Roger Renfro - Rolly Brown

The Flatpick-L email
list pays tribute to
Roger Renfro
“Flatpick-L” is an internet mailing list devoted to flatpicking guitar. Its 2000+ members
include professional musicians, Grammy winners, National Guitar Champions, dedicated
amateurs, lifelong music fans, and intermediate and beginning guitarists from all walks of
life... we come from every profession, livelihood, and economic stratum. We share our love
of acoustic guitars and guitar music, and that sharing has made us a strong community.
Roger was a valued member, and when Flatpick-L learned of Roger’s accident, members
from all over North America and beyond wrote to express their concern and respect.
What follows is a record of those writings in roughly chronological order.
Whether or not Roger’s wife and family are ready to read many of these emotional
messages, we hope that they will take some comfort in the knowledge that
Roger was a much beloved member of this community, and that
we share the family’s grief in mourning his loss.
Belinda tried posting this earlier this morning... not sure if
it went through or not, so I'm reposting at her request so that
our FPL family will know this bad news...
Belinda has heard that Roger Renfro has fallen down a set of
stairs, is in the hospital and is paralyzed from the neck down.
That's the basic report and she hasn't heard if the paralysis is
permanent or not, but will be posting more news as she hears it.
Roger, as many know, has dealt with Parkinson's Disease for
several years now. He had to quit attending Kamp as the amount
of walking that it requires became too arduous for him.
Let's all keep him and his family in our prayers.
Gary Collier
=========================
Jan and I will keep Roger in our prayers. It is really bad news
to hear of his fall. We have missed Roger at Kamp. We truly
hope and pray that he recovers from his injuries.
Peter Holmes-Ray
=========================
Man, I hate that. I still have trouble understanding why such
wonderful people have to endure such horrible things. I really
hope
you can pull out of this, Roger!
Doug Williams
www.DandTW.com
=======================
Here's a pic of Roger in happier days, at Kamp 2008.
L-R: Roger playing Posch #23, Phil Burt with his NGC and me with
Posch #09. Note that Phil and I are both watching Roger, as he evidently is
leading this particular song. Photo credit: Harry Moore
Gary Collier
==================
Thanks for posting this picture, Gary. That was the year I
conned Roger into riding along with me on my pilgrimage to kamp. I try to go each year for the last couple of days to see what's
going on and to give away the Dreadnoughts Unlimited Scholarship
guitar. Sweetie doesn't like to let me out of the county by
myself, so I've managed to get someone to ride along.
Roger and I had a great time. My prayers are with him and his
family during this time. Please keep us posted.
Harry Moore
====================================
I'm VERY sad to hear about Roger. And, I'm hoping that things
turn out well for him. Roger was in the room next to me one Kamp
that I attended maybe 10 years ago. That Kamp was my first foray
into the world after a really rotten divorce. Suffice it to say,
I was in a pretty miserable space (53 years old, alone
unexpectedly, feeling awkward, and basically a real "sad sack").
Anyway, Roger spent a fair amount of time encouraging me that
things would get better. And they did. To me, Roger is a
sweetheart of a person. And as a bonus, he taught me a lick on
Beaumont Rag that I still use.
My prayers go out to Roger and his family and I'm hoping for the
best.
Howie Band
============================
Hi Howie,
You lucked out bumping into Roger under those circumstances...
He's definitely one of the good ones....
I'm really sad to hear about this...
Steve Broitman
============================
I'm so very saddened to hear this terrible news. I met Roger
several times. Wonderful man and so enthusiastic. He and his
loved ones are in my thoughts.
Rick Crenshaw
===================================
Roger is a standup guy who has faced a lot of adversity with a
WHOLE lot of grace...
I'm wishing him the best possible outcome.
Sincerely,
Rolly Brown
=============================
There are/were people on this list who I've never met and been
the poorer for having not done so. Roger sounds like one of
those people you never forget. Kelly Schuldberg is another.
There are plenty more examples but those two spring to mind.
Chris Huey
===============================
Donna and I heard the news the other day and were deeply
saddened by his condition.
