Ode to George

Dented Harmonica - Click for larger

I was thinking about George on Monday when a song I had recorded with another friend came on the ipod. I had played harmonica and guitar on this recording. But my harp playing is nothing compared to how George could play it. He was really good. Remembering the fun times we had I thought we really should get together and catch up. Unfortunately George passed away, probably the day I was thinking of him.

We had many a jam session in our day. We performed on stage together a couple of times and we played on our canoe trips.
I remember the first time I met him was on a service call when we both worked for the computer company “Wang Laboratories”. He looked surly and angry. I was a rookie and I was a little intimidated by him. He was one of the best technical support guys there and he didn’t take any BS from anyone. But as I got to know him, I found he was a caring, sweet man.

There are so many things in my life that are influenced by George. Things I say on a regular basis. Things I probably shouldn’t say in public. (George was a sailor after all and he could swear with the best of them!) Limericks, jokes and a bunch of very funny stories flooded my brain when I got the news.

I just pulled out one my harmonicas. There are teeth marks in my G harp from George. From one wonderful beer fuelled night long ago, when we where young and unafraid of the darkness.

George playing guitar - Click for larger

Well old goat, I will miss you. I will pour a glass of single malt and play a sad song for you. I hope you can hear it.