We join friends and family in mourning the loss of Victor Livingston Harris-Millroy, better known as Vic Harris, who was in a serious car accident December 17th. Vic, who shared a birthday with Phish keyboardist Page McConnell, had intended to attend the upcoming Madison Square Garden shows. He fought hard, but succumbed to his injuries and passed December 22nd, devastating those who knew him. He is survived by his mother and beloved twin sister, and funeral services will be held this Friday.

The following words in memorial were shared with us by friend Dan Lewis:

Recently the Phish community lost the life of one of its brightest stars, Victor Harris. He was a loving son and twin brother to his sister. He loved his family very much and they were his first priority in his life. Aside from his mother and sister, his friends and music were the other two most important things in his life. He played the bass and fiddled with guitar and drums, playing in a handful of small bands and endless, friendly musical get togethers. He was a true medium and channel for music and sharing it with his friends, loved ones, and anyone who would listen was one of his greatest passions.

In particular, like for so many of his other friends, Phish was held nearest and dearest to his heart as he shared so many memories and made so many friends in his years of touring and seeing shows. His signature red hair, infectious smile, and radiant positive energy made him unmistakable and one of a kind. Throughout his life but especially at shows, he never wore anything but a huge smile on his face and was loved and revered by a far-reaching number of people in our circle. He was one of the guys who always went to the shows and knows all the other people who are always going. The music of Phish is the tie that binded so many relationships in his incredible life. He gave and shared his energy and love through dancing and positive vibrations with anyone and everyone he would meet on his musical journeys. He saw each show as the greatest gift and truly felt that each one was the best show ever.

His life was taken from us on December 22, 2011, after being in a tragic car accident while working on December 17. With the consent of his family he was able to help save six lives through the gift of organ donation. In his passing, he was able to give so much to so many as he did everyday throughout the course of his life. His upcoming plans were to be where he always was every year. He would be spending the holidays with his family, followed by going to all four nights at Madison Square Garden to be with his friends and see his favorite band. It is safe to say that many hundreds of people who knew him, if not into the thousands of those who had heard and prayed for a fellow phan , will be coming together at Madison Square to celebrate, honor and remember his life. It is inspiring and powerful to think of how wide of an impact one person had on so many members of the fanbase. As always, the coming together as a community and healing through the power of love and music will get us through these difficult times. His spirit will continue to live on through the music via his many friends, the love we all share of him and memories of the endless musical adventures we shared together.

May he forever rest in peace.
Victor Harris 05/17/79 – 12/22/2011

We join friends and family in mourning the loss of Christopher John Burnside, known on “PT” (phantasytour.com) as “cburnside”, who passed away unexpectedly December 31st, 2010. The Chronicle-Telegraph (Elyria, OH) provided this obituary:

Christopher John Burnside, 30, of Grafton, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, December 28, 2010. He was born July 6, 1980 in Elyria.

Christopher worked as a restaurant server, and attended The University of Toledo. He was a 1998 Midview High School graduate, and had earned an Associate degree in Psychology from L.C.C.C. Christopher treasured spending time with his family. He enjoyed writing, music and was gifted with the ability to talk to people.

Survivors include his parents, John Steven and Connie Ann (nee Young) Burnside of Grafton; a sister, Stephanie A. Burnside of Elyria; and his girlfriend, Nicole Slavik. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.  Christopher was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dewey and Pauline (nee Helmick) Burnside and Tom and Penny (nee Griffith) Young.

Friends may call Sunday, January 2, 2011, from 1 to 4 P.M.,  at The Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home, 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt. 57), Elyria (440) 322-4626, where funeral services will be at 10 A.M., Monday, January 3, 2011.  The Reverend Rick Stein, of First United Presbyterian Church in Elyria, will officiate. Burial will be at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Avon.

Memorial contributions, in Christopher’s memory, can be sent to The Elyria Public Library, 1194 West River Rd., Elyria, OH 44035.

Online condolences can be left for the family atlaubenthalmercadofuneralhome.com

The Mockingbird Foundation, its board members, and the various working groups join friends and family in celebrating the life and mourning the sudden passing of long-time fan and online friend Julia McAllister.

Julia succumbed to complications related to epilepsy, unexpectedly but peacefully, in her sleep on Wednesday, November 24, 2010, at age 38.

She passed at the side of her devoted fiancé Brian Sherman, to whom she was scheduled to be married this Christmas, followed by a New York City honeymoon.

