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Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008)
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Ferrara Date: 13 May 08 - 11:21 PM Chuck, I also feel we really need a photo poster for the Washington Folk Festival. We probably have to give up the idea of having a short memorial at the WFF, simply because the shuttle buses stop running at 6pm which was the only time available. But we would like to put up a big photo poster with a notice of his death, a short biography, lots of photos, and a notice of the time and place of the memorial event. I don't know who will have time to put a poster together, or whether we will need someone to help with that. Charlie suggested maybe it should be laminated so it could go in the picnic grove if possible, rather than being somewhere less central. Also, Charlie suggested waiting on the newspaper notice until we have scheduled a memorial event. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Maryrrf Date: 13 May 08 - 09:16 PM I remember him from the Getaways I attended. I actually enjoyed some of his songs even though he was out of tune - it was obvious he enjoyed singing them and that counted for a lot. I'm sorry to hear of his passing. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: GUEST,Chuck Moran Date: 13 May 08 - 05:47 PM A photo poster would be a good idea for use in the trees at Glen Echo, during the Washington Folk Festival, as well as for use at Royal Mile Pub and Washington Ethical Society for memorial purposes. At Glen Echo, even people who don't know him would recognize the Hurdy-Gurdy man, and would be informed of our loss. Chuck Moran |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Severn Date: 13 May 08 - 05:06 PM Songster Bob- You talked about Montgomery County regulations. His apartment in Laurel is in Prince Georges County, if that makes a difference. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Ferrara Date: 13 May 08 - 03:52 PM I'm gathering information on the legal situation, and checking closely with Bob C and Charlie Baum as I go. We seem to have the full cooperation and goodwill of the landlord -- and their lawyers. The Office of the Register of Wills is closed due to flooding so it may take a few days. Rita |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Bert Date: 13 May 08 - 02:49 PM Dick was a man with character and courage. Let us try to emulate that. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Bill D Date: 13 May 08 - 02:26 PM It is being worked on...contact has been made with the apartment and with other authorities to let them know there are friends who have known him for a long time who will be glad to assist (in line with the laws, of course) It will take some time. We (several people) have offered to help even to putting stuff in storage until legal requirements are met) |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: GUEST,Songster Bob Date: 13 May 08 - 02:09 PM Concerning Dick's possessions, etc., I asked Pete and Grace Kraemer, both folkies and lawyers, about it, and here's Pete's response: ---- The probate court will decide on the disposition of Dick's possessions and life insurance, etc. I suspect they will appoint a trustee, some sort of magistrate, I think, to be the person of record. In the meanwhile, his possessions may be in jeopardy. If he can, the landlord will take possession of the apartment since the lessee, Dick, is deceased. To do so in Montgomery County will require petitioning the court for repossession. Then what happens to the possessions I don't know: he can't put them out on the curb, like if someone abandoned the apartment since the articles there are in trust to the probate executor. (That's what I remember of the matter.) If people are concerned, and I think we really should be, we need to contact the probate court. I think someone would have to ask the court to let them represent unknown decedents or survivors (Dick's missing sister.) Then work with the probate executor to either find someone who does stand to inherit Dick's stuff, or have the county sheriff hold an auction of the stuff to pay for rent on the apartment that the landlord can't collect while this is in progress, the cost of the probate itself, including looking for the surviving sister, or her offspring. The sale/auction is where people who want stuff can make offers to buy it. Dick, like everyone had debts, bills on the dining table he was going to take care of, and that sort of thing. The probate court has to settle those affairs out of the sale, unless a surviving descendant is found. