PORT GAMBLE — Many people make their living working on computers, using tools or specific equipment. When any of these objects are stolen, the results can be devastating to both the person and the business. Local woodworker Jerry Zyger is struggling with this devastation now.

Zyger mills his own lumber — acquiring wood from people around the area — and turns it into unique furniture. A few days ago, he discovered that a large portion of his livelihood had been stolen from the Port Gamble property where it was stored.

“It’s hard work, making lumber,” Zyger said. “Some of the wood that was taken was 42-foot, 92-year-old oak. I really don’t know why they took it other than they saw value in it.”

Other wood that was stolen from the site included West Coast black walnut and big holly. Altogether, the stolen lumber were valued at approximately $10,000. There was approximately six truck loads taken, and most of it was one of a kind.

Zyger said the wood is irreplaceable and added that he had been saving certain pieces, milling them while he is younger so that when he gets older, he doesn’t have to worry about tackling the physically demanding work.

Syd Granburg, owner of the property, said he noticed that some of the wood was missing last weekend. July 16, he bought a new padlock to try and discourage the thieves, but it didn’t deter them.

“I feel very sorry for Jerry,” Granburg said. “That was his livelihood they stole.”

Zyger informed the Kitsap County Sheriff’s office of the theft, hoping that deputies would locate the stolen lumber. If not, his homeowner’s insurance won’t cover the loss because it wasn’t on his property at the time it disappeared.

“I do have other wood,” he said, adding that oak was special and he would have to struggle to replace the money he lost as a result of the theft. “My resources have been depleted by about 50 percent.”

The sheriff’s office didn’t comment on the theft as it is an ongoing investigation, but Public Information Officer Scott Wilson noted that there had been thefts of certain kinds of maple in the North Kitsap area during the past two to three years.

“Certain wood mills take this kind of wood, known as fiddle back maple,” he said, adding that this type of timber is rare and used for making musical instruments.

In the past few years, thieves would be hired to go onto property, public and private, and steal only certain parts of maple trees for their grain, leaving the rest to rot. The sheriff’s office had no comment as to whether the thefts are related, though Wilson speculated there could be a logical connection.

“Someone knew it was there,” Granburg said. “(Zyger) just about cried when I told him. Not too many people can use that kind of wood, it’s for making furniture. There’s a little bit left, I don’t know what he’s going to do. They took most of the good stuff.”

Zyger said he will work to find a way to replace the wood and asks anyone who has any information to call him at (360) 286-1448 or the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office at (360) 337-7101.