PASSINGS

January-February 2008

Larry Brown

A peerless craftsman and gentle jewel of a person.

Larry was a brilliant acoustic instrument luthier/repairman. His work on acoustic guitars, banjos, mandolins, and the like was a delight to behold. He always knew what needed to be done and the best way to do it. If you have ever entrusted your beloved instruments to someone and experienced the care, impeccable judgement, and exquisite workmanship of a true craftsman who honored music and musicians, then you know a little about what letting Larry work on your stuff was like. From his days at McCabe’s, to his own place, to his shop above Boulevard Music, there have been many who would trust their instruments to no one else. A trip to Larry’s to hang out and discuss music, musicians, instruments, and life was always a joy. His friendship and his talent will be greatly missed.

John David from rec.music.makers.guitar.acoustic

 RIP Ron Jackson March 4, 1950 - October 14, 2007

Ron Jackson was a fixture in the San Diego music scene as both a music teacher and performer for 35 years.

His first full-time band was Molly Stone's New Honkytonk Band, followed in succession during the 1970's by Squatters' Rites, Squatters' Last Rites, and Fancy Peaches, culminating in the formation of the Unstrung Heroes in 1981, which was still active until his death. He was also a member of the La Mirada Gutter Strutters jug band and performed from 1979-1985 with Gabe Ward, last performing member of the well-known Hoosier Hot Shots of the 1930's National Barn Dance. Ron also played rhythm guitar for Patsy Montana on her Southern California tours.

April 25, 1941 - December 18, 2006

Mary Griffith Cox, wife of folk musician and actor Ronny Cox, died Dec. 18, 2006, at the age of 65, at Tarzana/Encino Hospital it was announced today. The cause of death was lung cancer.

She was born Mary Lee Griffith on Aug. 25, 1941, in Elk Horn, Iowa. Her family moved to Portales, New Mexico, in 1952, where she attended public schools. She took a BS degree from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, majoring in chemistry.

March 17^th 2007
MISSING DES
By Mimi Tanaka

This St. Patrick's Day was strangely quiet for many members of the Irish Community. The festivities went on as usual, but for many there was a distinct silence. There was no lively button box music, for Des Regan had passed away on February 19^th, 2007. Desmond James O'Regan of Moycullen, County Galway, Ireland gave us the great joy of his music for the better part of his 70 years.