Wheezer Society

Ann Brownell Memorial Essay

Steve Duin, The Oregonian columnist has another reading contest in the works. You can read his column here. The reading contest has three awards:
1. most pages read.
2. most pages read by a school-aged reader.
3. best essay on the year's reading experience.

The third award for best essay has been given the moniker of "The Ann Brownell Memorial Essay" after our Grant High School classmate and fellow Mikado cast member.

The Ann Brownell Memorial Essay, honors the most provocative reflection on the year's reading experience. Duin named the best-essay award after Ann Brownell, who died of breast cancer in 2008, because "the power of her feelings made me dizzy", said Duin.

That's fellow Wheezer Mike Murnin with Ann on New Years Eve 2007

Gobble! Gobble!**

From all of us at The Wheezer Society

Remembering A Friend

Today we attended a memorial gathering for our friend and fellow Wheezer, Neil Sterett. I was a wonderful gathering with an amazing turn out. There were well over 100 people in attendance. The venue was perfect, which was McMenamin's Kennedy School.

Neil's parents had a unique idea to share their son's talents with everyone - they had a few tables set up with memorabilia including lots of Neil's artwork, science fiction collectables, photos and knick knacks.

It was fun to see some items we hadn't seen in years. Especially some of Neil's artwork from the late 70's. Really excellent stuff.

Then there were several other tables that had items for "sale" in a silent auction format. The items were some amazing things Neil created, including the 'bludgeonaire' and some artwork used in the or "What's On?" videos. Anyone who wanted to bid on the items could do so, high bidder then makes a donation to the Oregon Humane Society in the amount of their winning bid. A very nice way to honor Neil's memory and his love of dogs.

We also debuted the parody Neil wrote and performed for Sequent Computers 13th Anniversary back in 1996 - "Sequent Agent Man" You can view on YouTube

Neil touched many people's life in many different ways - but the one thing common was his unique sense of humor. Neil could find humor in every situation and he could have you wheezing in a few minutes. Fellow Wheezer Jay Amicarella wrote a column a few weeks ago about Neil - I suggest you read it (or re-read it). LINK.

While much of Neil's humor was self-depreciating, he was able to disarm you with his quick wit and snappy comebacks, allowing you to be 'in' on the joke. That feeling, that connection he was able to make allowed, people to let down their guard and embrace this funny, witty and wonderful person that is greatly missed.

There are videos from "Furious Furniture" and "What's On?" on YouTube. They can be accessed from The Wheezer Society website. We will be sharing more videos, artwork and stories in celebration of Neil's life over the next several weeks. Enjoy.

Celebrate Neil

Neil would have celebrated his 54th birthday today. We're all thinking of you, buddy!

Neil Lee Sterett - Celebration of Life 11/15/09

Neil Lee Sterett
Nov 5, 1955 -
Sept 14, 2009

Neil died leaving behind broken hearts and puzzled friends and family. He will be remembered as a witty, creative and caring friend to many people.

He was said to be the funniest member of the "Wheezer Society," eight guys who have been buddies since high school. They chose the name "wheezers" because they laughed so hard they couldn't breathe.

Neil graduated from Fir Grove Elementary in Beaverton and Hillsboro High School. After two years of college he joined Tektronix, where he worked first in graphics design and later in computer information systems. He then worked for Sequent in computer systems where he was instrumental in developing the audio and video for long-distance video conferencing. He then joined Omneon Video Networks in product development.

Also self-employed for several years, Neil made use of his experience and talent with photography, computers and art to create videos and slide presentations. His main interest was in science fiction. He used computer technology to restore art from old sci-fi magazines, some dating before 1940. His restorations were of the highest quality and were used in creating poster size enlargements. Through his business, SciFiVisuals, he became a resource to science fiction collectors.

Neil is survived by his father and stepmother, Jack and Deanna Sterett; his mother and stepfather, Deloris and Jim Adler; and brother, Phil Sterett and his life partner, Karen Way.

There will be a celebration of life for Neil from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, at McMenamins Kennedy School in Portland.

Gifts in his memory may be made to the Oregon Humane Society. You can contribute online at http://ohs.convio.net/goto/Neil.Sterett

Neil Sterett 1955 - 2009

As Jay mentioned so eloquently as few days ago, Wheezer Society member, frequent contributor and good friend Neil Sterett passed away last Monday. The Wheezers were lucky enough to have know Neil since we were around 16 years old. Almost 40 years.

Besides all the other things we have in common, everyone could agree that could make us laugh. And I don't mean chuckle. I mean Neil could get us laughing so hard where we'd run out of breath and start choking and wheezing (hence, The Wheezer Society). Whether it was a comment on his latest run in with a Best Buy employee, or the non-PC joke about the latest disaster, Neil's unique observations and view of the world could have anyone of us in wheezing in an instant.



Around Thanksgiving a few years back, Jay wrote, "After reading some of your recent mail, let me say belatedly, that I have always bragged over the years about my acquaintance with you Gentlemen, whether it be about Steve's artistic abilities, Kneel's art and acid humor, Scott acting and drawing, Mike's acting/directing, Tom's driving (!), Byers' photography, Phillips' humor, et-al...it has been nothing but a pleasure knowing you all."

Neil quickly responded, "That is very well said Jay. I hope all of you will have a fun Thanksgiving and that your white meat gets along with your dark meat this year. It would be great to all get together prior to Christmas. Again Jay, a very fine way to put in to words what we all feel about our hideously talented crew of assassins." Only could Neil could bring us back to earth from Jay's caring sentiments.

Over the next few months, as the impact of losing Neil becomes more real, all of us will be sharing our thoughts, remembrances, photos, videos and illustrations. Because our friendships have endured all these years (as Neil called it a "rubber band of brothers") in sharing, we remain a group. Even though Neil can't be here in body, he's definitely here in spirit.

Happy Labor Day

Happy Birthday Sergio Aragones!

(cartoon by Sergio)

Karloff's Koffin Guest Ted Kennedy

Doug's Farm

Doug Byers is having a farm sale. Seriously. Next Monday, he's taking in taking in his herd of hen's for execution. You can place your order for one of these fresh, free-range hen's at Doug's website Doug's Farm dot com.
You can also read all about his nurturing system for raising his hen's like they are family. Naturally.