Though I never told Ed after we met in the 90s, his music saved me after a dear friend died from cancer in 1979. I had to take my masters exam days after I learned that my closest friend on the east coast had died over the summer while I was gone. I listened to Ed, day after day trying to find the strength to go on. His voice and humanity gave me that.

Then 15 years later a man appeared at my office door and said "I'm Ed Trickett. Can we talk about the research your Branch funds?" I sat there, speechless, with my mouth hanging open. Finally I said, "I know."

Ed, Dina, Nicky, and Alex and my daughter and I spent so many weekends together after that. These were among the most fabulous days of my life.

Ed was an amazing musician. But far more than that, Ed was one of the kindest, most amazing humans - ever. Anyone who knew Ed was so lucky.