Vernon Hester passed today

Stu Schulman · Post by **Stu Schulman** » 25 Nov 2010 12:49 pm

Vernon Hester · Post by **Vernon Hester** » 25 Nov 2010 1:40 pm

We have enjoyed so much the kind words from each of you and he will be missed.He will be watching ya'll play from above.

Fran and Vern Jr.

Roger Crawford · Post by **Roger Crawford** » 25 Nov 2010 3:15 pm

It was always a pleasure to see Vernon's latest vidio show up in my email. He was such a gifted player and a gentleman to everyone he met.

George Brown · Post by **George Brown** » 25 Nov 2010 3:30 pm

I'm so sorry to hear of Vernon's passing. I, too had never met him in person, but felt as if I had known him forever by talking to him here on the Forum. I didn't realize that his health was that bad. Although he wore the oxygen, he seemed so vibrant, and enthused when playing on his videos. He had a Great, and Unique style of his own. He will be sorely missed by the entire Steel Guitar Community. Go Rest High On That Mountain, Brother Vernon.
George...

Roy Ayres · Post by **Roy Ayres** » 25 Nov 2010 7:57 pm

I never had an opportunity to meet Vernon, but I felt like I knew him. I was introduced to his music by Charles Tilley, who sent me a few if Vernon's MP3s. He was a very smooth player; his mastery of the steel showed in his work. We will put his family and friends in our prayers.

Rick Ulrich · Post by **Rick Ulrich** » 25 Nov 2010 11:17 pm

So, sad to lose a player like Vernon. I never knew him, but have enjoyed his U-tube videos. His music will live on through those videos. I am listening to his video of "Sweet Dreams" right now. Condolences to his family. Thank you Vernon for sharing your music with us. Rest in Peace my steel guitar friend.

Hook Moore · Post by **Hook Moore** » 26 Nov 2010 4:58 am

I'm so sorry Charlie. My condolences to all Vernon's family and friends.
Hook

Don Sulesky · Post by **Don Sulesky** » 26 Nov 2010 6:08 am

I never met Vernon but I felt like I knew him from all the recordings his friend Cliff would send me.
R.I.P. Vernon.
Don

Bill Plemmons · Post by **Bill Plemmons** » 26 Nov 2010 8:24 am

I only met Vernon last year. What a nice person and such a brilliant mind. I got to visit with him for a short time at the Carolina show in Oct and enjoyed his playing. His passing leaves a great void in the steel guitar family. He will be missed.

Bill

Don Henry, Jr · Post by **Don Henry, Jr** » 26 Nov 2010 11:00 am

Indeed this is a sad day for those of us who knew Vern. I will always remember those Tuesday jam sessions at Grady Lindler's and Lloyd Brigman's where I got to know Vernon. We had a ball talking recording and electronics of days gone bye. He was quite a guy! We are goning to miss you Vern. Our prayers go out to your family.

Roy Thomson · Post by **Roy Thomson** » 26 Nov 2010 7:13 pm

Vernon lived for Steel Guitar. Loved it right
to the end.
I had the greatest respect for this man, and still
do.

Roy

Ned McIntosh · Post by **Ned McIntosh** » 27 Nov 2010 5:42 am

Damn! This is not the news anyone who knew Vernon wanted to hear.

I got a great CD from Vernon of his playing on his MSA and Rickenbacker, in return I sent him a DVD I had made when I was a seafarer and got caught up in the eruption of Mt Pinatubo in June 1991. He and I exchanged several emails and found we had quite a bit in common.

I also enjoyed his YouTube performances and greatly admired his tone for the richness, fullness and mellow quality. Vernon had a unique touch.

I knew he was struggling with the cystic fibrosis, and he was heavily dependent on bottled oxygen, but I had hoped for a few more good years for Vernon.

RIP my friend, and thanks for all your kind thoughts, and the CD. To Vernon's friends and family, my most sincere condolences.

All are equal in sorrow.

Post by **Brad Bechtel** » 27 Nov 2010 8:34 am

And to think he was posting here up until his passing. RIP, Vernon. I enjoyed the many samples of your playing that you shared with us.

Dickie Whitley · Post by **Dickie Whitley** » 27 Nov 2010 9:40 am

I very much enjoyed Vernon's postings on Youtube and had several email exchanges with him about his copedent and his version of "How Great Thou Art". I want to convey my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Bob Strum · Post by **Bob Strum** » 27 Nov 2010 11:09 am

Carol and I are out of the country and just saw this sad event. We so enjoyed being with Vern and his kind remarks and great playing. God bless you, Fran and Vern Jr. Sincerely, Bob and Carol Strum

Kenny Dail · Post by **Kenny Dail** » 27 Nov 2010 3:13 pm

So sorry to hear this. Good guy and good player. My condolences to his family.

and the beat goes on...

Randy Gilliam · Post by **Randy Gilliam** » 28 Nov 2010 12:56 am

I Sold vern his Red and Black Zum, He was a Man Of His Word, and The Lord Got a Good Man!Thanks for the Videos Vern, We Will all see you In heaven someday, Randy G.

Vernon Hester · Post by **Vernon Hester** » 29 Nov 2010 12:17 pm

So many thanks to each of you for all of your kind words about dad. He truely had a love for his music.Mom and I are trying to find the perfect home for some of his music toys.I can be reached at scrided@yahoo.com.

Vern Jr

Bill Stafford · Post by **Bill Stafford** » 29 Nov 2010 4:50 pm

This is so sad. Another one taken away from us. If there was anyone who loved Jerry Byrd more than I did, it was Vernon. Rest in peace now, my friend. You will be missed. Prayers for strength for his family.
Bill Stafford

Ray Thomas · Post by **Ray Thomas** » 1 Dec 2010 7:22 pm

I had the pleasure and honor of spending about 5 hours with Vernon at his home on 20 Nov on Saturday before the Saluda show on Nov 21. He was very tired and weak, but still took up the time to play a few tunes and record a couple tunes of him and I. His wife served us a super meal. We had agreed that I could visit again and he would help me with some Jerry Byrd licks. He was a gentle man with a helpful attitude, I regret we will not be seeing "The old man is going at it Again" He will be missed.

Mike Poholsky · Post by **Mike Poholsky** » 1 Dec 2010 9:55 pm

I didn't know Vernon, but his videos on YouTube are great! I love his music & style. He must have been a fine man. RIP

Ken Fox · Post by **Ken Fox** » 2 Dec 2010 5:57 am

RIP Vernon! Thanks for the wonderful music. He will be missed by so many.

Danny Goble · Post by **Danny Goble** » 2 Dec 2010 10:52 am

Very Sorry to hear the sad news of Vernon's passing. It always hard to lose the talents of former Steel Player's and Friend's.

Ron Whitfield · Post by **Ron Whitfield** » 3 Dec 2010 5:41 pm

Vern was what it's all about, and he seemed happy to share his world with any stranger that asked. Looks like he touched a lot more lives around here than merely mine. He's gone now but he made sure we wouldn't forget him. I can just see him and Jerry right now...

Joe Smith · Post by **Joe Smith** » 5 Dec 2010 5:34 pm

I am so sorry. Vern and I were good buddies. I will miss him.

The Steel Guitar Forum

Vernon Hester passed today

The Family of Vern Sr

Vern

May The Lord Bless Verns Family.

Vernon H.

Vernon Hester

Vernon Hester