Friend and Neighbor: Bill Minard

I knew of Bill Minard's work long before we actually met.  He was one of "The Wall" crew of P.B.  Matrix always had a great rep as being known for it's progressive shorts with a strong local following.  Bill's much better at recalling dates than me, so I must defer to him to the date at Island Scene when we met.  He was the shaper and Ernie Higgins hired me to help out with the glassing.  Minard on the outside is a quiet man with a strong presence and a tough looking square jaw.  After about one minute,  I could tell that this guy was going to be a great friend and ally.  We've kept in touch ever since.  His love of Baja and travelling with his dogs blended right in with my lifestyle.  That Ford four-wheeler took us on all sorts of Mexican adventures.  Bill is probably the most prolific hand-shaper on the planet ..  He shapes for the best and is the reason those guys can keep up and still have a life.  We are neighbors in Sorrento Valley [He found my space for me] and we talk design and strategize weekly.  When your down in the valley, to see me, I'll introduce you to one of my best friends and you'll agree that Minard's one heck of a good shaper and human being!  Murphy out.  dm