In Loving Memory
John Denver
December 31, 1943 - October 12, 1997
Paul Lehto has written a beautiful essay entitled "In Defense of the Heart: Diana and Denver", reflecting on the bad press aimed at John Denver and Lady Diana during their lives, which followed them into the other world.
As far as I know, The National Arbor Day Foundation is underway with their planting of a memorial grove in honor of John Denver's memory.
Hello,
John Denver has been a part of my life for quite a long time. My first
song that I learned to play on my guitar was Rocky Mountain High and then
Take me home Country Roads...after that...I went out and started buying his
Albums and countinously learning to play them one by one. I tuned my guitar
to his and it sounded as if we were playing music together. I really love
his music and I don't care how this sounds...but I loved the man too. He
stood for so much for the world and didn't care what others thought. At the
time that my first wife and I had a baby....I made it clear that the name
would be either Zachary or Jennifer (from off his LP Farewell Andromeda).
This was before he had Zachary. Well my daughter will be 18 this coming
Feburary and yes her name is Jennifer.
I have been in a state of shock and I hurt. I feel as if I had lost a
brother. I wish I could go to his funeral but there is no way I could. I
live in Virginia Beach , Va., and there is no way of making it. I will
mourn his death in my own way and I will pull out my old guitar and play I
soft and slow song to my buddy and I will play my best. I wasn't anywheres
as good as him..but..I love you John and I will miss you.. I hope you are
with God and I hope you know how much you are missed. I was lucky enough to
see him here in concert before Christmas in the year of 1987. His concert
was the greatest. I will miss you and hope you the best.
May you always fly high
Bill Coleman Jr.
Hi. My name is Jared Olar, and I've been a fan of John Denver's music
almost since I first heard it as a child of about seven or eight back in
the mid-70's. Last night I spent an hour on the phone consoling my
younger brother Derek, who is, if possible, an even bigger John Denver
fan than I. We hoped we'd be able to catch him in concert someday, but
it won't be in this lifetime. But I told Derek that in the Grand Scheme
of Things, from the perspective of John's spirit and consciousness
though not from our perspective, he is already there in the
Resurrection, he is already meeting our Father above--and no doubt is
already meeting us, and everyone--and is playing a concert for all
Creation with that heaven-sent tenor voice and masterful
string-strumming. His voice will join in the harmony of the universe,
and never be silenced. I never really knew how close Derek felt to this
man whom he had met only through hearing recordings of his wonderful
songs, but he feels a deep loss and grief at a life sadly ended too
soon. But Derek will sing with him one day--we all will get that
chance.
God bless, and rest in peace, for now, John.
Although he was not so popular in Italy, many people like me are deeply
shocked by the death of John Denver. As for me, I have been following his
career for many years, during my teen-age and beyond. I know you can
understand me when I say he has been (and always be) just like a very good
friend. I guess, he was the most positive person I've ever met and his
music, and the message in it, will lead us for many years to come. Rest in
peace Country Boy!
Gabriele Gramaglia
Milan, Italy
Hi,
It's the first time i'm sending post by internet. I come from Holland,
Europe. My name is Adriana de Jong, 36 years old. I'm a fan since mid
70's and grew up singing JD's songs by campfires with guitar music. I
even tried to play them myselve on the guitar, but singing alone was much
eassier. At the moment the service is held in the US of JD's funeral.
