Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Someone comes to town, someone leaves town...

I've been in a pretty up mood of late. My brothers wedding was great and I am very happy for him. I've been helping a friend work on his place and putting my shop back in order which is a kind of Zen meditation. I'm not selling, not pushing anything. I'm enjoying the long Fall weather. But yesterday I got the news that I was hoping I wouldn't get. John Parker, the Glassblower at the Ohio Ren fair, passed away.

There's really no way to describe what a unique and cool guy this was. He was more active and full of life in his 70's than many people one third his age. His place was the heart of the show. There was always something going on there. He hosted potlucks, had music night, let people try out the pipe, had a million funny stories and genuinely loved life. He took shit from no one, especially the owner of the show.

And of course, he was a great artist. I am really gonna miss him.


Here's a pic I found of Parker in a rare moment of non tie-dyedness

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Do you have any pictures of John that you can post?

Sir Constantine.

pussinpradaboots said...

So sad to loose someone like John. I knew him for over twenty years. I am going to truly miss him. Thanks for letting us know.

Anonymous said...

I remember the night when you told John that he was "beyond the valley of cool." While amused, he replied calmly "well, no one has ever called me that before."

Anonymous said...

I had heard from a friend that he was terminally Ill. I too have known John from the Michican Ren fair days. Where the booth always had folks hanging around by day and at night the Rennies would gather by the warmth of the furnace and drink, tell stories, crack joke and play assorted instruments until wee hours in the morning. I even have a blown glass drinking horn he made. John we will miss you. See you on the other side.