Music Monday Obituary: Eric Carmen (1949-2024)

| March 18, 2024

Five years ago for Music Monday I posted on Eric Carmen and a memory … well Brenda’s memory really, as he used her pharmacy in a NE Ohio decades ago. This past month his wife Amy Carmen shared that he passed away at the age of 74. ☹️  From MDB March 2019 (also shared an […]

The passing of Toby Keith makes for a sad Music Monday

| February 12, 2024

The passing of a great American patriot and country music singer/songwriter Toby Keith Covel last week from stomach cancer at age 62 was depressing. Surprisingly I have not posted about Toby Keith in the past on the blog or for Music Monday, but really should have considering his impressive career and devotion our military and […]

Music Monday: Remembering David Soul – “Don’t Give Up On Us”

| January 22, 2024

    As a “car guy” who grew up admiring the 1976 Ford Torino in the 1970’s television series Starsky and Hutch, I was saddened to hear of the passing of actor and singer David Soul. I always enjoyed his movies and TV roles … as well as his music.      David Soul – […]

Music Monday: Jimmy Buffett passed away peacefully at age 76

| September 4, 2023

Depressing for those of us who grew up in the Jimmy Buffett mindset and have enjoyed his music, concerts, ambitious lifestyle and attitude for our college and adult lives, but his passing on September 1, 2023 hit home. Unfortunately it is starting to feel like the norm (but 76 is way, WAY, too young)? I […]

Obit: A Celebration of Life for my Uncle Sonny (Earl D. Corbett)

| August 10, 2023

My dad’s younger brother, my Uncle Sonny, passed away in his home on July 20, 2023. He lived a full life, had a loving family and enjoyed living on a small southern Michigan lake for much of his life. I remember him most clearly from when I was a boy as the energetic and high […]

Music Monday: RIP Gordon Lightfoot, a folk singing legend

| May 8, 2023

Canadian singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot passed away last week; he was 84. The respected entertainer has been a favorite of mine since high school and I enjoyed his music throughout the years … and still do. Music Monday has highlighted a few of his many songs and I felt obligated to reflect on his music this […]

Music Monday: David Crosby of CSN and CSNY will be missed

| January 23, 2023

Steven Stills, David Crosby and Graham Nash in concert in 2012 A depressing Music Monday today as music lovers remembered and reflected on the January 18, 2023 passing of the talented singer, guitarist and songwriter David Crosby. He impacted literally millions with is wonderful harmonies from the day he joined the Byrds in 1964 to […]

Music Monday: Remembering Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie

| December 12, 2022

Hearing that Christine McVie passed away earlier this month is just another reminder that we are all getting older. I still think of her as “the emotional glue in a band that has spent the past 50 years breaking up over and over, the most stable, sensible, down-to-earth member of rock’s most unstable, senseless, lost-in-space […]

Belated Obituary: David George Schneider (1952 – 2022)

| November 5, 2022

The sharing of this obituary news is a month late in coming … partially due to the sudden shock … and partially due to not having the right words to share on my blog … but a friend of our family and Megan’s father, Dave Schneider, passed away on October 5, 2022. He was one […]

Obituary: Alton Gwynn Pitts (1926-2022) and finding the right words to comfort a friend on the passing of his father

| November 3, 2022

Although it was not unexpected, my long time friend Jeff‘s father passed away last week. It was the way we all would want to die … "peacefully in our sleep at home."  My memories of Alton Pitts are few since he lived in Florida, but the few I have are of kindness. I first met […]

Marking history and longevity: Queen Elizabeth II dies peacefully

| September 8, 2022

The Queen of England passed away today after becoming Queen at the age of 25 in 1952. Most living under her reign have never known another ruling monarch. So now after a historic 70-year reign, her son, the former Prince of Wales, Charles III becomes Britain’s new King. According to the UK’s DailyMail: The Queen’s […]

Music Monday: Olivia Newton-John succumbs to cancer

| August 15, 2022

This content is restricted.

