Saying Good-bye
| Obituary | Condolences | Harmonica King by Gary Curtis | My Big Brother by Guitar Mikey |
| Ian Nielsen email
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Fan
Signed : Jan 08, 2003 |
| Comments :
Peace be with you It was a treat to meet you and play a few of your songs! |
|
|
|
|
| Robin Pierce(nee Magder) email
hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Friend
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
Richard was a beautiful person who I will always remember with great fondness.. |
|
|
|
|
| Chris Pratt email
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Friend and
Fan
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
Richard I knew you from the Kelly Jay, Bad Manors,Golka and Doucette days. I will miss you, your attitude and talent greatly. Keep on Rockin On. |
|
|
|
|
| Glenda Barlow email
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: fan
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
My Sincere Condolences The music industry has lost a great talent. |
|
|
|
|
| Mike McMillan email
Boston, Massachusetts USA |
Relationship: Friend
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
Richard was a great friend and mentor. I miss him. |
|
|
|
|
| Gypsy and Sharon Gataiance
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Acquaintance
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
Your music and talent will be missed. |
|
|
|
|
| John Stainton email
Toronto, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Ex-Road Mgr
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
If there's a Bourbon St.in the great beyond...Save me a seat! |
|
|
|
|
| John Lewis
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Friend
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
Rich was an awesome talent, a profoundly gentle man, now not with us in body but alive in our hearts, and our minds - as we know the blues dwell and speak to our collective souls... |
|
|
|
|
| Lily Sazz email
Dundas, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Friend
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
I might not have even been a blues musician if it weren't for Richard. His encouragement, generosity and loaning of recordings were a part of my history that I always share when asked about how my music career started. I'll never forget him and will always miss him and his occasional phonecalls I was lucky enough to get in the last few years. We've all lost a friend and part of our history. |
|
|
|
|
| John Brason email
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Relative
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
Lovingly Remembered He was a kind,genuous,and loving man who will be missed by all of us. |
|
|
|
|
| Frankie Venom
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Teenage Head
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
We love you where ever you are.. no doubt playing harp for god. Making our Horseshoe show a King Bisket Boy Tribute on January 24th in Toronto. You were the greatest. |
|
|
|
|
| Linda (Beazley) Frid email
Kingston, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Beez's sister
and a fan
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
my condolences to all who loved you, family, friends and fans... a big loss to the musicworld |
|
|
|
|
| Vi Winstanley email
Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada |
Relationship: fan
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
The world has lost a great talent. Richard's music touched me deeply. My sympathy to his family, loved ones, friends and fans. |
|
|
|
|
| Doug Chappell email
Toronto, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: The Mid-Knights
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
Playing with Richard was a blast, every night was an adventure in music and laughter. |
|
|
|
|
| Dianne Campbell
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Fan
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
You left us too soon, Rich. My deepest sympathy to your family and many friends. Your music and talent will be missed by us all. |
|
|
|
|
| Patrick Salisbury
Toronto, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Fan
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
No one played the harmonica like |
|
|
|
|
| Jack Rogers
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Friend
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
Rest in peace buddy.We are all going to miss your music and wit. |
|
|
|
|
| Keith Stanton email
Stoney Creek, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Fan and friend
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