As someone posted on her Facebook page, “With the wave of her sparkly pink wand she is gone to a place where Phish always plays, the sandwiches are fresh, the flamingos flock, the grammar is correct, the spelling is perfect and the ice cube caddy is full.”

Julia is also remembered in recent threads on the Vibes Forum (“We’ve lost a ray of sunshine”) and Jambands.ca (“Rest in Peace, Patchoulia”), and will long be remembered through her blog and other online venues.

From her obituary…

Future daughter-in-law to Heather and David Sherman, who will cherish the time they had with Julia. To be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her family – father Thomas McCourt and wife Karen, sisters, Lisa Harber (Shawn), Megan McCourt and brother Tommy McCourt. Aunt to Brodie and Marleah. Predeceased by her Dad William McAllister who raised Julia with unconditional love and support. Survived by Dixie Robinson whom Julia called Mom. Remembered by countless friends, many referred to as family – especially her best friend and sister Gill – and all of her colleagues at Rogers Communications.
Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., Toronto, at Windermere, east of the Jane subway, on Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Wednesday December 1, 2010 at 3 p.m. If desired, remembrances may be made to Epilepsy Canada or The Mockingbird Foundation.

There will also be a memorial gathering in Glen Falls, NY, on December 11th.

We join others in mourning the loss of dear friend and avid Phish fan John D. Oberschmidt (aka BlizzardGarcia), and present these words and pictures, provided by friends and family:.

Obituary

John David Oberschmidt of Saginaw passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 21, 2010. He was 30 years old, born on March 10, 1980 in Saginaw. He was a Saginaw Heritage High School Graduate in 1998 and then furthered his education at Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration.

He enjoyed his entrepreneurship as a co-owner of Celebration Hall in Saginaw and general manager of West Bay Storage in Bay City. John was a great lover of sports. He was on the golf, tennis and ski teams at Heritage High School, and also competed for the Central United States Ski Association Ski Team.

John’s life was an adventure as he traveled throughout the United States and Europe. He enjoyed all sorts of music and was an avid lover of Phish. John’s greatest joy was his family, especially his mother, father, sister, step-dad and his dog, Blizzard (pictured at right, with John). He loved a good conversation and could easily hold his own about most any topic. John had a heart of gold, was a loyal friend and always championed the underdog. He possessed a quick wit and an amazing sense of humor. John did indeed take the road less traveled and it made all the difference.

John is survived by his father, David Oberschmidt; mother and step-father, Jeanie (Robert) Quinn, all of Saginaw; sister, Heidi (Scott) Gates of Alhambra, CA; nephew, Oliver Alexander Gates; niece, Vivian Mackenzie Gates; step-brother, Ryan Quinn; step-sister, Kelly (Jim) Hansinger; and his step-nephew, Jackson Hansinger; and his Godfather and Godmother: Dr. Malcom Pike and Janis McMasters. He is preceded in death by his grandparents: John Chester and Eileen Brunette and William and Brigetta Oberschmidt.

The funeral program included the words to Robert Frost’s “The Road Less Travelled” on the inside and the lyrics to Phish’s “All of These Dreams” on the back. (The latter debuted 1/3/03 at Hampton Colliseum; John is pictured there with best friend Don, at below right).

PT (PhantasyTour) Thread

Donations may be made via Paypal (using Paypal directly, or a credit card through a Paypal account) via the link below; or by sending a check, payable to the Mockingbird Foundation, c/o The Godards, 6948 Luther Circle, Moorpark, CA 93021. The Mockingbird Foundation is an all-volunteer nonprofit (501c3) founded by Phish fans to support music education for children through small strategic grants to scores of special programs. The Foundation is all-volunteer – with no paid staff, office, or honoraria, and administrative costs below 1% – and has been founded and managed entirely by Phish fans, including a geographically dispersed board of directors.

We join others in mourning the loss of dear friend and avid Phish fan Gregg “Skip” Lobdell, and present these words and pictures, provided with his family’s input and approval through friend Rachel Seegar and sister Lisa Martel:

Skip will always be remembered for his generous nature and love of life. He touched the lives of all who knew him. A friend like Skip is hard to find. His energizing spirit, love of music, beautiful smile and sweet ways will be greatly missed. He was a master of ticketing strategy and reservations, an enthusiastic sports fan, a musician, collector of art, long time public servant, and a great wit. He was one in a million, and will be deeply missed.

