notable obits » Jay Toups

Goodbye Mr. Chu

Jul 212010

Lovable, gentle, wise and wonderful 15 year old Mr. Chu passed away on Sunday, July 18. He’d been suffering his age for a while, so it was a relief to have him go peacefully in his sleep to the heavenly doggie playground he so richly deserved. We’re going to miss him!

Chuman was an inspiration to all on matters of general dogginess, exhibiting unconditional love, patience, understanding, tolerance, having a good disposition, and self discipline. He was my best doggy friend from the time we laid eyes on each other back in 1996 or so, when Paul Boruff brought him over to my place to see if I wanted him, talking about “…otherwise it’s going to the dog pound!” Young pit bull had been wandering around a small park near Paul’s house and needed a home. One look at those frightened, curious puppy eyes and I was his.

He was well liked around the neighborhood, always on his best behavior, even when visiting dogs would challenge him with a nip and a ferocious bark. He seldom got angry, and when he did it was for a good reason and usually over in about ten seconds. He was an equanimous doggie. He was good even when he was bad.

I have lots of pics and video of Chu to remind me of my precious years with this marvelous animal. Goodbye Mr. Chu.

Jeff Hickey, RIP

Music, People No Responses »

Jul 222009

Jeff Hickey, a wonderfully humorous and witty man, father and gifted musician, who along with Harvey Reid, founded the Third Hand Capo Co. in 1979, died on June 14, two weeks after a single car accident.

I’d known Jeff since the late 80s, when he was the National Sales Manager for Larrivee’ Guitars. He’d roll through Salt Lake City paying visits to the acoustic music stores in a big RV stuffed with guitars, and he knew how to sell em and play em.

Jeff knew how to have a good time, and I learned a lot from his merry prankster ways. We met up at Telluride Bluegrass Festival several times back in the early 90s. He was the presenter of a sweet Larrivee’ Jumbo I won in a fingerstyle guitar competition at the festival in 1990, and I’d been in touch a few times since. Last time we spoke in 2005 or so he was working on his “debut” recording, Loose Ends.

In Harvey Reid’s words:

“Since he has left behind a family with no income, I would like to lead an effort to encourage all those who loved him or enjoyed his company to express their condolences in a way that is consistent with Jeff’s lifelong love of music and participation in the underground “indie” music economy. Rather than sending something like flowers…

In addition to being an industrious and creative guy and a devoted father, Jeff was also a fine musician. To help his family, we are encouraging people to buy a copy of Jeff’s marvelous and award-winning CD “Loose Ends” while they last. He left behind a couple boxes of them, and buying a CD is a great way to remember this fine man and to help his family in their time of need. The CD’s are real, replicated, full-color, shrink-wrapped CD’s, of just Jeff singing with his guitar. Up-close and personal, and brilliantly done...

For more information about ordering a copy of Loose Ends, visit Jeff’s page.

I ordered mine this morning, and I’m sure it’s wonderful. Jeff was a strong fingerstyle player, he had excellent taste and tone, a good voice, and he always had a ton of tunes at his fingertips.

Ah Jeff, I’ll miss you. But I’m glad you left something of your musical self behind to be savored by the people who knew and admired you.

Loose Ends, indeed. You always had a way with words.

Happy Trails, old pal. Please let us earthlings know about any cool celestial capos you come across.

Goodbye Jesse, Happy Trails

Music, People 7 Responses »

Jul 052009

diggsdynamite
The son of a friend and neighbor passed away yesterday from MRSA. Jesse Dylan Baird, a.k.a. Diggs Dynamite, died in a Los Angeles hospital after struggling with this deadly superbug for a couple of weeks. A lifelong musician, singer, songwriter, drummer and guitarist, Jesse was working on a new CD project. I worked with him on a few technical issues related to the project briefly last summer when he was visiting his parents here in Darby.

Here’s a sample of Jesse’s music. It was fascinating to hear some of his brand of rough and tumble music, almost like he was from another planet where being “larger than life” was a matter of survival. Jesse was a hip guy who lived large and will be missed by a lot of people, me included.

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Bye, Mr. Miyagi

People No Responses »

Nov 272005

Pat Morita
June 28, 1932 – November 24, 2005

Goodbye, Mr. Miyagi. Thanks for the great distance learning lessons.

Bye, Chris Seashore

People, Travels No Responses »

Mar 292005

A sad, fond farewell to Chris Seashore, a fine Montana friend and a world-class athlete. Sympathies to her lifetime companion, Jon Turk.

The Captain Was Never a Sissy

People No Responses »

Apr 171999

In loving memory

E.J. Toups, USN (Retired)

April 17, 1924- April 2, 1999

Happy birthday, dad! You only missed it by a couple of weeks.

You would have enjoyed the trip back home in your Honda from the crematorium. I picked up your ashes and brought you home for the last time to Biloxi. We crossed the Harrison county line at something over 110 miles an hour, and without a hair out of place. Thanks for all the driving lessons.

You would have been proud to hear the 21 gun salute the Navy provided for your 24 years of dedication and service.

What we discover daily in your absence is everything we never were able to completely share with you while you were with us. We all miss you.

Thanks for your love, patience, and a lifetime of unselfish support and wisdom.

Judy, Jeff, Jay, Patrice, Christina, Drayton and Desmond, et. al., and your pal doggie, Bo.

We’ll see you in the next life, pop.

Coffee’s on if you ever want to drop in for a visit.