On the eve of my departure from San Diego, I spent the evening last night with my friend
Johnny Walker (right in photo) and his wife Almarine. Over the twenty-five plus years I've known Johnny, and the late
Sam Hinton, my life has been enriched by their vast treasure-trove of folk music. Johnny -- 'The Yorkshire Tyke' -- always brightened the room with his unique smile and the twinkle in his blue eyes. Johnny is now lost to this world -- a victim of the memory-robbing ravages of Alzheimer's Disease. Last evening I sang a few bars of 'The Manchester Rambler' to him, and recalled his oft-recited poem, 'Albert and the Lion'. I like to think he heard me, and that some distant memories surfaced for him. I know they did for me.
Thank you Johnny -- for the memories.
(
photo:Chris Stauch, http://members.cox.net/sdfss/samhinton.htm)