We ask that you continue to honor Skip’s spirit of giving by donating to the Mockingbird Foundation. Educating children on the beauty of music and giving them a sense of community is something we know would have brought him great joy. Please help change the lives of others in Skip’s memory by making a donation in his name.

Obituary

Gregg, 37, died suddenly on Sunday, May 02, 2010. Born in Albany, he was son of Irving Lobdell and Denise Carroll Lobdell of Averill Park and beloved friend of Allison Haber Wren and daughter Ava of San Diego. He was raised in Averill Park and was a graduate of Averill Park High School and Clarkson University.

Skip was an engineer for U.S. Geological Survey in Poway, CA for the past 17 years. He was a member of Beta Tau fraternity and enjoyed many hobbies including investing in art, playing drums, Phish and electronics and technology.

Survivors in addition to his parents and girlfriend include his sister, Lisa L. Martell of Long Beach, NY and numerous family and friends.

A celebration of his life gathering will be held May 15th at the Burden Lake County Club from 1-5pm. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Gregg ‘Skip’ Lobdell to The Mockingbird Foundation, http://mockingbirdfoundation.org is a foundation which supports music education for children. Donations may also be mailed, as a check or money order (no cash, please) payable to the Mockingbird Foundation, sent to c/o The Godards, 6948 Luther Circle, Moorpark, CA 93021.

For a private family guest book, visit www.brycefh.com.

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Donations in Gregg’s memory may be made via Paypal (using Paypal directly, or a credit card through a Paypal account) via the link below; or by sending a check, payable to the Mockingbird Foundation, c/o The Godards, 6948 Luther Circle, Moorpark, CA 93021.

The Mockingbird Foundation is an all-volunteer nonprofit (501c3) founded by Phish fans to support music education for children through small strategic grants to scores of special programs. The Foundation is all-volunteer – with no paid staff, office, or honoraria, and administrative costs below 1% – and has been founded and managed entirely by Phish fans, including a geographically dispersed board of directors.

We join others in mourning the loss of dear friend and avid Phish fan Nicole Griffith, and present these words and pictures, provided with her family’s input and approval through a dear friend..

Our dear friend Nicole Camille Griffith (“Niki”, June 5, 1977 – December 6, 2009) passed away peacefully in her sleep during the early morning hours of December 6, 2009 due to complications from a respiratory infection. Though she only graced this earth briefly, she was able to touch the lives of many people in her 32 years. Her infectious laugh, kindness and sense of mischief always made her someone you wanted to be around.

Music, specifically Phish, played a huge roll in Niki’s life. She spent many days getting tickets and logged countless miles on her car all to get to the next show. She loved their music as it brought her pure joy. Even more than just the music, Phish gave Niki a community where she belonged. Phish provided the soundtrack to her life, and the friends she made because of the band contributed to her happiness. Over the years she played an active role in many Phishy communities including the Phunky Bitches, Phantasy Tour & The Jam Girlz. Through these groups she was able to connect with some of her closest friends who are all thankful that she touched our lives.

Niki had a sticker on her mirror which read ‘I’m not nice, I’m kynd’ and she lived up to this adage throughout her life. She had compassion for others and was always sharing her smile and giving everyone the benefit of the doubt. While Niki caught a lot of tough breaks in her day, she never let it break her beautiful spirit. She wanted people to feel good, to have hope-and she always found a way to make that happen for them.

Those who love Niki ask that you continue to honor her spirit and remember her kindness by donating to the Mockingbird Foundation. We believe that Niki would have found this as the ultimate gesture of kindness. Educating children on the beauty of music and giving them sense of community through it is something we know she would have found important. Music changed her life for the better and brought her joy. We ask that you help create the joy that will changes the lives of others by making this donation her name.

Niki is survived by her loving father Mark Griffith, mother Nancy Goforth and her sister Claire Goforth as well as her boyfriend Chris and long time feline companion, Jazzy, as well hundreds of friends all over the country.

“When we were young we thought life was a game, but then somebody leaves you and you’re never the same. All of the places and people belong to the puzzle but one of the pieces is gone and it’s you , it’s you, It’s you, Joy, it’s you.” -Phish

Donations may be made via Paypal (using Paypal directly, or a credit card through a Paypal account) via the link below; or by sending a check, payable to the Mockingbird Foundation, c/o The Godards, 6948 Luther Circle, Moorpark, CA 93021. The Mockingbird Foundation is an all-volunteer nonprofit (501c3) organization of Phish fans that supports scores of special programs that provide music education for children. The Foundation is all-volunteer, with no paid staff or office, and founded and managed entirely by Phish fans.