Canary cam selfies, Taylor and his fraternity friends in the Bahamas and the passing of the UK’s Prince Phillip

| April 10, 2021

It is that time of year again … spring, when the camera loving birds (1, 2, 3) sit and look at the Pool Garage camera. The downside is that every time they sit and look at the Canary cam, it triggers a motion alert to my phone. Taylor and Megan are on their way back […]

Music Monday: The passing of an old favorite – Jerry Jeff Walker

| November 2, 2020

This content is restricted.

Obit: A generation of small boat cruising sailors loved Larry

| September 4, 2020

Larry and Lin Pardey have been a couple of my sailing idols since I was in high school. Their life adventure, magazine articles and books have been a mainstay in keeping the cruising lifestyle close to my heart and in my dreams. I’ve posted a few times before regarding their philosophy and many skills, but […]

Obituary: Dorothy Jean Gerber passed away on May 30, 2020

| June 11, 2020

Dorothy Jean Gerber passed away peacefully at her home on May 30, 2020, in Twinsburg at the age of 93. Jean, as the name she went by, was born August 2, 1926 in Moran, Kansas to Reverend Roy and Bessie Truesdale. After graduating from McPherson High School in Kansas, she went on to attend Kansas […]

Obituary: Doris Eggleston. An educator than made a difference.

| April 26, 2020

Some of us are fortunate in life to have had a few teachers take enough interest to make a difference. I suspect they inherently knew the positive influence a good teacher can make long after a student leaves their classroom. One such teacher, really an extra curricular advisor for me, was Doris Eggleston. Last week […]

Obit: Cody Estes, a neighbor our kids grew up with dies at age 31

| February 2, 2020

I cannot imagine the anguish a parent faces when losing a child. ☹️ Our family has known the Estes as neighbors since we moved to Cincinnati. Our kids grew up with their kids. From playing in the neighborhood, to 12+ years of school together.  As my son Taylor said to me when remembering Cody, “he […]

Obituary: John Harold Haynes, founder of Haynes Publishing

| February 13, 2019

For those of us who grew up working on cars pre-Internet, the Haynes Manuals were one of the “go-to” sources on how to fix automobiles … or at least a particular brand and model of car. Last week  John Haynes, the founder of the publishing company, passed away at 80 years old. Although I also […]

The passing of our most qualified president – George H. W. Bush

| December 2, 2018

Perhaps it is human nature to reflect on ones own personal shortcomings and selfish thoughts at the passing of another well remembered United States president? President George H.W. Bush (1924-2018) lived an amazing life in an amazing time to have been alive. His completed life reminded me of a verse in Ecclesiastes (see bottom of […]

Obit: Actor, director and “Bandit” Burt Reynolds dead at 82

| September 7, 2018

Of course my reference by including "The Bandit" in a tribute post to the passing of Burt Reynolds has a lot to do with how I remember him; he died after a heart attack on Thursday 9/6/2018 at age 82. The highpoint for me in remembering him was the making of the Smokey and the […]

Remembering Sen John S McCain – he left an imprint

| September 2, 2018

The nations’ citizens, Washington DC elites and the news media devoted significant time to honor and mourn with Senator John S. McCain’s  family last week and especially on Saturday. I watched the funeral proceedings and memorial events along with much of the country who recognized his devotion to country.  His loyalty to the men and […]

A true American Hero passed away at 81 – Sen John McCain

| August 25, 2018

“Fairwell fellow Americans. God bless you, and God bless America.” — John S McCain As an American citizen, and supporter of Sen John McCain for many years, it is sad to see his last fight was with cancer. The nation owes him great honor his years of service to our country. From his heroic suffering […]

Music Monday Obit: Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul

| August 20, 2018

Last week we lost the singer and pianist Aretha Franklin at age 76 who’s trailblazing career began in the turbulent 1960s when America was being torn apart (sounds eerily familiar). I was in grade school when her R and B records were popping on the charts and being played on AM radio; I didn’t really […]