This man really touched me and helped me through hard times. I'v been to
different concerts he did in Holland 1979, 1995,1996,1997. The last was
30 th of march. I had the chance to shake his hand and thank him, much
more I couldn't say or do. He was very, very tired, and I wanted so much
to cheer him up, make him laugh or wathever. There simply was no time. I
read he was happy in his last days, I'm so glad to know !!! He did so
many good things in his life, he gave so much. His songs give so much
comfort and ease. I picked up his records and played them all a lot these
last days, it's like he allways lives on in our hearts, and when we sing
he sings with us, that's how it feels. He keeps on giving his warmth with
his voice, and keeps on making us laugh with his humor, we have his re-
cords he's in our homes when we listen to them. I'm glad i've been to the
concerts. I couldn't see him on stage so well and mostly used instrument
to look faraway (sorry, can't find the right word). Different times it
felt like he was looking into my 'glasses' but I allways reassoned it as
'wishfull thinking'. I couldn't keep my eyes from his face: how he glows
when he sings his songs, the sparkle in his eye, his laugh, evrything! I
didn't want to miss the smallest bit of him. Unfurtunately people broke
into our house and stole our 'glasses', and we didn't have a new one be-
fore his last concert. It was different, allthough he sang so wonderful.
It only hurt me he devorced from Annie, and all that went wrong in their
mariage. It's good to hear that she gave an interview and how she comfort
ed the people who saw it, hopefully I'll see it too some day.Back home a-
gain was my first record, and I allways thougt Annie was a special lady.
We can't forget him, we keep him right in our heart and thought, he will
allways be there. I hope he can bring us all together on internet so we
may enjoy eachothers compagnionship, love and laughter. Keep being strong
in these days that we remember his loss. We're not alone, internet proved
me this with all these wonderful people out there. Stay that special !
Love, Adrie
Hello,
We're from Holland and dedicated to John's music, works and the things
he stood for. It's hard to believe that he's no longer present in this
world. At the same time we're very grateful for the things he taught us
and the beautiful music he has made. He was more needed in another
place, we guess. We love you John
".....and the moon and the stars are the same ones you see..."
Michiel and Dolly
Hello,
One day when I was driving home from school during my first year of
college (1972-1973), I heard a song on the radio that didn't end by the
time I pulled up to the house. It was such a great song that I didn't
get out of the car until I heard its name and composer. That song was
Rocky Mountain High. When the announcer said "John Denver", I realized I
had heard that name a year before with an obscure song I liked called
"Take Me Home, Country Roads". I was in love! I began buying every John
Denver album I could find and I never stopped, except to replace some of
them with CDs.
Although my main preference in music is classical, I like some popular
music, but I've always had a special place for John Denver. I don't know
why or what caused it; maybe it was the message, maybe it was the
person, maybe it was the natural quality of the things he wrote.
I learned to play the piano when I was 6 (I'm 43 now) and I learned
classical music but when I discovered rock at age 13, I stopped playing
because I thought it wasn't "cool" to play classical. Not long after I
heard RHYMES AND REASONS, I was moved to return to playing the piano
because I knew I could express the feelings I was given by this composer
through the keyboard -- something about the "children and the flowers
[being] my sisters and my brothers" (I DO know the exact words!). I
later tried to learn to play the guitar, working with a wonderful
elderly lady teacher, but I just didn't "have it" for the instrument.
But we became friends for a while and she and I had some of the best
times together that I can ever remember, while she played the guitar and
I played BACK HOME AGAIN and other of John Denver's songs on her piano,
followed by some of the most well known classical music.
I always assumed I'd at least be in my 60s or 70s when I would hear of
the death of the man whose music (and person) I've come to love so much.
Hearing it on the news last Monday afternoon during a work break left me
stunned the rest of the day. I just cried! I still can't believe such a
wonderful composer, humanitarian, singer and contemporary genius is
gone.
I will never forget you, John. You've changed my life forever and I'll
miss you. Peace, wherever you are... "Oh why is it thus we are here and
so soon we are gone?"; "It's the fire and the wings that fly us home..."
Peace.
Bruce
Last Song
Sing a song about the mountains,
Sing a song about the wind,
Tell a story of the future,
Of our journey on this land,
And when I'm lost and lonely
Come and take me by the hand.
Take my hand and share your vision
Of a God who loves the earth,
Whose voice and inspiration
Sing forever in his work.
