| Ed and Loretta Thomas have been married since 1957 and have 4 grown children, all now married with kids of their own. In total we have 13 grandchildren with a great grandchild on the way. Ed became involved with the shooting sports in 1964 and became very actively involved with teaching marksmanship to youth and adults alike in the 4-H program, as well as in the Civilian Marksmanship Program. One thing led to another until he became overcome with too many involvements and commitments in this hobby. It was a time for a change in hobbies.
Thus, in 1985 Ed became interested in faceting as a hobby. Shortly thereafter he attended Highline Community College taking jewelry and diamond setting courses. In 1986 we formed ourselves as Columbia Northwest to handle sales of items of jewelry we were making. This evolved into other Lapidary activities and Flint-Knapping.
Upon retiring in 1999, after 43 years as an Industrial Painter, we settled from Everett to our rural property on 20 acres near Goldendale, WA. During the ensuing years, we have hosted numerous Knap-Ins for our Knapper friends on our property. We became friends with a number of people along the Columbia River and in northern Oregon. Two of these folks turned out to be mine operators of the famed Biggs Jasper and other materials on their properties along the Columbia River. We now are representing these two property/mine owners in handling their materials.
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| Ed and Loretta during a recent family gathering with kids and g-kids. |
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