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The Owner of Starlight Instruments passes away

Started by hurricane4 , Feb 26 2021 02:16 PM

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31 replies to this topic

#1 hurricane4

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topic starter

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Joined: 06 Feb 2018

Posted 26 February 2021 - 02:16 PM

Passing along this message because I know many of you have Feather Touch focusers.

It is with deep sadness that I have to pass along that on Tuesday February 24th, 2021 my friend of many star parties, Jon Joseph, finished his last revolution around the Sun. Jon, the owner of Starlight Instruments, the producers of the world-famous Feather Touch focuser, unexpectedly passed away.

Since Jon was not involved in the daily operations of machining and assembly of the products, Starlight Instruments relayed to me that quality and production will continue for Feather Touch focusers, Howie Glatter laser collimators, and all electronics accessories.

Jon leaves behind a Wife, and 4 Children and will be greatly missed.

Jim Davenport, weis14, B McCandless and 5 others like this

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#2 Bill Jensen

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Loc: Springfield VA

Posted 26 February 2021 - 02:22 PM

Very sad. RIP Mr. Joseph.

George N and Jim Waters like this

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#3 Ken Sturrock

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Loc: Denver, CO

Posted 26 February 2021 - 02:23 PM

Oh. Sad news. Thank you for letting us know.

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#4 havasman

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Loc: Dallas, Texas

Posted 26 February 2021 - 02:26 PM

Oh, no. That's terrible. Such a young man should have had years to enjoy.

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#5 DeanS

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Joined: 12 Jul 2005
Loc: Central Kentucky

Posted 26 February 2021 - 02:28 PM

Such a sad loss. Jon not only made great products but had become a good friend to many of us at various star parties thoughout the years He will certainly be missed.

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#6 scotsman328i

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Joined: 03 Jan 2006
Loc: Charleston, South Carolina

Posted 26 February 2021 - 02:40 PM

Oh terrible news! My deepest condolences to his family and thank you John so much for the outstanding quality and workmanship you’ve given to the Amateur Astronomy Community over the years. RIP Sir.

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#7 ddegroot

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Loc: Washington, DC

Posted 26 February 2021 - 02:40 PM

How sad; thank you for sharing. May he rest in peace, and may his wife and children have all the love and support they need.

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#8 JULIE_K93

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Joined: 04 Feb 2021

Posted 26 February 2021 - 02:40 PM

that's no age at all :-(

too too sad :-(

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#9 junomike

ISS

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Joined: 07 Sep 2009
Loc: Ontario

Posted 26 February 2021 - 02:43 PM

Sad news indeed. Here's the obit

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#10 maadscientist

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Joined: 08 May 2013
Loc: Atlanta, Georgia and Deerlick Astronomy Village

Posted 26 February 2021 - 03:02 PM

Wow, horrible news. RIP my friend....

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#11 Chucky

Apollo

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Joined: 16 Apr 2010

Posted 26 February 2021 - 04:40 PM

I am greatly sad over this news. Jon helped me fine tune one of my Feather Touches at Chiefland Florida and gave me several user tips. So sad.

Edited by Chucky, 26 February 2021 - 04:43 PM.

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#12 coopman

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Loc: South Louisiana

Posted 26 February 2021 - 04:48 PM

Sorry to hear this. Thanks for letting us know.

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#13 alphatripleplus

World Controller

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Joined: 09 Mar 2012
Loc: Georgia

Posted 26 February 2021 - 05:40 PM

Sad indeed. May he R.I.P.

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#14 Jon Isaacs

ISS

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Loc: San Diego and Boulevard, CA

Posted 26 February 2021 - 07:10 PM

Only 56. Very sad..

Jon

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#15 Darren Drake

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Joined: 09 Oct 2002
Loc: Chicagoland

Posted 26 February 2021 - 07:18 PM

This is very sad to hear. He was a family man and way to young. I took a tour of their facility in 2010 right after they moved into it. Soon afterwards I wrote an article with pics about the company for CN. It was later added to their website. Here is a link..

https://www.cloudyni...struments-r2429

Edited by Darren Drake, 26 February 2021 - 08:58 PM.

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#16 CeeKay

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Joined: 03 Sep 2017
Loc: Vancouver, WA

Posted 26 February 2021 - 09:20 PM

My condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Joseph.

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#17 Cotts

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Joined: 10 Oct 2005
Loc: Madoc, Ontario

Posted 26 February 2021 - 10:27 PM

Such a sudden and sad thing. So young. I had many happy visits with Jon and the family in Columbia City, Arkansas, the Winter Star Party, Okie-Tex and Starfest... I'll be a while processing this...

Dave