We join others in mourning the loss of dear friend and avid Phish fan Walter Blackler. Walt, known to many as “Sickyshred” or simply “Sicky”, will always be remembered for his love of life and his passion for music. Walt touched the lives of all who knew him, and his energetic and philosophical nature was felt by even those that “only knew him online in the pt community”. Those friends, have written these words…

W alt had a fantastic life, and it’s been said by friends that he lived at ‘Triple Speed’ – always doing something and going somewhere so that, although it seems that we lost him so young, he really lived to be 99.

Walt had a huge personality, and his presence was felt online by many where he was known to be ‘tearing up the boards’ with his posting abilities under his alter-ego “Sickyshred.” To say Sicky was hilarious would be an understatement. He was funny and kind and sincerely enjoyed discussing and debating his views on life and music. In a truly ironic PT twist (which Sicky would have relished), he participated in many of the board’s conversations about playing DJ at your own funeral. In his memory, he’d want the selections he made to be heard by everyone – for their own musical education and to always remember the crazy, joking guy we all love.

In keeping with Walt’s constant quest to find and educate himself on all forms of amazing music, his friends ask that you please donate to the Mockingbird Foundation in his name. After receiving his wife’s blessing, we believe that Walt would have wanted others to know the beauty of music and how it can inspire.

“If you ever think of me, kneel down and kiss the earth
and show me what this thought is worth.” – Phish

Walt’s Obituary

Walter H. Blackler IV, 33, of Marietta, NY, died on June 13, 2007. Since 2004, he worked with his father at Apple Acres, LLC after spending eight years in New York City in the information technology field. He was a graduate of Skaneateles High School and Cornell University.

Walter traveled extensively and loved new experiences, music and ideas. He was an avid fisherman, who always returned his catch to the water. He made his family and friends laugh with his wit and humorous observations.

He is survived by his wife and best friend, Maura FitzGerald Blackler; his parents, Patricia and Walter H. Blackler III of Skaneateles; sisters, Anne Marie (Harris) Reynolds of Houston, TX, Ellen (Francis McNally) Blackler of Takoma Park, MD, Laurel (Daniel) Grow of Longmeadow, MA and Catherine (Derek Raymond) Blackler of Rochester; his parents-in-law, Dr. Michael and Margaret FitzGerald of Skaneateles and their children; and his 11 nieces and nephews.

Donations in lieu of flowers to the Skaneateles Historical Society or the Stella Maris Retreat Center. A Funeral Mass will be offered Saturday at 11 a.m. in St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Skaneateles. Calling Hours are Friday 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, 49 Jordan St., Skaneateles.
Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 6/15/2007.

“Never had to think twice always knew my home was in paradise.”
- The Disco Biscuits

Songs to Remember Walt By:

• Amazing Grace – Phish
• Superwoman – Stevie Wonder
• Box of Rain – Grateful Dead
• Friday Night August 13 – Funkadelic
• I want to know if it good for you baby – Funkadelic

• Porcelain – Moby

• 

  Eternity’s Breath Part 1 – Mahavishnu Orchestra

• Eternity’s Breath Part 2 – Mahavishnu Orchestra
• Natty Dread – Bob Marley & the Wailers
• One Drop – Bob Marley & the Wailers
• Revelation in Black Light – Bernie Worrell
• Home Again – The Disco Biscuits
• Dirt – Phish 12-11-97
• Mike’s Song – Phish 4-21-92 (his favorite Phish track ever)

Memorial Contributions

With the blessing of Walt’s wife, friends at PhantasyPhish have been making and encouraging memorial contributions in Walt’s name to the Mockingbird Foundation. We are honored to have received over $1,500 in such donations, from dozens of friends and family members. (“PT” aliases are given in parentheses.)

The Mockingbird Foundation is an all-volunteer nonprofit (501c3) organization of Phish fans that supports scores of special programs that provide music education for children.

Other Memorials to Walt

• Obituary in the Syracuse Post Standard
• Memorial Guestbook (with messages from several dozen local friends)
• Flowers left at Find-A-Grave

John Hall, bassist for the funk-jazz band Addison Groove Project, passed away at about 2 a.m. last Friday morning. Hall, who had turned 25 less than a week earlier, was a devoted Phish fan and well respected by those who knew him. His family has asked that donations be made to the Mockingbird Foundation in his memory, as indicated in this touching obituary, assembled from several sources:

John Skinger Hall, 25, of Wellesley, MA, died at home on Friday, November 26th, 2004, after a seventeen month battle with colorectal cancer. He was 25.

