Bulletin Board: John Kavanagh has passed away

Original Post By: bassfiddlesteve Date: 5/19/2009 12:49:43 PM   (Updated: 5/19/2009 12:57:44 PM) I just received word that John Kavanagh has died. Apparently he had an asthsma attack while scuba diving in the North Atlantic. He was in a medically induced coma for a few days but there was too much time without oxygen for him to recover. John had recently submitted some new music for a ukulele compilation I am finishing up which will now carry a dedication to both him and John King. - Steve Posted By: bassfiddlesteve Date: 5/19/2009 12:51:07 PM Judy Kavanagh just posted this on facebook: John had an asthma attack on Saturday, while swimming at White Point Beach. Mary was able to pull him ashore, but by then he was already unconscious. There's no chance at this point he'll regain consciousness; he went for too long without oxygen. He spent three days at the hospital in Bridgewater, surrounded by his family, and today they brought him in to Halifax, so he can be an organ donor when they take him off life support, which will probably be tonight. There will be an obituary in the Halifax Chronicle Herald in a few days, once everything's final. I'll post a link to it from John's profile page. The whole family thanks you all for your love and support. Posted By: NinaC Date: 5/19/2009 1:08:49 PM What horrible news. This is so very aad. My thoughts are with his family and we'll all miss his good humor and kindness. Posted By: Diesel Date: 5/19/2009 1:10:32 PM   (Updated: 5/20/2009 3:53:04 PM) You have both love and support from LSW and myself. Posted By: ToeBone Date: 5/19/2009 1:30:11 PM   (Updated: 5/19/2009 1:30:39 PM) That is very sad. I really appreciated John's contribution to music and the uke community. He will be missed. My best to him and my sympathies to his family. Posted By: Dave N Date: 5/19/2009 1:49:31 PM So sad, I can hardly believe this after the news about John King. I've admired both John K's and have their CDs. I'm glad that his final work will be carried to completion. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends. Posted By: grouch Date: 5/19/2009 2:08:22 PM So very sad!..I only had contact with John thru the 'Net, but I feel I have lost a good friend..may God give his family and loved ones strength and solace in this time..my prayers and thoughts are with them.. Posted By: ichadwick Date: 5/19/2009 2:11:20 PM I was greatly saddened to read this news. John was a wonderful supporter of the community, a great contributor and a good player, too. He will be missed. Posted By: Gerald Ross Date: 5/19/2009 2:17:57 PM This is such sad news. Although I never met John face to face we communicated frequently via email over the past few years. His emails were always thoughtful, intelligent, educated and witty. His music was heartfelt and inspiring. I offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends. . Posted By: Dominator Date: 5/19/2009 2:38:22 PM This is such a shock. Especially with the recent passing of John King. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Posted By: Dutch Date: 5/19/2009 2:50:32 PM This is a very painful loss. Not only do we lose a great deal of expertise and experience difficult to recover, we lose a great friend who was always encouraging. He gave me encouragement several times when I needed it and was never stingy with advice or concern. A major loss to us all. Strength & Honor Dutch Posted By: musicguymic Date: 5/19/2009 2:51:19 PM My deepest sympathies to his family and what a lost. His active participation in the ukulele community will be sorely missed. Posted By: Tonya Date: 5/19/2009 3:05:04 PM John was a jewel of a man--and a wonderful teacher. He worked extensively with me via e-mail to teach me music theory (finally!) and develop that teaching material for use by others. I wish that material had been more finalized at this time...and I know how much he was looking forward to teaching at the Portland Uke Fest in June and meeting so many other ukulele folks in person. My prayers are with his family. Posted By: Boswell Date: 5/19/2009 3:34:50 PM   (Updated: 5/19/2009 4:08:34 PM) What a tragic spring it's been for the global ukulele community! First John King, and now John Kavanagh... Like a lot of us here today, I knew John