 sj |
||
|
||
Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008)
|
|
|
|||||||
|
Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) |
Share Thread
|
||||||
|
Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Susan A-R Date: 02 Jun 08 - 09:35 PM I'll always remember my delight at "the Gol Darned Wheel" heard at Old Songs a number of years ago. We'll have to sing one for him there as well. He was definitely a regular at the Dutch Barn sings. I also remember the sherry (or was it port, or some other fortified wine??) And then there was being a band member on "the Colorado Trail" at the Getaway a few years back (Ramblewood) Ron Davies, Dick Greenhouse and I got "enthused" into being back up. I believe a little arm twisting was involved as well. Makes me smile to remember it. I'll miss him. Susan |
|
Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Nancy King Date: 02 Jun 08 - 09:47 PM Oh Janie, what a very nice complement. You sure you don't want to move up here to Washington? You'd fit right in with FSGW... Nancy |
|
Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: GUEST,I am Dick's sister, Lynne Date: 02 Jun 08 - 11:23 PM I just returned from a trip without internet access and have been very touched to read all these wonderful memories of Dick. He and I were never close after our father died when I was 9 and Dick was 14, and I completely lost touch with him about 15 years ago. My Christmas card to him was returned and he never contacted me again. Thanks to our cousin Bill, I have been in touch with Rita Ferarra and have discussed what we can do to preserve Dick's musical instruments and memorabilia. I am sure that she will keep you all informed. |
|
Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Ferrara Date: 03 Jun 08 - 01:08 PM Lynne wrote me a very, very nice letter. She will send a letter authorizing me to handle Dick's estate and has generously given me instructions for keeping Dick's instruments, and any proceeds from the estate, in the folk community. I'll keep people informed but we are in the early stages yet. |
|
Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Dan Schatz Date: 03 Jun 08 - 01:54 PM The more I read that obituary, the more I like it. Thank you Rita, and thanks to Kathie Mack for doing so much for Dick. Dan |
|
Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Ferrara Date: 03 Jun 08 - 02:01 PM I just realized you can enlarge the photo by clicking on it. |
|
Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Ferrara Date: 04 Jun 08 - 02:57 PM Refresh |
|
Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Charlie Baum Date: 05 Jun 08 - 01:07 PM Rita Ferrara has more to post, but she's been without electricity or Internet contact since the severe storms that passed through our region yesterday. They've restored her electricity today (which is good, because the air conditioning is needed on a day like today), but she's still awaiting the Internet connection. Stay tuned. --posted for Rita by Charlie Baum, who has electricity and Internet in the office, but whose home is still in the dark |
|
Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Linda Goodman Zebooker Date: 08 Jun 08 - 12:16 PM I happened on the news of Dick's passing by seeing the Memorial Sing listed in the FSGW calendar. A sad shock. I never knew till reading these postings today that Dick was a dancer, and a good one. I'm sorry I never had the chance to dance with him. I remember most clearly two things- last year at the Washington Folk Festival, in the Grove, finally getting to read all the cartoons on his hurdy gurdy case, and last summer talking to him at the Common Ground festival. One of the FSGW "family" was in the hospital, he informed me that day, and we talked for quite awhile about all the people. He had such affection for everybody. He was a common thread, himself. If you ever went to an Open Sing in a new location, and you weren't sure where the house was, you just looked on the street for his distinctive car, which was always already there, and you knew you were in the right place. Linda |
|
Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Ferrara Date: 09 Jun 08 - 01:11 PM Dick's sister Lynne sent quite a few photos and documents from Dick's childhood. They're pretty neat. I've set up a Photo Page because there are so many of them. Lynne and I are working hard to cope with the bureaucratic obstacles to closing Dick's estate. Will keep you informed. Rita |
|
Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Ferrara Date: 11 Jun 08 - 12:48 PM Just a reminder, that there is a memorial evening at the Washington Ethical Society this Saturday, from 6 pm until 11 I think. It's potluck, and there will be reminiscing and singing and sharing. |
|
Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Big Mick Date: 11 Jun 08 - 01:57 PM Rita, the pictures are such a joy. They cause one to think on the importance of reflection, instead of judgement, on the life and circumstances of one's existence. As I viewed pictures of this man of whom I have known for such a short time, I found myself reflecting on him at every stage of his life. From the pudgy, adorable little boy, to the lean young man in the ROTC uniform, to the man that I got a kick out of but who drove me crazy in the way he took care of those pipes and sang off key .... all these are the ingredients of the marvelous Mulligan stew that is, finally, a person's life. I use the term "Mulligan's stew" because it is never the same for each person. There is so much that goes into the broth of every single one of us, that judgement serves no purpose, and is something best left to the eternals, or barring that, the wind. What is apparent in all these posts is that Dick lived a life that, when ended, caused many people to realize how much they would miss him. What is apparent is that there is family that is saddened at his gettin' away, and will miss him. His life had worth, and we are all a bit better for his having been in it. There is complexity in his living, and it flavored all of our stews. In the last three weeks, since Utah died, I have lost an Aunt, Uncle, and two cousins. In reflecting on Dick's life while reading this thread, I came to think of the differences of when folks leave, and that brought me to think of these two relatives, from the two sides of my family. One lived a life that was characterized by passing through, loving family to be sure, but never reaching out. At