As mentioned, why does this stuff have to happen to the good
guys.
Hang in there Roger. We love you.
Bye for now, Steve Kaufman =================================
This news is so awful I haven't known what to say. I only know
Roger through this list but he has always seemed a gentleman. He has been in my thoughts frequently in the last day or so and
I wish him the best possible recovery.
Chris McEntee
===========================
This is pretty awful news. My thoughts are with Roger. He's
truly one of the nicest people I've ever met.
Mike Maddox
===========================
Heck yeah, Mike... he has to be. He
liked you and he pretended he liked
me! <g>
No report yet here this morning...
the updates will come from
Jerry Noernberg and/or Belinda as
they're in the same town and closer
to the situation and Roger's
family.
I can't get Roger off my mind. Woke
up this morning and prayed for
him before I got out of bed. I've
been going through my pics and
found this one showing Roger doing
2 of the things he absolutely loved
the BEST!
1, playing his Posch #01 and 2,
playing at Kamp with friends. This
was in 2006.
Gary Collier
===========================
that might be the year or so before he brought a brand new Posch
to Kamp, handed it to me on Monday and said "play this all week
and let everyone else you run into play it too." Awesome
guitar. great guy.
Roger needs to recover from this. He really does.
Tommy Jordan
=========================
From your lips, Tommy.
For those who've not met Roger, he's easily one of the
friendliest people you could ever meet. And since we met at
Kamp, that's saying quite a lot. He's instantly likeable and
generous and someone you just know you can trust.
Skip Staples
============================
My thoughts go out to Roger and his family. Again, I never met
Roger in person, but like many on this list, that doesn't
matter, we meet each other here on the list. Betsy Rome
=========================
Beams to Roger, as they say on the Grateful Dead Conference on
The Well.
And to his family and friends. Never met Roger, but hate to
hear this kind of news.
Bob Loomis
Concord CA
=====================
My guess is everyone who has attended Kamp or been on this list
very long has had at least one positive encounter with Roger. He's a gentleman of the first order, and this news breaks my
heart. He'll
definitely be in my prayers.
Elizabeth Herreid
Olympia, WA
==========================
Louie Anderson and Roger Renfro were the first guys I met at
Kamp the first year I went. He is a great guy. You know how when
you meet some people you just know instantly they are great
people? He is one of those kind. Marv Sobolesky
==========================
I am saddened to hear about this news. I met Roger at Kamp in
'08 and yes, he is someone you never forget. A real sweetheart
and a gentleman. Yikes.
I will be praying for him to recover.......
-- Anita Marie Fortney
Berkley, Michigan
==========================
I also wish Roger the best, I met him at Kamp and he showed me
his Posch guitar at Winfield once, hope he pulls through it.
Steve Kilby
=============================
Tim McGaughy called me yesterday to tell me what happened to
Roger. My prayers are with him and his family.
He is such a gracious gentleman and passionate guitarist. I've
always enjoyed our conversations and tunes at Coyote Camp and
Kaufman Kamp.
Coy Wylie
=================================
It saddens me deeply to hear of Rogers condition. I distinctly
remember picking with Roger in the second story "lobby" of the
comfort Inn in Winfield. He was just beginning to have some
problems from the Parkinson's disease. We played a bunch of
fiddle tunes and talked about the virtues of various guitars.
Dreamed about playing faster and better but more about just
being together and sharing the moment. We did that about every
morning. I have missed his presence at Kamp and Winfield. As
Steve said so aptly Roger "is one of the good guys".
I hope and pray he recovers.
Warren Knorr
===============================
Hi Pickers,
This is very difficult news.
Roger, we're keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. You are
the finest of the fine.
XO,
Marcy Marxer
===================================
I never had the privilege of spending any time with Roger. In my
one Kamp week, someone, Norm, I think, pointed him out to me
during one of the concerts, but he was busy talking to others
and I don't remember if we actually spoke or not. But he has
been extremely kind to me on the List, and I really have
appreciated his contributions here. I hate to hear of his
currect condition and will pray for him and his family and
friends.
