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

Comments

sort by
Recent
Reset
  • marye
    Joined:
    so sorry for your loss, donnie
    Ryan sounds like an awesome guy.
  • neondonnie79
    Default Avatar
    Joined:
    Ryan L. Black 7/22/1976 - 7/22/2008
    Recently My Friend and Boss passed away. His name is Ryan L. Black he's fom Lake Arrowhead California. He was a huge Fan of the Grateful Dead, Rat Dog and so on. He Died last tuesday, early morning, he lived excatly 33 years. I thought posting this here would be a good memorial for him. The community here will miss him as well as all of us who knew him well. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers and thoughts. KEEP ON TRUCKIN' Once a man and twice a child, Everything on earth is just for a while. Bob Marley
  • culliganman007
    Joined:
    Thank you for your kind
    Thank you for your kind words , and if anyone discovers they knew him share a story
  • grdaed73
    Joined:
    peace b with u, culiganman007
    Andy, may the four winds take u gently homerest in peace friend
  • GratefulGigi
    Default Avatar
    Joined:
    culliganman007.....
    So sorry for your loss of your best friend Andy,may he rest in Peace
  • marye
    Joined:
    so sorry for your loss, culligan...
    Healing beams to Andy's loved ones, and may he be happy dancing to Jer forever.
  • iknowurider
    Joined:
    Hey Culli ~
    Healing Beams Heading to Andy's friends & family, 'May the four winds blow you safely home.." PEACE
  • pkpotter
    Joined:
    Andy
    Very sorry to hear of this. Did not know him but he sounds like a wonderful man. Will be thinking of him and his family. Fare thee well fellow deadhead,we will miss you. peace,pk
  • culliganman007
    Joined:
    "Andy" Otherwise known as John Andrew Vojtko
    I wish to Inform the Deadhead community that my Best Friend in the entire world as passed and any fellow heads that would know him (and there were many, many heads)should know that this happened, particularily Tony in Portland that i do not know how to contact but I saw at the 2004 show there with the Dead. Andy was a model deadhead in his belief system or principals. Jerry would of have been proud to call him friend , he never wanted to be a typical fan or hassle anyone at anytime. He was my music partner we went to so many shows together , the ones on my profile is a small sampling. His knowledge of the music and the Dead plus numerous other band community was like a library of knowledge , The vault people could of used Andy. The following is his Obit and the DEADHEADS worldwide weather you knew him or not, should heed to his passing. His story is 30 years plus and amazing. It would take more space than I'm provided to tell the story from beginning to end. I have been given his music collection , which is quite extensive in tapes as well as CD's , Probably more than 3000 pieces or more. I will be cataloging this collection of live shows and all. The following is the OBIT , My Tears have flown for three days now since I found out. Yesterday was the big day for the furneral and being with his family. I have known Andy since we were 15 years old. John Andrew "Andy" Vojtko John Andrew "Andy" Vojtko of Libertyville Visitation for John Andrew "Andy" Vojtko, 45, will be from 1 p.m. until the time of the services at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 29700 N. St. Mary's Road, Libertyville, with Pastor Robert Davis officiating. Born Aug. 18, 1962, in Libertyville, he passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2008. Andy had lived in the Libertyville-Mundelein area all his life. He was a 1980 graduate of Libertyville High School, received an associates degree from the College of Lake County and attended Illinois State University. He was a charter member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Libertyville and was employed as a cook at Winchester House for many years. Andy enjoyed music, model trains, the outdoors, various pets and cooking. Surviving are his parents, Gerald and Delores Vojtko of Libertyville; two sisters, Jane (Charles) Binning of Cornville, Ariz. and Lynne (Darren) Rogers of Wauconda; and his favorite nephew and niece, Ethan and Brianna Rogers. Memorial contributions can be made to your favorite charity. Arrangements were made by Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, Libertyville, 847-362-3009. Published in the Chicago Suburban Daily Herald on 6/27/2008.
  • grdaed73
    Joined:
    thx all
    4 all your kind words, showed my daughter, she appreciated them alot (who r these people, do u know them?she asked). happy trails tc
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Forums
Here's the place to talk about our departed loved ones -- friends, family members, tour buddies, and others we've lost along the way.
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

