Dwayne W. Charron, life long S&W employee, prolific firearm and tool designer, Head of S&W R&D Department (Formerly S&W Experimental Department), Docent of the Smith & Wesson Museum, Businessman, Husband, Father, Friend has passed away.

I received an e-mail from his daughter yesterday morning, advising me of his death last Wednesday at the age of 93.

She has given me permission to post this notice and asks of anyone who worked with or knew Mr. Charron to please share any stories, anecdotes, or memories of her Father that they might be passed along to her.

If you are not familiar with his name, you know his work.

If you have looked at, handled, or shot a Smith & Wesson firearm, you have undoubtedly been witness to his designs and innovations, whether you knew it or not.

I'm certain every member of the SWCA knows well of Dwayne Charron and his accomplishments within Smith & Wesson and have read his autobiography, "My Life's Journey at Smith & Wesson" as I have, several times over.


My only regret is that I never had the time to spend with Mr. Charron when he was Docent of the Smith & Wesson Museum.

We have lost not only a man, but a treasure trove of firearms knowledge.

Were the price of admission not so great, I would love to eavesdrop on the conversation now going on between Dwayne, John Browning, Sam Colt, Dieudonne Saive, John Garand, et al.

Dwayne Charron will be sorely missed.

John

Condolences sir to you and the gentlemans family.

Interesting to think how many of our firearms are designed by people whose names are unknown to us.

As enthusiasts, we should strive to correct that injustice.

John