A musician and a founding member of the jazz-funk band Addison Groove Project, John attended elementary school in Middlebury, VT, and graduated from Wellesley High School. He graduated with a degree in English (creative writing) from Skidmore College in 2003, and, during his undergraduate years, he toured extensively with Addison Groove Project.

John is surveid by his parents Reverand Addison Curtis Hall and Jody Skinger Hall of Wellesley; sister Frances E. Hall of Portland, OR; and grandmother Constance (Adams) Skinger of Wellesley, formerly of Stowe and Middlebury, VT, and the late Joseph A. Skinger and Mary (Curtis) Hall of Ashfield, MA, and the late Richard S. Hall. John is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visiting hours will be at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 79 Denton Rd. Wellesley, MA on Thursday, December 2nd, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. The funeral will be at St. Andrew’s Church on Saturday, December 4th at 2:00 p.m.

Donations may be made to The Mockingbird Foundation (supporting music education for children), c/o The Godards, 6948 Luther Circle, Moorpark, CA. 93021, or HealthCare Dimensions Hospice, 40 Woerd Ave., Suite 102, Waltham, MA. 02453, Attn: Jennifer Harding.

We extend condolences to his family, friends, and fans, and welcome you to join us in remembering his life and art. If you have a photograph, service program, or other rememberance of John which you would like us to share with other fans, please send them to ellis@mbird.org.

Memorial Contributors

On behalf of John’s family, the Mockingbird board is honored to have received donations in John’s memory from…

* Margaret and Robert Abrahamson
* David C. Adams
* Valerie and Hale Andrews
* Mary Lou Ashton
* Denise Bacon
* David and Meredith Babbott
* Susan and James Belanger
* Raymond N. ligh
* David and Hope Boghosian
* Mark and Elizabeth Bono
* Nora Bredes
* Stephen and Nancy Calderwood
* John and Harriet Carey
* Michael G. Champion
* David and Bevra Cole
* Lorraine and John Cross
* The Rt. Rev. George E. and Ruth M. Councell
* John and Olga Dalton
* John D’Auria
* Adam and Stacy Diliberto
* Norman and Alys Dorian
* William and Ann Elders
* The Ellis Family (William R. Ellis and Mary E. Crown)
* Shirley and Bill Emerson
* Nelson T. Everts
* Courtney Fennimore
* Donald and June Fitzgerald
* Linda and James Gallo
* Natalie and Jim Garland
* Stephen and Gardner Gibson
* The Gignaffini Family (Pamela and Louis)
* Mark and Lisa Hastings
* Frances and Michael Hawkey
* Pamela S. and Alan K. Henrikson
* Barbara and Bernard Horan
* James and Ruth Hubert
* Cynthia and Sam Hunt
* Carol R. Jankowski
* Nicole Jochec
* Mrs. Ingrid Kainen
* Katherine F. Kelly
* Zenaida Kim
* Gillian Kolodny
* Lynda LaRoche
* William and Leslie Lee
* Alice E. La Roche
* David and Jean Littlefield
* Richmond and Eleanor Littlefield
* Deborah S. Lorenz
* Suzie and Jack MacKenzie
* Katherine J. Maly
* George E. and Merrilyn D. Marsh
* John P. McWilliams
* Norma and Haig Megerian
* Susan Hazelett Miller and Dan Miller
* Jayne and Kevin Moore
* Bill and Peggy Morrison-Curtis, and Mary D. Curtis
* Virginia M. Murray and Clayton Boyle
* Dorrie Parini
* Alice N. Perine
* Jeffrey D. Pollack
* Honoree Fleming and Ron Powers
* Frederic B. and Grantha L. Preston
* Linda and Laurence Reineman
* Louise S. Rogers, on behalf of Kerry Richmond
* Charles Rourke
* Lawrence and Cynthia Scott
* Ashvin K. Shah
* Dr. J. Austin Sowles
* Connie L. Staats
* Patricia Strange
* Charlotte and Timothy Surgenor
* Margaret Taylor
* Katherine Teetor
* Regan Teti
* The Rev. Frederick W. Thayer
* Philip and Jean Valence
* Roberta C. Vock
* R Carlin Walsh
* The Wellesley Montessori School, Inc.
* Ralph and Mary West
* Virginia B. Wickwire
* Kathy Willard, DLC Corp / Don Law Company
* The Woerner Family
* Elisabeth Woodbury
* Amy Yavitz
* Peter Yurchak
* Margaret N. and Paul M. Zusky

