Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R - The Firearms Forum

hollyfrank · 01-15-2011, 07:21 PM

My name is Holly Frank. I am the daughter of Bill Goforth the expert of Iver Johnson and H&R. I am sorry to let everyone know that my father has went on to be with the Lord last night. He was in the hospital to have a bypass on his aorta and last night he had a heart attack. The doctors did everything they could to help him. I know that he enjoyed answering each and every one of the questions that was posted for him. As you can tell guns were his life. Unfortunately, the only other person who knew just as much about these guns was my brother and he passed away this past July. At this time services are being finalized and then I will post the arrangements for everyone to know. Please keep my family in your prayers.

Thanks!
Holly Frank

Shooter45 · 01-15-2011, 07:39 PM

Holly, I'm so sorry to hear this bad news. I was just thinking of Bill since he hasn't posted in a couple of days. His advise was one of the things that made this forum what it is today. Bill spent over seven years on this forum answering Iver Johnson questions and it the process helped thousands of people. He will be missed.

Please keep us updated and thank you for letting us know.
Prayers sent for you and your family.

RIP old friend, you will be missed.

Rocketman1 · 01-15-2011, 07:46 PM

Holly, I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. I first joined this forum to find out about an old Iver Johnson that I inherited, and Bill was the first to respond. Your father was a help and assent to me and countless others here on the forum. He volunteered countless hours helping others, and he will be missed.

My prayers are with you and your family.

RJay · 01-15-2011, 08:14 PM

Bill, I will take a small glass of Brandy out in the moonlite tonight and drink a toast to you. You were a mentor to us all. Vaya con Dios, friend. You are already being missed. Holly, my prayers are with you and yours.

Ron Legros · 01-15-2011, 08:41 PM

Holly
My sincere sympathy to you and your family. Your dad and I traded information on Iver Johnson over the years and his books were a wealth of knowledge for me and many other Iver Johnson collectors. He will be sorely missed.

Ron Legros

old semperfi · 01-15-2011, 09:05 PM

holly,although i never owned a gun that i had to ask a question,i did applaud your father in being so helpful to others.he will be sorely missed.if and when you have the time please post on here where we can purchase his latest book.HOLLY BE PROUD OF YOUR FATHER,HE HAS TOUCHED MANY LIVES.our prayers are with you............old semperfi

Diamondback · 01-15-2011, 09:34 PM

Holly, May your father go with God. I read many of his posts. I had never known anyone with his knowledge. He will be missed. My sincere condolences and my prayer go out to you.

Ken

jamesjo · 01-15-2011, 09:43 PM

Holly,
Sorry for your loss.
Your father will be sorely missed!
Prayers said for you and the rest of the family.
Jim Ritchie

45Auto · 01-15-2011, 10:00 PM

I'm sorry to hear of your loss, Holly. For you to have lost a brother and your father in such a short time must be a heavy load to carry. My prayers are with you and your family.

Historian, collector, friend to all, Bill Goforth was a kind man and one of a kind. He was generous with his vast knowledge which he was happy to share with so many people here on this forum. I speak for many here when I say I will miss reading his posts.

Rest in peace Bill.

Greg

armedandsafe · 01-15-2011, 10:08 PM

Prayers from here for you and all of Bill's family. He will be sorely missed.

Pops

CampingJosh · 01-15-2011, 10:20 PM

I, too, am praying you and the rest of the family, Holly. Your father will certainly be missed around here.

Crpdeth · 01-15-2011, 11:33 PM

OMG =(

We, here at TFF will never be the same... Prayers for the family sent from Tx...

Thank you, Bill... See you on the other side!

Donny

Popgunner · 01-15-2011, 11:58 PM

I'm so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I pray for & your family Holly.Your dad helped lots of folks here & is much appreciated.

Zane71464 · 01-16-2011, 04:27 AM

My condolences to you and your family, Holly. Bill was a very helping and knowledgable man here on the forum and will be greatly missed.
Prayers sent here from Ohio.

ampaterry · 01-16-2011, 04:36 AM

Holly, thank you very much for letting us know, and please do keep us updated on arangements.

