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!

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:

I hope its being written or done. Anybody else hear anything?

Dave Windauer's Dad is the one writing the book; Dave and Beth would know where it's at.

Thanks Ben!

As long as I know I can secon Ben,I think it is a project that started a couple of years ago.

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

I look forward to this book about the man Paul Schafer.

Jeff

Thank you for sharing that with us. I also look forward to its completion.

Take your time... if anything is meant to be done, doing it well matters most.


ak.

I look forward to it, it was Paul that inspired a lot of my adventures.

Thanks so much for sharing.

We look so forward to reading more on such an inspiring man.

Bob, thank you! You are doing a great job, and your son makes a fine bow! I am looking forward to reading this book.

A must read!  

It is great to know it is being accomplished. I look forword to purchasing a copy. Thank you so very much      

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.

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

Thanks for the update-

Thanks Bob!!

Wow!  Can't wait for it!  Should be a good read.