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    marye
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    Here's the place to talk about our departed loved ones -- friends, family members, tour buddies, and others we've lost along the way.

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  • Oroboros
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    And we will always be eternally grateful to Merl, for
    many reasons especially because after Garcia's diabetic coma in 1986 and Jerry's resulting loss of some of his ability to play guitar due to his impaired basic motor skills, Merl Saunders was the one that spent hours each day with the Jerry. Merl helped him 'relearn' guitar by running scales, jamming with him, and working Jerry out on with their familar jazz standards to help 'reconnect' Jerry's synapses and to get Garcia back into 'playin in the band". I caught Merl's a couple shows and he was nothing less that delightful and he looked like he was having more fun than we all were dancing at his gig. A true artist. Fare thee well, Merl, and thanks for everything. The Truth is realized in an instant, the act is practiced step by step.
  • johnman
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    damn
    truly a drag................the band in heaven is gettin' awfully big
  • iknowurider
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    R.I.P. Merl
    Peace to you & your loved ones....
  • GratefulGigi
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    May the four winds blow him safely home....
    R.I.P. "the godfather of jam bands," Merl Saunders
  • Hal R
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    RIP Merl
    You made so many people happy with your music and your spread your boundless joy to all of us to share with the world and make it a better place. You were a healer bringing back Jerry to his skills after illness and a man of compassion who brought attention to the beauty and destruction of the rainforest. You could boogie and you could play the tunes to soothe. You touched me deeply. For me your music and spirit will keep on keepin on as a part of me. Thank you Merl. If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. William Blake
  • free idea
    Joined:
    a truly beautiful person
    met him once and he put the lie to the notionthat music stars had to have some kind of attitude. he was 100% sweet and beautiful. keep on keepin on merl, we'll keep rockin here on the rock ---'never prank a truster'----
  • cosmicbadger
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    Merl Saunders
    rest in peace! Let's hope he's jamming with Jerry in the stars!
  • cosmicbadger
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    Rest in Peace Merl Saunders
    Very sad about this. Let's hope he's jamming with Jerry in the stars! http://www.jambase.com/Articles/Story.aspx?storyID=15521
  • iknowurider
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    Welcome
    Stevie C, as you can see there are Truly Kind folks here.. sorry for your loss, we will bend our ears to listen. PEACE
  • stuman
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    stevie c
    so sorry to hear of such a loss ..
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Here's the place to talk about our departed loved ones -- friends, family members, tour buddies, and others we've lost along the way.
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14 years 10 months
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Best wishes and healing vibes to you!
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16 years 11 months
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healing vibes your way dave, sorry for your loss, try not to dwell on what was, but know that your dad is not suffering now and we care about you and yours.
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You're in our thoughts.
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just saying hi, keeping you in our thoughts
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17 years 4 months
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Vibes coming your way from my family to yours...and a big hug too.
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Pedal steel extradinare. His playing on Neil Young's Heart of Gold and Old Man along with countless other tune was an essetial part of our aural landscape. He will be missed. Condolences to his family, Neil (called him 'brother Ben") and all whom he touched. http://networkedblogs.com/6eN1H The Truth is realized in an instant, the act is practiced step by step.
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What a bummer - I was just this minute listening to him playing on Neil's Archive vol.1 Harvest outtakes, remembering how lucky we were to hear him in Toronto in 2008 with Neil's band. Ben was Neil's musical partner on the journey and added such tasteful sounds, whether on pedal steel or rhythm guitar. And he could really rock out, too! Prayers to his family and to Neil and their extended musical family through their grief. He will be remembered...
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Happy Birthday Jerry, love you more than words can tell, you were like the big brother/father figure that I never had. Without you in my life, I wouldn't be here. Thank you for all that you did for me and other travelers. You are missed and will be missed for years to come. I personally celebrate this date, and still shed a tear on the 9th. Love always, your little brother, Sam
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is that we should celebrate Jerry today, be glad we had his music- and mourn him on the 9th.********************************** By trying we can easily learn to endure adversity -- another man's I mean. Mark Twain
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Well said, Lilly!
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16 years 11 months
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apparently Richie Hayward has succumbed to cancer. Both he and Lowell George gone from Little Feat. What's next?...........don't answer that
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that is so sad. One of the best drummers I ever saw in one of the finest bands I ever saw. RIP Richie.