Thank you for your kind words , and if anyone discovers they knew him share a story
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 4 months
Permalink

Recently My Friend and Boss passed away. His name is Ryan L. Black he's fom Lake Arrowhead California. He was a huge Fan of the Grateful Dead, Rat Dog and so on. He Died last tuesday, early morning, he lived excatly 33 years. I thought posting this here would be a good memorial for him. The community here will miss him as well as all of us who knew him well. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers and thoughts. KEEP ON TRUCKIN' Once a man and twice a child, Everything on earth is just for a while. Bob Marley
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Sounds quite tragic. Peace and lots of music for your departed friend and boss neondonnie********************************** Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone, you will still exist, but you have ceased to live. Samuel Clemens
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

so sorry for your loss of a good friend, neondonnie, and peace 2 u2
user picture

Member for

16 years 11 months
Permalink

Peace and strength to Ryan Black, and to all those who hold him dear in their hearts. Conversation is always more interesting than recitation, so speak your mind and not someone else's.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 4 months
Permalink

Thank you for your kind words. They help. You guys are truly kindred spirits.
user picture

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

He was a friend of mine (& many others) Cecil Francis Farmer, age 55, originally from the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota came to California in the early 70's, passed on April 11, 2008. He loved the Grateful Dead (we went to quite a few shows together) & many types of music. Cecil was great @ beading & making things. Always seemed to laugh. I would call him my "Faithful Indian Friend" He would call me "his faithful white woman" We were friends for over 30 years & shall be missed by many. Hope he's having fun in the Happy Hunting Grounds......love ya always from the Gypsy Cowgirl...............
user picture

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

'It rolls all into one"........isn't that part of a GD song?? (Stella Blue?) DAD-it's been almost 21 years since you left (Jan.16, 1916-Aug. 1, 1987) then we (my son & brother) all went to Telluride, Co.. for the gigs-I hope you were watching............UNC-the favorite uncle in the family, known as "the King" (Dec. 18, 1906-June 4, 2004) You led a charmed life, worked hard & died peacefully in your sleep @ 97 yrs young..........NANA- Aug. 6, 1891-March, 1971-you were the coolest grandmother to have-slamming the newspaper on the table when the GD got busted in 1967-"here, here, here's the GD you like so much" & 3 years later watching the GD on TV when it was broadcasted live from Winterland (I think it was there) & I was too pregnant to go . THANKS family!!!.........Elanna Dawson-miss your accent & laugh ...........RP-it's been 30 years-you were the Deadhead cowboy to bring me to more shows when we were so young & father to my son, who inherited all your good stuff...........If the 4 winds haven't brought yall home, may they do it now.........love yall, glad you were in my life-the Gypsy Cowgirl-now go out & make it a great day..............
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years
Permalink

So much loss ,, my heart and positive vibes go out to all who has lost loved ones and freinds..... Peace be with you all .... The sun will shine again ...
user picture

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

"the sun will shine in my backyard, someday"......aren't those the lyrcis??? it's shining anyways........Gypsy Cowgirl
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

is where I always understood that the sun was shining, W.W. but perhaps you are right. ********************************** Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone, you will still exist, but you have ceased to live. Samuel Clemens
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

The Sun will shine in my back door someday.The Sun will shine in my back door someday. March winds will blow all my troubles away.
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

especially today when it's cold, gray and gloomy in the Bay Area and I could stand a little of that sun in my back yard...
user picture

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

hey GD Mom-thanks-you would think I'd remember the lyrics, even @ that hour & after a long day & only hearing it a zillion times.....oh, well, memory loss is a horrible thing..........haha.............I'll start playing it for the grandkids......must've been thinking about the backyard..............xoxoo Gypsy Cowgirl...........
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 3 months
Permalink