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: GUEST,GUEST, Laura Sailer Date: 13 May 08 - 06:29 AM Following in Dick's tradition I make a short story long: Little did I know that night when I first met the Cathedral Avenue Cacophony that the guy with the guitar, to whom Dick had introduced me, would eventually become my (second) husband and the father of my two kids. At that time I was about the marry Dave Laning, who later said of Dick and the Cathedral Avenue Cacophony "When I first met Dick Rodgers, he couldn't carry a tune in a bucket... He has since found himself a bucket." He was always talking us into adding a new song to our repertoire. It was especially challenging when Dick would sing the song to me and expect me to learn it from hearing his rendition. I think part of Peter's record collection was purchased out of self defense for that learning curve. But one way or another we'd work up song after song. Dick, hurdy gurdy in hand, liked to refer to himself as "the ramrod of this organization." Another nick-name he earned at our rehearsals was "fourdammit!" It always amazed me with as many times as Dick had jitterbugged or waltzed me around a dance floor (or any horizontal space where he was able to stand -- including the Nicholses' living room at a crowded party before the enlarged their house) that his sense of rythm did not carry over into his singing or fiddling. I often wondered if he'd get the fourth beat if he danced while playing, but I guess that would be like chewing gum and walking at the same time; some folks just can't manage it. Several years later my sister Janice joined us to gain admission to the Rennaissance Festival (when it was in Columbia). Janice, who sings but doesn't play, would keep up a little patter during the dead time while we were all fussing with our instruments. "Most performers at this point begin telling tuning jokes... but we ARE a tuning joke." Peter and I had the Cacophony take part musically in our wedding and did not regret it. Dick was always broke and prided himself on making due with scavenged materials for instrument "repairs." Some friends of his (Bob Clayton? Don Nichols?) made him his first hurdy gurdy, which was actually a rather nice instrument when it started out, sufficient that someone stole it. Dick, while substituting in the Montg'y County Public Schools for some income, cobbed one together in wood shop; a little more sophisticated than a cigar box strung with rubber bands, but not much better sounding. Later in woodshop he attempted to make instrument he'd seen in Groves' Dictionary of Music called a Trombamarine (among other things) At the Rennaissance Festival the Lowde Consort walked by one afternoon and one of them exclaimed "my god, that's a trombamarine!" and then, after a second glance, "no, it's not." I hesitate to think what materials he might have used to maintain the violin he's had on loan from us since he had to hock his fiddle a decade or so ago, (or for that matter, if we'll ever see the instrument again,) but the thought of Dick Rodgers without a fiddle was almost as inconceiveable as FSGW without Dick. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: GUEST,GUEST, Laura Sailer Date: 13 May 08 - 05:18 AM In 1971 when I went to one of my first Getaways, Dick was someone I already knew from open sings and tales my sister Janice regaled me with. I felt a bit out of place, as I was weaned on classical music and did not know the words to all the songs these people were singing, but I had brought a flute and Dick insisted I meet some friends of his who were going to play on the Saturday night concert. It was in the day when the Smothers Brothers were singing "...I can tell by your outfit that you are a cowboy..." Dick wanted to poke fun at Chance Shivers who was MCíng and I guess had sung "the original" that came from (Streets of Laredo) and Dick was going to sing the song that came from (Bard of Armaugh) or something like that. He led me to a cabin in A area (campsite #4 PW Forest) where he presented "the Cathedral Avenue Cacophony." Peter Sailer had a guitar, Dick had his fiddle, and Joann McLaughlin was trying to play her cello -- with gloves on! (That Getaway it was colder than a brass toilet seat). Dick had gotten this motley crew together (with a couple others who did not continue with the group) to play at the International Croquet Tournament. After the Getaway Dick wanted us to play at an open sing and Peter insisted we practice (apparently a foreign concept to Dick at the time). Frugal-to-a-fault Dick, always with a keen eye for an opportunity to freeload, insisted that rehearsals include a gourmet meal, which Peter dutifully supplied. And so the Cathedral Avenue Cacophony continued for about two decades. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Ferrara Date: 12 May 08 - 11:46 PM Many thanks to Andy Teter for all he is doing now, and for his thoughtful posts. A number of people are working to co-ordinate the various things that need to be done, since Dick had no family in the area. Dick and his hurdy-gurdy were "an institution" at the Washington Folk Festival, and if it can be worked out there will be a short remembrance of him there. If there isn't a formal one on the stages, there will certainly be an informal one in the picnic picking area! In addition we're thinking of a special memorial event for him (possibly at the Washington Ethical Society, our main venue for many years), with lots of group singing in his honor. We'll post information on this thread as events develop. Rita F |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: GUEST,Chuck Moran Date: 12 May 08 - 09:40 PM Dick was probably the first person we met in FSGW when we attended a picnic in the late 60's or early 70's. Forever after, he became known to us and our then young kids, not as "Dick Rodgers," but as "Key of G," when he said, in response to our question, "What key should we play it in?"