Kavanagh from his web postings, and I had been in email contact with him over the past couple of years. John sure loved to talk about ukuleles and music theory, didn't he? I've been sitting here trying to think of something worthwhile to say, and I realize that I have to credit John Kavanagh with just how much he taught me about music! My copy of John's document, Tuning You Uke (in an imperfect world), is a little worse for water damage, being as it's on the wall in my bathroom, you see. On James Hill's new album with Anne Davison, True Love Don't Weep, John played harmonica on one cut, and quatro on another. We had arranged to physically meet, for the first time, here in Vancouver next month. We were going to travel down to Portland together on the train for PUF09. John told me last week that he was as excited about this trip as me. He said he wasn't getting enough sleep because he wanted to finish a new CD in time for PUF09. He had arranged for us to meet up with Howlin' Hobbit (another first time encounter for all of us!) for lunch as we passed through Seattle on our way south. (If your reading this, HH, and I know you will be, I suggest we'd best keep this luncheon appointment, in John's honour and memory, agreed?) Rest in peace, John Kavanagh. You will be missed. Posted By: Hipster44 Date: 5/19/2009 4:05:27 PM So very sad. I'll miss his interaction with all his friends here. God bless his family and friends. Posted By: John in Fla Date: 5/19/2009 4:46:08 PM My condolences to John's family and friends. Truly another devestating blow to the ukulele comunity as well. Posted By: pippin Date: 5/19/2009 4:49:58 PM I am saddened at John's passing. We talked about John contributing to Ukulele Player Magazine. Now, we will print a tribute to John Kavanagh like we did for John King in the hope that he will never be forgotten. John was a wonderful player, an inspiration to many, and a jovial, gentle giant. I am sure that many people will miss him. Posted By: Zathras Date: 5/19/2009 5:02:40 PM What a shock - I've always enjoyed Johns posts and recordings and talk of his beloved Harmony. For those who havent seen it or are looking for some of his recordings check out the interview UkeTalk did with him here: http://uketalk.com/artist-interviews/john-kavanagh.html Posted By: teek Date: 5/19/2009 5:23:11 PM I feel like I have lost family, and what a tremendous communal loss! John had a terrific talent and a kind and generous heart. He made a big difference to so many people. He will be deeply missed. My condolences to his family and loved ones, and I hope they can take some comfort in how much and how widely he is loved. Posted By: yodelinglee Date: 5/19/2009 5:26:08 PM Chris, thanks for the link. I am still a newbie at all this and I missed the talent of John Kavanagh's playing. I enjoyed his writings on this bulletin board, and my sympathy goes out to his family. Posted By: Spats Date: 5/19/2009 6:53:59 PM Posted By: Spats Date: 5/19/2009 6:56:14 PM this is very bad news. what a talented and generous man he was. rest in peace, john. (sorry for the empty post above. I don't know what happened) Posted By: Neal Date: 5/19/2009 7:09:37 PM One of the most level headed guys playing the uke today. I'll miss him. We'll all miss him, for awhile. We'll all be there soon enough. I'd like to say my impression of John was as a musician first, ukulele player second. I think his big "spark" was music, of any sort, and that's enviable, and admirable. Posted By: mLKauai Date: 5/19/2009 7:09:46 PM John's passing is a real solid loss for the uke (and music in general) community. His background in music and the uke phenomenon that occurred in his home town with uke centered music learning, his fabulous instrumentalism and taste (thank God he left recordings), his experience with string instruments "smaller than guitar", and his participation in discussion of all this here on FMBB, are all going to be remembered. I still have a set of strings he put together for a 19 " baritone for C tuning. Very generous with his time. A very unique individual. Posted By: Patsy Date: 5/19/2009 7:32:29 PM I'm shocked. John was a thoughtful, intelligent human being, and a good friend. I'm so sorry for his family and close friends. I loved him for his wit, his humility, his talent, his