It's taken me a long time to post to this thread. I was always a bit afraid of Jonathan, but am happy to have known him, and, after hearing and reading the outpouring of stories and memories, regret that I didn't know him better.

I'd like to thank Andy, Mia, Susan, Sandy and any others I may not have known about for doing a very difficult thing in their time of mourning, and putting together a true celebration of Jonathan's life. It was a little like trying to show people a kaleidoscope - presenting colorful images of crystal facets, constantly changing, which add up to a wondrous and beautiful whole.

Jonathan Eberhart is probably the only real genius I've ever known - his quicksilver mind and his imposing presence will be sorely missed, but his contributions in all the many, many fields of his interests will live on. The Nonesuch Explorer series, his life's work at Science News, the Folklore Society, the Washington Folk Festival, the introduction of sushi to half the population of North America, scholarly research into every kind of music he ever touched, his vast collection of musical recordings (which is going to Smithsonian Folkways) and musical instruments from around the world, his written songs, and his memory in the minds of people whose lives he touched will all live on. The world is a richer place for his having been here.