Randall Runion
====================
So sad to hear the news. My prayers go out to the family.
Joseph Wilbert
================
Thanks for letting us know. Keeping Roger and his family in my
thoughts.
Seth Austen
==============================
i just heard from Roger's wife and his condition is very
critical and he is on a ventilator. She will keep me updated and
I will pass on any news.
Jerry Noernberg
=======================
Gary, Thanks for letting me know. This is terrible.
Carl Yaffey
===========================
He's in my prayers. Such a terrible accident to befall him. :( -Bo Parker
============================
Prayers and blessings to Roger.
Gary Alter
=====================
So sorry to hear this. I will keep Roger and his family in my
prayers.
Will Clark
==================
Last report I had was tonight, and Roger still hasn't regained consciousness. Please keep his family in your prayers, all of
y'all!
Gary Collier
========================
Prayers for the family and Roger, tears for the rest of us. Roger has been
quite a gentleman that I feel privileged to know.
Allen Shadd
============================
The
decision has been made to remove him from life
Saturday morning. Roger has been a dear friend
will miss him-as I know many Flatpik-L members
will. Please keep Roger and his family in your
prayers.
support
to me and I
and others
thoughts and
Jerry Noernberg
===============================
I am very very sad tonight. Jenny
Jenny Talton-Proulx
Queen of All Things Sweet
==============
Very sad news indeed.
Chris McEntee
========================
I recall meeting Roger at Kamp in 2006 and seeing him again in 2007;
friendly, warm, and eager to help Kamp newbies like me fit in and become
part of the Kamp -- and the FP-L family. My thoughts and prayers are with
his family tonight. Allen is right: the privilege has been ours. Chris Thiessen ==================
Roger, Belinda, Tom Stopulos and myself have been e/mailing among the 4 of us for the past year or so discussing Posch guitars, GAS, MAS, Altman mandolins and soooo many other things. Roger started this with Belinda and I and we added Tom to the list after he became part of the Posch family. This sharing, often multiple times during the work day, has brought the 4
of us together and we've gotten closer as a result.
Belinda visited Roger this afternoon. I won't tell her story, but he has some lucidity and can communicate by blinking. His wife Linda explained earlier this week to Roger what had happened. She asked if he understood what happened and he gave her a hard blink. She asked him if he wanted to
be let go and to go off the respirator, to blink 3 times - and he did. Later, she repeated this to him to clarify for herself - and he blinked 3
times again.
All of us who have known Roger - black belt in karate, active mind and body - know he wouldn't want to live in a vegetative state.
I'm numb right now. I'll save my remembrances and feelings for another
post after I've recovered some. Thanks to ALL who have written such
gracious things about Roger. He has been and remains a great friend and a
consummate gentleman. I will miss him terribly. Thank you, Belinda, for
telling him this afternoon that I love him - and thank you, Roger, for
blinking hard so Belinda knew that you understood what she said.
Go with God, my friend.
Gary Collier
===============================
I've only known Roger thru his FPL post and the occassional off list <g>
he'd send in reference at my attempts at humor. I'm honoring him thru song
and letting the tears flow.
This'uns for you Roger. See ya when we see ya maestro!
Ripple
If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung, Would you hear my voice come thru the music, Would you hold it near as it were your own? It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken, Perhaps they're better left unsung. I don't know, don't really care Let there be songs to fill the air. Ripple in still water, When there is no pebble tossed, Nor wind to blow. Reach out your hand if your cup be empty, If your cup is full may it be again, Let it be known there is a fountain, That was not made by the hands of men. There is a road,
Between the dawn
And if you go no
That path is for
no simple highway, and the dark of night, one may follow, your steps alone. Ripple in still water, When there is no pebble tossed, Nor wind to blow. You who choose to lead must follow But if you go you go alone, If you should stand then who's to guide you? If I knew the way I would take you home.
