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.
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.
Hi All,
It is a sad day for all that knew Neil. I have a lot of very fine memories of my friend Neil ( The Mogul King )and our days of skiing at Mt Hood while in high school. He always made the day of skiing very interesting while on the slopes and in the back of the ski bus :-]..
Sorry I was not able to see you more often and we will keep the memories in a special place.
Your Friend
Mike McCoy
Posted by: Mike McCoy | October 18, 2009 at 06:47 PM
...I cannot express how influential Neil was in forming my own artistic expression, be it music, (he hated the blues, but, he later came around when I was making a bit of money in a blues band!). Electronic music....
Neil and I were involved in a musical project called "The Modern Appliances", ....several Mega-Hits came out of our collaboration, such as, "My Favorite Abutment" (which Neil sung in a perfect german accent!!) , "Metal State", The theme from "Space Pilots", "Brain-stem Nightclub", "Industrial Girls" and many unreleased experimental sessions. Nearly all of the recycled "What's On?" soundtrack was produced by Neil and I on a simple four track analog master.
He made me rise above complacency, he and I had a similar vision. We were of a common mind. He helped me express my abilities and talents in ways that I will never forget. I owe a very great debt to Neil Lee Sterett.
Posted by: Charles Ruggles | September 25, 2009 at 04:37 PM