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Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008)

Ferrara 17 Jun 08 - 03:45 PM
Bill D 15 Jun 08 - 10:34 PM
Ferrara 15 Jun 08 - 10:11 PM
Wincing Devil 15 Jun 08 - 09:38 PM
Janie 15 Jun 08 - 09:03 PM
Ferrara 15 Jun 08 - 08:07 PM
Dan Schatz 14 Jun 08 - 03:57 PM
Ferrara 14 Jun 08 - 02:53 PM
Janie 12 Jun 08 - 12:46 AM
Ebbie 11 Jun 08 - 11:48 PM
Big Mick 11 Jun 08 - 02:14 PM
Bill D 11 Jun 08 - 02:08 PM
Big Mick 11 Jun 08 - 01:57 PM
Ferrara 11 Jun 08 - 12:48 PM
Ferrara 09 Jun 08 - 01:11 PM
Linda Goodman Zebooker 08 Jun 08 - 12:16 PM
Charlie Baum 05 Jun 08 - 01:07 PM
Ferrara 04 Jun 08 - 02:57 PM
Ferrara 03 Jun 08 - 02:01 PM
Dan Schatz 03 Jun 08 - 01:54 PM
Ferrara 03 Jun 08 - 01:08 PM
GUEST,I am Dick's sister, Lynne 02 Jun 08 - 11:23 PM
Nancy King 02 Jun 08 - 09:47 PM
Susan A-R 02 Jun 08 - 09:35 PM
Janie 02 Jun 08 - 08:57 PM
Ferrara 02 Jun 08 - 08:28 PM
Nancy King 02 Jun 08 - 12:48 PM
Dan Schatz 02 Jun 08 - 11:16 AM
Fortunato 02 Jun 08 - 11:12 AM
GUEST,Bill Jenkins 02 Jun 08 - 08:51 AM
Wincing Devil 02 Jun 08 - 08:21 AM
Wincing Devil 30 May 08 - 09:34 AM
Lonesome EJ 30 May 08 - 12:06 AM
Joe Offer 29 May 08 - 11:24 PM
Ferrara 29 May 08 - 10:48 PM
Wincing Devil 28 May 08 - 09:02 PM
GUEST,Marianne Oaks 28 May 08 - 04:37 PM
Ferrara 26 May 08 - 03:11 PM
dick greenhaus 26 May 08 - 01:01 AM
GUEST,Dani 25 May 08 - 09:29 PM
Bill D 25 May 08 - 11:32 AM
SINSULL 25 May 08 - 10:08 AM
Ferrara 24 May 08 - 11:17 PM
Fortunato 23 May 08 - 08:03 AM
Ferrara 19 May 08 - 06:59 PM
Dan Schatz 18 May 08 - 10:48 PM
GUEST,AndyT 15 May 08 - 09:12 AM
Charlie Baum 14 May 08 - 04:19 PM
Janie 14 May 08 - 12:06 AM
JedMarum 13 May 08 - 11:48 PM
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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."


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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.


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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


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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.
Get your will in order!


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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


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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.


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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


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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....


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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


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008)
From: Ebbie
Date: 11 Jun 08 - 11:48 PM

That's a great eulogy, Mick.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008)
From: Big Mick
Date: 11 Jun 08 - 02:14 PM

Feel free to, Bill.


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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.


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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


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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.


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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


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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


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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


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008)
From: Ferrara
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 02:57 PM

Refresh


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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.


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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


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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.


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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.


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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


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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


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008
From: Janie
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 08:57 PM

Thank you to Vince for posting the link to that article, to Kathy for writing it, and to all the rest of you who knew him so much better than many of us for sharing your affection, stories, a bit of history and lore regarding Dick.

From my very first Getaway, I have always valued and appreciated the obvious valuing of "folks" reflected by FSGW members. You have not lost sight of who folk music, regardless of how it is defined, represents. That is well reflected in posts to this thread.

Thank all of you for sharing your memories and reflections. and thank you Dick, for being so memorable.

Janie


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008)
From: Ferrara
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 08:28 PM

Many, many thanks to Andrew Teter, for suggesting that the Post might print a news obituary; to Kathie Mack for researching Dick's life, writing the draft article, and interesting the Post in publishing it; and to all of Dick's friends, including Dottie Hurley, Andy Teter, Charlie Baum, Vince (Wincing Devil), Jennifer Woods & Bob Clayton, Peter and Laura Sailer, Bob Hitchcock, Bill D who supplied the photograph, and many others who contributed biographical facts and suggestions for the obituary.

The Post did a fair amount of editing, but it is Kathie's wit that shines through. We tried to contact anyone on the thread who was quoted directly but I guess we missed a couple....

Anyway this article was a labor of love on the part of many, many people.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008)
From: Nancy King
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 12:48 PM

Dan, I believe Kathie Mack actually wrote it, obviously drawing from some of the posts on this thread, and submitted it to the Post, which then may have done some editing.

The obit and picture were quite prominently placed -- I think Dick would have felt it a bit of vindication for all the teasing we gave him over the years.