Then teach me of confusion
And of searching for the way
Show me how to hear my spirit
As I journey toward the day
Then join me in the sunshine
Sing my joy and fly away
Fly and fall away to heaven
Set the soul within you free
Continue on the journey
And mark the path for me
While the land continues singing
Of life, love, and rebirth
And our God continues speaking
Through the voices of the earth.
By Siri Wheeler (Bethel, Connecticut)
God looked around, and saw a barren space,
And said to himself, who can I find to tend this place?
He sent a message to the angels below,
That this space needs a special type of soul.
He must be gentle to the land
Be able to give the gift of song, without slight of hand,
I'm looking for someone to tend this space
I'm looking for someone to tend in my grace.
So, with that, the angels looked, and like the eagles John loved,
They soared,
Through the mountains, hills and plains,
Until they came upon a soul with many chords
That being our John
And asked him to come back home again.
Now, he is with God, to tend this place,
And he does it well, and by God's grace
Therefore, do not go to his grave and weep,
John did not die, he does not sleep,
He is like the wind across the meadows blow,
He is like the crispness in a new fallen snow,
He is like the green that dances on a mountain pleateau,
Look around, above and below,
This is where the spirit of our beloved John Denver grows.
Written on October 26, 1997
Laura Feeney
Oshawa, Ontario
John Denver has been one of my favorite singers since I was a little
girl seeing him on The Muppet Show. Anytime I was in need of some
cheering-up, I would put one one of his records (much to my roommates'
dismay). I cannot describe what his music means to me, but all I can say is
that even though I never knew him I will miss him much.
Addie Campbell, age 21

What can I say about John? He was my friend, I loved him. His
magnificent smile, his inspirational music, his public persona all
captivated me, but there was something about him that transcended all
that. There was an intangible quality about John that reached out and
touched me, and obviously millions of others around the world. As a
singer/songwriter I have been so influenced by his art, his poetry, his
philosophy. Even though I never knew him personally, I feel as if I
have lost a very dear friend. I pray I will be able to be with him in
heaven, someday...someday.
Love,
Bruce Wexler
Touch The Stars Music
To all our friends in John Denver, hello from South Africa.
What a sad time with John's untimely passing.
He gave us so much with his wonderful attitude to life and will live on
through his music.
Even in death he has made me appreciate life more with the realization
that life is so fragile
and indeed short. I now live each day with a greater appreciation of the
sunshine, birds and ,
in fact just by being alive.
Something that I am saddened by is that even though he wrote and sang of
love and the joy
of living he personally did not find perfect love and died alone! To me
family and the
closeness thereof is as important at life itself.
It was interesting to read that John visited our beautiful Cape Town last
year to get away
from the discomfort of his divorce. He was seen heading off on picnics
alone with his guitar
only as conpany, how sad that so many people in the world adored him yet
no one could
make him happy.
I was also interested to see that John wrote a book and have ordered a
copy through a local
book agency. It will be interesting to, as it were, go inside his head
and heart.
I would appreciate ongoing information regarding what caused the accident
as news down
here is scant to say the least, contact with other fans through email or
by post would be much
appreciated. We don't have a fan club down here.
As John said "Peace my friends"
Strength to you all
Marcia Hammond
Dear friends in John
How I envy those of you who saw John in concert.
Maybe because of our strange policies of the day he never came to SA to
do a concert. Don’t blame him
Ah well at least we have An Evening... and The Wildlife Concert CDs
Its not the same though.
How is the memorial Grove and the Monterey site progressing? I will try
to do my bit from this end with a letter to Sandy.
...my body is merely the shell of my soul...
‘Eagles and Horses’ J.D.
