Goodby!

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 28 Mar 2015 3:53 am

Yes, Gene, quite a post. It brought tears to my eyes.
One doesn't often get to say goodbye. Thanks. It's not easy.
Happy trails to my favorite cowboy.
Peace,
Charlie

Mike Gross · Post by **Mike Gross** » 28 Mar 2015 4:18 am

Gene,

All of my thoughts and prayers are with you, buddy! You are still heard on my "Swingin' West" broadcasts.

JERRY THURMOND · Post by **JERRY THURMOND** » 28 Mar 2015 5:19 am

Sorry to hear your news, I always enjoyed your post, the Forum will miss you. Have a good trip.

David Wright · Post by **David Wright** » 28 Mar 2015 5:27 am

Very sad to hear this, Always enjoyed our chats....

John Peay · Post by **John Peay** » 28 Mar 2015 5:49 am

Jim Cooley wrote:A message like this, at such a time, speaks volumes. I only hope that I can handle this with as much dignity and grace when my time comes. God bless you, sir, now and forever.

I second Jim's sentiment...

Gene, you are a man who sounds like he knows where he's headed. God bless you and your family, and thank you for touching the lives of many.

Niels Andrews · Post by **Niels Andrews** » 28 Mar 2015 9:19 am

Someday I will know if you got to read this or not. I just want to say I read your biography on your website and I can say "This was a life well lived." You were a very fortunate man. Godspeed on your Journey to the other side.

Larry Dering · Post by **Larry Dering** » 28 Mar 2015 9:43 am

Gene, Thank you for the many years of sharing your wisdom and journey in music. May God bless you and your family.

DG Whitley · Post by **DG Whitley** » 28 Mar 2015 10:48 am

Gene, I have always enjoyed your posts, and it is my loss for not having known you personally. God bless and best wishes always.

bruce fischer · Post by **bruce fischer** » 28 Mar 2015 1:19 pm

gene, prayers for you & family & all your friends.
always enjoyed you on here.
lovya,
bruce & lynn

George Brown · Post by **George Brown** » 28 Mar 2015 7:57 pm

I am So Sorry to hear of your Bad News Gene... Like so many others, I have always looked forward to, and enjoyed your posts on the Forum. Please know that my Prayers are with You, and your Family.!!!!!
George.

Jack Ritter · Post by **Jack Ritter** » 28 Mar 2015 8:09 pm

May the Blessings of our Almighty Creator be with you and Peace be with you, Gene. Jack

Tony Davis · Post by **Tony Davis** » 29 Mar 2015 3:38 am

Gene,
I have treasured our friendship through the years and
am so glad that I did get to meet you.
My thoughts are with you
Tony

Wayne Morton · Post by **Wayne Morton** » 29 Mar 2015 11:35 am

Gene, I haven't seen you in 5-6 years, but you were always so nice. Our thoughts & prayers go out to you & your family.

Bob Carlucci · Post by **Bob Carlucci** » 30 Mar 2015 10:08 am

Gene.. You are a class act sir.. I have enjoyed your posts here for many years. All the best to you and yours, and Godspeed..
bob

Russ Tkac · Post by **Russ Tkac** » 30 Mar 2015 1:25 pm

Blessings to you Gene and the Lord's peace be with you.

Russ

Post by **Dave Mudgett** » 30 Mar 2015 2:58 pm

Gene - I hope you have a breakthrough in your illness at least long enough to read some of these comments. Believe me, you are one of the guys who many, many of us on this forum look up to. May God be with you.

Paul Graupp · Post by **Paul Graupp** » 30 Mar 2015 4:03 pm

Gene You have always been one of the best friends I could ever have hoped to find on this Forum ! You and the multitude of other friends I have found here over the years have made my steel guitar world a superb place to be a part of. When I come to the same place in this journey we are traveling I will be looking forward to finding you ! God Speed my friend !!

Regards, Paul

Kenny Davis · Post by **Kenny Davis** » 30 Mar 2015 7:48 pm

Gene -
I really hate to hear about your declining health. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to visit with you months back at the Oklahoma City Jam.

What I really hate, is the fact that you are an amazing resource...Steel Guitar, Oklahoma Country Music History...and even though we live across town from each other, we never developed a close relationship as we should have. It makes me sad that besides a few phone conversations, our only in-depth visit was at the TSGA a few years back.

When I first joined the Forum, I was surprised to see a name from OKC that I didn't recognize. After looking at your great website, I realized that we just missed each other in our musical journey. You retired as I was coming in. You got back in as I was taking a little break. The coolest thing I learned was how our paths did cross - Way back in 1969 or so, I and Jack Lee's nephew snuck in the back door of the Del City American Legion to play two or three songs. I brought my Fender Mustang, and tried to play lead as Kenny Breeden sang. I was too scared to notice anything that night. Of course, you were on break and didn't play. After our little performance, we left. I also found out on your website that Ken DeWitt was your bass player that night. About four years later, I played with Ken and Bennie!

One thing for sure - You have had a most interesting life: Loving wife, family, dogs, Harley's, vacations, all that music (hell, you played with Conway!!!), fighting fires, and who knows what else!

Please - If you need anything, let me know.

- Kenny

David Rupert · Post by **David Rupert** » 30 Mar 2015 9:48 pm

Wow....this post is definitely a tear jerker!!

I'm very sorry to hear of this. Unfortunately, this will happen to us all. The older I get, the more I think about it. Where do we go...what's it going to be like, etc?
The unknown scares us all, I think? But, as a Christian...I'm pretty sure, it's gonna be very nice on the other side! I truly, don't think..."The circle, will be unbroken!"

I've never met you, nor even had any correspondence with you. But I definitely have a lot of respect for you!

Godspeed...& God Bless you.

Dennis Detweiler · Post by **Dennis Detweiler** » 31 Mar 2015 8:40 am

During your last day you'll realize or be confirmed that there's more to come. Rejoice with those that left here before you. God bless you.

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 3 Apr 2015 10:36 am

Gene, I've always admired you and your participation here on the forum. Thank you for all the years of cameradarie. Have a safe journey.

Donna Dodd · Post by **Donna Dodd** » 3 Apr 2015 7:54 pm

Gene, you and Charlotte are still in our hearts...

John Davis · Post by **John Davis** » 4 Apr 2015 12:34 am

I have always enjoyed reading your posts Gene and wish peace to you and your family, so sad we are losing another forum Bro.

Mark van Allen · Post by **Mark van Allen** » 4 Apr 2015 8:21 am

Thanks so much for your presence here, and your thoughtful message, Gene. I'm so glad you got so much enjoyment form this fine forum as I and many others have. Very best wishes to you and yours. May your journeys be cloaked in peace and beauty.

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 4 Apr 2015 3:23 pm

Gene, you are a special person whom I have always respected, enjoyed, and learned from your posts, most specifically your approach to life and your rational open mindedness....I'm glad that I was able to shake your hand some years back in Dallas......

Thank you for saying good night to us on your way home......we will always remember you...

The Steel Guitar Forum

Goodby!

God bless you....