It was really quite odd not to have him at the Washington Folk Festival. I kept expecting to run into him around every corner. The Festival was great, as usual, but there was something missing...

Nancy


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 11:16 AM

I was a little surprised to see elements from this thread quoted in it - including something he said to me at a private party. Does the Washington Post read Mudcat?

I was wondering if perhaps one of their reporters saw the display at the Washington Folk Festival and decided to make an article out of it.

Dan


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008)
From: Fortunato
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 11:12 AM

The Obituary in the Washington Post this morning was without a doubt the first time I've found wit and humor in an obit. It recalled the man and his pursuits quite vividly, and replaced the usual maudlin prose with clarity and respectful honesty.

Well done.

chance


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008
From: GUEST,Bill Jenkins
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 08:51 AM

I met Dick when I worked at the House of Musical Traditions in 1982 and was living above the store. He became my realtor (And was a good one)due to our interest in obscure musical instruments(we didn't think they were obscure), and when Takoma Park became evidently out of reach financially even then for a musician, he suggested Mt. Rainier, where he found a house that I've been in since. We exchanged knowing glances when I was onstage or he was wandering at festivals. I am very sorry to be out of town for his celebration.I would make some rude noises in his honor.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008
From: Wincing Devil
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 08:21 AM

An obituary news article about Dick Rodgers appears in today's (Monday June 2) issue of the Washington Post.
It can also be found on the Washington Post web page


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008)
From: Wincing Devil
Date: 30 May 08 - 09:34 AM

Dick's Dodge Dart fell apart, like the cop car the Blues Brothers stole. KER-FLUUMP. AndyT drove him around to get a "new" one.

};-(


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008)
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 30 May 08 - 12:06 AM

Sad news indeed. Dick was one of those people who, as the relative newcomer to the Getaway that I am, just stood out. Tall, lanky, angular, and with a habit of peering myopically at you that enhanced the impression of a rather friendly old stork. I enjoyed very much the comical old tunes that I heard him perform, tunes that started out with his audience looking on rather uncomfortably until the song resolved itself into something that was both warm and funny, at which everyone laughed while Dick sang and sawed away at his instrument.
I asked Dick about the hurdy-gurdy, and he was delighted to describe its function to me, pointing out all of the key parts, many of which appeared to be various objects of household hardware, bent, taped, and harnessed to Dick's musical will.
In a world where so many folks are happy to fly under the radar, I had the impression that Dick had no appetite for that sort of anonymity. I'm certainly glad that, even if it was just the last act, I caught part of the show.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 29 May 08 - 11:24 PM

What was Dick's car? - a Dodge Dart, or something similar, I think, from the 1970's. Am I right?

-Joe-


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008
From: Ferrara
Date: 29 May 08 - 10:48 PM

Marianne, we are very glad to hear from his family. We didn't know how to locate anyone until one of his cousins e-mailed the president of the Folklore Society, Charlie Baum.

Rita Ferrara


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008
From: Wincing Devil
Date: 28 May 08 - 09:02 PM

I've set up a website in Dick's Memory with pix from The Royal Mile Chantey Sings and a few Getaways: Clickez Vous Ici

Kathie Mack and I just finished up the Photo Boards for his memorial service. I'm getting far to experienced at putting pictures on foam board.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008)
From: GUEST,Marianne Oaks
Date: 28 May 08 - 04:37 PM

I was Dick's first cousin. I haven't seen him in around fifty years. I remember him as someone with great enthusiasm, but a little short on the practical side of living.
I am very happy to see that he had so many friends who enjoyed being with him.
Rest in peace, Dick.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008)
From: Ferrara
Date: 26 May 08 - 03:11 PM

You know, Dick managed his recent years very well if you think about what his priorities were. He had some income from Social Security and some from his job, and in spite of constant car troubles, etc, he managed to attend as many musical activities as he could squeeze in, including the Southern Maryland Celtic Festival, the Royal Mile shantey sings, Old Songs, of course the Getaway, and i-dont-know-how-many other events. In recent years he had access to a computer at his apartment complex; prior to that, he would phone Bill and ask him to get details on upcoming festivals.

His musical abilities deteriorated -- yes, they did -- due to deafness, and he was maddening because he wouldn't accept or acknowledge his limitations. But his singing improved after he got a decent hearing aid, which is why, I guess, I felt he was getting better -- sometimes -- at the Open Sings.

A few times at Open Sings, usually after a ballad, Dick would tell me I had done a very good job on a song. I felt like I that was high praise indeed. (Rare praise, too.... Encouraging comments weren't Dick's style for the most part, he was likelier to offer a boisterous comment on your song's history or lack of authenticity or some such thing as soon as the last note sounded.)

RF


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 26 May 08 - 01:01 AM

Dick Rodgers

"...Loved, but unrespected."

RIP


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008)
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 25 May 08 - 09:29 PM

Very nice. Thanks for the link.

