A very special pyrograph by Cowher...

**Ryan Ross** · 16th July 11, 08:04 AM

I've been wanting to share this for a while, but for the life of me, I just haven't been able to get a picture of it that does any justice. The shot below is my latest attempt.

Mr. Cowher finished this piece for me a couple weeks ago, after much toil. He was kind enough to take on a very challenging project, and the results were truly spectacular.

I presented the artist with a photograph of my grandfather, along with this background info:

"It was taken when grandpa was 21 years old, in England in late 1943. My grandfather was training there for the invasion and wanted to send a nice photo to my grandmother, as he knew he would be going into action soon. He was a Tec. Sgt. with V corps artillery and the first man to set foot on his sector of Omaha beech on D-day. My grandfather fought in the thick of every major battle in northern Europe during WWII and was with the liberation forces of Buchenwald concentration camp. He was awarded the Bronze Star while still in Czechoslovakia and once Europe was secured, he returned home for R&R before being bound for Japan. While he was home, the atomic bombs were dropped and he had enough points to be discharged.

My grandpa and I were joind at the hip from the time I was born until the time of his passing almost two years ago... both of his children were girls, and everyone in my family said, when I was born, that I was the boy he had always waited for. He's the finest man I've ever known."

This piece means more to my family and me than I could ever really say.

Thank you so much for devoting your time and skill to this project, Matt.

**Barb T** · 16th July 11, 08:54 AM

Wow...!

**WillieMacG** · 16th July 11, 09:24 AM

Just outstanding!

**Mael Coluim** · 16th July 11, 09:58 AM

What a tribute, Ryan! And you are his flesh and blood.

**theborderer** · 16th July 11, 11:49 AM

Very nice, Ryan

**cessna152towser** · 16th July 11, 11:52 AM

Very nice indeed, a fabulous tribute to your grandfather.

**KiltedDixon** · 16th July 11, 12:07 PM

Great story!

**longhuntr74** · 16th July 11, 12:19 PM

A++++++++++++!!!!

What a touching story and praises to Cowher for his talents in being able to make you such a fine family heirloom!

**piperdbh** · 16th July 11, 07:01 PM

Am I correct in thinking that pyrography is what we used to call wood burning? That's a beautiful piece of artwork, regardless of the medium. Congrats, Cowher!