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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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  • Jodester
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    Candy Hill from Philly
    A really beautiful sister in so many ways! I heard she died from an overdose. She was into smack. You would never have known to look at her. I had a really freaky experience once. When I was at a Hare Krishna restaurant in New Zealand two girls came in with backpacks and were in line next to me. One with intense blue eyes. They had American accents so I said "hi"! We started to chat. The one said she was from Philly. I said I had a friend from there who died from an overdose. We locked eyes and both said her name at exactly the same time. Wow.........! I felt the presence of Candy standing in the space that was there where we three stood. Powerful! What are the chances of such a thing being coincidence? It wasn't a coincidence, of course. I think Candy was just trying to connect the energy and to send me a little message of love to give me strength at a trying time in my life when I really needed it and was going through some of the toughest times I've ever had! She was a good family sister and will always be missed. Gotta make it to the promised land...! Are you kind?
  • Jodester
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    CJ - Joe Emert
    Another wonderful and sweet brother. He was usually to be found on Telegraph hanging out or in People's Park when it was still relatively hassle-free to do our thing there. He was a really fun cat! I don't know the exact details of his passing so I don't think I should write what I think I remember being told. His ex told me that his parents lived in El Cerrito at that time but I didn't find any listing in the phone directory for that area with that name last time I checked. Any more info on this would be wonderful! He was such a classic head! Shining on forever!!! Are you kind?
  • Jodester
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    Junkie Jim from PA
    Jim was a kid who was one of the Haight St crew from the late eighties - early nineties scene. Also a regular tour cat! One of the who's who faces in the crowd. A really sweet guy! Yup, another with a drug habit unfortunately! From what I heard he got thrown into jail in SF and either hung himself or was hung by the guards or inmates. Some smack dealer apparently wanted him offed but I don't know the truth about that. It was all very shady and it would be nice to know if anyone has anymore info on this. Peace! Are you kind?
  • Jodester
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    George from Telegraph Ave - late eighties early nineties!
    My good bro' from hanging out on Telegraph Ave from 87-92. He had a bit of a drug problem as certain loved ones did but he was a peaceful wonderful soul! I think it was 1991 when he passed on. There was an incident with a van of family coming down a mountain outside of Santa Cruz. The brakes failed. George had to help the petite and very pregnant girl, Carrie, who was trying to keep the vehicle on the road. He leaned across and guided the vehicle around the curves but it eventually rolled. He saved them from going off the side of the road! He also shielded Carrie from harm but got crushed under the van after going through the window in the process. I still have one of his tye-dyes the others gave me after the accident. I think about him often. He'll always be with us. Are you kind?
  • mindbender
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    Man pleads no contest in
    Man pleads no contest in 2000 rest-stop slayingBy Jon Gambrell, The Associated Press Kristin Ann Laurite, 25, of Scotch Plains, N.J., found dead at the Morrilton rest stop in 2000. The Montanta prisoner accused of killing her pleaded no contest Tuesday in her death. 2007-06-12 16:02:00 LITTLE ROCK — A Montana prisoner pleaded no contest Tuesday to killing a New Jersey woman nearly seven years ago as she was stopped at an Interstate 40 rest stop in central Arkansas on a cross-country trip. Ronald James Ward, who is serving life in prison for another killing, was linked to the slaying of 25-year-old Kristin Laurite through DNA five years after the woman was stabbed repeatedly, sexually assaulted and left to die at the rest stop near Morrilton. Ward, 40, was arrested last year while in prison and returned to Arkansas over the weekend for his Conway County court appearance Tuesday. He initially told the court he would plead guilty. But after talking to a public defender, Ward changed his plea. He acknowledged he was responsible for Laurite’s death, although he claimed he couldn’t remember it because he had been high on “******, moonshine and *******,” Prosecutor Tom Tatum said. AP/Montana Department of Corrections Ronald James Ward pleaded no contest to the 2000 rest-stop slaying of a New Jersey woman. Tatum described Ward as a drifter who moved between West Virginia and Montana. Sentencing is tentatively scheduled for Thursday. The prosecutor said Ward had agreed to a life sentence. Laurite’s mother Lynn DiBenedetto expressed love for her daughter, and relief. “Finally, justice will be served for the brutal murder of my daughter,” DiBenedetto said in an e-mail to reporters. “Although the pain never goes away, I will finally get some peace of mind knowing that this alleged predator will never again be a part of society.” Laurite left her New Jersey home on a trip to Eureka, Calif., planning to take a job at a day-care center along California’s north coast. By Aug. 25, 2000, she made it to Arkansas, stopping her yellow 1972 Volkswagen van at the Morrilton rest stop to splash water on her face and let her dogs play at a nearby pond. The next day, truckers noticed one of Laurite’s dogs running loose. The trucker called the number on the dog’s tag, finding Laurite’s mother. Laurite’s dogs led officers to her body, dragged down toward the pond. The rest stop, where another murder occurred three years earlier, was closed by the state, and Laurite’s family put up a billboard along the well-traveled highway with a picture of the slain young woman. The image remained up for years, with the plea: “Do you know who murdered me?” Tatum said he was “surprised” by the no contest plea. “I figured we would be in for a long trial because the investigation took place over so many years,” Tatum said. “I think it helped the family quite a bit and it certainly helped the state, too.” Morrilton lawyer John Irwin said Ward didn’t understand the judge’s explanation about the consequences of representing himself so the judge appointed Irwin to represent the Montana convict. “His education level is about fourth grade. He is not dumb. He is unlearned,” Irwin said. “The easiest thing to do would be to have a lawyer.” Citing lawyer-client confidentiality, Irwin declined to talk about other aspects of the case. _______________ insert obligatory signature here
  • Lazy-Supp-Deal
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    Mikel
    He was a freind of mine. Many of you will remember Mikel for his stickers, set list hand-outs and newsletters, and some of you will remember Mikel as one of the most kind and gentle souls you ever met. I didn't know him well, but Mikel was the kind of person who was sincerely kind and somehow made you feel special to him the instant that you met him. Mikel became the first person I would look for at a show, and I know I'm sepaking for many of you, because I stood in his own little "hug lines" many times. I will never forget Mikel. He taught me to try to pour as much kindness and compassion as you humanly can on others. He was a friend of mine.
