• 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

16 years 11 months
Permalink

i cant even begin to think what it would feel like to lose my child, i dont think i could handle it. i cant even imagine him gone. i feel nauseous just even considering it. the pain you must be feeling is unimaginable. my thoughts and prayers go out to you steve, i am so sorry
user picture

Member for

16 years 2 months
Permalink

stevie cof you for your kind heart-felt words. I keep praying that someday we will all be together again, in a world that knows no pain, or sorrow, or death. The same way I feel about all the beautiful music that Jerry use to give all of us. Together, no pain, only peace, love, and sweet music to rock all our souls.
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

I am so sorry for your loss.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years
Permalink

so sorry to hear of such a loss ..
user picture

Member for

17 years 1 month
Permalink

Stevie C, as you can see there are Truly Kind folks here.. sorry for your loss, we will bend our ears to listen. PEACE
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

rest in peace! Let's hope he's jamming with Jerry in the stars!
user picture

Member for

16 years 4 months
Permalink

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'----
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

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
user picture

Member for

17 years 1 month
Permalink

Peace to you & your loved ones....
user picture

Member for

16 years 11 months
Permalink

truly a drag................the band in heaven is gettin' awfully big
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

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.
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

so sad! fire up! peace4U merl, jam on!!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

peace through music Merl was born on Valentine's Day. A day about Love and man did he spread the Love thru his love of music. It was always a dancin' good time whenever he was jammin' at a show. Surly gonna miss that big grin...."Nothin' left to do but smile, smile, smile.....'cause he's gone."
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

Can't believe the only mention of Hal Kant's passing was on GDTS Too. For those whos don't know, he was the Dead's lawyer for years. Probably made some good deals for them and more than likely saved Jerry from jail time. Sleep well out friend! ..even a blind man knows when the sun is shinin'...you can feel it!..
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

I was sorry to hear of Hal Kant's passing. I was lucky enough to interview him for a story a couple years ago; very interesting guy.
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

"Hi boys and girls, I'm Jimmy Carl Black, I'm the Indian of the group." Rest in Peace Jimmy Carl Black, one of the founders of the Mothers of Invention. http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx/?news=338145&GT1=28102 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

I just saw him play last week, wasn't a strong player, but he was very happy to be playing for us and playing the amazing songs he played with Jimi. If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. William Blake
user picture

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

Noel is gone too. Sorry I don't get the latest on all things. But didn't realize he was the last. Are you experienced was my first album ever. Used to make my own are you experienced tye dyes hand stenciled ARE YOU EXPERIENCED? on them.
user picture

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

Theres a couple people that recently passed away, nonheads but I people Ive known for a long time none the less. They were kind souls for sure. Tracy Farrow and Maxine Uhrig. R.I.P. You'll be sorely missed by all that knew you. It will make the circle smaller and our heart of hearts will hurt for many moons to come. P.S. I still miss Jerry too. I think about him every year in August since 1995.
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Missed this information somehow, but R.I.P. Ms. Miriam Makeba, Mama Africa. Sad, sad news.********************************** 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

16 years 11 months
Permalink

Ertha Kitt passed away christmas day in connecticut due to colon cancer. singer, dancer, actress, she played catwoman on the batman t.v. series after julie newmar. once dubbed "the most exciting woman in the world" by orson welles. 81 years of age, during her career she had won 2 emmy's and had been nominated for several tony's and 2 grammy's
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 4 months
Permalink

Spent Xmas day at my sister & bro'-in-law's house with my niece & nephew and her husband's brothers/sisters and their families. My sister had the cable tv set on one of the music channels playing Christmas music, and "Santa Baby" came on (didn't know Eartha had passed at the time). My niece asked who was the singer, and I tested my Bat-geek nephew's Batman trivia knowledge by asking who she was (she was the second Catwoman, replacing Julie Newmar for the last season of the original TV series, like johnman sez). Get home, check my email and Yahoo informs me she has died. Spooky. ********************************************* I have a sigfile! --> www.kindveggieburritos.com *********************************************
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years
Permalink