Dani


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008)
From: Bill D
Date: 25 May 08 - 11:32 AM

It's not easy finding the listing in the Post, but here it is
    RODGERS RICHARD L. RODGERS (Age 70) Folklorist and Musician On May 6, 2008 of Laurel, MD. First member of the Folklore Society of Greater Washington, serving in various board positions since 1964. A familiar presence at folk concerts and festivals, Dick Rodgers played several instruments, including a hurdy-gurdy he built. A memorial potluck supper, with shared remembrances and singing, will be held on Saturday, June 14, 6 p.m. at the Washington Ethical Society, 7750 16th St, NW, Washington, DC.

    Published in The Washington Post on 5/25/2008.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008)
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 May 08 - 10:08 AM

Just had a wonderful vision of Dick running into Utah Phillips and cranking his hurdy-gurdy to the "Goodnight Loving Trail". We'll leave it to Rick Fielding to sort them all out.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008
From: Ferrara
Date: 24 May 08 - 11:17 PM

The Washington Post will publish a notice about Dick's death on Sunday, May 25 (tomorrow). It includes an announcement about the memorial supper and sing. It will also be in their "legacy" section on line. Can anyone add a link?

Fortunato, Vince is making up a photo board of his photos for the WFF. I'll e-mail your photo to him, and if time permits I will also make one from the various photos Bill and Darriel have taken, and include yours as well as one from Janie Endres from the Getaway.

Rita F


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008)
From: Fortunato
Date: 23 May 08 - 08:03 AM

I have emailed a photo of Dick at the last PreGetaway Singaround to Ferrara, but perhaps someone else is collecting these, please let me know by PM and I'll send it there.

chance


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008)
From: Ferrara
Date: 19 May 08 - 06:59 PM

Kathie Mack has written a really nice news obituary to submit to the Washington Post. We'll post it here once we get permission from a few people who are quoted in the article. I'll send PM's to the relevant people. (I'm not sure we need permission, but we do want it so that no one will be made uncomfortable by having their words published -- or at least attributed to them -- without their knowledge.


And, Dan, that last post is wonderful. Pure Dick Rodgers.

Rita


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 18 May 08 - 10:48 PM

I had recalled a letter Dick wrote to Sing Out! back in the 90s. Sure enough, there it was, Vol. 35, # 2, in 1990. In his rejection of the term "Folk Nazi" bandied about at that time for the purists amongst us, I think Dick has written his own epitaph.

Below is the letter in its entirety.

-Dan


Silver Spring, MD

I totally reject the term "Folk Nazi." Curmudgeon? Yes, accepted. I'm also the Chief Grump of the FSGW's political process (my fellow founding fathers, Hickerson, Wallace and Eberhart, have abandoned that aspect). I attend some board meetings to blast the wheel-reinventors, and to let those currently entrusted with power know they're being watched.

Contemporary performers do seem to lack historical connection and perspective. We aging folkies had Jack Elliot, Jean Redpath and, yes, the Clancy Brothers among the boomers to ease us into traditionalism along with good performance skills - Michael Cooney is an outstanding product of that "easement" and has become a true philosopher of folksong performance; he hits the head of every nail! Alas, I sense a fading of the breed.

The teeth grinder of the folk boom was the young thing (a few _were_ sweet) who approached the microphone to say, "I don't know anything about this song." Although I never shouted it in a coffeehouse, I did editorialize (Washington Folk Strums, '64-'67) that they damned well _ought_ to know something about a song before singing it. (I seem to remember Baez doing that; maybe it wasn't her).

Today's teeth grinders for me are the ones who don't know traditional songs in traditional versions, or even Burl Ives' versions! I can understand how some of them might believe that ballad singing began with Steeleye Span, but I don't have to tolerate it. Furthermore, they can research so much more easily than we could in the late fifties and early sixties, I find their sloth incredible.

I find very few new Ian Robbs and Michael Cooneys out there. There are some fine young instrumentalists (Mick Moloney has a gift for finding them) but I have reservations (or suspicions) about their commitments other than fingers-for-hire.

It's a bit difficult for me to be concerned about today's performers exploiting "folk music" - Judy Collins broke my heart twenty years ago.

- Dick Rodgers


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008)
From: GUEST,AndyT
Date: 15 May 08 - 09:12 AM

Charlie, I'm glad to hear of your success in getting a place and time for the memorial gathering and sing-around. You're the one who's running things. I, for one, would be willing to contribute up to $100 to help FSGW pay the $300 to use the space at WES.
I agree with the idea of calling the memorial gathering for 6 PM if this allows enough time to set up, and I agree with the idea of including a potluck. I think this will be a memorable event.
Andrew Teter (Andy)


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008)
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 14 May 08 - 04:19 PM

Prelimiinary, since I just found out the hall is available and have tentatively reserved it--but--

FSGW will plan a memorial service and sing-around for Saturday evening, June 14th, at the Washington Ethical Society, 7750 16th St. NW, Washington DC. We still need to figure out the starting hour, format, and such.

--Charlie Baum


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008
From: Janie
Date: 14 May 08 - 12:06 AM

I've got one or two decent photos of Dick from the Getaways. If a poster is done, I expect you'll have plenty enough photos, but will be glad to e-mail mine to someone. Just pm me with an e-mail address.

Janie


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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008
From: JedMarum
Date: 13 May 08 - 11:48 PM

Sad to see him go. Bless his memory.


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