It is with great sorrow that we express the loss of a wonderful father, amazingly accomplished musician, and highly valued member of our band, The Opossums of Truth. Steve composed his songs, but as he said, “Ron was the obstetrician for his music.” Ron’s love of puns gave the band its name after we laughingly said we are the apostles of scientific gospel music. As Steve’s guitar teacher for 12 years, Ron helped him write the songs, taught him to play his songs, and helped arrange the final versions for concerts and recording sessions. Ron was the fantastic mandolin and banjo player you hear on the last three CDs, as well as guitar, dobro soloist and back-up vocalist. It is said that no one is indispensable, but he cannot be replaced. He was unique. With that in mind, the band will no longer be called The Opossums of Truth, because one of the ‘possums’ fell off the branch. The band will now be called, as Given Harrison jokingly offered during a rehearsal one day: THE GALAPAGOS MOUNTAIN BOYS. Our tribute to Ron – to be the best possible rational musicians we can be and take the word of evolution to the unconverted.
We will gather on Sunday afternoon, January 6, 2008 to remember Ron and celebrate his life. The formal program will begin at 1:00 p.m., to be followed by one of Ron’s favorite pastimes: A jam with food !!!
If you cannot make it right at 1 PM, come when you can. We have the facility until 6 PM.
We welcome everyone who knew Ron, loved him, played music with him or studied a musical instrument with him to join us on the special afternoon we have planned to remember him.
You are encouraged to bring your instruments, your voices and good stories about Ron as we celebrate the life of this beloved family man, friend and respected member of our musical community.
The venue for our gathering is:
Banquet Room
Encinitas Community and Senior Center
1140 Oakcrest Park Drive
Encinitas, CA
To get there, from I-5, take Encinitas Blvd east about a mile to Balour Drive, turn right then Oakcrest Park Drive should be your first left … proceed down Oakcrest Park Drive and you will see the Recreation center on your left.
We hope that you can join us.