Help Duke Williams Rebuild
Donation protected
On April 12th, Duke Williams, WWII Navy Veteran, Bikini Atoll atom bomb test survivor, Korean Conflict Veteran, retired Iron Worker, avid beekeeper, mentor of over 50 years, and Master Mason, lost his barn and its entire contents to a devastating fire. Within his barn, there were decades of beekeeping equipment and supplies, rare hardwoods, an antique bottle collection, and a room full of war era and lifetime memorabilia.
Unfortunately, insurance may only cover part of the cost of the cleanup from this devastating fire. Luckily, two local companies, Cragco Inc. and Paul T. Fournier Enterprises have donated dumpsters, heavy equipment, operators, and drivers to help with cleanup. Duke, family members, and several friends are sifting through the rubble to help find memorabilia and any beekeeping supplies that might be salvageable.
Duke was raised as a Master Mason in 1962 and has lived his oath both before and since - making the world a better place for over 94 years. He has and continues to be, an invaluable source of knowledge and expertise amongst the WNY beekeeping community mentoring numerous beekeepers including his daughter, Terry Ehlen. In turn, Terry has been my mentor since the beginning of my apiary. She inherited her father's passion for bees and has taught many to care for these incredibly important, complex creatures.
Duke is my Brother in Freemasonry, and we are taught that our principal tenants are brotherly love, relief, and truth. Derived from these tenets are the virtues of faith, hope, and charity...charity to others. Duke, my Bother who has contributed so much to the community and the environment, now needs our charity in return.
Our goal is to raise enough money to put a small structure or shed on-site to provide a place for Duke to store what has been salvaged, and some beekeeping supplies enabling him to pursue his passion and continue his life of productivity. As we all know, without hope and purpose, the human spirit withers. We have to keep his hopes (even at 94) going!
Please help in any way you can so we can keep Duke's passion for helping others and Mother Earth fueled for years to come.
Unfortunately, insurance may only cover part of the cost of the cleanup from this devastating fire. Luckily, two local companies, Cragco Inc. and Paul T. Fournier Enterprises have donated dumpsters, heavy equipment, operators, and drivers to help with cleanup. Duke, family members, and several friends are sifting through the rubble to help find memorabilia and any beekeeping supplies that might be salvageable.
Duke was raised as a Master Mason in 1962 and has lived his oath both before and since - making the world a better place for over 94 years. He has and continues to be, an invaluable source of knowledge and expertise amongst the WNY beekeeping community mentoring numerous beekeepers including his daughter, Terry Ehlen. In turn, Terry has been my mentor since the beginning of my apiary. She inherited her father's passion for bees and has taught many to care for these incredibly important, complex creatures.
Duke is my Brother in Freemasonry, and we are taught that our principal tenants are brotherly love, relief, and truth. Derived from these tenets are the virtues of faith, hope, and charity...charity to others. Duke, my Bother who has contributed so much to the community and the environment, now needs our charity in return.
Our goal is to raise enough money to put a small structure or shed on-site to provide a place for Duke to store what has been salvaged, and some beekeeping supplies enabling him to pursue his passion and continue his life of productivity. As we all know, without hope and purpose, the human spirit withers. We have to keep his hopes (even at 94) going!
Please help in any way you can so we can keep Duke's passion for helping others and Mother Earth fueled for years to come.
Organizer and beneficiary
John Budowski
Organizer
Lewiston, NY
Theresa Ehlen
Beneficiary