FlatPickHippy (Mike Arant)
=======================
Roger,
God's peace to you, my friend! May your family be at peace in knowing
that you touched so many lives in a positive way and knowing that you are
now free from the afflictions of this world and spreading your goodness
around the streets of Heaven. We are all richer for having known you! Willis Pracht
==========================
This is just so unbelievably sad. Everyone has already said it, but we
can't say it enough. Roger was just the sweetest guy ever. I've visited
with him several times at Kamp over the years, and he was just such a
wonderful, happy person. Didn't he have Posch #1? Maybe it wasn't number
1, but I remember him bringing a very early Posch to kamp one year, and
how thrilled he was with it. I know he loved guitars and music as much or
more than any of us.
My prayers are with him and his family.
Bill Irwin
===============================
This is such a sad story. I never met Roger, but I feel badly for him and
his loved ones. I am sorry that he has had to go through this whole mess.
I feel sorry for his family. Having made a similar decision with my own
father, it's a hurting, hollow feeling. My condolences to his family and
all who called him friend.
Todd Higgins
=====================
Sad tonight. It's so hard to let people we love go.....but go they will,
and go they must, far beyond us. We'll catch up soon, Roger.
Cindy Gray
============================
thank you, Roger, for blinking hard so Belinda knew that you understood what she said.
Go with God, my friend.
Gary Collier
============================
I knew Roger via the list, as I know a lot of you. He was a fan of Posch
guitars, so when I ordered a D-21 from Leo (partly due to the enthusiasm
of Roger and Gary Collier) he and Gary were there as co-conspirators. When
the guitar was finished, Roger went to Leo's and played it. He then sent
me pictures and an enthusiastic description of the guitar, saying
something to the effect that if I didn't like the guitar, something was
wrong with me. In this and subsequent communications, I came to see a man
who was sincere, open, honest and enthusiastic about guitars. I almost
always think of him when I open the case on my Posch D-21. I guess in the
future, I will probably think of him every time.
He will be missed, even by those of us who knew him only through the list
and e-mails.
Bill Nutt
====================
This is very sad news indeed. My thoughts are with Roger and his family.
Our world will certainly be diminished by his absence. I'm glad he's able
to decide for himself how his treatment should be handled. Still, just
unbelievably sad.
Mike Maddox
================================
I first met Roger at Winfield in around 1996. I think we were both newbies
on Flatpick-L, and he had taken the trouble to look at my website,
recognized me, and came up to me under the grandstand and introduced
himself as a fellow list member. That happened two or three years, until
we started both attending Kamp; I’d go, “Oh, yeah! I remember you now!”
Then, with the advent of the Kamp community, I got to really appreciate
what a special guy he was.
Later, when he discussed his whole Parkinson’s Disease condition with me,
I really started to get a glimpse into what a strong, solid individual
lived under that easy-going exterior...
As we go on through life, I get to realize more and more that the real
heroes in life, ...the real warriors...are not the Eli Mannings or Michael
Jordans. They’re the Roger Renfros and the Peter Fryefields....
I’ll miss knowing that he’s around, and my heart aches for his family. The
silver lining is, perhaps, that he’s done with the suffering that was laid
upon his shoulders.
Sadly,
Rolly Brown
==============================
Hi Rolly,
I too only know Roger through the list and I'm sure he would have shown
kindness to this blind guy if I had ever had the occasion to meet him.
I would appreciate it if you could include this little prayer in the work
you and Jerry are doing. Many thanks, Mitch
O Lord ,
Support us all the day long
until the shadows lengthen
and the evening comes
and the busy world is hushed
and the fever of life is over
and our work is done.
Then, in thy mercy,
grant us a safe lodging
and a holy rest
and peace at the last.
"
-John Henry Cardinal Newman 1801 - 1900
From Dave Mitchell
==========================
Terribly sad news. Go with God Roger.
Mark Thatcher
==================================
I met Roger at Kamp some years ago. For me, Roger was one of the people
who make Kamp what it is - a thoroughly enjoyable experience. My most
vivid memory of Roger was the year he brought Leo Posch to Kamp with him
and introduced Leo's guitar, which Roger had purchased, and Leo himself to
all the Kampers. Roger and Leo wound up in our room one night and got in
the middle of a great jam that lasted for hours. Leo played banjo and did
it quite well. Roger was his usually engaging self.