the end there was no fanfare, not even a funeral, some good thoughts/memories from family members, but the realization that when a few folks die, so will those memories. The other lived a life of reaching out, working and celebrating things important in her life, and taking care to pay attention to those around her in a non-judgemental way. At the wake, there were folks from all walks of life, and all parts of her life, who talked, told stories, and grieved the loss while celebrating the life. There was poetry written, a spoken declaration of love from a "special" cousin who is learning impaired, but wiser than most of us in her ability to discern authenticate caring and love, I did a song for her, and everyone spoke of the impact this quiet, yet persistent woman had on their lives. Each of these two lived a life, loved, and left. But one left a lasting legacy on the lives touched, one that will be felt for generations, and one walked through, left a few memories, and was gone with the passing of time. So it is with Dick. I think of the broth he brewed, and I realize that for all that went into his stew, he made an impact. I am not sure who or what put the unwanted spices in, but I do know this. Hidden within those spices lies an aftertaste that makes you realize later how much he was appreciated, and how the individuals whom he interacted with will remember him fondly. Even as I write this, I find myself grinning at the memory of he and I as I (in a very exasperated way) would rant about the leaks in the bellows, and joints, and bag of those pipes. And I smile because he would just look down at them with that little smile and (despite my ranting) say, "maybe if I use some beeswax or glue........". I just laughed out loud at the memory. Good man, ya are, Dick Rodgers. May God be good to you. You decorated a small part of many rooms, and those who walk those rooms will be better for your presence in them. All the best, Mick |
|
Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Bill D Date: 11 Jun 08 - 02:08 PM Thanks, Mick....I may just read a bit of that eloquent tribute at the memorial Sat. |
|
Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Big Mick Date: 11 Jun 08 - 02:14 PM Feel free to, Bill. |
|
Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Ebbie Date: 11 Jun 08 - 11:48 PM That's a great eulogy, Mick. |
|
Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Janie Date: 12 Jun 08 - 12:46 AM Mick, I am so grateful for your ability to express what to me is wordless. Rita, you are a rare gem. Janie |
|
Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Ferrara Date: 14 Jun 08 - 02:53 PM I've just printed off many of the wonderful comments from this thread, for folks to read this evening at Dick's memorial service/ potluck/sing-around. Thought I'd report on the status of Dick's belongings. There are some amazing legal hurdles to be passed. Dick's sister, Lynne, has sent consent papers for me to become Personal Representative for Dick's estate. But there is a Catch-22. In order to become Personal Representative, I need to submit proof of Dick's assets including bank statements, the title to his car, paycheck stub for his last paycheck, and so forth. BUT. In order to get any of that, I need papers saying I'm legally entitled to see them. So on the advice of the very helpful lady at the Register of Wills, I have submitted a petition to become Special Administrator for Dick's estate. This is different from Personal Representative.... The judge will rule on it some time this week. To be continued.... |
|
Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Dan Schatz Date: 14 Jun 08 - 03:57 PM Rita, you are one of the world's great people. Warmly, Dan |
|
Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Ferrara Date: 15 Jun 08 - 08:07 PM Janie and Dan, thank you for the kind words. Last night's memorial evening was wonderful. The room looked great. The food was good. Vince and Andrew set up a fine looking table with three photo boards. I added 11 pages of comments and stories about Dick from this thread and a number of people seemed to be reading them all the way through. The singing and sharing were just what one hopes for, from Bill D's rendition of "The Good Boy [Loved But Unrespected]" to Sondra Wallace's singing of "Lonesome Robin" to Gail Snyder's hilariously appropriate song, "You Can't Keep Me From Singing." Among many other highlights were Barry Schlesinger singing "The Ballad of Tom Joad," which Dick used to sing, Kathie Mack bringing the whole room alive with harmony on "Who Will Sing For Me," and several songs from Dick's former music group, The Cathedral Avenue Cacaphony. A splendid send-off. Dick would have been so pleased. |
|
Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Janie Date: 15 Jun 08 - 09:03 PM Thanks for telling us about it, Rita. As you said, sounds like Dick would have been well pleased. Janie |
|
Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Wincing Devil Date: 15 Jun 08 - 09:38 PM I've prepared a few pages from the pix from last night's memorial celebration for "The Merry Curmudgeon" as Gail Snyder called him.
Thanks to all of the folks who stood up and took charge of a harried situation. |
|
Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Ferrara Date: 15 Jun 08 - 10:11 PM LOL Vince! As the masochist who volunteered to take on the problem of dealing with Dick's belongings, I certainly grinned to see your good advice. BTW our family's favorite photo from last night is this one |
|
Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Bill D Date: 15 Jun 08 - 10:34 PM Well... **official disclaimer** I believe that is the first time in 'about' 18 years I have drunk a beer of 'that sort'. It was sitting in the back of my downstairs beverage 'fridge, having been left by someone at some event, with the assumption that Dick would come by and drink it eventually. He couldn't, so I, in remembrance of Dick's frugality, did the duty. I also had an Amstel light, but there IS a limit to sentimentality. And thanks to Vince for the great pictures. |
|
Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Ferrara Date: 17 Jun 08 - 03:45 PM Don Nichols just told me this story. For years Dick used to say that he hoped to live to a really old age and be found by collectors. And that he looked forward to hearing them say, "I know his voice isn't much now, but I'll bet he was something back in the day." |
| Share Thread: |