He was an impressive artist indeed! We talked on the phone and that man had a way that made me feel good about things. I've heard stories about his gruffness - usually from people that wanted his tricks, and followed by something akin to - he wouldn't even show me how to " do whatever"... He was forthcoming, but seemed to prefer to help you figure things out for yourself. Not necessarily a bad way to be imo.
Think there are still some pictures of his work in the gallery, and once in a while I'll see a post about one of his blanks on another forum.
Like Mike, I never met him face to face but I sure wish I'd gotten to.