Peace my Friends,
Marcia Hammond
Dear John,
The holy Augustus once said: "God likes me if I work, but he loves me,
if I sing"
He must have loved you very much
Thomas Baldus
On the afternoon of October 13, 1997, I heard my mom playing the 2
vinyls of John Denver that we have. A few hours later she told me that
John had died in a plane crash. So shocked was I--another star added to
an already long list of stars who died in plane crashes: Buddy Holly,
the Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens, Patsy Cline, Jim Reeves, Otis Redding,
Jim Croce, & Rick Nelson. I then realized that my mom had played the
records as mourning of John's untimely death. Some of his songs have
eerie meanings now that he's gone. For example:
1. Leaving On A Jet Plane: "I'm leavin' on a jet plane / Don't know when
I'll be back again." He left California on a jet plane, & he never did
come back again.
2. Rocky Mountain High: "He was born in the summer of his 27th year /
Comin' home to a place he'd never been before." He left this life for a
new one in the autumn of his 54th year (he would have turned 54 this New
Year's Eve). The spirit world is that "place he'd never been before"
that is now his home.
Just last night, I finished reading his autobiography, _Take Me Home_
(published 1994); at the end was "On The Wings Of A Dream," in which he
said he had a "dream about dying." Now, 3 years later, that dream is
fulfilled, & he is home. Yesterday was what Americans like me celebrate
as Thanksgiving, & one of the things I'm thankful for is that John had
taken the chance to write this ultimate letter to his fans that I've
just finished reading, & that he had given millions of people the
wake-up call that the Earth is dying. To plant a tree now would be in
memory of someone who encouraged that act. May he rest in peace, & his
music live as long as the human race does.
--
Collins Crapo
e-mail: roxtar@srv.net
Personal homepage: http://www.srv.net/~roxtar/
Oldies homepage: type oldies.html after above input
Dear John,
Thank you for being a gift of joy, love and peace to so many of us. You
have left us a better people because we have known you and heard your
wisdom through your gift of song. We will miss you.
Save a space for us at the concerts in heaven.
Until we meet again...rest peacefully,
Mary Ellen
To My Friend, John Denver
I know there must be words that say it
but I don't know what they are.
What describes a heart that's broken?
How to say goodbye to my friend afar?
So many years of love and laughter
are woven through your words of song
How they captured my own feelings,
How they always seemed to belong.
We were friends, we shared same beliefs,
That creatures must be free to roam.
That we must do all we can to save
and cherish this earth, our home.
So, I know there must be words that say it,
I'm sure I'll find out what they are,
and then I'll look up to the heavens,
and see you shining in the stars.
Nancy in CT. 10/29/97
I just discovered your site on the Net, and felt I had to write to you. I guess I was surprised
and consoled at the same time knowing how some people feel about the death of this great man
who was such an important part of my life. John was the one person I have always dreamed
about meeting. As long as he was alive, that was a possibility. You never know what's going
to happen. On October 13, I heard the news over the phone from a friend of mine who knew how
much I loved and worshiped this man. I was inconsolable and in a state of shock. I
took the next day off from work, sat and listened to most of his albums, looked at all
the magazines, books, and scrapbooks I have collected since the age of 16, and cried most of the
day. I now know what people felt when
Elvis died. I now know what people felt when John Lennon was shot and killed. It is d
evastating. It's no less than losing a friend or a family member. I'm still grieving.
I have to hold back my emotions when I see the news reports
on TV or spot one of his albums in the stores. I have been a huge fan since 1975 when I saw
him in Lake Tahoe for the first time in concert. I'll never forget it. It's been said by
millions and it is the truth that only your sole knows:
It changed my life. He got me through the awful teenage years of lonelinees and depression.
He was my best friend. A part of my sole died on October 13th. Only those who of you out there
who are feeling the same way can understand that. I will keep him alive by listening to his
music and watching the videos I have of his TV shows I collected in the 70's and 80's. John,
maybe someday when I leave this world, I will meet you in the next. I will
miss you every day until I get there. Until then, as I told his family in a letter I wrote
to them, "Sometimes I feel like a sad song....Like I'm all alone without you".
Chris Webster
Reeders, Pa.
I, too, loved John Denver and his music.
I've been an active fan and
fan club member for over 25 years.