--"Key of G, the people's key!" |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: GUEST,AndyT Date: 12 May 08 - 10:35 AM More about Dick Rodgers -- First, I became aware this morning that there is a difference between a "news obituary", which the Washington Post says is "a staff-written article that summarizes a person's life" based on information given to the W. Post, and is printed at no cost, and a "paid death notice", which the W. Post says costs $9.25 per line of text, minimum $131.75, which would cover up to 14 lines, plus a cost for any photo: $150 black and white; $185 color. I can easily pay or share in paying for the cost of a "paid death notice" and photo. Before I assume the important responsibility of providing info to the W. Post for a "news obituary", I want to give first chance to Charlie Baum or Dottie Hurley, and I've left messages on the voice mail of each, and I'm now waiting for either or both to contact me. Second, there may be a problem getting into the apartment where Dick lived, which I understand was rented, not owned, and I assume the next rent is due June 1. When Dick entered the hospital, apparently the only person whom he gave information about as a relative or friend to contact in an emergency turned out to be himself, so it's uncertain whether anyone other than the landlord has the right to enter his apartment. He had been estranged for several years from his only relative, his sister, so it's uncertain how to contact her or whether she is still living. Dick's remains will probably be cremated, and not sent to a funeral home, so his death can probably be verified only by calling the hospital where he died. Dick lived in Laurel, MD, where I met him in front to go with him to the Old Songs Festival in 2006, and more recently to drive him around to look for a used car to buy. Dick apparently didn't have much money, but I would think there is much in his apartment home of value related to folklore and folk music. I want to be helpful as possible, and you can contact me by email at AndrewTeter (at) aol.com, or by phone at 301-565-9137. Andrew Teter (Andy) |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: GUEST,AndyT Date: 11 May 08 - 05:32 PM Tomorrow, Monday May 12, I intend to submit my draft of Dick Rodger's obituary to the Washington Post. Although I hope there will be a memorial service or Open Sing in his honor, so far I don't know of any concrete planning for that, so I intend to not mention it in the obituary. If you want to contact me for any reason, email me at AndrewTeter@aol.com or phone me at 301-565-9137. Here's my draft so far of the obituary for the W. Post: DICK RODGERS (Age 70). Of Laurel, MD, Dick Rodgers died of a heart attack on May 6 at Laurel Regional Hospital. He was born in Youngstown, OH. After finishing military service, he was a member of the Folklore Society of Greater Washington since it was founded in 1964, at times also serving in board positions. As a folk music enthusiast and participant, he sang, and played his hurdy gurdy, guitar, pipes, and fiddle. For more obituary information about him, and friends' comments, see www.mudcat.org/threads.cfm. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: kendall Date: 11 May 08 - 05:24 PM He may not have been a great musician, but he certainly had the number one requirement, a great love of our kind of music. And, I never heard him say an unkind word about anyone. Rest easy, Mate. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Bob Hitchcock Date: 11 May 08 - 05:15 PM What a shock, Dick was one of the first folkies I met when I moved to Washington in 1978 and always had a pleasant word and a smile. Yes, his playing and singing were not perfect but then very few of us are perfect, I know I'm not. I always said about his Fiddle playing that his fingers were like lightning as they never hit the same place twice. But I admired his drive and determination. He will surely be missed. Bob Hitchcock. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: GUEST,Big Mick Date: 11 May 08 - 09:35 AM This is the way of it with good people. Dick is providing me with so many smiles as the tellin' goes on, and thus shall it ever be. As we trod the path, and head for our own reunions with Dick, each time the stories are told, folks will smile. His voice will alway be heard. It speaks well for him .......... and better for you. God be good to him. All the best, Mick |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Pauline L Date: 11 May 08 - 02:16 AM As so many people have pointed out, Dick was an off-key singer and instrumentalist, but he was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic that you had to admire him. He was also enthusiastic about other people. He seemed to like everyone and make them feel at home. His knowledge about songs often made me understand and like them better. I'm sorry I never saw him dance. Bob, thanks for starting this thread and telling us so much about him. I hadn't known that he did so much to support the cause of folk music many years ago. Many of us will miss him. That in itself shows what an unusually well liked and respected person he was. I haven't heard anything about a service for him. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Ferrara Date: 10 May 08 - 12:57 PM I completely agree, Charlie, Dick would be very pleased. I hope he's grinning and enjoying it somewhere.... and discovering that now, every note that he plays on his fiddle is just right. :-) ... But of course the first thing he would want to do, is go chew the fat with Jonathon Eberhart, Helen Schneyer and all the folks over there that he knew since Day 1 of the Folklore Society. Oh dear ... I'd better stop right there. I've posted two photos of Dick, taken by our son, Darriel: Dick at RenFest, with hurdy-gurdy Dick at the Getaway |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Charley Noble Date: 10 May 08 - 09:14 AM I think Dick would be very pleased to read what everyone has posted on this thread, warts and all! I only met him once at a Getaway, as a ballad workshop leader and, yes, he made a lasting impression on me as well. Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Fortunato Date: 10 May 08 - 09:02 AM After 30+ years of short, in-passing conversations I still knew little about Dick apart from folk music and the events we attended. I knew well his struggles to sing the many songs he knew so well. His determination to play the guitar and other instruments I see now after his passing as a kind of bravery, for he knew his limitations. All of us who have used our time and talents to express ourselves through the music must work through our limitations, and we hope for acceptance. In later years, and just last October at our pre-getaway party, I had come to accept Dick's expression through the music, and I saw, after many years of effort, improvement. I hope someone can say that about me after I have passed on. And I hope, having known Dick, I can turn a kinder, more accepting ear to those who strive to let the music play through them. Chance Shiver |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Noreen Date: 10 May 08 - 06:11 AM Lovely to read all these memories of Dick. I remember him well from my two Ramblewood Getaways, as one of the many characters who made the gathering so special and memorable. Thanks Bill for the photo from the 2003 Getaway where Snuffy and I are intently watching Dick play his hurdy-gurdy... and wondering... :0~ He was a lovely man, friendly to strangers who shared his love of the music. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Nancy King Date: 09 May 08 - 11:42 PM My personal favorite of Dick's songs was "Hang on the Bell, Nellie," which he always performed with great gusto. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Ron Davies Date: 09 May 08 - 10:31 PM It's true--I can't imagine anybody doing "The Gol-durn Wheel" better than he did. Maybe somebody else would not swoop around on the notes so much--but his approach fit the song perfectly. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Ferrara Date: 09 May 08 - 10:21 PM You know, it's funny, but when I think back, I am mostly remembering the times when he was really on top of a song. My big favorite was "The Gol-Durned Wheel," which he NEVER messed up or forgot the words, at least that I remember; and also "The Dreary Black Hills," maybe because he was so solid on them. But IMO, in the past couple of years he had done very nice versions of quite a few good songs at the FSGW Open Sings. He was at his best with old chestnuts, something by Woody Guthrie for example. He could really give them life. And of course, he played his guitar on those rather than trying to play a half-learned fiddle tune.... If I liked the way he did a song I just gave him a grin and a thumbs-up, and he would grin back. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: jacqui.c Date: 09 May 08 - 09:25 PM What a shock. You somehow expect folk like Dick to be around for ever. Of course, his memory will always be there, as much for his 'talents' as anything else. That story about setting fire to his words will become legend. May your God bless and keep you Dick. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: open mike Date: 09 May 08 - 07:08 PM For those who wonder--here is the organization often mentioned here; http://www.fsgw.org/ and now I have to learn the Gol Darned Wheel...inspired by hearing about it here.http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/1523996/a/Back+In+The+Saddle+Again:+American+Cowboy+Songs.htm |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: voyager Date: 09 May 08 - 03:07 PM For my 15 years in out of FSGW, Dick Rodgers has been an inimitable presence & 'monster talent' -A cross between Billy Goat Gruff and The Hurdy-Gurdy Man Fare Thee Well and God Speed voyager |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Bill D Date: 09 May 08 - 02:53 PM Mary, that is one problem. The only family we know of is one sister who 'was' in California, and who broke ties with him 12-14 years ago. I don't know anyone who has details. Presumably, those with 'authority' will look for addresses, names..etc...in his effects. We (various friends) are trying to find out what is being done. There are some FSGW relevant historical items that Dick had..