People like Roger are quite rare, at least in my experience. He was
friendly to a fault, always willing to engage complete strangers in
conversation, helpful in any way he could be, and just fun to be around.
That might be the most profoundly sad thing about his passing. The world
needs many more people like Roger, not fewer. I'll certainly miss him.
Mike Maddox
===========================================
Here are two photos from Winfield 2009 and the FPL picture from Kamp 2008.
Andy
======================
Very sad this morning, Sharing my sadness with you all. Go play in the
Heavenly Jam, Roger.
Anita" I would blink 3 times’ Marie
=============================
Rodger was indeed a special person. I knew him through Kamp and Winfield.
His generousity with his instruments and his care and interest in his
friends was inpiring. He will be missed. God Bless Mike Vosika
======================================
Like many of you, I met Roger at Kamp. 2007 for me. Since then, I've
been included on a few of the e-mails that Gary mentioned between the two
of them, Belinda and Tom, particularly when the subject rolled around to
mandolins. Last year, as we were heading to Winfield he was spearheading a grand campaign to get an Altman mandolin in as many hands as
possible. Thanks to Belinda and Dick Daniels, his goal was accomplished.
As much as he loved music, he loved people even more. I came to realize
that shortly after my mom was diagnosed with Parkinson's in late 2009. I
e-mailed Roger asking a question and he said, "just call me". And I did. Over the next two years, multiple times, adding up to two or three hours,
as I had questions, he gave answers.
Our world is a sadder place without him in it. The world, as a whole, is
a sadder place for not having known such a fine man.
Andy Willoughby
=============================================
Heartbreaking....
Several years ago I bought a great (Lucas) guitar from Roger. Previously
I had never met him or really known him from the list∑ That transaction
has since become the benchmark that I always try to aspire for when selling or trading with another GAS enthusiast..
From start to finish every aspect of our interaction was elevated from the
merely mercantile, to that of a caring, profoundly ethical guitar lover
passing stewardship of a treasured instrument to another enthusiast. Every aspect had Roger bending over backwards to do everything conceivable
to make my experience as a potential owner to be as rewarding and
enjoyable as possible.. He enthusiastically forwarded emails with the
builder saved during the build process (he had originally custom ordered
this instrument..), along with extensive step by step pics of the entire
build (as well as detailed descriptions of every trivial minute flaw,
blemish, or possible minor defect..). It actually reminded me of a proud
parent sharing original sonograms of their developing infant. I bought
the guitar (and since sold it..) and continued to keep in touch with
Roger, visit with him at Kamp, and become his friend. I probably can’t
realistically expect to rise to this level in all my guitar transactions, but at least it gives me a standard to strive for.. He is the “gold
standard” for how to treat people in the way that we all wish to be
treated. We‚ve lost another of the really good ones.
Steve Broitman
=================================
In 2008, Roger wasn't planning on going to kamp, and I needed someone to
accompany me on the trip that I make during the last part of week 2 to
conduct the Dreadnoughts Unlimited drawing and meet the scholarship folks.
Roger agreed to ride along with me. We had a great time, Roger and I. We talked about many topics ranging from guitars and mandolins to how to
get more folks to kamp. Roger was a great supporter of kamp and of
Dreadnoughts Unlimited. We talked about getting Leo Posch to build a
guitar for the scholarship, among other things. It was a great trip!
In 2009, I called Roger and he didn't feel up to the trip, but he talked
Jerry Noernberg into going with me. That was a good trip, too.
Whenever we go to Kansas City to see our grandkids, I always try to give
Roger a call. We've met for lunch several times, and it was always like
no time had passed since the last time. Roger was always upbeat and
didn;t have a bad word to say about anyone.
Roger will always be in my memory. A good man to ride the trail with.