He touched many millions of hearts
with his love songs and songs
celebrating the environment, ecology, and
love of the land and fellow man.
It was incredible to see people of all
ages at his concerts --- toddlers,
teens, young lovers, baby boomers,
Generation Xers and grandparents,
all singing along and having a
wonderful, wonderful time. It
amazing how one man's music could bring
so many people together. The only
bad part was, the end always came too
soon.
I, along with all of John's other fans,
am devastated at his death. The
loss is inestimable, not only his
legacy of music, but his
humanitarianism (the Windstar Society,
the Hunger Project, Plant-It
2000, the Cousteau Society, etc.) It is
small comfort to know that he
died doing one of the things he loved
best --- flying. Again the end
came to soon.
The few times I did meet John Denver, it was very, very briefly (darn
it, there wasn't even enough time for anyone to take a picture!) during
his concerts at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. The first
time, he was shaking hands with several fans. The second time was more
special to me --- I'd given him a t-shirt (it had a photo of the Earth
on it, underneath it read "Love Your Mother"), and I was the only one he
spoke with at that concert. (He called me "Darlin'" --- sigh.)
The longest conversation I had with John was via phone. He was on QVC
promoting the Wildlife Concert video/CD/tapes/etc., and I was lucky
enough to speak with him on-air. It was at that time that I was able to
tell him how much he and his music meant to me. Thank God I had the
presence of mind to tape it on my VCR. (This time, I made him laugh,
too, as he referred to me as "What a Gal!" I'm very happy that I could
give him the gift of laughter as well as my heartfelt thanks for his
support. You see, years ago I had written him about the fact that his
music was all that kept me going during some very bad times, and he was
kind enough to have sent me a very short, personal reply.) I am so
grateful that I was finally able to tell him that.
I know how devastated you all feel. So many of our dreams died with
John. There was so much that we wanted to tell him, of how he earned a
place in each of our hearts. And nobody, not one of us, was able to
tell him "Goodbye."
Friends, John has now moved to a place of incredible love and peace.
And in his songs, it was always peace and love that he was seeking,
seeking and so rarely found. And while I know he wouldn't have chosen
this time to leave us, perhaps it's time that he finally finds the
happiness that has eluded him for so very long. We cannot deny him
that.
It occurred to me that, in the past few years, we often came very close
to losing John: his biplane accident, when he wrecked his Porsche, and
the tragic explosion of the Challenger. I am thankful that God spared
him on those occasions, and will look upon those "extra" years of having
John with us as a special gift from God.
I've always believed that things happen for a reason, even if we are
unable to comprehend just what that reason is. It seems that God has
recently decided to have some incredibly giving, gifted, caring people
join him (John Denver, Mother Theresa, Princess Diana, James
Michener)---perhaps He is forming an advisory committee?
Early on the morning of the first memorial service for John Denver in
Colorado, on my way to work I put an old tape in my car's tape player.
Lo and behold, I heard John Denver singing the following:
Don't want no tears shed for me when I'm gone,
Don't want nobody to sing no melancholy song,
Don't want your partin' words to become my eulogy ---
Just have a ragtime band to play when you say goodbye to me.
Refrain:
So keep that whiskey flowin', boys, and raise your glasses high,
I'm pleased to see you're here to say "Farewell" and not "Goodbye."
So keep that whiskey flowin', boys and raise your glasses high
And Damn the man that dares to let my farewell party die.
Don't want no organ music bringin' people down,
Don't want no long-faced mourners always hangin' 'round,
Don't want no candles, ah, but let the flowers stay ---
Girls can wear them in their hair when they see me on my way.
(Refrain)
Roll the carpet back, my boys, and let the dancin' start,
Sing all the good old songs and don't forget my part.
Invite all the girls I've known and make sure they have fun ---
Hug and kiss 'em all for me like you know I would have done.
(Refrain) (Refrain)
John recorded this song on "John Denver Sings!" circa 1966 (no, I don't
have the record, just a tape of a friend's tape). Somehow, hearing it
again at that time was like a big, farewell hug from John.