My cousin and loved one traveled with the show for awhile I believe. She was murdered in San Antonio last month. By an old roommate. She was a peaceful soul with nothing but love. I thought this should be said. Please pray for the soul!
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

I'm so sorry to hear this. Comfort to you and your family.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

Healing beams to you and yours and may you find comfort in your memories of your cousin. Peace, Gigi A box of rain will ease the pain, and love will see you through.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 3 months
Permalink

I lost my dad, you guys, and I need some happiness and good vibes. I'm Logan, and he took me to hundreds of shows when I was a little girl. I don't really know what else to say, except I keep worrying about living my life in the way he raised me and honoring him. Going to shows with him, hearing Robert Hunter's lyrics, listening to Jerry, it all taught me how to be a decent human being. I'm 31 now, I'm a social worker in LA, and I still need my Pop. I put the line from "Crazy Fingers" in his obituary and it was the hardest thing, especially after my mom wanted to put a line from "Ripple" in there...I said, No, that's the first thing people would expect, I always liked this line from "Crazy Fingers," so she let me. Thank you, in advance, for the warmth and kindness. Love. "Who can stop what must arrive now? Something new is waiting to be born Dark as the night you're still by my side, shining side..."
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

Your Pop sounds like a wonderful person and a grate DadHealing vibes are heading your way... You picked a grate line from a grate song to honor your Pop, He must be smiling down on you :) Peace, Gigi
user picture

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

losing one's dad is one of the hardest thing in life.........we played "Throwing Stones" when we lost our dad & then went to Telluride for the shows-after 21 years he's still missed, but lucky enough to have had a great dad-sounds like you did, too! & you were SO lucky he took you to shows! how cool is that???? " & love will see you through"......xoxo Gypsy Cowgirl
user picture

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

"One way or another, this darkness got to give"
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

I send you all the love, warmth, and kindness I can muster.What wonderful memories, keep them in your heart. He will always be there next to his beautiful daughter guiding you as he has always done. Keep that sparkle for him in your eyes. Quite sure of how proud of you he was. Take care,pk
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

Love will see you through. "Where does the time go?"
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Btyant Brandenberg,,Aka "Stinky",,,Well I just got a phone call no one likes ta get,, my best friends and tour brother for many a years died out in Colorado this morning....Bryant you will be missed,, anyone that has a copper Jerry hand hanging in thier bus or car,, may know him as "Stinky",,(he did give up that nick a few years ago, something about meeting woman with the name stinky),, Bryant and I toured together for about 7 almost 8 years in the late 80's and 90's,, he is the one I ran off with to take a break from society when my marrage ended,, we spent about a yaer together then , I have not had the chance to see him in a few years,, but we always stayed in contact on the phone,, Bryant worked at Go Ask Alice in Brockport, NY for a short time but you may all know him ,,(if you were on Dead tour, or from Colorado area) as the guy that twist and wraped with copper,, he had been working with copper for almost 25 years,, Anyone that was close with him most likey has one of his Jerry hands,,, Bryant always said when he died he wanted his ashes spred at Cougar hot springs,, I will try and make sure that happens,,,, With a empty spot in my heart,, Mike
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

Today would of been my sister's 50th birthday today! She passed away 1 year and 11 months ago after the fight of her life with breast cancer. She was my best friend and I miss her every minute! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU PATTY!! I LOVE YOU MORE THAN WORDS CAN TELL! Dance with Jerry!
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

Thank you, Mr. Newman... from salad dressing to hard boiled eggs, you were one of kind and an inspiration to me, as well an entire generation.
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

NOT PAUL NEWMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!! Learning sad facts here on Deadnet. Am so sad to read GRTUD and johnman's posts that have to go research and mourn a bit. Sniff.********************************** Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone, you will still exist, but you have ceased to live. Samuel Clemens
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