(photos, etc.) |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: SINSULL Date: 09 May 08 - 12:34 PM I am laughing out loud a the picture of Dick gamefully taking up harp playing in heaven. Does anyone know if he has family who would like to read what his friends and "family" are saying at his passing? |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Severn Date: 09 May 08 - 11:39 AM But now he's "crossed the bar", as Tennyson would say...... |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Bill D Date: 09 May 08 - 11:28 AM "I sometimes think he started his Folk Strums magazine/newsletter just for the Press pass it gave him. " Oh, I know this was a major reason! Dick told me so. Dick went to law school for awhile. He told me he had planned to make law a career, but ran low on money and got 'distracted'. I sorta think we should all be glad he didn't go on to pass the bar. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Severn Date: 09 May 08 - 11:05 AM He had loads of stories of the early folk scene in Washington and did a workshop or displayed a gallery at various events on several occaisions. I always enjoyed his stories of what went on backstage in the '60s at some of the major festivals and clubs. I sometimes think he started his Folk Strums magazine/newsletter just for the Press pass it gave him. He did have quite an encyclopedic knowledge of the music, which tended to show itself more at the FSGW events and sings as opposed to the Shanty sings where his song selection tended to play it a little safer, except in December when he'd always lead us in "Remember Pearl Harbor" which, as a gift as a child, was the first record he ever owned and always proved a nice touch. In recent years, I was able to show him how to use a computer well enough for him to use the ones in the seniors apartments he lived in fairly nearby to me. I also gave him a spare turntable and speakers which put him back in touch with the music on his collection of LPs, many of them rare and out of print. He was nice enough to let me borrow a few in exchange. He was always a source of help and encouragement and welcome to anyone, especially new singers. He was always there somewhere with his beer and his hearing aid in evidence but would disappear for smoke breaks (and beer in non-alchohol situations). He'd have his senior moments and battles with the gurdy or pipes. If you followed him at a shanty sing, you ditched the ballad and went with a lively one. But maybe a version of one of his favorites like "Hurrah, We're Homeward Bound" or "Captain Kidd" in his honor at the Royal Mile sings might be in order soon. I'm sure he'll make a wonderful harper, as everyone can play and sing once they get to heaven, so they tell me. (The virtuosi are allowed to STAY better and envy is unheard of, I gather). So long, Dick! I haven't seen any word on the services. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Micca Date: 09 May 08 - 04:05 AM I have only known Dick for the Getaways and the pre-Getaways at Chance and Suzettes, and I agree with much of what has been said already!! He was a "character" and will be missed by many, because in a strange way he represented in one man much of of what I enjoy about Folk music, The appearence of being a rank amateur, while having almost encyclopaedic knowledgable, the slightly down at heel appeareance and slightly out of tune singing and playing (ok a LOT out of tune sometimes) but with a burning joy and enthusiasm for the music and Song, I will miss him Micca |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: DeanC Date: 08 May 08 - 11:08 PM Dick and I were on a Getaway committee together back in the first few years we were at Camp Letts. He may have been the chair that year - I can't remember. Anyway, he wanted me to emcee the Saturday night concert. Being pretty much a non-performer, I wasn't too thrilled with that idea. But Dick was insistent, and I realized that if he could get up in front of people and perform, so could I. I did it for a few years and then went back to singing choruses. Dick was always willing to talk to new people at FSGW events, and he made them feel welcomed. Thanks, Dick. I'll miss you. Dean Clamons |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: AndyT Date: 08 May 08 - 10:09 PM Dick's gone to "Fiddler's Green" and I'll miss him and his hurdy gurdy, guitar, pipes, fiddle, and voice. What a character! He and I attended the Old Songs Festival near Albany NY in 2006, my first time there. I'm trying to help write an obit to submit to the Washington Post, and Bob Clayton's obit in Mudcat is a good source of info and good to refer to (www.mudcat.org/threads.cfm). Andy |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Charlie Baum Date: 08 May 08 - 09:49 PM I loved Dick for all his exasperating out-of-tuneness--he was the ultimate evidence that you could get by on enthusiasm and spirit rather than talent. I'll miss his unique laugh and his voluminous expertise. Not to mention his great ability to nudge people to get the singing party going--He was usually the one who convened the Friday night gatherings at the Getaway, calling on people to stop