Sandy Paton was one of the first people I met when I became involved with folk music in Seattle back in the very early 1950s. Shortly thereafter Sandy left Seattle to ramble the world and become a major force in folk music. I have never had the honor of meeting Caroline or any of the young 'uns, but I did see Sandy again at the 1960 Berkeley Folk Festival where he was one of the featured performers. He introduced me to several well-known singers who were there. Even though we didn't know each other that long, I feel that he was a major force in the course of my musical life.

I lost a nephew in a motorcycle accident a few years ago. Tim and a few friends were out one evening to enjoy a ride on a summer evening, when it all went wrong. So I have some idea of just how devastating this sort of thing can be to family and friends.

My heart goes out to Kaelan's parents, to Sandy and Caroline, and to the rest of the family.

There are just no words that are adequate.

Don Firth