This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Prof. Gavin Pintleberry, 72, born on October 8, 1942 and passed away on October 21, 2014. We will remember him forever.
It is my sad duty to inform you that Gavin, the Master Cutler, has died after a short illness caused by Argyrosis. Sadly, he was infected with the rare virus having cut himself whilst cold forging a blade made from Wootze steel dating back to around AD 1500, recovered from an abandoned steel foundry excavated by archaeologists two years ago near Tiramangulan in the Indian state of Tiram Nasu.
Gavin spent twenty two years as a Regular Army soldier, and trained as a Metalsmith with the REME. This included Operational Tours to Dhofar, Oman, Bahrain and Charjah. On retirement from the army and following the receipt of a small inheritance, Gavin became reclusive and devoted his life to growing his beard and making the perfect blade. Examples of his work command a high price and it is likely that the blades he left behind will become highly desired collectors pieces.
Gavin is succeeded by his three estranged wives, his current wife Esme, thirteen children and sixteen grandchildren. He will be laid to rest on a hillside at the family farm in Monmouthshire, and his family request donations in place of flowers to lepra.org.uk as a tribute to the work they carry out for Lepers worldwide.