As John would say, "I love you, and I wish you peace."
Karolin Benford
kbenford@lorainccc.edu
John Denver
He was a man of the land, a man of the water. The creatures of the
earth he called his sisters and brothers.
He loved the sky and the stars above. He sang of the sunshine and
danced by the moon's love.
His respect for creation could teach mankind a lesson, this man-child
so able, but now he is gone.
Called back to the earth from whince we all come. Returning,
returning, coming
home.
Home to the mountains, home to the forests, home to the rivers, the
wind and the
sky.God-speed, and freedom. Good journey and goodbye.
In the song of the whale and the cry of the wolf, your spirit forever
will live.It's for us who remain to listen and learn, listen and learn
how to give.
So as you take flight to worlds unknown, look back to us and know.
That you are missed by the ones who heard, understand, and would have
your message continue to grow.
So home to the mountains and places you love, and freedoms' eternity.
And all that you've done has been seen from above, and His goodness will
welcome thee.
Your laughter will live in the sounds of the rivers, the cries of the
birds and the break of new day. Your music's forever, that's one thing
you leave us, so don't be afraid to delay.
Up, up with the eagles you held so dear, then past them and into the
unknown. For far-out adventures you never could dream of, returning,
returning, home.
Kay Anderson
Hi,
I wasn't a fan of John Denver in the sense that most people are.
I had never bought a record of his or gone out of my way to listen to
his music, but his Christmas album was one which I associate with
childhood Christmases, surely the most fondly remembered ones, and those
songs, sung with such sensitivity and gentleness, with lyrics which are
simple poetry, will move me until the day I die. For that, I will
always be grateful to this man I never met.
John Denver may have passed on, but the warm core of emotion in his
music will live on in thousands of people across the world, and in the
generations that follow.
anon
(a youngish fan)
I can remember years ago, as a young teen, so much in love with the first
girl who ever really paid me any mind, sitting alongside the James River, in
an area called pony pasture, and learning to stumble through "My Sweet Lady"
while it played on my 8 track. I had been introduced to JD's music by an
older woman, the girlfriend of a friend, and immediately knew that his music
would always have a place in my heart. His songs carried me into my first
marriage, and held me up when it ended. His music helped me cope with the
death of my StepFather, and I listened to his songs as I flew
in a Marine Corps Helicopter over Libya, standing behind a locked and loaded
50 caliber airborne machine gun. His music made me forget the danger, and
enjoy the beauty around me as the ocean whizzed past. When my second
marriage ended, and my ex left with my children, I was devastated, but JD was
in town, playing a summer concert on the top of Strawberry Hill. For two
hours,
JD took me away from the world, and I was flying. I spent most of the two
hours with my eyes closed, 9 rows back from center stage. I didn't need to
see John, I could feel him in the passion of his voice. He played with the
Richmond Symphony that night, and the music could not be believed.
John played one last concert here a few months before he died. My new wife
and I sat in the landmark theatre in the heart of Richmond. The tickets for
the concert her gift to me, although they were way over budget for us, she
knew how very much I had wanted to be there. Afraid she would not enjoy the
concert, I looked over about halfway through and saw that he had touched her
too, as she was unashamedly crying as he sang of a colorado cabin and an
elderly friend.
I was on patrol when a fellow officer paged me to tell me the news, and I had
to pull over and wait. JD was a rare breed. He never knew me, but I knew him
well. I knew him thru his music, and the touch it put on my heart. I have
been a United States Marine, a Juvenile Corrections Officer, and now work
uniformed patrol and carry a gun. I was given the Native American name of Ice
Eyes as they told me that when necessary, my eyes were as cold as blue ice,
and there seemed to be no emotion there. Yet, I sometimes still feel a tear
form when I feel this loss. He will never die, because he lives on thru his
music, and his music lives in each one of his fans.
