purchase one directly by contacting him at
PO Box 439
Rockville, MN
56369. |
|
Congratulations to Ray for being
the FIRST "Quarterly Carver" on the NFDA web site. |
|