Obit: Charles Krauthammer, a favorite commentators passes

| June 21, 2018

Although we were given the heads up by Charles Krauthammer just a couple weeks ago, it is still sad to know that his life is over. With cancer returning, it was an expected end … and one "with no regrets. It was a wonderful life – full and complete with the great loves and great […]

Semi unifying photo after the passing of First Lady Barbara Bush

| April 25, 2018

We live in a highly partisan time, where our differences seem to matter more than our similarities … they shouldn’t. So as can happen after the passing of the highly respected First Lady Barbara Bush, age 92 last week, people and leaders come together to show their respect for her and her family. It is […]

A tribute to Billy Graham – “I can only imagine”

| March 5, 2018

William Franklin Graham Jr. (November 7, 1918 – February 21, 2018) Adding a story that is fitting after reflecting on Billy Graham. I read it during my brief morning (usually evening) devotional and had me smiling as I remembered pre-NIV King James Bible reading as a teenager. This morning, I want to tell you a story […]

The legendary Fats Domino dies at age 89

| October 25, 2017

This content is restricted.

Obit: A good friend of my parents Elinor Korte has passed away

| September 21, 2017

My brother passed along the message that one of my late mom’s closest friends passed away yesterday. Elinor Korte had many of the same interests as my mother and often enjoyed doing those activities together. Along with her husband Joe, they would regularly take interest in our family … inviting us to Indian Lake or […]

Obit: The passing of an old friend and customer, Larry G Hart

| September 10, 2017

Larry G. Hart, 81, former longtime resident of Cuyahoga Falls, passed away on Friday, September 8, 2017, at Copeland Oaks Crandall Medical Center, in Sebring, after a lengthy illness. Larry graduated from South High School, earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Akron, where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and […]

Obit: Glen Travis Campbell 1936-2017

| August 8, 2017

Glen Campbell, one of my all time favorite musicians from my earliest memories has passed away. So thankful we still have his mountains of music. It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and legendary singer and guitarist, Glen Travis Campbell, at the age of […]

Sad to see such talent pass away- Gregg Allman dead at 69

| May 28, 2017

The news on Saturday was depressing as that it was announced Gregg Allman passed away at 69 … I was just commenting about a few of my Music Monday posts that included Coyotus Maximus (his self-described nickname) and the Allman Brothers Band since our politics did not mesh. A talented and musically influential force not just for […]

A final goodbye to a grandmother and mom – Frances Howard

| January 25, 2017

Memorials, funerals and burials can be emotionally draining and it is hard to know just how they impact each of us … but “to the person,” those that knew mom – grandma – Frances Ann Louise Howard (Holmstrom), were without question happy and celebrating. Fran and Christians who have placed their faith in Jesus, and […]

Obituary: Frances Ann Louise Howard has graduated

| January 17, 2017

My mother-in-law passed away last week … or as my good friend Pastor Keith Thomas (groupbiblestudy.com) said, "graduated." The word choice is very fitting for Mom Howard considering she has been a lifelong Christian and loved studying and memorizing the Bible. She has been looking forward to "graduating" from this temporary life on earth to […]

John Glenn, the 1st American to orbit Earth, has died at 95

| December 8, 2016

Godspeed, John Glenn. Astronauts were heroes to kids like me in the 60s. I remember it well when he visited our flooded Ohio home on Lake Erie in 1973. He was on a PR stop and making a run for the U.S. Senate … yet took time to talk and inspire impressionable 14 year old me […]

Obit: I am going to miss sailing advice from Mark Handley

| September 12, 2016

Unfortunately when one faces cancer, the outcome isn’t always what we want. It is a terrible disease and one which we can only hope medical science will eventually cure … the sooner the better. I’ve corresponded with Judy and Mark Handley for many years via email and Winlink (email via Amateur Radio) and we have […]