So sad :(
user picture

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

Oh, dear...what a loss for us all. When Paul Newman came to a GD show in NY-it was a stadium show (Giant Stadium, I think) We were standing behind the drums & I turned around & there was Paul Newman. Introduced myself & the 8 yr. old boy I was in charge of @ the time. The kid says "OH, you're the man on the salad dressing" Needless to say, Paul Newman laughed very hard & enjoyed the rest of the concert......later rented some movies like "Cool Hand Luke" so the boy could get a clue on who Paul Newman is/was ..................Gypsy Cowgirl
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Great Motown songwriter, Norman Whitfield was buried today. "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" and so much more from this man. Psychedelic soul kitchen cooker. It's a turn table night.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years
Permalink

Otis Watts jr. Born , Febuary 6, 1928 Prosperity, South Carolina Passed away, October 5, 2008 Jacksonville, FL. Services held: Graveside October 8 2008 Uligy; God looked around his garden And He found an empty place, He them looked down upon this earth, And saw your tired face, He put his arms around you And lifted you to rest. God`s garden must be beutiful. He always takes the best. He knew you were suffering, He knew you were in pain. He knew you would never get well on earth again. He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb. So He closed your weary eyelids, And whispered "Peace be thine". It broke our hearts to loose you But you did`nt go alone. For part of us went with you The day God called you home. Rest in Peace my dear freind . We will never forget you . Can`t forget ,, Paul Newman , the best of the best .. Rest in peace ..
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years
Permalink

I forgot to mention that I did not write that .. His family wrote it .. it is beutiful they did a real nice job on everything .. Thank you .. Peace .. Stu ....
user picture

Member for

16 years 4 months
Permalink

John 14:27 (to you ;)Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Conforter, that he may abide with you forever;
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

My sister Patty she passed away from breast cancer 2 years ago today on my birthday She was my sister and best friend. I miss her every minute of everyday. Peace to you Patty Dance with Jerry for me :)
user picture

Member for

16 years 11 months
Permalink

losing someone you love..it hurts for a long time, i know........my thoughts and prayers are with you gigi....giant hugs!!
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

and I'm sorry your sister didn't get a chance to come hang with us.
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

My thoughts are with you Gigi, the love of your sister is evident in everything you say and do,she seems to be always with you. Be happy this birthday knowing she is in you and a part of you and you are one and being one is beautiful.
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

I lost one of my sisters 10 years ago to breast cancer. I know what you are feeling and i wish you grace, peace & love. My sister loved the Grateful Dead too. Just about every dance concert I list here she was with me, dancing too. Her son was 12 when we lost her and our third sister (Missy Motown) finished raising him. We three live together. He's a drummer. Peace to you and your family
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

for all of your kind words!!Love & Peace, Gigi
user picture

Member for

16 years 2 months
Permalink

stevie c Losing a family member is hard for anyone to cope with, but losing a child is the worst. Watching your spouse cry under her breath, the siblings looking on in confusion, not even close to being able to understand. These are things a dad has to deal with after finding his sixteen year old son the next morning lifeless after an overdose while you were asleep. Not being there to help him in his time of need isn't the only thing regretable, but not seeing the problem in the first place. I know he loved life though, his music, guitar and friends. I really hope he is in that better place we all hope to see one day- God's golden shore, until then, I love you more than words can tell.......
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

Nothing could be worseI am so very sorry for your loss, may you find peace and comfort in your memories of your son. Peace,Gigi
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Peace and tranquility for both of your lost loved ones. Just feel them in your heart-they're there with you for sure.********************************** Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone, you will still exist, but you have ceased to live. Samuel Clemens
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

i am so sorry for the loss your family is suffering, peace and love
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

My thoughts are with you. TigerLilly said it best in her post. Peace If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. William Blake
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

such a profound blow, my heart goes out to you and your family. After losing a baby girl inbetween my two older boys, it is an ache that is numbing. And watching the angst of your wife and children only adds to the feeling of falling into an abyss. My hope is that there are gentle times ahead for you and yours, and that you can believe it possible. And Gigi, the joy that your sister brought with her is evident in you. My thoughts are with you as well. I am so sorry for your losses. Take care, Tim The Truth is realized in an instant, the act is practiced step by step.