socializing and start making music. We're going to have to have a memorial sing-around where everyone will mis-tune their instruments. It'll be hell to listen to, but remind us of a good friend in heaven, where even now, other angels are probably cringing at his attempts to play a harp, to which he will respond with a complete history of the instrument. --Charlie Baum |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: GUEST,Dani Date: 08 May 08 - 08:55 PM We were just talking this past weekend about Dick and his hurdy-gurdy. I really looked forward to and loved hearing that thing (maybe because it was only once a year at Getaway?!) and the spirit with which he played it, and sang: especially the Mingulay Boat Song. A nice part of my Getaway memories is coming upon Dick sitting outside somewhere, and his sideways smile: his spirit will be missed. Dani |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: momnopp Date: 08 May 08 - 08:40 PM It's funny how we are each remark - able in our own way. As noted by so many, he played and sang nearly always off key, but yeah - he was so damn amiable and good-natured, you could only get so pissed at him. Ubiquitous. Cheery in his own, funny way. Enthusiastic about the music. I can hear his laugh. Cheers, Dick. JudyO/momnopp |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: GUEST,David Date: 08 May 08 - 06:52 PM Dick is one of the people whose presence made events feel homey. I'm glad, Vince, that one of your pictures shows him sitting back with a stout in his hand and a smile on his mug. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: SINSULL Date: 08 May 08 - 04:57 PM The first time I met Dick was at ramblewood. He was introducing a group of us to his hurdy-gurdy and I jokingly asked "But it play 'Lady of Spain'" i though Allan C would kill me. It did. Probably only the ladies know this - Dick was an amazing dancer. Can anyone forget Dick waltzing KT around the cafeteria? Quite lovely. I did enjoy his old cowboy songs and will miss them and him. 70? I don't believe it! |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: GUEST,Pete Kraemer Date: 08 May 08 - 04:05 PM Grace just emailed me to tell me about Dick. He was around on the very first time I went to any folk gathering here in Washington, shortly after we arrived here some 27 years ago or so, and always around. Always there. Friendly, funny, annoying, to be sure, but a constant. I'm really going to miss Dick. This is no fun at all. Pete |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Wincing Devil Date: 08 May 08 - 12:50 PM Going thru my pictures from the Royal Mile Pub Chantey Sings, Dick was always prominent, and alway photogenic in his own unique way. Fiddling: Singing: Piping: };-( |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: GUEST,Eugene Date: 08 May 08 - 12:14 PM Dan; I stand corrected you were the other person that was witness to to that moment. Either way my tongue has recovered from that moment. And I could not think of better memory to share about his passion and persistance. He was trying, and he was doing his best. One of the things that I did learn via Dick's example is that through persistance can come accomplishment. None the less I will miss Dick Hurdy-Gurdy and all. I look forward to reading some of the other stories and anecdotes about Dick. I do not remember the year I met Dick; but I would guess that it was 1868 or 1869 (add 100 years to these numbers for the correct years); either way it was long ago and we have been crossing paths ever since. I belieive that it may have been Dick that drove the night I met Bob Clayton. -E |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: MMario Date: 08 May 08 - 12:01 PM And it is a trueism. I've sat through some pretty bad performances (by amatuers and pros alike) but when you are at a *good* one it's worth it all. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Nancy King Date: 08 May 08 - 11:59 AM He might have expressed the same idea in different ways at different times. It does seem to have been a sort of theme in his life... |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Dan Schatz Date: 08 May 08 - 11:40 AM Actually, what he said was, "You may have to go through 20 bad notes before you hit a good one, but it's worth it for that one sweet note." Dan |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Ebbie Date: 08 May 08 - 10:33 AM "...you play a lot of notes and every so often you hit a note that is right on and it sounds really good." Dick Rodgers via Guest/Eugene lol What a great epitaph. I'd love it for myself. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Bill D Date: 08 May 08 - 10:19 AM Dick, at 2003 Getaway |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: GUEST,guest The Callaghans Date: 08 May 08 - 10:09 AM We will miss Dick very much. He was a man of great charm and a gentle humor. He had a contagious laugh. He was a raconteur. He had a sweet nature. Yes, on occasion a person would wish he would leave off a verse or two or give up on tuning the pipes this one time. But that was a small part of the man. He will be greatly missed. Michele and Dennis Callaghan |
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