One of my neibhors .. In Loving Memory Eddie Carson Brooks Born, 12-19-52 Jacksonville, FL. Died, 12-16-08 Jacksonville, FL. Memorial service held on 12-27-08 , it was a nice memorial for him His brother and familly members said just a few kind words with Eddie`s favorite band playing in the background of course it was Lynard Skynard , very nice , He was a simple working man .. He was a good man and a freind to the whole neiborhood.. He died of bone cancer and emphasima, it was very painfull for him , He is home now ..
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

i am grateful for the end of this calendar year, a year in which my beau lost his 18yr old daughter to a drunk driving accident, we suffered two miscarriages, and now we have lost each other. it has been the saddest, most painful year on record. i know that we grow and learn based on the suffering in our lives, not the joy; my growing pains are nearly unbearable. i know my faith will see me through these times- i know that spring will come again, and that happiness is out there to be had. we have two more days of this year to live through. 48 lousy hours. hurry up and pass me by. i need 2009... caroline
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Sorry Stuman. My condolences to Eddie's family: my mom died from bone cancer, and, yes, it is painful. Grateful he didn't have to suffer too long.
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Sounds like you need a hug and an extra dose of good vibes. 2009 can only be better, am with you on that one sistah!!! PM me if you want, or try to meet up in the chat room. Peace and Love and Good Luck vibes to you. Stuman r.i.p. to your neighbor, and condolences to his loved ones. ********************************** 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

Here's hoping the New Weir brings you lots peace and happiness!Hippy New Weir to you and may God Lesh you! Stuman hoping your neighbors found peace too! Hippy New Weir to you too, God Lesh!! Peace,Gigi
user picture

Member for

16 years 11 months
Permalink

of " delaney & bonnie " died saturday of complications due to gallbladder surgery. co-wrote "let it rain" with eric clapton, who subsequently recorded it. co-wrote "superstar" with leon russell which has been recorded by usher, luther vandross, bette midler, the carpenters and recently, sonic youth, for the movie "juno". also with clapton he wrote "never ending song of love", recorded by over 100 artists, including ray charles, george jones, tammy wynette, patty loveless and dwight yoakum. performed, co-wrote and recorded with jimi hendrix, janis joplin, john lennon, dave mason, billy preston, everly brothers and mac davis. produced etta james and elvin bishop. with then wife, bonnie lynn, formed " delaney & bonnie and friends" opening for eric clapton and blind faith in 1969............R.I.P.
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

I used to listened to the hell out of some of his stuff - Motel Shot w/ Duane Allman, as well as that killer song from Duane's anthology, "Out On the Open Road." I loved the song "I Don't Want To Discuss It" first on "History of Eric Clapton" which lead me to Delaney and Bonnie & Friends" with EC - what great music. Thanks, Delaney Bramlett. Hang in there, Caroline - Cubbies'll win in '09 and that should help ease the pain. "Where does the time go?"
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

Wishing comfort and better times to all who are suffering such losses.
user picture

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

are the quoted words on the back of our friend's memorium.....he was the owner of Old Chicago Pizza, Petaluma, Ca...rest in peace-you're being missed by us all.....xoxoxo Gypsy Cowgirl
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

Id just like to post something for my dad-who I lost when I was 15-December 26 1985-I want to thank him for all his hard work,Kindness,and understanding.But most of all I want to thank him for showing me how to be a real father--My twins would have loved him so much-I Miss him-He was a GOOD MAN. ROBERT HUGH HARGROVE 1929-1985
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

Blossom Dearie - sweet voiced, excellent pianist - overlooked because of the other extraordinary talent of the time - Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O'Day - she was, however, a one-of-a-kind. Her "Someone To Watch Over Me" is timeless. "Where does the time go?"
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

