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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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  • TigerLilly
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    33 years???
    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
  • marye
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    so sorry for your loss, donnie
    Ryan sounds like an awesome guy.
  • neondonnie79
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    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
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    Thank you for your kind
    Thank you for your kind words , and if anyone discovers they knew him share a story
  • grdaed73
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    peace b with u, culiganman007
    Andy, may the four winds take u gently homerest in peace friend
  • GratefulGigi
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    culliganman007.....
    So sorry for your loss of your best friend Andy,may he rest in Peace
  • marye
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    so sorry for your loss, culligan...
    Healing beams to Andy's loved ones, and may he be happy dancing to Jer forever.
  • iknowurider
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    Hey Culli ~
    Healing Beams Heading to Andy's friends & family, 'May the four winds blow you safely home.." PEACE
  • pkpotter
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    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
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    "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.
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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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just know that your feelings are totally human and normal: and expressing what you think is very important when dealing with grief and shock, and all of the other things that you must be going through. Healing vibes to you and yours, and am wishing you strength. Don't be shy to post, whenever you feel the need. ********************************** By trying we can easily learn to endure adversity -- another man's I mean. Mark Twain
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14 years 2 months
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Best wishes and healing vibes to you!
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16 years 4 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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16 years 10 months
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You're in our thoughts.
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15 years 8 months
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just saying hi, keeping you in our thoughts
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16 years 9 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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15 years 7 months
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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 4 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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13 years 8 months
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love and peace to you gc.
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16 years 4 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 4 months
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....you are in my thoughts and prayers...
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16 years 8 months
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thanks 4 your thoughts......:)))
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16 years 10 months
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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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16 years 11 months
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so sorry, GC. Your mom sounds like the greatest.
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16 years 9 months
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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 4 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.