Thanks Rich. It was fun. Your legacy lives! |
|
|
|
|
| Jutta Ney-Barlow email
Binbrook, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Friend and
Associate
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
Richard, we left a couple of things undone. Will miss you, your talent, your sense of humour. Every time I hear a harp, I think of you, hope you're at peace and having the jam session of all time. |
|
|
|
|
| Barb Evans
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Friend
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
Biscuit, no music inspired us to rock the dance floor harder than yours! Thanks for many great times and your unwaivering kindness always. May you rest in peace and love. |
|
|
|
|
| Alfred Davies
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Uncle
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
|
|
|
| Janice Smith
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Fan
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
WILL BE SADLY MISSED BY MANY. WAS TRULY LOVED BY HIS FANS OVER A LONG LONG PERIOD OF TIME. |
|
|
|
|
| Sherrie-Jane Biernacki nee Younge email
Stoney Creek, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Friend
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
I will always remember you Rich, I remember the old days when you used to practice at Coppels Fish and Chips,all the old gang would be there.It was your first band. And there GREATNESS was born !!!! The world has lost a treasure,but your music will go on. We will all miss you deeply,I know, I have shed many tears with many others all over the world. To your family and loved ones I wish that the Lord will put His arms around them and give them peace and strenth to bear there grief,,May God bless all of you. |
|
|
|
|
| Dave Missen
Burlington, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Acquaintance
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
|
|
|
| Iris Tesch
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Former Neighbour
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
Your departure will be a tremendous loss to the music world. My sincerest condolences to your family and friends. |
|
|
|
|
| Duane Rogers
Caledonia, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Fan
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
Remembering many magical musical moments Thanks Rich |
|
|
|
|
| Bill Longley email
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Acquaintance
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
|
|
|
| AGENT ORANGE HOLLOWAY
HAMILTON, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Friend
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
|
|
|
| Gord Barker email
Cambridge, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Friend &
Protege
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
Richard, you taught me more about the blues than I could ever have learned in my own lifetime. |
|
|
|
|
| John Gibbard
Brantford, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Crowbar
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
Thanks for all of the lessons, laughs, and great music. Through your recordings, you will continue to inspire us all. |
|
|
|
|
| Silvie Keen email
Vancouver, British Columbia Canada |
Relationship: Friend
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
Richard, my first love, you have always remained in my heart. Thank you for the music, kindness and your gentle spirit. May it soar as powerfully as you made that harp soar. Namaste. |
|
|
|
|
| Jack de Keyzer
Toronto, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: band mate
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
Richard Newell was the greatest musician I ever worked with. I loved him like a brother. He taught me so much about music I am forever indebted. Remembering all the great times and the great gift you shared with so many of us. Goodbye old friend. |
|
|
|
|
| Lance Kiernan email
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Friend
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
Richard was a wonderful man who always shared his friendship and humour. The music and memories will make a terrific legacy. |
|
|
|
|
| Bruce Gregory email
Wellandport, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Classmate
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
My Thoughts Are With You |
|
|
|
|
| Pat Battle (Stach) email
Dunnville, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Old girlfriend
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