I loved your music John, and although you had your faults, and you had your
problems, you tried to make a difference where you could. You made a positive
difference in my life, and I thank you.
James P. Shank
Cumberland Virginia
I grew up with the music of John Denver. His songs told the story of his
life. You have only to listen to the words and you know all about him.
His death was one of the most tragic I have ever known. One can only ask
why? But there is no answer. I had seen and heard John in concert a few
time and he had a concert near my home last summer and I was busy doing
whatever, and decided not to go. I thought "I'll go next time". Well,
there will be no next time. It makes us realize how precious life is and
how we can never know when and if there will be a next time. I play his
music daily and keep him in my prayers. I hope to get out to Colorado in
either August or October to celebrate his life with so many of his other
fans, to be one of the many to pour love out into the universe to him. Why
did such a powerful voice have to be silenced to be heard.
Edwina A. Halsey
I was always a fan of John but not at the level I am now. I guess I had
to reach a higher level of maturity before I could truly appreciate
him. It makes me sad that he died before I realized this. John, I hope
you are enjoying that place where you take me when I listen to your
songs.
Love,
Lynn
I am a large Denver lover! I was at a point in my life where i was lost
and seemed i had no where to go, then i was playing on the computer and
my husband stumbled on his wildlife concert on a&e. I had never heard
much of his music but a few like sunshine on my shoulders and Rocky
Mountain high. as soon as he stopped on that channel the music I heard
sunk into my soul! I was then aware of what my purpose in life was,
Shortly after that I hear the terrible news of his death! I was so
shocked! Shortly after I moved to NC from AK.
I now have become a avid Mountain fan and have done many things to help
with small tasks of preserving our world for our children, such as planting trees
and helping stop destruction of plants and trees even in my OWN yard by stopping my
landlord from cutting trees. I am about to adopt a wolf family here in NC after the
first of the year! And all due to John Denvers music! What his music
told is what we all need to learn! It is that we all must learn to
protect what we have for if we dont our children will grow up in a
concrete world and all wildlife will be only visible in a zoo! what
brings me pleasure is just to see a bird on my feeders or to see a hawk
Fly free among the clouds! His words were tender but TRUE! he has
changed my life for the better and I can only hope that anyone that
hears his music for the first time also feels like I did! Like you were
given a chance to do something, for truly one man can change things!
Look at what John did!!!
Pegasus
These remembrances were published on the Associated Press NewsWire:
"If he had sung the telephone book you would have felt a sense of joy with it, because he would
have sung it joyfully."
Mary Travers of Peter, Paul and Mary.
"He was a dedicated champion of the environment, spending many hours on the vital work of
protecting natural heritage. And heopened many doors to understanding among nations through
his tours of the Soviet Union, China and Vietnam."
President Clinton.
"He was the world's troubadour and a guy who had really dedicated the last part of his life to
leave the world a better place thanhe found it."
Friend Jerry McClain.
"John was the most visible and popular of all the people
who bridged the gap between folk and
country music... At the time it was controversial
with the old guard in country music,
because he was not from the country world. But
he sold a ton of records, and
was played on country radio constantly, as
he should have been."
Country music historian Bob Oermann.
"It's a real loss to Colorado and a personal loss for me.
I knew him as a friend and a pilot...
He was not only a longtime resident of Colorado but our
best ambassador in describing what
Colorado is, and its vibrant beauty."
Colorado Gov. Roy Romer
"He was always trying to push the envelope. Whether it
was philosophy or engineering or astronomy or religion, that type of
thing always appealed to him."
Former Minnesota Gov. Wendell Anderson, godfather of Denver's son Zachary.
"He did what he did with a lot of modesty. I would hope this is
the kind of thing that takes the cynicism out of how people view things."
Jeff Hanna, member of the former Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, who recorded with Denver.
"Not only was he a great songwriter and singer, but he was also a very special human being. I
will miss his music and his smile."
Country singer and Denver friend Crystal Gayle.