John C McDonald - Bigriver bows

Wudstix · October 18, 2020, 08:59:28 AM

If I have it right, today is John McDonald's 91st Birthday. Happy Birthday John from a fan of your work. You made my first custom recurve "Wisconsin Whisper" 25 odd years ago, which I still shoot. Also, a longbow that is now a big part of my life. Wishing you all the best in these days.

Cyclic-Rivers · October 18, 2020, 09:47:45 AM

I'm sure he doesn't read here but happy birthday John from another big fan.

Pete McMiller · October 18, 2020, 10:17:40 AM

I doubt John even owns a computer

but Happy Birthday to him anyway. I've owned five of his bows, 3 of them custom. Quite a bowyer

Wudstix · October 18, 2020, 09:48:43 PM

Pretty certain he doesn't have a computer. Finally got a mobile phone. But wanted to express my gratitude.

gordydog · October 19, 2020, 04:08:18 AM

Happy Birthday John. I have 5 of his bows, 3 custom made. I have not talked to him in two years, I wish him well.

Doug in MN · October 19, 2020, 08:15:02 AM

John is a great bowyer, I have had several of his bows over the years.

Lucas K · October 19, 2020, 12:11:50 PM

A great bowyer! Happy birthday John!

Bigriver · October 19, 2020, 12:36:18 PM

Ill try and call him and see how he is doing. I know his wife is not well and he is taking care of her best he can. Covid has him lying low too. I hope he has his hearing aids in, otherwise it an interesting few minutes

stagetek · October 19, 2020, 01:13:11 PM

Didn't see John this summer. No doubt the Covid thing. He usually makes 1 of Ojibwas trad shoots. Happy B'Day John.

Wudstix · October 19, 2020, 02:52:20 PM

Brian,
Please pass along our best wishes and will we praying for John's Wife, as well.

kennym · October 19, 2020, 05:44:36 PM

John orders a couple pair of Bocote lams every three or four months .

I think it's very cool he is still building !!

Wudstix · October 21, 2020, 09:00:10 AM

Don't think John is making bows or strings any longer. Hold those BigRiver bows close.

MikeNova · October 22, 2020, 12:23:04 AM

I have a couple of his bows. Last one he made a little over a year ago.

Wudstix · October 22, 2020, 10:21:16 AM

Sent one back recently for a horn tip repair and Brian (Bigriver) hooked me up.

Wudstix · October 23, 2020, 08:51:07 AM

Please join me in lifting John and his wife up in prayer. Give him the strength and patience as John cares for her. His 50's style recurve was my first custom bow and still sees some stick time after 20 some years. As does his longbow (5 yrs). May the Lord bless and keep you John.

Wudstix · November 02, 2020, 09:38:31 AM

There is a thread on the other site which is well supported. John has inspired many and his craft is highly respected.

Ron Roehrick · November 05, 2020, 05:29:29 PM

Happy belated birthday to a fine man and a master bowyer.