Rich: Although we lost touch over the years, I'll never forget you.You were my first love. I'm glad I met you in the Crazy Horse Saloon a few years back so I could apoligize to you. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you Mr Newell, I know you will miss Rich so much! There can be no greater loss than the loss of your child. May you take comfort in knowing he's with his mom. P.S. Rich did everyone know how good of an artist you were too? I hope you didn't keep that to yourself ! I'll see you in Heaven. Don't forget how to play |
|
|
|
|
| Peter Traynor email
Schomberg, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Acquaintance
Signed : Jan 09, 2003 |
| Comments :
The music will not be the same |
|
|
|
|
| Gary Deans email
Stoney Creek, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Good Friend
Signed : Jan 10, 2003 |
| Comments :
Richard, there were so many times over the years that I was doing the |
|
|
|
|
| Mike Short email
Los Angeles, California USA |
Relationship: Old Friend
Signed : Jan 10, 2003 |
| Comments :
A great guy. Hilarious. A fantastic musician. The best kind of friend. We're going to miss you forever, Rick. |
|
|
|
|
| Mike Baker email
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Acquaintance
Signed : Jan 10, 2003 |
| Comments :
Thank you for the music |
|
|
|
|
| John Till email
Stratford, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Friend
Signed : Jan 10, 2003 |
| Comments :
A huge musical talent with a great sense of humour. On the road with him, I had good times both on and off stage. I'll remember you often Richard. You'll always be the best. |
|
|
|
|
| JEFF BAKER
TRURO, Nova Scotia Canada |
Relationship: Fan
Signed : Jan 10, 2003 |
| Comments :
One of the biggest thrills of my musical career was trading solos with you live on stage. You were a major inspiration and influence in the early development of my harp playing. Your musical legacy will continue to inspire young harp players for years to come. Thank you for the great music. May you rest in peace. |
|
|
|
|
| Ron Copple
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Good Friend
Signed : Jan 10, 2003 |
| Comments :
Rest from your labours, buddy. |
|
|
|
|
| CAROL WASHINGTON email
HAMILTON, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: WIFE OF BOBBY
WASHINGTON
Signed : Jan 10, 2003 |
| Comments :
i laugh to myself when i think of your off the wall sense of humour and hope you and Bobby are having a |
|
|
|
|
| Bruce Payment
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Friend
Signed : Jan 10, 2003 |
| Comments :
Keep doing it your way Richard. |
|
|
|
|
| Cueball, *
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Friend
Signed : Jan 10, 2003 |
| Comments :
Sorry I never made you a copy of that video of all of us at Georgies that night.It now brings tears to our eyes! Love you buddy |
|
|
|
|
| Vaz and Wendy
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Acquaintance
Signed : Jan 10, 2003 |
| Comments :
Thank you for the music. You'll never be forgotten |
|
|
|
|
| Lynda Davies
Toronto, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: friend and
fan
Signed : Jan 10, 2003 |
| Comments :
The pain, the laughter, the man and his music...Richard oozed the blues with a bitter-sweet wit. We will miss him. |
|
|
|
|
| Mic & Carol Paulino
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Fan
Signed : Jan 10, 2003 |
| Comments :
One of our first dates was a night At the Wentworth Tripple Rinks with Sly & the Famliy Stone Bush & Crowbar with King Biscut Boy. It was a night to rember. you will be sadly missed. |
|
|
|
|
| Marni Gubbins Jeffrey email
The Hammer, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: longtime
fan
Signed : Jan 10, 2003 |
| Comments :
I will never forget being in the Santa Claus Parade on the Crowbar float had such a blast that day... E.T. O.D. Thanks for |
|
| Krystyna Janicha email
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: friend, lover,
brother, soulmate
Signed : Jan 10, 2003 |
| Comments :
We will always remember you Thank you Lord, for blessing me, my life with such a loving, caring, funny, sweetest,compassionate knowlegeable friend. In losing you my pain is unbearable. Our Lord and his music community in Heaven are happy now, succeeding in the request they placed for the mastered musican that you were. Richard, you were a big part of my life. Thank you for being there for me, filling my life, as well as others lives with your music, witty humor and unquestionable knowlege of music and life. Always being so kind to take the time. You played at my daughters wedding, you were the greatest and the straightest. The fun we had. |
|
|
|
|
| Robert Vasil