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On Saturday night 1:15 EST one of my high school friends and classmates lost a long-term battle with breast cancer. I always never forget her beautiful smile, and her calm demeanor-always a kind word for everyone. Beth was the one we all went to with our problems, and she was so gentle and beloved by all. She was in all of the Honors classes, and really did something with her life, to benefit each and every one of us. (see link below) http://getinvolved.pogo.org/site/PageNavigator/ATributetoBethDaley Peace and love to your little girls, Beth, and strength to all who knew you. It's a major loss for all of us!! ********************************** By trying we can easily learn to endure adversity -- another man's I mean. Mark Twain
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Today is the 20th anniversary of Stevie Ray Vaughan's tragic death at Alpine Valley. Was at this show and remember as if it were yesterday. RIP SRV-listening to your awesome version of Little Wing in your memory today!! ********************************** By trying we can easily learn to endure adversity -- another man's I mean. Mark Twain
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I freaked when I read your note about Beth. We have been both mourning the same person. I met her through her husband Steve, he has been a major forest activist for years. I stayed at their place in D.C. for a week. Once again you and I are connected in ways. So sad, an eight year struggle with cancer and two young daughters. Steve has a collection of many Grateful Dead shows and Yes shows. I need to take a few breaths. Had another friend die of cancer last Wednesday. If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. William Blake
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I am truly stunned!! You knew her too-what a link between us!! Bet you she'd be grinning her gorgeous smile if she knew. Hug Hal, and strength to you. Been thinking alot since Beth died, about how life is so short, and we have to make the most of our opportunities, and not wallow in b.s. and... You choked me up again, Hal! But feel in a weird way better knowing that you knew her too! ********************************** By trying we can easily learn to endure adversity -- another man's I mean. Mark Twain
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In loving memory of my favorite unkle, who passed away yesterday at 10:00 am. I will always remember you as the nice guy who always had something funny to say. Condolences to your family in this time of sorrow. Love always Like a steam locomotive, rolling down the tracks....
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9/7/1916-10/8/10.......94 years old....lucky enough to live on her own, sharp as a tack, drove her car to the hairdresser on Thurs the 7th, as she was coming over to visit that weekend, but apparently had other plans.....wham bam lights out=quick & fast, she did it right......Geeez-what a long, run......still always missed no matter what or who......
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14 years 4 months
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love and peace to you gc.
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16 years 11 months
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condolences and best wishes for you and your mom, GC. At least she enjoyed the ride, and she'll be with you as long as you remember her.Peace. Conversation is always more interesting than recitation, so speak your mind and not someone else's.
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16 years 11 months
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....you are in my thoughts and prayers...
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17 years 4 months
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thanks 4 your thoughts......:)))
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You told us alot about your wild still-driving Mama; so I know she must have been important to you. ((HUGS)) and peace and love to both of you********************************** By trying we can easily learn to endure adversity -- another man's I mean. Mark Twain
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17 years 6 months
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so sorry, GC. Your mom sounds like the greatest.
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i am sending out a big hug to your family..
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I was sad to hear about your mum, but glad that she had such a good innings and gave us you!.
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oh, dear, dear Gypsy CG,I am so, so sorry to just learn of the passing of your Mother. Please know she will be with you forever, guiding you, protecting you, and holding your hand wherever you are each and every day. love&peace. cc
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thinking really cool thoughts of you and your mom lots of light, Andy
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For all your comments SO since there's no more chat room-here's more MOM stories. 4 her 94th bd we (including her 2 great-grandkids) all converged & "partied". 1 day going to the pool, my granddaughter (age 4) says to her "OH, GGB (her nickname) you look beautiful" Mom didn't hear her, stumbled on her foot on the stair & said "OH, damn it!" My grandson, age 6, & I were in histerics & kept repeating it. After a few minutes I told my granddaughter-GGB didn't hear you, tell her again, upon she repeated it & mom said "OH, thank you"Lately my grandson told my son "GGB cursed alot, didn't she?" His reply was- "When you're 94, you can, too." Just 4 the record, mom didn't swear when we were young. Must've been an age thing. Maybe I'll post the pix of her when we took her to Cal Expo mid '80's
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I am certainly thinking of your dear Mom. My heart goes out to you and all of your family.
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16 years 11 months
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Rene had China for 19 years. Such a long time to have a close companion.......rest in peace China!!!
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to hear of China's passing.
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Murdered 30 years ago today. A couple of days before, I'd celebrated both my 5th wedding anniversary and the birth of my first niece, and we were on the clock waiting on the birth of our best friends' first child. The word of Lennon's death and J's birth reached us at about the same time early the morning of Dec 9....a day of VERY mixed emotions for me. RIP John, Happy 30th Birthday, J.
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earland lilly 2/10/39 to 12 /04 /2010. a very blessed and kind man. she is in chi now with freinds.
