As a physics teacher, I have built many telescopes with my students. When I came to Vashon four years ago, I continued to do so alone.

Recently, I began to realize that my poor eyesight and jumpy hand movements were the beginning of the end for my telescope making. I have given my daughter my machines and still have many of the devices I have made, which are necessary for telescope making. I still have mirror grinding and testing equipment and one partially completed 6-inch mirror. I also have a homemade Foucault mirror testing device along with the adjunct equipment. And I also have a complete parabolic 8-inch F6 mirror and partially built Equatorial telescope I hope some dedicated and skilled young Vashon astronomer will someday finish.

If you would email me, describe your interest, skill and dedication. I would be thrilled if someone (especially a young person who might have parents or friends who could help) would take over this project. I will not charge for these things, and will provide as much guidance as I can. I can’t bear to throw this stuff away. My email is lawrence.dean1@gmail.com.

— Lawrence Dean