Very sobering, Bill Gordon, a college friend collapsed and died

| June 13, 2016

The death of an in-shape friend and someone who is my age, really hit me when I read Bill Gordon had died on Facebook Sunday afternoon. He was one of my Ohio Northern University roommates and according to closer friends, he was on a ride Saturday morning and collapsed. How can that be??? He was an avid […]

Obit: My Aunt Fran (McClure) Corbett passed away at 82

| February 2, 2016

It has been a challenging few years for the “greatest generation” in my family as age and death is catching up with us. My brother Ron called this past weekend to let me know that my Aunt Fran (my dad’s brother’s wife) passed away on Saturday. My sympathy goes out to my cousins and my Uncle […]

It was hard to say goodbye to our wonderful dog Tootsie

| November 14, 2015

Those who have lost a family dog probably know what the days are like shortly after a pet is gone. My daily routine is so engrained that I habitually look for our dog Tootsie at the door (I still think I see her peeking in sometimes) or to be at my side … usually waiting […]

Obit: Rich Newsted, our neighbor died unexpectedly

| November 13, 2015

Our condolences to Dawn and family on the sudden passing of Rich. It sure came as a shock to us. Richard E. Newsted, 58, of Liberty Township, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, November 5, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was born on October 28, 1957 in Valparaiso, Indiana, the son … Source: Richard NEWSTED’s […]

Honor and respect: A memorial service for my father

| August 18, 2015

On Monday (August 17, 2015), we held the memorial service for my dad at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sidney, Ohio. Dad died on August 12th after his “thankfully” short hospice care after suffering a stroke and brain bleed. The burial urn (above) was surrounded by flowers and a lifetime of memory photos (our families […]

Obituary for my Dad — When it rains, it pours

| August 14, 2015

As if the past couple of weeks were not challenging enough, my dad’s body finally had enough. He didn’t want any further medical miracles … or poking and tweaking to keep systems going AND had previously put in place a detailed “Living Will” in regards to what measured he did not want. After last weeks […]

Obit: James Garner was one of my all time favorite actors

| July 21, 2014

Time moves forward and it is always noticeable when the steady stream of celebrities and notable figures retire from public life or succumb to illness or age. One such favorite of mine was James Garner, an actor I enjoyed while growing up, died in his home at age 86 this past weekend. His role as […]

Obit: Hawaiian paddle-out ceremony for Hobie Alter

| April 21, 2014

Hundreds of people paid tribute to sailing and surfing icon Hobie Alter to fulfill a request of a traditional Hawaiian paddle-out ceremony this past week. Surfers paddled out  to a spot off Doheny State Beach in California to celebrate the life of surf and sailing pioneer (photo below). Hobie Alter was a 1950’s California surfer […]

Obit: My cousin Michael Lee Corbett passed away at 61

| January 15, 2014

My oldest Corbett cousin Michael passed away on Sunday and although we have not stayed in touch over the years, his “too young” passing is a telling sign that we are all vulnerable when it comes to our health. My dad who talks to his brother (my Uncle Sonny, Mike’s father) mentioned to me during […]

Obituary: Aviation friend Kenneth Miracle passed peacefully

| October 10, 2013

A long time friend and fellow EAA284 chapter member Ken Miracle passed away last week and his family will be holding a gathering and a memorial service this Friday evening  (10/11) and Saturday morning (10/12). I regret being unable to attend. Ken was one of the first EAA guys to befriend me when I joined […]

One of my favorite novelists, Tom Clancy, dies at age 66

| October 2, 2013

I was sad to hear of the passing of one of my favorite authors Tom Clancy (Apr 12, 1947 – Oct 1, 2013) as his early cold-war novels were a staple of my fictional reading. His military novels and well developed characters like Jack Ryan held my interest for many years after losing John D. […]