verve for life. I simply cannot believe he is gone. RIP, maestro. Posted By: Craig Date: 5/19/2009 7:48:40 PM This is truly a tragedy. He gave much to our ukulele community. Posted By: jeff mercer Date: 5/19/2009 8:25:07 PM This is quite unbelievable, particularly coming on the back of John Kings' passing. Two of the true gentlemen of the ukulele community gone..so very, very sad. Posted By: Ukeguy Date: 5/19/2009 9:12:40 PM God bless John and his family and friends. My prayers go out for them all. Posted By: ukulele-melee Date: 5/19/2009 9:36:12 PM Another truly great and humble man, he will be missed. Condolences to his family and friends. Posted By: looney tunes Date: 5/19/2009 10:46:27 PM I was shocked and deeply saddend by another loss of "one of ours" in our ukulele community. Wear your wings with glory. Condolences to his family and friends. Ron Knaus Loon Posted By: hokeypokey Date: 5/19/2009 11:25:26 PM John was one of the good guys. Just all around someone to admire and appreciate. I always found warmth encouragement in his approach to music and life. My deepest sympathies to his family and close friends. Posted By: hoaryhead Date: 5/20/2009 1:02:30 AM Speechless. Here's his ezFolk page: http://c1.ezfolk.com/John_Kavanagh Posted By: BeachBumTom Date: 5/20/2009 1:56:27 AM Hearing of John's passing and not knowing John I turned to YouTube to get more of a feel for this man. From what I saw and heard John Kavanagh sure seemed like a very delightful personality.....what a light, sweet manor and lovely voice. And testimonies on this BB paint wonderful impressions of a special man. That makes his passing so sad. Our community of ukedom and music surely lost a fine "member." My deepest condolences go out to his close friends and family. BeachBumTom Noble Posted By: singndance Date: 5/20/2009 8:17:01 AM John was a friend I hadn't met yet, but who graciously shared a new strum with me and gave his knowledge and expertise with generosity and kindness. I hope his family will know how much he was admired by our entire community. Posted By: ChefJeff Date: 5/20/2009 8:32:36 AM Another tragic loss for the ukulele community. My sincerest condolences to John's wife and family, who are in my thoughts and prayers. John was not only a skilled player but also a thoughtful student of how ukes work and eager to share his extensive knowledge. He will be missed. Posted By: foolish jac Date: 5/20/2009 9:43:16 AM how awful. my condolences to his friends and family. Posted By: CurtSheller Date: 5/20/2009 10:00:04 AM My condolences to John's family. John was a knowledgeable and thoughtful musician and I always enjoyed his posts and our eMail correspondences. My thoughts go out to his family. Curt Posted By: Kirbster Date: 5/20/2009 12:39:56 PM I am deeply saddened by this news. I only had one chance to see John perform at Patsy's Cafe Uke last spring. What a great talent and what a wonderful dry sense of humor. He contributed a lot to this board and his ragtime pieces are incredible. Thank you John, and rest in peace Posted By: Preston Date: 5/20/2009 3:43:58 PM So very, very sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be sorely missed on several forums. I will be listening to his 1st cd tonight. Posted By: AndyW Date: 5/20/2009 3:50:41 PM Such a sad thing to hear today. My prayers are with his family. -- AndyW Posted By: pineapple man Date: 5/20/2009 4:12:55 PM A sharing,knowledgeable,and talented musician who will be missed by many. Our prayers to all affected by this loss. Posted By: Adrian Date: 5/20/2009 4:37:23 PM Sad news, all the best to Johns family and friends. Posted By: RSteve Date: 5/20/2009 6:34:05 PM I am very saddened by his loss, My most sincere condolences to his family. Posted By: Grandpa Jim Date: 5/20/2009 7:35:06 PM The man touched many lives in many ways. What he did was not in vain. Jim Posted By: rev hank Date: 5/20/2009 8:49:35 PM I was lucky enough to get to know John through his frequent appearances at our monthly HUG meetings (he drove all the way from Kentville). He was truly a virtuoso, who always helped out with so many tips on playing the ukulele. John was a featured guest at Urban Surf Kings Xmas show at the Seahorse last December. Aside from tearing up the room with his solo uke playing, We were honoured to