Heavenly Father, I come before you this morning with a heavy heart. My sadness is not for Bill, who is already in your presence, but for the rest of us that continue here without him. He was a good man, and is already missed by his family and a multitude of friends.
I ask, Lord, that you would let each one know that you are there to lean upon in this time of loss. I ask that you would grant each one some measure of peace in a situation where there cannot be understanding.
And for all of us, I ask that you would tell Bill 'Thank you' for a lifetime of service to others.

And I ask these things in the name of Jesus the Christ, the Alpha and the Omega.

kx1a · 01-16-2011, 08:44 AM

Sorry to hear this Holly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Bill W

Jim Hauff · 01-16-2011, 08:56 AM

Holly,
I am sorrowed and shocked to hear this sad news. My most heartfelt condolences to you and your family, be strong, for him. He will be missed, greatly, but his works and generosity and knowledge will keep his name and SPIRIT alive for as long as there are firearms collectors and by those he touched. A man is remembered not by what or how much he owned at the end of his life, but by what he accomplished during his life and is measured by the number of those who called him friend. God bless you all. His final work WILL be completed.

fleetwood1976 · 01-16-2011, 12:59 PM

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He will be greatly missed here as well.

marcodelat · 01-16-2011, 01:15 PM

Rest in Peace Mr. Goforth... and thanks for your contribution.

The firearm community and collectors world-wide will sorely miss you.

Condolences & prayers for his family.

Old Gun Guy · 01-16-2011, 01:17 PM

It came as a real shock to me when I found out that OUR friend and mentor had passed on. Bill Goforth was one of the most giving individuals I have ever known, and he will be sorely missed. It's said that "knowledge is power", and he empowered us all with his learnings. He and his family will be in my prayers.
Old Gun Guy

Double D · 01-16-2011, 03:33 PM

I am sorry for your loss. But I am certain that you have a treasure chest full of great memories that you will never forget, and stick to the promise that you will one day be re-united with him in glory where there is no sorrow and no tears. Your father was known thru out this great country by the knowledge he shared with ANYONE who would seek his expertise, and expert he was. When he answered a question, you could take it to the bank that it was correct. He will be missed. Like shooter said, he was a HUGE part of what made this forum what it is. God bless you thru this difficult time, may you have his peace that passeth all understanding.

Bill DeShivs · 01-16-2011, 08:39 PM

Bill Goforth was a fine man-a very fine man.
Find solace in this- God has a perfect plan.
I'm sure I speak for all the members of this forum when I say that if there is any way that we can return some of Bill's daily favors, we are here for you.
He expressed concern recently in an email that if something were to happen to him, you would be at a loss for what to do with his guns-and he was considering getting rid of them. If you run into problems, ask here and we will be happy to help you.

kingcuke · 01-16-2011, 08:56 PM

Holly, Sympathy and prayers for your loss. Your father was a kind and generous man always willing to give of his time and knowledge. Condolences

corsair · 01-17-2011, 08:33 AM

Holly and Family, My condolences and and your father will always be thought of and missed. A wonderful person.
Al

JLA · 01-17-2011, 09:13 AM

Goforth taught me alot, I will sorely miss him. Sorry for your loss Ms. Holly, Prayers from here aw well.

01-15-2011, 07:21 PM	#1
hollyfrank Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1	Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R My name is Holly Frank. I am the daughter of Bill Goforth the expert of Iver Johnson and H&R. I am sorry to let everyone know that my father has went on to be with the Lord last night. He was in the hospital to have a bypass on his aorta and last night he had a heart attack. The doctors did everything they could to help him. I know that he enjoyed answering each and every one of the questions that was posted for him. As you can tell guns were his life. Unfortunately, the only other person who knew just as much about these guns was my brother and he passed away this past July. At this time services are being finalized and then I will post the arrangements for everyone to know. Please keep my family in your prayers. Thanks! Holly Frank Attached Images -->

01-15-2011, 07:39 PM	#2
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,753	Re: Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R Holly, I'm so sorry to hear this bad news. I was just thinking of Bill since he hasn't posted in a couple of days. His advise was one of the things that made this forum what it is today. Bill spent over seven years on this forum answering Iver Johnson questions and it the process helped thousands of people. He will be missed. Please keep us updated and thank you for letting us know. Prayers sent for you and your family. RIP old friend, you will be missed.

