Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: snakebit40 on July 28, 2011, 11:10:00 AM

Title: Schafer Book?
Post by: snakebit40 on July 28, 2011, 11:10:00 AM
I was reading the "Classics" forum yesterday and ran across a thread about Paul Schafer. It was an awesome read and there was talk about writing a book about Schafer. I just did a search on it and from what I saw the last time it was talked about was in 2008. I was just curious if anybody knew if it was done, being written, or just talk. Thanks!
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: sbschindler on July 28, 2011, 11:25:00 AM
The book would be a bit hit I am sure, but who ever is doing or thinking about it ought to get on the ball, soon there won;t be anybody left who knew who Paul was, the window of opertunity is slowly closing  :mad:
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: snakebit40 on July 28, 2011, 11:17:00 PM
I hope its being written or done. Anybody else hear anything?
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: Benny Nganabbarru on July 29, 2011, 04:23:00 AM
Dave Windauer's Dad is the one writing the book; Dave and Beth would know where it's at.
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: snakebit40 on July 29, 2011, 06:16:00 AM
Thanks Ben!
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: cacciatore on July 29, 2011, 02:20:00 PM
As long as I know I can secon Ben,I think it is a project that started a couple of years ago.
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: Bob Windauer on August 02, 2011, 12:36:00 AM
Fellow Trad gang members,

Beth and Dave Windauer informed me that there is speculation and unanswered questions regarding the Paul Schafer biography. I'll do my best to put your minds at rest.

   I'm Bob Windauer, father of Dave and friend of Paul. Years after Paul's death, when requests began to surface regarding a book about him, I asked Paul's Mom and surviving siblings for permission to write his story. They granted that permission, and this undertaking began as an effort to provide Paul's two children with a portrait of their fathers life.
   After several attempts, I settled upon an approach that created an accurate and compelling story about Paul's "good but hard" journey.
   The reasons for the lengthy process are many. I have done hundreds of hours of recorded interviews with Paul's family and his friends, and I have done several rewrites to accurately capture Paul's spirit.
   The book is tentatively titled
"The Wildness Within"
I am including here the prologue for Part 1.
-------------------------------------------------

   Paul Schafer did most things well.  As a bow-hunter and custom bowyer, he was among the best. As a friend, he was unmatchable.  

Thick muscled, rugged, and handsome, Paul stood five eleven with captivating blue eyes, a comforting smile and unruly brown hair. He preferred robust women and politely approached them with sincere interest. In response, they were almost irresistibly drawn to him.  Untamable, unstoppable, and mysterious, he attracted kids in search of a hero.  He was serene with a powerful presence, but, when challenged, a hidden wildness could surface with startling quickness. Confident and determined, Paul ignored injuries, inconveniences, and threat of death.  
   As an example, he risked his life many times while flying bush planes in northern British Columbia, and killed at close range -- with bow and arrow -- a lioness that was mauling his guide in Zimbabwe.  

   People are rarely complete when their life ends. Paul, at age 44, was no exception and knew it. While flying from Montana to a Brown bear hunt in Alaska he anticipated imminent death, so he wrote his Last Will and Testament and mailed it when the plane landed in Anchorage. He was dealing with major business and personal problems at that time and stated in the Will, "Things are a mess I leave you with -- but that's kind of how my life has been -- good but hard."
He died two months later. There is much to be learned from his legacy.

Please bear with me as I am pouring all my energies into the completion of this tribute to Paul.

Bob Windauer
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: Aussie Stickbow Hunter on August 02, 2011, 12:51:00 AM
I look forward to this book about the man Paul Schafer.

Jeff
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: elknutz on August 02, 2011, 02:55:00 AM
Thank you for sharing that with us. I also look forward to its completion.
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: Al Kidner on August 02, 2011, 04:00:00 AM
Take your time... if anything is meant to be done, doing it well matters most.


ak.
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: tradtusker on August 02, 2011, 04:23:00 AM
I look forward to it, it was Paul that inspired a lot of my adventures.
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: Jack Guard on August 02, 2011, 04:55:00 AM
Thanks so much for sharing.

We look so forward to reading more on such an inspiring man.
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: Benny Nganabbarru on August 02, 2011, 05:48:00 AM
Bob, thank you! You are doing a great job, and your son makes a fine bow! I am looking forward to reading this book.
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: bowtough on August 02, 2011, 07:26:00 AM
A must read!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: Butts2 on August 02, 2011, 08:06:00 AM
It is great to know it is being accomplished. I look forword to purchasing a copy. Thank you so very much  :thumbsup:    :clapper:
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: 1screagle on August 02, 2011, 08:38:00 AM
I knew very little about Paul until Mike Mitten wanted me to do artwork of him and Bart Schleyer. After reading about Paul and his life, the thoughts of so many people who knew him, I felt very honored to have created something for him. I look forward to this book to learn more about this man who touched so many peoples lives. It seems as though most everyone was touched deeply as he made his way through life. We would all benefit from learning from a legacy capable of such strength, spirit and heart.
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: Herdbull on August 02, 2011, 08:50:00 AM
I look at Bart and Paul everyday when I get up thanks to the stone etching by 1screagle. Bart and Paul lived their lives the best they could and hoped in the end for "Lasting Smiles". Mike
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff289/MittenM/hero/MikeMitten32.jpg)
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: maxwell on August 02, 2011, 09:35:00 AM
Thanks for the update-
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: Bob Palmer on August 02, 2011, 09:45:00 AM
Thanks Bob!!
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: Keith Zimmerman on August 02, 2011, 10:41:00 AM
Wow!  Can't wait for it!  Should be a good read.
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: snakebit40 on August 02, 2011, 11:06:00 AM
AWESOME!!! Thanks Bob!    :bigsmyl:     Take your time no rush I just hadn't seen or heard anything about it for a few years. Thanks for the update!    :notworthy:
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: rushlush on August 02, 2011, 11:22:00 AM
I'm looking forward to reading this book, thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: 23feetupandhappy on August 02, 2011, 12:11:00 PM
The artical "The Man of Gold" (I believe that is the title) that was fetured in Bowhunter Sep. 1993 was my first introduction to Paul as well as my jurney in bowhunting.  I was 13 then and still feel the fire that started from those articals.  

Very much looking forward to the book!!!

Thanks Bob

Hay, Im going to be in your neck of the woods in a couple of weeks!!!!!
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: Old Chief on August 02, 2011, 12:16:00 PM
Bob, thank you for all hard work.  I am looking forward to reading your book.
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: V I Archer on August 02, 2011, 12:19:00 PM
been anticipating this book for years, can't wait for its release.  I'm buying two, one for my bookshelf, and one "lender".
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: PA stickbow boy on August 02, 2011, 12:20:00 PM
Thank you Bob. The book is sure to be a good read.

ps. Your son and daughter-in-law are great people and a pleasure to deal with.
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: jcar315 on August 02, 2011, 01:01:00 PM
Bob, Welcome to TG and thank you for the update.
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: Justin Falon on August 02, 2011, 01:16:00 PM
Can't wait to see this one!!!!

justin
Title: Re: Schafer Book?
Post by: Tom Phillips on August 02, 2011, 11:32:00 PM
I wait eagerly for book about Paul S. can;t wait till it is available.