Our friend, John died on Friday. John was 48 years old. He was a guitarist, mandolin player and vocalist. I think I first became aware of John during the Rose & Thistle days. He always seemed to have a smile on his face and if there was a guitar laying around somewhere it always seemed to find its way into John's competent hands. I managed to see him perform with EYESOAR on a Friday night some time ago at the Front Royal Moose and several months ago at the Lucky Star.

His friends, myself included teased him mercilessly because at times he resembled Richard Simmons, the Sweatin' to the Oldies fitness guru. I never once heard him say anything about it, though I'm sure it must have been painful to bare.

I feel I must apologize to John and his friends. This short note is not nearly an adequate summation of the man's life. But there isn't anything I wouldn't give or do just to have the opportunity to put my arm around his shoulders and say...I love you, man. John's smile and generosity, his kind and gentle nature and his music made our little corner of the world a better place and we will miss him.