I have a number of emails and phone messages from performers and friends tonight. While checking the voicemails, I realized I had two from Utah. To hear his voice and hear his words made me feel sad and happy at the same time. He was so grateful that people cared about him. I had pointed out to him that the old saw that says, "As you sow, so shall you reap" was exactly why so many people cared him. I remember his reaction as I told him that I literally could have planned a folk festival with the number of performers that wanted to take part in the two benefits on his behalf. He was so humble and wanted to thank them all.

His agent, Jim Fleming, who has done journeyman's work in helping me with the planning of the two benefits for Utah, sent me an email. I loved what he said in part of the email:

When Joanna called to tell me that Utah had died, in his sleep, I was somewhat comforted to know that perhaps he drifted from a dream state to whatever comes next. If I had to guess, I'd guess he was dreaming of a train.
Yeah.... I like that (Mick's comment)

Hmmmmmm........ A Utah Phillips Peace and Labor Folk Festival...... every year in his honor..... I might have to work on this.

I don't think I will be deleting those voicemail messages anytime soon.

Mick