I found out last night. My new band, Epona, had our first gig and we went for dinner afterwards. One of our members had heard the news and told me inthe restaurant..

I was shocked and saddened (but far better to hear this way than via eail; there was one waiting when I got home).

I took a beginning pennywhistle class with Tony; the man had the patience of a saint! :) And such a warm sense of humor. I attended his concert at Music by the Bay in April and spoke with him about taking private harp lessons. He'd said his trip home to Scotland would be delayed and so this would be a possibility he'd like to try and oblige. I did not knowhat night about his illness but found out soon after.

Sadly, I missed the Boston benefit conecrt in November as I was in Florida. All this time I have pictured Tony beating this terrible disease with his beautiful heart and spirit and strength, with his family around him. I thought he'd come through it and survive. This seems so horribly unfair.

He was a fine musician and a good man and I wish I had gotten to know him better.

One song he performed in April, Bonie Susie Clelland, really spoke to me and I had been thinking of adding it to my repertoire. I had hoped to talk with Tony about his version and how he collected it. I now plan to learn it and sing it as a tribute to him. What a loss we have suffered. I picture his smiling face and hear his rich, earthy voice and a bit of magic music has gone from the world forever.

Peg