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)
Thank you, Geoffrey, for this touching story. I'm grateful you introduced me to Johnny Walker & Sam Hinton. I too have wonderful "life moments" that were made joyous by Johnny and his wife Almarine. I loved the Christmas folk song evening for the Dec. Sierra Club meeting when Johnny & Sam passed on musical history to us. And I'll always remember the gift Johnny shared with a song he sang at our wedding ceremony. He was a brilliant, wonderful man who touched our lives and truly lives on in all who know him. Special gratitude to Almarine for her devotion, love, and support. Camille
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