Some warm thoughts for our dear friend Oroboros, whose Uncle Bus recently passed away.Sounds like a wonderful "Old Man". I know he has a hell of a nephew. May you be forever young.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 9 months
Permalink

my friend lee is a certified dead head..so much so, that i can't follow..he would be what i would concider a true fan..he's met different bandmembers and tells stories about his many experiances on the west coast in the 70's and of course living on the street, riding the rails etc.he talks of an evening in sf offering gerry pizza while shitfaced and making a fool of himself..even in his foolishness he says gerry showed him respect....these days he suffer's from cancer but i have to say he is still allways ingulfed in a dead book or playing his dead music on his guitar or stereo..he seems to be passing us to the bittersweet end but whats sad is his history goes with him..i'm telling my version to keep a little alive...i broke confidence and told him about a time i had with gratefull dead bill..i was speaking at a meeting bill and i had gone to together...i had told him that bill was a genuine good guy and his face lit up as if he allready knew...it seems that being a dead head is a piece of a historical puzzle ..i can take a piece if i need it and you can put it back...either way for people like lee it will allways be...thanks..
user picture

Member for

16 years 11 months
Permalink

is lucky enuf (or not) to have had someone think of them or remember them in a kind way.......today it crossed my mind that there are surely so many people who struggle with daily existence and pass un-noticed but for ...God.......today i'll pray for them, because mebbe no one else will...
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

I just lost a friend named Frank at 45. So young with a lot of life left to live ahead of him. Three kids and his his loving wife He won't be there for the "firsts" I noticed at his wake last night the out pouring of love and comfort shown to this man and his family I was told that he had a line at the funeral home from 4:00 to 9:00 I was one of many who standed in the line I waited for an hour and 15 minutes before I could even pay my respects to his wife, kids, brothers, sister and parents. There are not too many people out there when you meet for the first time to hit it off Frank was one of those people who would engage in conversation with any stranger and then would become his friend I am one of those people I am going to miss Frank and all of our little conversations while hanging out watching our friends band play I guess I will see you when I meet up with you in paradise in the meantime please have a cold one ready for me The Cat
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Similar to Frank, above, Dave, 36, passed away last week, leaving 3 kids and a wife, He was an adventurous fun-loving guy that went to KU and enjoyed the Grateful Dead. Say a prayer or two for his family and friends.
user picture

Member for

15 years 10 months
Permalink

having just returned to this site after a long absence, its ironic that i should first come acrossthis page.....on Sept 14 2008 I lost my friend, lover partner my everything, my wife of 30+years. We traveled to many shows together and separately over the last 40 years. if any of my old friends are out there... who i have not been in touch with for all these years, this is probably where we would meet again. (Buzzy, in Fl. Georgy P in Brooklyn), We lost Sue, I hope we will all meet again soon. Larry
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

it's really raining down on you guys. I'm so sorry.
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

My thoughts are with you here. These are beautiful souls who have blessed the lives around them as is shown in the memories that remain. The folks whose lives these wonderful souls touched will be forever richer. There is something very magical and special about all here, they bring out the best in humanity. Love is alive and well here. What a wonderful world. peace, love and hope, pk
user picture

Member for

15 years 10 months
Permalink

A real head that had the music in his heart. His first show at RFK in '90, he ended up on the stage form the crowd standing right next to Jer for a few before being kindly led offstage. That was some first show. A keyboardist and true friend that was full-on in whatever he endeavored, Dennis is missed very much. Peace-out, brrrooo.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

I was very sad to find out that Hal Kant passed away back in October. He did so much for the boys. His business management skills afforded the band the freedom to focus on the music. Even more importantly, he had integrity and was a very fair and decent man. Something you don't see very often in the music business. RIP Hal. Thanks for taking such good care of the Grateful Dead. I guess it doesn't really matter...anyway...
user picture

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

Pigpen was gone from our lives. Fortunately, his recordings live on for us to enjoy.......xoxxo Gypsy Cowgirl