have him play a handful of tunes with us (surf band & uke ). Those who were there got to witness him play a slide version of the Dr. Who theme, and an amazing rendition of Pinball Wizard/Folsum Prison Blues. We will really miss him! Rev Hank/ Urban Surf Kings Posted By: unkabob Date: 5/20/2009 9:14:05 PM My sincere condolences to his wife and family. You can take some solace from the knowledge that John spread some real joy to more people than you can imagine. Bob Posted By: Dave Means Date: 5/20/2009 9:22:49 PM The ukulele community has now lost two gentlemen named John who were both possessed of immense talent. This is incredibly sad news! Sincerest condolences to John's family. Posted By: Jamie_T Date: 5/20/2009 10:16:50 PM Very sorry.... Posted By: Carl Date: 5/21/2009 6:14:59 AM It's a great loss especially for someone who gave so much to the community. His videos certainly show someone who was knowledgeable and took time to teach others. My condolences to his family. Posted By: Snowman Date: 5/21/2009 10:51:23 AM I had the pleasure of meeting and listening to John at a small house concert one evening and found him to be an extremely warm and generous person -- a natural teacher and a gifted muscian, and just one of those people that make the world a better place. I will miss his intelligent, helpful and good-hearted contributions to our community. Posted By: Mattman Date: 5/21/2009 11:40:53 AM So sad to lose John Kavanagh. I got so much help & enlightenment (and fun!) from his posts, here & on other boards. Rest in peace. -Mattman Posted By: Konabob Date: 5/21/2009 12:16:55 PM   (Updated: 5/21/2009 12:24:49 PM) Shoots... Like many of you, I never met John, but always enjoyed his professional demeanor and wisdom when he posted or emailed. We will all have to practice a lot harder to fill the musical void left by John. Here is a sweet little video of John: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOzqHDtLCoQ&NR=1 Aloha, -Konabob Posted By: NinaC Date: 5/21/2009 12:28:28 PM   (Updated: 5/21/2009 12:35:16 PM) I never met John, but I felt I "knew" him pretty well through his many posts, emails and videos over the past three years. I think that, between his death following on so closely with John King's�both terribly tragic and unexpected�it's really made me think again about the fragility of life. I had always thought, as I do with many of you, that I'll get to meet you one day in real life and share some "in-person" friendship and music. Unfortunately, we now know that's not always in the stars. It's made me also reflect on what a great and wonderful community we have here, as well as with other uke folks on other boards. I treasure it so much; I will never take any of you, or this amazing collective experience, for granted. I am sure that both Johns would want us to carry on and continue to revel in our music and friendship and share knowledge and joy with each other, whether it's online or in person. So to me the biggest tribute will be to do just that. Goodbye John, I hope we can do both you and John King proud. We will remember you, and you have helped make us all better just by knowing you. Posted By: warndt Date: 5/21/2009 4:48:45 PM   (Updated: 5/21/2009 4:50:14 PM) When I think of John Kavanagh, I think of this particular post of his. I think that it captures his wit, humor, generousity and enthusiasm. He will be missed. As follows by J.K. (Updated: 2/9/2009 7:52:00 AM): "Here's my little uke gang on stage. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9SRmcuiLXU Don't they sound good? I'm so proud. Some of these people had never played an instrument four weeks ago - some of them have been with me for twelve before that. There was supposed to be a kazoo chorus near the end (you can see the drummer -my wife Mary - going for her kazoo), but in the excitement of the moment I forgot. It's always a mistake to have the one with undiagnosed ADD as the director." Posted By: UkéDan Date: 5/22/2009 1:25:06 PM I'm really saddened by this news. Thanks John for everything you've done for this community and this ukulele player. Posted By: WannaUke Date: 5/22/2009 9:48:33 PM Some where there's a couple of John's playing the ukulele together RIP John Kavanaugh RIP John King

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