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: school pal
and long time friend
Signed : Jan 10, 2003 |
| Comments :
The blues ain't nothin' but a good man feelin' bad. Zeezils 4ever... The Vaz |
|
|
|
|
| B.B.Keyball(pet name) private
private, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: true love
Signed : Jan 11, 2003 |
| Comments :
I never stopped loving you - I never will |
|
|
|
|
| Bruce Burns (Burnsie)
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Good Friend
Signed : Jan 11, 2003 |
| Comments :
I will miss you Richard. You were a good friend ,always. |
|
|
|
|
| Gary Depodesta
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Friend and
Neighbour
Signed : Jan 11, 2003 |
| Comments :
My Deepest Sympathy Randy, Thinking of you and your family at this time. |
|
|
|
|
| Bruce Burns
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Friends
Signed : Jan 11, 2003 |
| Comments :
Biscuit;there was many an evening of conversation and fun! I will dearly miss your friendship. One of the things that makes me smile is that, you walked the way you walked and you played the way you played. Burnsie |
|
|
|
|
| Graeme Brechin
hamilton,ontario, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: friend, fellow
musician
Signed : Jan 11, 2003 |
|
|
|
| Ronny Brechin
Binbrook, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: school time
buddy,friend
Signed : Jan 11, 2003 |
| Comments :
My Condolences The best harp player in the world has left us. |
|
|
|
|
| B.Douglas Brechin
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Fan,Friend
Signed : Jan 11, 2003 |
| Comments :
Remember the good times we had,you taught me a few things about the mountain,never forget that wild cab ride. |
|
|
|
|
| Kathy Brechin
Coombs, British Columbia Canada |
Relationship: Fan,Friend
Signed : Jan 11, 2003 |
| Comments :
My heart goes out to you |
|
|
|
|
| Carol Brechin
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Fan,Friend
Signed : Jan 11, 2003 |
| Comments :
My Prayers are with you |
|
|
|
|
| Mrs.Laurene Brechin
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Fan,Friend
Signed : Jan 11, 2003 |
| Comments :
My Deepest Sympathy |
|
|
|
|
| Bobby Brechin
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship:
Signed : Jan 11, 2003 |
| Comments :
Never forget the good times we had,sadly missed |
|
|
|
|
| Louise Brechin
Deseronto, Ontario Canada |
Relationship:
Signed : Jan 11, 2003 |
| Comments :
My Sincere Condolences |
|
|
|
|
| Norman Brechin
Toronto, Ontario Canada |
Relationship:
Signed : Jan 11, 2003 |
| Comments :
My Deepest Sympathy |
|
|
|
|
| Deryl Shelton
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Fan
Signed : Jan 11, 2003 |
| Comments :
My Heart and Prayers are with you |
|
|
|
|
| Frank Davies
Toronto, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Friend &
Fan Forever
Signed : Jan 11, 2003 |
| Comments :
Part 2 (cut-off from original placement): |
|
|
|
|
| Ron Richards
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Fellow Musician
Signed : Jan 11, 2003 |
| Comments :
My Heart and Prayers go out to you A fellow musician, and wonderful, talented person. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and his music. |
|
|
|
|
| Francis Davies
Toronto, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Friend &
Fan Forever
Signed : Jan 12, 2003 |
| Comments :
"Lord Pity Us All on this hard road we have to travel and thank you for blessing Richard with such great talent over the course of his journey down that highway. A funny, sweet, real, badly bent, beautiful "original", who lived, sang and played the blues better than any white guy I ever heard. Richard's soul will give him more than twenty-nine ways to make it through heaven's door." |
|
|
|
|
| Patrick Finochio email
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Friend
Signed : Jan 12, 2003 |
| Comments :
My Deepest Regards |
|
|
|
|
| lori thompson-mountenay(DEL RIO) email
hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Fan/Friend
Signed : Jan 12, 2003 |
| Comments :
May God Comfort You Only the Good Die Young and Biscuit you are the BEST Sadly missed. |
|
|
|
|
| Steve Bannon email
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Musician
Signed : Jan 12, 2003 |
| Comments :
We all are proud of Richard and thankful that he passed our way. |
|
|
|
|
| P. Wade
Dublin, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: long time
fan
Signed : Jan 13, 2003 |
| Comments :
Thank you for some of the greatest times I ever enjoyed as a youth...P. |
|
|
|
|
| Ed and Donna Washnuk
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Long-time
fans and admirers
Signed : Jan 13, 2003 |