Obit: Earl Gerber (1921-2013) — part of my extended family

| September 6, 2013

When I first started my company, I had the privilege of learning about “taking care of customers” from Earl Gerber who was a long time business and sales professional in northeastern Ohio. Earl passed away at 92 in Cleveland this past week, and even through all his age related ailments, I never heard him complain. […]

Obit: Gary Collins memorial gathering 1-2PM July 1, 2013

| June 28, 2013

My condolences to the Collins family on the passing of Gary Collins after his accident last week. Gary’s love of aviation (EAA Chapter 174) and his passion for Corvair conversions was an inspiration to all of us who loved antique and grass roots experimental aviation. He was enjoyable to be around and our EAA284 chapter […]

Well done, good and faithful servant – Matthew 25:23

| June 7, 2013

Life returning to “normal” doesn’t feel right after being with family and friends for the funeral and burial of Dr. Frederick Howard, Brenda’s father – I’m not sure when I will realize that he is gone. We remembered dad’s life through stories and humor this past week and as Christians, knowing he is now truly […]

Quite the legacy my father-in-law left behind

| June 2, 2013

Some of us are fortunate to have wise men in our lives … someone that mentors and shapes us … someone who is an example for patterning our day to day lives. I was fortunate to have one of these wise men, that being my wife’s father, Dr. Frederick A. Howard – August 24, 1925 […]

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher dies

| April 8, 2013

The free world lost a great leader today — the Iron Lady; the 87 year old late 20th century UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher died after suffering complications due to a stroke according to news sources early this morning. She was the necessary right hand and closely aligned friend to U.S. leaders assisting to bring […]

It feels awkward returning to normal after mom’s death

| December 21, 2012

It has been a quick couple of days for my dad, brother and me in finalizing the desires of my mom for her funeral. She was organized and detailed right to the end and it was probably a good thing because she was leaving this planning behind to three “men.” We did our best mom […]

My mom’s struggle is over

| December 17, 2012

I’m sending a quick personal post from my phone to update those who have politely sent messages concerning my mom. I wanted to update that she passed away peacefully this morning — 12/17. My brother and I will be with my Dad to finalize the funeral plans at Cromes Funeral Home in Sidney Ohio. Thanks […]

Obituary: We lost one of our best in Neil Armstrong

| August 26, 2012

Neil Armstrong  was not only the first astronaut to walk on the moon, but a brilliant science minded and steely-nerved pilot who’s skills were the envy of his peers … as well as this small town Ohio boy. He grew up in Wapakoneta, Ohio, went to Purdue University in Indiana, flew 78 combat missions in the […]

Obituary: Andy Griffith passed away at 86 years old

| July 3, 2012

I was sad to hear of the death of Andy Griffith this morning. He will always be the iconic sheriff of Mayberry and for many exemplified what small town America and what the “folks” were suppose to be like … at least before the late 60s and70s. In my opinion, his acting in recent roles […]

Andrew Breitbart, Publisher and Author, Dead – ABC News

| March 1, 2012

Another notable has died way too young. Let’s hope those on the “radical left” don’t go overboard with their glee. Andrew Breitbart, the noted Internet publisher and author, has died, according to a source at Big Journalism. He was 43. A statement posted on his website said that Breitbart died “unexpectedly from natural causes” this […]

Obituary: Davy Jones dies of a heart attack at age 66

| February 29, 2012

This content is restricted.

Christopher Hitchens dies at 62

| December 16, 2011

Christopher Hitchens, the author, essayist and polemicist who waged verbal and occasional physical battle on behalf of causes left and right and wrote the provocative best-seller “God is Not Great,” died Thursday night after a long battle with cancer. He was 62. more at WSJ.com.

Remembering Veterans and the recent passing of Andy Rooney

| November 13, 2011

A long time CBS journalist and 60 Minutes commentator Andy Rooney died this week after an iconic career in both reporting and “curmudgeon” commentary, or at least that’s the word I’ve heard bantered around this week. He commented after his last appearance that he was “lucky” in his career … and having noted that he […]

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
My Desultory Blog