Harry Moore
=========================
Harry,
Darcy and I were talking about Roger a couple days ago after we heard the
sad news of his accident. We remembered that you and Roger stopped by the
shop on that trip in 2008, and we were able to have lunch with you before
you got back on the road to Kamp. It is a memory we will treasure. We
will certainly miss Roger, and our prayers are with his family and
friends, and yes, his little dogs, too. I like to think Roger is already
playing music in heaven; even as we, left here on earth, mourn his
passing. He was one of a kind, and a dear man.
Kim Sherman
===========================
Thanks, Kim - that is a great memory, for sure. You and Darcy are
treasures in your own right. Roger is playing music now, for sure!
Harry Moore
==============================
I suspect that I will be among the last to comment about Roger. We met at
Winfield in 2005, I think. Roger had a spectacular Lucas D-238 Brazilian,
but his disease was advancing and he found it difficult to play. I offered my Collings 000-42 for him to to try a smaller size, and we met in Columbia, MO for him to pick up the smaller guitar. The guitar was a fit and he told me about a local maker who was going to build him a small body. That, of course, was Posch #1.
He brought the Collings back to me and stayed the night as we visited the
Folk School of St. Louis, and a couple of local venues. I remember how his eyes sparkled as we talked about guitars and mutual friends.
Last fall I'd hoped he would join me at Winfield. I had a hotel room, my buddies had to cancell for various reasons, and I hoped he would come and
stay with me. When he declined, I knew things were not good.
The degenerative brain diseases are, by and large, pretty awful; losing cognitive and motor function in tiny increments. As horrible as his end was, it was so much better than the alternatives, and he had the good sense to have a "living will" and the good sense to confirm it at the end.
Roger will remain an inspiration to me, as I contemplate the latter years
of life; but I will miss him as a warm friend and human being. He not only touched my life, but changed it.
Bill Miller
=======================================
Hi All
Longtime lurker here, I never met Roger, or Peter, but have enjoyed his
posts for years, and am saddened by the end of his life. So many people
get upset with circumstances in life that are really trivial. It is
remarkable to see an individual deal with real and serious troubles with
such grace, and be such an inspiration to family and friends. Much love
and prayers to his family and all of you for the loss of your dear friend.
Mike Taub
===========================================
Go gently, Roger, and may the Circle be unbroken, by and by. - Betsy Rome
.
===========================================
I didn't know Roger, but the testimony here makes me feel the loss that
those of you who knew him are feeling. My deepest sympathies. The plan to
assemble these e-mails into a tribute is wonderful.
I hope that if my time comes in a way similar to Roger's I have the will
and courage to say adios as he did. Those who knew him were fortunate
indeed.
Bob Loomis
================================================
I met Roger first at Kamp and always enjoyed talking with him there and at
Winfield. He was a gentle soul who loved guitars and hanging out with
others who did too. God Bless Roger and his family. Keith Yoder
=======================================
Never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Renfro, but I, too, enjoyed his
posts. He and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.
May he rest in peace and pick eternally,
Don Jeffcoat
=========================================
That is a wonderful tribute to a man whom by all accounts was much loved
and appreciated. I didn't know him but can't help but feel the loss of his
family and friends.
Fred Blair
=========================================
I'm trying to ease into songwriting by doing what I know best -- prose
writing. And then I hand the story off to a songwriter friend who tries to
turn it into a song.
So I wrote something about Roger, mostly for my own therapy. It's
attached. No pride of authorship. If you want to throw it into the bitbucket I won't be the least bit surprised or offended.
Do with it whatever you want....
The song is still gestating.....
John Bryan
=================John Bryan’s prose piece============
For Roger
our lives were connected by guitar strings and data lines -- the love of a wooden box that could spin
magic, an internet list that let us share jokes (mostly at the expense of banjo players), opinions, songs,
and guitar, always guitar
He had a collection -- many of them made by one guy, a luthier named Leo who it was said could take
lumber and teach it to sing.