| Comments :
"You lived your life like a candle in the wind.". Dear friend, we will certainly miss you and your music. You will stay alive in our memories. We loved you. Our condolences to your family. |
|
|
|
|
| Paul Cronkwright email
Smithville, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: brother of
the heart
Signed : Jan 13, 2003 |
| Comments :
We started laughing in 1959 and now it has come to an untimely end. I'll never forget the fabulous times we shared. Keep on boogie'n! |
|
|
|
|
| Vic Martisius
Brantford, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Friend
Signed : Jan 14, 2003 |
| Comments :
Thankyou Richard for the kindness you always showed to me and my family. You knew that we were birds of the feather, and now my friend, farewell and may you rest in sweet peace. |
|
|
|
|
| Glenn Smith
Kitchener, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Friend
Signed : Jan 14, 2003 |
| Comments :
thanks for the good times and all the education you gave to me early in my blues learning infancy . The next round is on me. |
|
|
|
|
| Paul and Donna Panchezak email
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: fellow musician
and friend
Signed : Jan 14, 2003 |
| Comments :
Rich was my colleague and music teacher but above all he was a loyal and loving friend. I'll miss him every day in many ways. May he rest in peace and God bless his family. |
|
|
|
|
| Ritchie Yorke email
Brisbane, |
Relationship: Long-time
friend, associate and admirer
Signed : Jan 14, 2003 |
| Comments :
I ain't never heard a blues tune I didn't like, and I ain't never Richard blow a lues tune that I didn't like one heck of a lot. Fareyewell, brother blue and blow some cool notes for the angels. |
|
|
|
|
| Tommy Grasley email
, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Sonny's Son
Signed : Jan 14, 2003 |
| Comments :
He was a great man Richard always made me feel |
|
|
|
|
| Tommy Grasley
THE HAMMER, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Son of Sonny
Signed : Jan 14, 2003 |
| Comments :
He was a caring and loving person Richard always made me feel ...Blues with a feeling..Keep on smilin' |
|
|
|
|
| Bruce Cameron email
Toronto, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Friend
Signed : Jan 15, 2003 |
| Comments :
I have very fond memories of a great guy and a terrific band-leader. Your influence will be felt for many years in the Canadian music scene. |
|
|
|
|
| Dennis Grasley a.k.a. Sonny Del-Rio email
Hamilton, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: bandmate
& friend
Signed : Jan 16, 2003 |
| Comments :
Oh man! We shared so much together,playing,laughing,recording, living on the road.The whole world is something less with out you. Now,I know, your blowin' with the Angels. I will miss you my friend. |
|
|
|
|
| Terry Washnuk email
Ancaster, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Son of biggest
fan
Signed : Jan 17, 2003 |
| Comments :
Richie was a long time family friend and played at my Dad's 60th birthday bash a few years ago. He was my Dad's idol and it made his day. I wish I had my video camera that night. |
|
|
|
|
| Karen (Andersen) Patterson email
Tulsa, Oklahoma USA |
Relationship: Classmate
Signed : Jan 23, 2003 |
| Comments :
My thoughts go out to the family I knew Richard before he became a star, back when we were in the art course at Central. He was also a great cartoonist, something I have not seen written about in these tributes. Trivia: I remember Richard brought a salmon salad sandwich for lunch "every" day for the four years we were together! |
|
|
|
|
| Rick Donmoyer email
Stoney Creek, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Fan
Signed : Jan 29, 2003 |
| Comments :
Not enough good ones to keep losing them ! |
|
|
|
|
| B.B.Keyball B.B.Keyball
private, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: true love
Signed : Feb 10, 2003 |
| Comments :
My heart is aching-not a day goes by without thinking about you-emerald eyes see you forever-I close my eyes and I am back in your arms |
|
|
|
|
| shirley chambers email
St. Thomas, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Relative
Signed : Feb 12, 2003 |
| Comments :
my mother informed me that richard was her step cousin, and of course i had to find out about him and his music, since then, i could just cry,i could have met him and enjoyed his music much sooner, thankyou richard -music is healing -and you are a healer. |
|
|
|
|
| Blues Lovers Everywhere
everywhere, Ontario Canada |
Relationship: Friends
Signed : Mar 11, 2003 |
| Comments :
Happy Birthday Richard - so many people are thinking of you today with love |
|