01-15-2011, 07:46 PM	#3
Rocketman1 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 1,097	Re: Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R Holly, I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. I first joined this forum to find out about an old Iver Johnson that I inherited, and Bill was the first to respond. Your father was a help and assent to me and countless others here on the forum. He volunteered countless hours helping others, and he will be missed. My prayers are with you and your family. __________________ There is no such thing as a gun accident. Irresponsible gun owners cause so-called gun accidents.

01-15-2011, 08:14 PM	#4
RJay Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 3,487	Re: Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R Bill, I will take a small glass of Brandy out in the moonlite tonight and drink a toast to you. You were a mentor to us all. Vaya con Dios, friend. You are already being missed. Holly, my prayers are with you and yours. __________________ RonJames Last edited by RJay; 01-15-2011 at 08:15 PM..

01-15-2011, 08:41 PM	#5
Ron Legros Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 29	Re: Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R Holly My sincere sympathy to you and your family. Your dad and I traded information on Iver Johnson over the years and his books were a wealth of knowledge for me and many other Iver Johnson collectors. He will be sorely missed. Ron Legros

01-15-2011, 09:05 PM	#6
old semperfi Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: i live in southern indiana,old country boy at heart Posts: 1,506	Re: Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R holly,although i never owned a gun that i had to ask a question,i did applaud your father in being so helpful to others.he will be sorely missed.if and when you have the time please post on here where we can purchase his latest book.HOLLY BE PROUD OF YOUR FATHER,HE HAS TOUCHED MANY LIVES.our prayers are with you............old semperfi

01-15-2011, 09:34 PM	#7
Diamondback Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Silver City, Oklahoma Posts: 661	Re: Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R Holly, May your father go with God. I read many of his posts. I had never known anyone with his knowledge. He will be missed. My sincere condolences and my prayer go out to you. Ken

01-15-2011, 09:43 PM	#8
jamesjo V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Nebraska Posts: 438	Re: Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R Holly, Sorry for your loss. Your father will be sorely missed! Prayers said for you and the rest of the family. Jim Ritchie

01-15-2011, 10:00 PM	#9
45Auto Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,119	Re: Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R I'm sorry to hear of your loss, Holly. For you to have lost a brother and your father in such a short time must be a heavy load to carry. My prayers are with you and your family. Historian, collector, friend to all, Bill Goforth was a kind man and one of a kind. He was generous with his vast knowledge which he was happy to share with so many people here on this forum. I speak for many here when I say I will miss reading his posts. Rest in peace Bill. Greg

01-15-2011, 10:08 PM	#10
armedandsafe Former Guest Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Moses Lake, WA Posts: 10,344	Re: Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R Prayers from here for you and all of Bill's family. He will be sorely missed. Pops

01-15-2011, 10:20 PM	#11
CampingJosh TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Indiana Contributor Posts: 4,788	Re: Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R I, too, am praying you and the rest of the family, Holly. Your father will certainly be missed around here. __________________ Nothing posted on TheFirearmsForum.com constitutes legal, accounting, gunsmithing, or other professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for real advice. Your life is lived at your own risk. Don't blame me for the dumb things you do.

01-15-2011, 11:33 PM	#12
Crpdeth Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Location: Location Contributor Posts: 8,247	Re: Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R OMG =( We, here at TFF will never be the same... Prayers for the family sent from Tx... Thank you, Bill... See you on the other side! Donny __________________ Our greatest pretenses are built up not to hide the evil and the ugly in us, but our emptiness. The hardest thing to hide is something that is not there. ~Eric Hoffer

01-15-2011, 11:58 PM	#13
Popgunner Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Contributor Posts: 1,764	Re: Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R I'm so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I pray for & your family Holly.Your dad helped lots of folks here & is much appreciated.

01-16-2011, 04:27 AM	#14
Zane71464 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ohio NRA Member Contributor Posts: 5,362	Re: Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R My condolences to you and your family, Holly. Bill was a very helping and knowledgable man here on the forum and will be greatly missed. Prayers sent here from Ohio. __________________ Two Words; "Simple Man", song by Charlie Daniels sums up my thoughts on a "few things"!