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Friday, December 10th, 2010 was 21years since our close family friend Patrick Shanahan was killed at the Dead concert in Inglewood CA while waiting for his ride with the keys.. You are always in our thoughts and prayers.. He is buried in our home town and was able to visit him and leave a rose to remind him he will never be forgotten! RIP Patrick.. We love and miss you terribly!
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Oh Lilly,I am so sorry for your loss. Sincere condolences. love&peace, cc
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Walkin' Jim Stoltz June 1953 - September 2010 Walkin' Jim Stoltz set off on his last forever wild hike on Friday, September 3, 2010. Our master troubadour and dear friend fought a heroic battle with cancer in Helena, MT. He was 57 years old. Walkin' Jim is widely known throughout the U.S. for his unique combination of long-distance hiking, original songwriting, and photography. Jim was an adventurer, artist, poet, photographer, author, and environmental activist. In his lifetime, he accomplished numerous long-distance treks including the complete lengths of the Pacific Crest Trail, the Appalachian Trail, an east to west cross-continent hike, the entire U.S. Continental Divide, trips from Yellowstone to the Yukon, and many others. In total, he hiked over 28,000 miles of long-distance trips. When not on a long trip, Walkin' Jim could be found on any of the many trails in southwest Montana for a day hike with family and friends. He was also an avid cross-country skier. Jim also enjoyed wilderness travels by canoe. Between trips, Jim would create, produce and perform original shows of his travels with photography and music, always incorporating his keen sense of environmental awareness and justice for all things wild. His musical, hiking, and environmental career spanned 45 years. Jim was born in Royal Oak, MI, June 8, 1953, to Wilbur and Audra Stoltz. He graduated high school from Royal Oak - Kimball High School. Walkin' Jim began playing the guitar when he was in the 4th grade. He performed in several bands during the 1970s. He attained his love for the outdoors and hiking beginning with the Boy Scouts. His first long-distance hike was on the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine in 1973. The following year, Jim began his Ocean to Ocean walk beginning in West Quodyhead, ME, and ending on the Olympic Pennisula, WA. The entire trip followed dirt roads, railroad tracks, and trails. Jim's first recording was "Spirit is Still on the Run," in 1986. He also recorded, "Forever Wild," "Listen to the Earth," "The Long Trails," and many others. Walkin' Jim produced over eight musical albums and one music video for children, "Come Walk With Me." Jim was an accomplished poet. His poetry was published as, "Whisper Behind the Wind." Walkin' Jim wrote a book, "Walking with the Wild Wind: Reflections on a Montana Journey," highlighting his inspirational travels and wilderness philosophy. A few year's ago, Jim discovered his talent for painting. He developed an extensive array of work in oils specializing in interpretive environmental themes. He liked to work in the medium of oil-based cattle markers on canvas. Many of his paintings reflected themes from his songs and poetry. Walkin' Jim founded Music United to Sustain the Environment (MUSE) with Craig Wagner, and Joyce Rouse. MUSE is a group of professional touring musicians who are concerned about the health of our planet. Many of them draw their inspiration from the land, and feel the need to give something back toward protecting it. Walkin' Jim stood at the forefront of many environmental causes throughout the U.S. Jim helped with the planning and design of several trails throughout the American Southwest. A short segment of U.S. Forest Service trail in northern Arizona was recently created and named the Walkin' Jim Trail. To spread his love of people and song, Jim was employed for nearly 30 winter seasons at Lone Mountain Ranch, Big Sky, MT, driving horse-drawn sleighs to festive dinners where he performed his extensive repertoire of music. Jim's life is richly entwined by a web of countless dear friends, including thousands of children throughout the country who have learned and loved his stories and songs. Walkin' Jim is survived by his true friend Leslie Stoltz, Big Sky, MT, brother Mark Stoltz, Honor, MI, and sister's Susan Grace Stoltz, of Fairbanks, AK, and Lisa Mohr, Wixom, MI, and many nieces and nephews. Jim's life work and dreams centered on his desire to share the beauty, the unique character, the mood, and the value of wilderness through his music, writings, art, and activism. He leaves a special and enduring legacy to his family, friends, and enumerable list of fans. A legacy directing all of us to live lives of happiness while sharing in and protecting all things wild. from his website an honor for me to know him and be moved by his actions, muisc, art and words If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. William Blake
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Thanks for sharing Hal R. Truly an inspirational 57 years - if anyone grasped the concept of Furthur, it was he. I'm hoisting one now for him and you. " Where does the time go? "
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I suppose it was to be expected, but sorry to hear this anyway.
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Don Van Vliet died today. Sad sad news. An original genius. One of the true greats and, for me, a life changer.
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Another true musical and artistic visionary gone. RIP Capt. Beefheart.