An eye for detail helped make Everett Israel a master woodworker during decades of honing his talents.

He began doing leatherwork in high school, but woodworking became his main hobby in college. Everett never quit. He’s had a home woodshop ever since, where he makes remarkable creations showcasing the beauty of wood through skilled craftsmanship.

The native of Newark, New York studied industrial arts at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego, where he met his wife Julie, an elementary education major. The couple married in 1962, one year after graduating.

Everett went on to earn his master’s in education and industrial arts from the University of Maryland in 1966 and his doctorate in technology education from West Virginia University in 1972. After staying home when their children were young, Julie earned her master’s in early childhood from Eastern Michigan University in 1991.

Both Everett and Julie built careers in education—Everett at the college level and Julie with young children. 

The couple have three children—Jeffrey, Michon, and Jonathan—and five grandchildren.

Everett was honored with multiple awards during 32 years as a college professor, chairperson and curriculum coordinator. 

In 1987, Professor Israel co-authored the book Conducting Technical Research.

After he and Julie retired in 2000, Everett volunteered to teach in the woodshop at Clerbrook RV and Golf Resort in Clermont. It was a great introduction to Florida; they were snowbirds for 15 years before moving to Leesburg permanently in 2016.

Everett promptly set up a woodshop in their garage, where he happily spends hours a day. He enjoys the challenge of combining different types of wood in one unique item. He also likes coming up with unusual wood projects that wow others, such as a cutting board crafted in a quilt pattern.

Among his eye-catching creations are router bowls in various patterns, end grain cutting boards, serving trays, display boxes, fidget items and puzzles. 

He doesn’t stain any of his woodwork, preferring to use a clear lacquer or polyurethane to highlight the beauty of the wood’s natural colors.

Everett, 85, recently got back in his woodshop again after months of taking care of his wife of 63 years before she passed on July 28.

His custom woodwork is on display and available for purchase at Gary Lee Sligh Fabric Arts in downtown Leesburg. 

www.garyleesligh.com

Photos: Nicole Hamel