01-16-2011, 04:36 AM	#15
ampaterry TFF Admin Staff Chaplain Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: West Tennessee Contributor Posts: 6,283	Re: Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R Holly, thank you very much for letting us know, and please do keep us updated on arangements. Heavenly Father, I come before you this morning with a heavy heart. My sadness is not for Bill, who is already in your presence, but for the rest of us that continue here without him. He was a good man, and is already missed by his family and a multitude of friends. I ask, Lord, that you would let each one know that you are there to lean upon in this time of loss. I ask that you would grant each one some measure of peace in a situation where there cannot be understanding. And for all of us, I ask that you would tell Bill 'Thank you' for a lifetime of service to others. And I ask these things in the name of Jesus the Christ, the Alpha and the Omega.

01-16-2011, 08:44 AM	#16
kx1a V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: CT Posts: 55	Re: Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R Sorry to hear this Holly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Bill W __________________ The original point and click interface was a Smith & Wesson

01-16-2011, 08:56 AM	#17
Jim Hauff Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 2,980	Re: Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R Holly, I am sorrowed and shocked to hear this sad news. My most heartfelt condolences to you and your family, be strong, for him. He will be missed, greatly, but his works and generosity and knowledge will keep his name and SPIRIT alive for as long as there are firearms collectors and by those he touched. A man is remembered not by what or how much he owned at the end of his life, but by what he accomplished during his life and is measured by the number of those who called him friend. God bless you all. His final work WILL be completed. __________________ Jim Hauff ~ H&R Collector In Memory of Bill Goforth and Jim Ritchie Last edited by Jim Hauff; 01-16-2011 at 08:59 AM..

01-16-2011, 12:59 PM	#18
fleetwood1976 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Southern Indiana Contributor Posts: 1,333	Re: Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He will be greatly missed here as well.

01-16-2011, 01:15 PM	#19
marcodelat V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 128	Re: Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R Rest in Peace Mr. Goforth... and thanks for your contribution. The firearm community and collectors world-wide will sorely miss you. Condolences & prayers for his family.

01-16-2011, 01:17 PM	#20
Old Gun Guy V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: N. Utah Contributor Posts: 489	Re: Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R It came as a real shock to me when I found out that OUR friend and mentor had passed on. Bill Goforth was one of the most giving individuals I have ever known, and he will be sorely missed. It's said that "knowledge is power", and he empowered us all with his learnings. He and his family will be in my prayers. Old Gun Guy

01-16-2011, 03:33 PM	#21
Double D TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: North Florida Contributor Posts: 8,075	Re: Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R I am sorry for your loss. But I am certain that you have a treasure chest full of great memories that you will never forget, and stick to the promise that you will one day be re-united with him in glory where there is no sorrow and no tears. Your father was known thru out this great country by the knowledge he shared with ANYONE who would seek his expertise, and expert he was. When he answered a question, you could take it to the bank that it was correct. He will be missed. Like shooter said, he was a HUGE part of what made this forum what it is. God bless you thru this difficult time, may you have his peace that passeth all understanding. __________________ I own a bunch of scary guns. You want em? Come and take em..... Liberalism is a serious, non curable, mental disorder... NRA LIFE MEMBER Oath Keepers Member NRA Certified Instructor 30 Yr CC permit holder.

01-16-2011, 08:39 PM	#22
Bill DeShivs Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Contributor Posts: 1,470	Re: Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R Bill Goforth was a fine man-a very fine man. Find solace in this- God has a perfect plan. I'm sure I speak for all the members of this forum when I say that if there is any way that we can return some of Bill's daily favors, we are here for you. He expressed concern recently in an email that if something were to happen to him, you would be at a loss for what to do with his guns-and he was considering getting rid of them. If you run into problems, ask here and we will be happy to help you. __________________ Bill DeShivs www.billdeshivs.com

01-16-2011, 08:56 PM	#23
kingcuke V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cucumber Island Posts: 154	Re: Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R Holly, Sympathy and prayers for your loss. Your father was a kind and generous man always willing to give of his time and knowledge. Condolences __________________ Giving every man a vote has no more made men wise and free than Christianity has made them good. H. L. Mencken It is not in the nature of politics that the best men should be elected. The best men do not want to govern their fellowmen. George MacDonald

01-17-2011, 08:33 AM	#24
corsair V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 57	Re: Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R Holly and Family, My condolences and and your father will always be thought of and missed. A wonderful person. Al

01-17-2011, 09:13 AM	#25
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,318	Re: Bill Goforth - Expert of Iver Johnson & H&R Goforth taught me alot, I will sorely miss him. Sorry for your loss Ms. Holly, Prayers from here aw well. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!