We mourn the loss of this young Phish fan, whose life touched so many. We extend our condolences to his family, who have asked that donations be made to the Mockingbird Foundation in his name. Meanwhile, Andrew’s girlfriend Sara De Francesco is working on a scrapbook to memorialize Andrew’s life and passing, and welcomes your contributions. Included below are Andrew’s obituary, contents contents of the program from his service, and excerpts from service readings…

Obituary from the Burlington Free Press:

SHELBURNE – Andrew Steele Briggs, 18, of Shelburne died Monday, Nov. 5, 2001, in Salem, Va., while doing what he loved most – following the music.

Andrew was a true original. His unique and witty personality drew to him a large circle of friends and admirers. His love of music was the cornerstone of his existence; he traveled widely and explored the world with a zest for life. His strong convictions and loyalty will be remembered by everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

Andrew was born in Burlington on March 25, 1983, and grew up in Shelburne. He is survived by his mother, Joan Schillhammer Briggs of Shelburne; his father, James F. Briggs of Bridgeport; sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Peter Rees and their children Benjamin Steele and Emma Catherine, of Charlotte, N.C.; brother, William R. Briggs of Winooski; his maternal grandparents, Richard and Irene Schillhammer of Burlington; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his beloved dog, Jinx, and cat, Stella. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Gardner and Nancy Briggs of Burlington. He also leaves a tremendous circle of friends that spans the country, including his soul mate Sara DeFrancesco of Williston.

A special thank you to his uncles, Alan Schillhammer and Steven Briggs, for their continuous support.

Visiting hours will be Thursday, Nov. 8, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Shelburne Funeral Chapel of Corbin and Palmer Funeral Home, 209 Falls Road, Shelburne. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. in the Charlotte Congregational Church, 403 Church Hill Road, Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Vermont Cares, 361 Pearl St., Burlington, in memory of Chris Reed, “The Pretzel Man” or The Mockingbird Foundation, Inc. (a non-profit organization of Phish fans to generate proceeds for charity focused in the area of music education for children).

Service Program

In Celebration of Andrew Steele Briggs

Prelude
Opening Words – Pastor Will Burhans
Invocation – Pastor Will Burhans
Song: “Eyes of the World” * –   Grateful Dead
Readings: “Joanie” * – Elizabeth Briggs Rees
“Dirge without Music” * – Alfred Rosa
Scripture: Revelation 21 (selected verses) – Pastor Will Burhans
Pastoral Reflection – Pastor Will Burhans
Celebration Song – Colin Thompson
Remembrances of Friends & Relatives – Jim Stillman *, Steven Briggs *, Sara DeFrancesco, Lee Martin, Tricia Condon*, William Briggs, Jamie Stillman *
Closing Prayer – Pastor Will Burhans
Closing Song: “Amazing Grace” * – {the celebrants}
Litany of Remembrance
Benediction – Pastor Will Burhans
Postlude: “And We Bid You Goodnight” * & “Not Fade Away” * – Grateful Dead”

Excerpts from each of the Readings:
From “Eyes of the World”, by the Robert Hunter:

Sometimes we live no particular way but our own,
And sometimes we visit your country and live in your home.
Sometimes we ride on your horses, sometimes we walk alone.
Sometimes the songs that we hear are just songs of our own.

From “For Joanie”, by Edgar Guest:

We’ll shelter him with tenderness, we’ll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we’ve known forever grateful stay;
But shall the angels call for him much sooner than we’ve planned,
We’ll brave the bitter brief that comes and try to understand.

From “Dirge without Music”, by Edna St. Vincent Millay:

I am not resigned to the shutting away of loving hearts in the hard ground.
So it is, and so it will be, for so it has been, time out of mind;
Into the darkness they go, the wise and the lovely.
Crowned with lilites and laurel they go; but I am not resigned.

From “Poem for Andrew”, by Jim Stillman:

Tragedy has ended the wanderings of a young man who,
One might say, lived like a cat…
Approaching, then wandering off,
Wanting comfort, then slipping away
To follow the music, and find himself.

