This Saturday, Manuel Soler, a native of Sueca, has left us, but since he was 55 years old, he enjoyed a quiet retirement in Les Rotes, a place he fell in love with during his leave when he was young and where he lived for the last few years in a wooden cabin made by his own hands.
Manuel had an extraordinary life, full of stories that seem taken out of an adventure book. For 38 years he traveled the seas around the world as captain of the merchant marine, dodging mines and facing pirates on occasion. It was during those years that he began to awaken his interest in what would become his passion in retirement: wood.
If he is known for something in our area, it is for the treasure he kept on his land, in another cabin a few steps from where he lived. The largest xiloteca in Spain was hidden there, a collection of woods without equal in the entire state. Some 4.260 pieces make up this incredible sample book, with copies from all over the world and some of them now practically untraceable.
Now, after the death of Manuel, it is unknown what will become of the collection, one of the great concerns of its owner in recent months. His hope was that some administration would take care of it so that everyone could continue to enjoy it, as the former sailor had always pursued.
The burial will take place on Sunday afternoon at 16:00 p.m. at the Dénia funeral home.
Learn about the history of Manuel Soler and his xiloteca at this report that Dénia.com made a year ago.
It has been extraordinary to be able to meet Manuel. A unique and unrepeatable person, one of those who leave their mark. He had so many lives in one lifetime that it is admirable. An inexhaustible energy accompanied him to the end. Wherever he is, he will surely be creating something, like the good Captain he was. Our time together was brief, but intense. I will always remember him and he will always have my admiration, the one that wildly prompted me to meet him the day I found out about his life.
Goodbye Captain, your great friend the crew member.
The thank you and broadcast reports should not be posthumous. We already know that "the artist" gives little appreciation to the awards, however if he wants to see some recognition of his work ..
Our little tribute from the Wood and Furniture Professional Training. Manuel collaborated with all the xiloteca initiatives that were proposed to him.
Link.
https://balonesdemadera.wordpress.com/2021/11/15/manuel-soler-xiloteca-de-denia-una-gran-e-inolvidable-persona-las-xilotecas-del-mundo-estan-de-luto/
He welcomed us with the generosity of always in his house in Denis and we were lucky to have him as a guest in ours in Costa Rica.
We will always carry you in our memory and in our hearts.
From these distant lands, a big hug and our condolences to all of you.
Great person Manuel. Great and beautiful memories. Unforgettable his knowledge about woods and advice to our professional training students. Thanks for everything Manuel.
You were family, teacher and friend. Now also, way and light.
The seas of the world became too small for you and now you sail those of eternity. Maybe on another wooden boat built by Noah but now with your help.
Hopefully your xiloteca continues to feed the knowledge and life of many people and does not get lost in time.
Hopefully each piece of wood that you leave us will give us back our gaze to Earth and simplicity and help us to admire the gift of creation.
You will always be with us.