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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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16 years 9 months
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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.
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16 years 3 months
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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
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15 years 6 months
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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.
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16 years 10 months
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I am so sorry for your loss.
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16 years 4 months
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so sorry to hear of such a loss ..
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16 years 5 months
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Stevie C, as you can see there are Truly Kind folks here.. sorry for your loss, we will bend our ears to listen. PEACE
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16 years 9 months
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rest in peace! Let's hope he's jamming with Jerry in the stars!
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15 years 7 months
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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'----
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16 years 9 months
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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
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16 years 5 months
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Peace to you & your loved ones....
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16 years 3 months
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truly a drag................the band in heaven is gettin' awfully big
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16 years 9 months
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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.
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16 years 9 months
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so sad! fire up! peace4U merl, jam on!!
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16 years 8 months
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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."
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16 years 9 months
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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!..
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16 years 10 months
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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.
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16 years 9 months
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"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
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16 years 9 months
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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
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16 years 1 month
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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.
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16 years 1 month
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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.
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16 years 8 months
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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
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16 years 3 months
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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
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15 years 7 months
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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 *********************************************
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16 years 4 months
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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 ..
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16 years 9 months
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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
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16 years 8 months
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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16 years 9 months
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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?"
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16 years 10 months
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Wishing comfort and better times to all who are suffering such losses.
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16 years 7 months
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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
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15 years 2 months
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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
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16 years 9 months
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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?"
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16 years 9 months
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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.
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15 years 1 month
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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..
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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...
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16 years 9 months
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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
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16 years 8 months
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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.
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15 years 2 months
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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
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16 years 10 months
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it's really raining down on you guys. I'm so sorry.
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16 years 9 months
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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
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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.
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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...