Words by (Uncle) Steve Briggs:

…He made you special because of the passion he brought to your relationship. His intelligence challenged your own, forcing insight. You loved being with him because he was outrageously fun. And you feared his sensitivity would hurt him more than he could bear.

…You can’t believe that a casual decision, probably an act of social graciousness more than one of self-indulgence, could have such disastrous consequences.

…You lost much of your future. But your future is unbounded. Your anger, guilt and grief will fade. But the funny stories will be told, his hijinx will be exaggerated, and he will be missed. He was such good company.

Words by Tricia Condon:

I can sense you beside me when I feel the earth
between my toes and see the sun’s first morning glow.
I remember that morning, you sat on a small rock not five feet away,
playing with your hair, and telling me life’s not always fair…. Briggsy, I can hear you say: “Let me pluck the flowers that blow,
and let me listen as I go
to music rare
that fills the air;
and let hereafter
songs of laughter
fill every pause along the way;
and to my spirit let me say;
those who have never known sorrow
can not know the infinite peace
that falls on the troubled spirit
when it sees at last release.

Remembrances by Jamie Stillman:

Precious, jovial, soft, cute little kitten. Always searching for the perfect back rub, the perfect note, the perfect jam, the perfect show, the perfect tour, The perfect Briggsy. He’s out there now in the perfect band, a symphony of souls playing the music of the gods, a divine eternal melody which permeates the universe. Now he will always play the perfect notes in the perfect jam in the perfect show in the greatest tour you could ever dream of.

I owe a lot to Andrew, he opened up my musical world, he brought me to my first Phish show, my second Phish show, and he brought me a lot of good times at many shows since then. I am eternally grateful for what I learned from, and loved about Andrew. He changed my world for the better, he helped shape me into who I am today. He brought me laughs and smiles, and tears I never knew that I had inside of me.

Just before I left for the west coast this fall, I had one last jam with Andrew, just him and me in my basement going through the regular repertoire of Phish songs, and I remember just being happy with him. He played better than I had ever heard him play, and he had this look on his face like there was no other place he would rather be. He was just happy, playing his song in his own peculiar way: The Beautiful Manner of Briggsy. I’m so glad that I was able to have that one last jam with him in this realm, now I just have to wait to catch up with him out there, and he’ll already be warmed up and ready to play into eternity.

From “Amazing Grace” (traditional):

Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come.
T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far…
and Grace will lead us home.

From “And We Bid You Goodnight”, by the Grateful Dead:

Lay down my dear brother, lay down and take your rest,
Won’t you lay your head upon savior’s chest
I love you all, but Jesus loves you the best
And we bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight

From “Not Fade Away“, by Buddy Holly:

My love is bigger than a Cadillac.
I try to show you but you drive me back.
Your love for me has got to be real;
You’re gonna know just how I feel.
Our love is real, not fade away.

Memorial Contributions

In memory of his vigorous love of music and his affinity for Phish, Andrew Briggs’ family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the Mockingbird Foundation. Gifts will be deposited immediately for assistance in disbursements currently underway.

The Mockingbird Foundation is an all-volunteer grantmaking organization, and a 501(c)3 designated (tax-exempt) nonprofit public benefit corporation. We have no salaries, paid staff, office or debts, and donate all our net proceeds to music education for children. For information on past grantees, please see our funding summary.

Donations are acknowledged on our website, and contributors are immediately mailed a letter for tax purposes.

On behalf of Andrew’s family, the Mockingbird board is honored to have received donations to the Foundation is Andrew’s memory from:

• Cheryl Eichen
• Gary M. and Harriet R. Mace
• Kristen Briggs
• Katherine S. and Edward W. Van Woert
• Stevenson and Lynda Waltien
• Vermont Oxford Network Inc.
• Jim and Lynn Stillman Jr.
• Reverend Will Burhans
• Bryan Shipman
• Nancy Morse
• James W. and Jill R. Coffrin
• James B. Stillman Jr.
• Joan S. Briggs
• Elizabeth A. Rosa
• The Goulette Family
• John and Tricia Waldron
• Zachary J. Nola
• Suzanne Fay
• Gordon and Karen Amidon
• Arline F. and Rowland E. Peterson
• Robet A. Denison
• Frances Gluck
• Elizabeth Rees
• Janet C. Tilley
• Stephen M. J. Carey
• Fran, Michael, and Courtney Brennan
• Lee, Rocky, and Curtis Martin
• Allen, Marti, Jonathan, and Sarah Webster