the passing of a great soul

i just got word that my friend Jon Erik Johnson has passed.

it may sound weird (although perhaps decreasingly so in this digital age), but i had never met him in person. we both move about in close circles, share many of the same friends, etc., but our interaction was mainly through a message board. but over several years of this, one can really get a sense of the people there.

JonErik was a moderator of The Board, and it didn't take long at all to see that he was kind, fair, both highly respectful and respected by all, and incredibly intelligent and knowledgeable about a variety of subjects. and he was a stellar upright bass player, too.



i wish i got to spend real time with him, but i'm glad that i had at least the connection that i did, and do, have to him.

of course, my heart goes out to his family, especially his brother Scott. but Jon Erik also had a lovely girlfriend -- Izumi -- in Japan that he would visit whenever he could, regalling us afterwards with pictures and stories of Japan, the sites, the customs he was assimilating himself into, etc. and my heart breaks for her and her loss.

a surprising day to say the least. our local music community has lost a wonderful person. but we are all much richer for having him in our lives in whatever capacity we did when we did.

rest in peace, Jon Erik Johnson. we'll miss you very much.