We met, finally, after countless messages back and forth, in the foothills of the Smokies, at a music
camp. He was sitting at a picnic table - I later learned - because of Parkinson’s Disease, which made it
difficult for him to walk the span of the college campus where the classes were held.
And he sat there and I shook hands and joined him and we, of course, talked guitars. A grand person,
warm, personable, friendly.
It was the first and last time I’d see him. But the messages kept coming -- the Parkinson’s had gotten
worse, he said. No more music camp. Too much walking.
But still, guitars, and especially the Leo Posch guitars.
He was at the top of the stairs, probably in his home. Gravity, fate, and his body conspired to send him
down the stairs and into a broken heap.
We’d heard he’d fallen -- then came the news that he was paralyzed from the neck down and was
being kept alive by a ventilator -- his brain couldn’t tell his lungs to fill anymore -- the twisted, torn spinal
cord would carry no messages.
But his brain -- it kept on, and the soul, the warmth, the humor, all that was Roger -- was bottled up
there.
The surgeons looked and said the spinal cord was so damaged that recovery was impossible.
We all know what we want -- a miracle. But we know what Roger needs -- to fly free of this wretched
body that was so strong -- he was a martial arts black belt -- but had betrayed him gradually over the
years, and then finally, down a staircase.
He could still blink his eyes. That was all. The doctors and his wife laid down the code: “yes” was three
blinks.
Nothing else mattered.
Came the question: “Do you know what has happened to you?”
Blink. Blink. Blink.
Do you wish to have the respirator turned off?
Blink.
Blink.
Blink.
And so, later this morning, medicine capable of so much and so little at the same time -- will stop trying.
Tears will flow all over the world -- we are strong in number but powerless to do anything but cry and
grieve. Goodbyes will be said in person and in thoughts from all who knew him.
The breathing machine will be turned off.
And Roger will be free. May the music he loved, and the people who loved him, lift him up.
=================end of John Bryan’s prose piece================
To all of Roger's family and loved ones I would like to express my
sympanthy in his passing. I knew Roger through Kaufman Camp and Winfield.
His gentleness, generosity and interest in his friends was inspiring and
surpassed by none. I will miss him stopping by Coyote Camp during
Winfield. God Bless.
Mike Vosika
Midland, Texas
=======================================
I Just looked at my scrapbook that I put together after Kamp
2008. I asked Flatpick-L people to sign my book while I was at
Kamp. Roger signed my
book "In Love and Light, Roger Renfro". I loved that sentiment
then and I
love it even more now.
Anita Marie Fortney
Berkley, Michigan
================================================
This week has seemed surreal since Wednesday morning when I first heard about Roger's accident. Even today, 36 hours past his passing, this all seems like a bad dream to me. I accept what's happened - it's reality but that doesn't mean I like it.
Roger's first post here was on 1/22/01... and he died on 2/11/12. 11 years he spent here, almost to the day.
I'll never forget the night on 1/13/06 that I read Roger's post titled "Posch 000-12 Fret -- #001". You can read it here:
http://tinyurl.com/78bteh6
That post ultimately led to me owning Posch #002 and #009, but the best thing it did was give me a new friend, Roger. Our shared enthusiasm for Leo's guitars brought us together but our shared love for guitars, flatpicking, Kamp, family, God and many other things kept it alive. We e/mailed hundreds, maybe thousands of times in the past 6 years. We talked on the phone more times than I can remember. We loved each other. We supported each other. We encouraged each other.
Today, there's a part of my life that is missing, a hole that will always
be there. Roger was the best kind of friend that you can have... someone who walks in when everybody else is walking out. I knew he was my friend no matter what, and MAN, I miss him.
I put an album together this afternoon of shots I took of Roger at Kamp '
06 and Kamp '08. If anyone has a pic of Roger that they'd like me to add
(for his wife Linda and her family), please e/mail it to me along with a description of who is in the pic, where it was taken, date, etc. You can see the album here:
http://entertainment.webshots.com/album/582324736dADnrM
Gary Collier
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From Tim McGaughy, here’s a foto from Winfield with Allen Shadd, Roger,
and Tim.