Gary Ecker, owner of Carved Wood Art, is a small Mojave County business owner who brings his passions to life through handcrafted wood artwork.
Ecker and his wife, Deborah Ecker, are based at Fort Mojave, helping veterans near and far. Because of his own family’s military background, Ecker describes his job as satisfying.
Through the wooden signs and displays he creates, Ecker transforms pieces of wood into works of art. His constant involvement with organizations in Fort Mojave and Lake Havasu City ranges from military organizations to his recreational groups outdoors, he says.
A longtime participation in the Havasu SXS Trail Association’s Rick Seales Annual Veterans Ride has allowed Ecker to honor local veterans. His annual partnerships with off-road organizations continue to expand his military-based clientele, he says.
“They asked me a few years ago if I could donate an autograph,” Ecker said of the off-road group. I am there to help.”
The annual ride, usually held early in the year, honors Havasu’s veterans at a luncheon held at the Bunker Bar.
For this year’s event, Ecker created the autograph presented to US Marine Corps veteran Rosamond Naylor. During World War II, Naylor served as a fellow aeronautical mechanic after enlisting at the age of 20.
He explains that the reactions Ecker often sees from his clients range from ecstasy to tears.
“I made a Vietnam Veteran autograph and gave it to the woman who made it for her husband,” Ecker said. “Her husband and she took it and she cried and he had tears in her eyes.”
Between donating autographs to the Havasu SXS Trail Association and participating in local parades at Fort Mojave, Ecker says he enjoys offering custom pieces.
In addition to woodworking, Ecker adds that he also works in glass, sandstone and slate.
“I wasn’t a veterinarian, but it broke my heart. I was in that era and saw too many of my friends come back at their best,” Ecker said. Every little thing I can do helps.”
