RIP William "Billy" Tonnesen

Steve Tonnesen · Post by **Steve Tonnesen** » 1 Mar 2014 10:41 am

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of William "Billy" Tonnesen.

He left us peacefully last Saturday, February 22 at his home in Buena Park, California.
Struggling with bladder cancer over the last several years he finally called it quits.

I know that he really enjoyed participating in your forum and many of you will miss him.
If any of you would like to attend his memorial/funeral it will be at the Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Riverside, California at staging area #4 on Friday, March 14th at 10:45am.
He will be receiving full military honors.

His ashes will be interred at the memorial cemetery minus a small portion which will be scattered in the mountains behind my home in Carpinteria, California where he loved to come and visit.

My father was well respected in the country western swing era, playing the lap steel as well as the pedal steel. I know he would appreciate your attendance, as would I.

If any of you have any questions please feel free to call me at 805-684-1415 or email at stonnesen@newspress.com

Thank you
Steve Tonnesen
Eldest son

Rick Stratton · Post by **Rick Stratton** » 1 Mar 2014 10:46 am

So sorry for your loss Steve.
Your Dad was certainly one of the living links to the golden age of our instrument.
I always looked forward to reading anything he had to say.
He'll be sorely missed around here......
Rick

Steve Tonnesen · Post by **Steve Tonnesen** » 1 Mar 2014 11:00 am

Thank you.
You are more than welcome to attend the memorial if you can.
I hope some of his friends of the era will be able to attend as well.

Peace
Steve

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 1 Mar 2014 2:07 pm

So sorry to hear this news, Steve. Your dad contributed so much great information, history and lively discussions to this place. He will be very much missed. My sincere condolences.

Blake Hawkins · Post by **Blake Hawkins** » 1 Mar 2014 2:21 pm

I am very sad to hear the news. Your father was one
of my all time favorites. I've been enjoying his music since the early 50's. He was truly a great musician and one of the greats of the steel guitar.
Much of his work helped to define Western Swing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Blake Hawkins

Steve Tonnesen · Post by **Steve Tonnesen** » 1 Mar 2014 3:49 pm

Blake Hawkins wrote:I am very sad to hear the news. Your father was one
of my all time favorites. I've been enjoying his music since the early 50's. He was truly a great musician and one of the greats of the steel guitar.
Much of his work helped to define Western Swing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Blake Hawkins

Thank you Blake
It means so much to see the respect and adoration of his peers.

LJ Eiffert · Post by **LJ Eiffert** » 20 Mar 2014 7:58 am

To all you neighborhood brothers & sisters Musicians who could not nor did not make it to Joe Baker & Billy Tonneson Memorial Service, I was there for us all. The God Father Of Southern California Country Music Uncle Leo J.Eiffert,jr.

PS: One of these days I will get the Academy Of Country Music & it's Board of who won't cover the real deal about all the neighborhood Musicians who supported that world before it became what world it it today here in 2014. The real History of Country Music's Musicians and who made this ACM what they are all making money off of today.

bruce fischer · Post by **bruce fischer** » 20 Mar 2014 1:27 pm

so sorry to hear this steve. may he rest in peace free from pain.
now playing in the heavenly band!
bruce & lynn

John McClung · Post by **John McClung** » 20 Mar 2014 3:01 pm

My sincere condolences on the loss of your father, Steve. I met Billy just once at Palenscar's Oceanside shop, quite a nice and knowledgable gentleman.

Mark Durante · Post by **Mark Durante** » 31 Mar 2014 5:56 am

Not another! Sad...

Frank Parish · Post by **Frank Parish** » 31 Mar 2014 7:01 pm

I emailed with him several times and he was very knowledgeable with great experience. May he rest in peace.

Skeeter Stultz · Post by **Skeeter Stultz** » 2 Apr 2014 7:44 pm

Steve, I never met your dad personally but both of us being steel players and we did talk about the old times although Billy went back a few more years. Another common thread was his and my wife's macular degeneration. He gave me a few tips to resources where to get help. I'm sorry for your loss, May he Rest in Peace.