Local artist and friend, Dan Giles began what would become an impressive 45-year-long career in the jewelry industry at just 29 years of age. Armed simply with a blow torch and library books Dan taught himself everything he needed to know as he built his first bench. His natural talent quickly helped establish him as a metalsmith, selling his jewelry to, La De Da, and other local stores.
Merely 5 years later, Dan was the proud owner of Giles Jewelry and Antiques on Campbell Ave in Roanoke, creating quite a devoted customer base. Upon "retiring" in 2017, Dan remained dedicated to his craft and continued to keep a 7 am to 4 pm daily bench schedule, producing some of his finest work during the next few years.
Dan created a loyal following of not just customers but also friends. He was known to often say "It's not so much about the money, but about the joy." He loved seeing the smiles on customers' faces as they discovered a new piece of jewelry, was presented with a commissioned piece, or simply picked up a piece Dan had dutifully repaired. He maintained the same dedication to attention to detail no matter how small the piece was, taking great pride in his work.
Despite cancer becoming dominant this year, Dan found solace and contentment in the simple pleasures of life. Even in the face of adversity, he remained resilient and unwavering in his commitment to his craft. He continued to pour his heart and soul into creating exquisite jewelry, diligently working at his jeweler's bench until May. His dedication and unwavering passion for his art were evident in the beautiful pieces he crafted during this time.
Throughout our time working closely with Dan, we were fortunate to develop a deep and meaningful bond with both him and his dear fiancée, Robin. Dan's unwavering dedication and caring nature made him a cherished friend, someone whose presence we always looked forward to. The void left by his absence is profound, and Dan's warm spirit and genuine kindness will be dearly missed.
Our heartfelt mission is to offer unwavering support to Dan's beloved fiancée, Robin Reymond. The donations gathered will help to alleviate the financial weight that funeral expenses and additional burdens have placed upon her shoulders. Recognizing the immense emotional and financial strain she is enduring. We hope to come together as a community to show her our support.
Your generosity and any contribution, no matter its size, will be deeply appreciated, and help ease the heavy load Robin presently carries.
Donate at the venmo link below
