Our steel guitar brother, Steinar Gregertsen--RIP

Paul Arntson · Post by **Paul Arntson** » 3 Jan 2012 9:48 am

Steinar -
Here's wishing for a speedy recovery. Our hearts go out to you.
-Paul Arntson

Roman Sonnleitner · Post by **Roman Sonnleitner** » 5 Jan 2012 2:16 am

Haven't been in here over the holidays, so I just reae this...

BEST WISHES to you, Steinar!

Fred Kinbom · Post by **Fred Kinbom** » 16 Jan 2012 3:24 pm

Steinar,

I am very saddened to hear that you are unwell. I have not checked in here for a while, sorry for the late message. I hope you are recovering well! Be strong, and I look forward to more stellar playing from you soon!

All the best,

Fred

Bob Reani · Post by **Bob Reani** » 17 Jan 2012 4:12 am

All the best to you, Steinar!!!

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 17 Jan 2012 1:39 pm

Today, I wanted to call Steinar but I looked at my clock and it was already late in the evening Norway time. Just as I was kicking myself, I opened my email to find a note from Steinar's brother. I'm afraid the news is not good.

Steinar's tumor is malignant and the cancer has spread throughout his body--it is incurable. This is just devastating. I'm in tears as I type this and I'm sure you all feel the same. According to his brother, they don't know how long he will live. His brother said he seemed to be prepared for the news. I know Steinar told me he still has a ton of music in him that he wants to get out.

Please join me in offering our sincerest thoughts for Steinar. Helge, his brother, said that no matter how bad things get for Steinar, his music should live on.

With deepest sorrow,
Mike

John Dahms · Post by **John Dahms** » 17 Jan 2012 1:56 pm

Mike,
That heart-wrenching news is deeply saddening. I can only hope Steinar can be comfortable. I am sure all our thoughts are with him.

Rick Aiello · Post by **Rick Aiello** » 17 Jan 2012 2:09 pm

Overwhelming sadness has set in ...

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 17 Jan 2012 2:23 pm

This is extremely distressing news. I hope Steinar knows that he has made wonderful contributions to the music world and to this instrument we all love so much. My thoughts are with Steinar and his family at this time.

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 17 Jan 2012 2:35 pm

As John Subik said, ""It's a prognosis, not a sentence". I cling to that and hope that Steinar's general optimism and positive outlook can carry him forward through this battle."

I'm going to do the same, John, and offer Steinar only positive thoughts. You never know what can happen, especially with a positive mind.

"Steinar has been transferred to an equivalent of a convalescent facility (I think in Arendal) where he will continue the treatment and pain management. As I understand it he remains relatively upbeat and pragmatic...."--from John

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 17 Jan 2012 2:47 pm

Oh, Mike. That's just terrible news. I'm so sorry to hear that. Yes, Steinar's music and the memories of his great spirit and unfailing kindness to others will outlive him.

But I'm not counting him out yet. Steinar, if you're reading this please remember that so many of us were touched by you and your music and friendship. Hang in there buddy. Miracles can happen.

John Subik · Post by **John Subik** » 17 Jan 2012 3:21 pm

Thanks once more Mike for putting out the word.

And Steinar, if you've finally figured out that IPad and are able to read this, hang in there bud, we're all pulling for you!

Bill Leff · Post by **Bill Leff** » 17 Jan 2012 3:59 pm

I'm so so sorry to hear this and will continue to hope for the best. Hang in there buddy...

Post by **Brad Bechtel** » 17 Jan 2012 4:01 pm

Crap. I'm really sorry to hear about this. Steinar, my best wishes and prayers are going out to you.
Thanks for letting us know, Mike.

George Piburn · Post by **George Piburn** » 17 Jan 2012 4:20 pm

We ask the Great Aloha Spirit to surround Steinar Gregertsen with Divine Guidance and Everlasting Love.

Fear Turns into Faith -- Anger turns into Happiness - Confusion Turns into Satisfaction.

Mitch Crane · Post by **Mitch Crane** » 17 Jan 2012 6:26 pm

Thanks for the update Mike...

Not good news for sure. But I'm a believer in, and recipient of MIRACLES. I was healed of cancer 18 years ago and never been back... So I for one, will be praying fervently for a miracle in Steinar's case.

Steinar, if you are reading this thread, know that when I heard your version of 'God Only Knows' I bought my first lap steel (an Asher) and started learning your stuff. Just last week I decided I needed to do a version based on your original and laid down the basic track for it. Not complete, but GOD ONLY KNOWS what I'd be without you and your inspiration !

The track, in honor of you:
http://soundcloud.com/mitchc-1/god-only-knows-track

Peter Jacobs · Post by **Peter Jacobs** » 17 Jan 2012 7:30 pm

I'm so sorry to hear this, but Steinar, we aren't giving up on you. Your music and good humor have been inspirations to me, and if anyone has the ability to keep moving forward with grace and dignity, it's you.

Thanks for keeping us informed, Mike.

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 17 Jan 2012 8:15 pm

I'm sorry to hear this prognosis....Steinar has given us so much.....I continue with positive thoughts and wishes for the best......

Bob Blair · Post by **Bob Blair** » 17 Jan 2012 8:51 pm

Steinar, you've been a big inspiration for many of us. You were very helpful to me when I started out on Weissenborn-style instruments and I've never forgotten that. My thoughts are with you.

Dom Franco · Post by **Dom Franco** » 18 Jan 2012 3:10 am

Ask and it shall be given, seek and ye shall find...
Sincere and continued prayers for Steinar's complete healing.
Dom Franco

Jeff Spencer · Post by **Jeff Spencer** » 18 Jan 2012 3:18 am

Thanks Mike. My prayers and thoughts are with you Steiner. You have a whole community with you.
Best regards

Josh Cho · Post by **Josh Cho** » 18 Jan 2012 4:51 am

Steiner, you have the backing of the entire community.

All our hopes and positive thoughts are with you!

Best wishes--and ALOHA!--dear brother in steel,

Josh

Rob Anderlik · Post by **Rob Anderlik** » 18 Jan 2012 5:01 am

I am so sorry to hear this news. Steinar, your music and friendship have touched so many people. I am holding you in my heart and my thoughts and prayers.

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 18 Jan 2012 5:21 am

here again i'm really saddened by Steinar's condition
i pray you pull through this one Steinar
wish there was more i could do

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 18 Jan 2012 5:51 am

I just finished speaking with Steinar a few minutes ago and, while he is dealing with the sobering news of his illness, he is very upbeat and poised for the fight of his life--as he said, "I'm up and ready to fight this thing." He has undergone extensive radiation treatments and now is in pain management. Only time will tell if the radiation treatments have had any effect. He is resting, having visits from friends and family, and contemplating things, as he always does.

I will be posting his mailing address here for anyone who wishes to write him. His is genuinely moved by the outpouring of support from this community, which he honestly considers his family. I think the steel guitar community has had a great impact in his life, as he has in ours. He told me that his priority, besides getting better, is to record another CD. I can't wait until that happens.

Mark Mansueto · Post by **Mark Mansueto** » 18 Jan 2012 6:56 am

Mike,
thanks for keeping us informed with what's going on with Steinar and I would like to write to him once you post his mailing address.

In the mean time I will continue to pray that Steinar will receive the awesome healing power of God.

The Steel Guitar Forum

Our steel guitar brother, Steinar Gregertsen--RIP

Mr. and Mrs. Boards