joyce, i never met you personally- but my story starts by telling you that vern and cindy were guests at my high school graduation- 50 years ago. they knew my mom. i got aphone call one night while at my moms house,she was calling me from work and wanting to know if i would come and cover a shift for a waitress that couldnt come in. i was young, in a bad marriage and had a young infant. i went that night, and the first bartendet i ever worked with was joel. awesome for me as i did not know one drink from another. when i left that night clayton asked me to put my number on the milk machine and he would have me back. i told him my phone was disconnected due to my situation. he took  the money from his pocket to pay my phone bill, and let me tell you- til the day he died he NEVER let me pay that back- as hard as i tried. enter blackie and jerry!!! i went from working for the belmont to working at the showboat, and worked for them for many years- at many of their places. those two guys were the best bosses i have had in my entire life.if you were a friend of theirs- you were a friend for life.funny too as i wanted to be a lawyer, but remained a waitress and bartender all my life, mostly from their influence on me. your loss is huge- but let me tell you- blackie  lived large, loved deeply, friended everyone that crossed his path, and danced to his own music. but i dont have to tell you that- you were married to him- you lnow better than most what kind of guy he was.i will also miss him every day of my life- they dont make them like that much anymore- my heart is hurting for your loss. he is resting in the hands of god- he earned that place along the way by the kind way he treated people.  peace to you and his family .

Come on you guys write your little note you have or memories you can do that there are so many of you out there let keep his memories-alive we-would like to hear some. you all have  some .. ??? I know HIS Family would love to hear from you .

On Thu, Jun 4, 2015 at 1:59 PM, Rose Ortt <lexirose1@gmail.com> wrote:

OH gosh so happy that you can do it for me.  I REALLY would have started long-ago.  The video is very good. I loved it.  I'm sorry to say I do not know if Della REMEMBERS me but I started with the LANDERVILLE'S  back when VERN had the Showboat and Blackie was there too, but I was before him.  Then Gary had me lease his kitchen at Lamplighter. From there I ALSO went with Jerry and worked at Old Mexico.  AND then when Jerry went back to take care of some stuff at Gabe's he asked me to help him there. So I've been in all their business"s as far back as when Gabe was alive.  They all became my family!!  I Loved them all, the greatest Family.  Blackie loved all but Della was the greatest for him  So I do know a lot and  they were blessed with giving joy and laughter. Gary would fly BLACKIE and friends and myself up to Park Rapids to my folks place for lunch. They had a hotel and a great Italian restaurant. My mom loved to  have the cooks to make them everything on the menu lol and they would eat it all. When things happen you think of so much.  Their whole family had just the best sense of humor very well known and very well lliked. I Hope- you can put on some stuff of the family that I wrote.  I would like to praise Jerry for all the things he did were not in vain Blackie was happy to have him there with him not knowing Jerry was hurting too for his brother. you will have to put on what you think is right for the sight out of all I wrote yesterday  and today for our sweet Blackie and family. just surprise me.  I am just not a writer I have information but not savy on how to word or put on this wonderful site thank you again. MY thoughts and prayers  are with BLACKIE and the family. thank you so much.  ROSE ORTT

OH yes and I remember one other special day when MY SON HAD DIED and Blackie would try to cheer me up by aking me up to Gary's Farm  to can pickles. Oh the memories  I know he is here reminding me.  

ROSE ORTT

I felt I had known you through Della's eyes and her stories. I know that you were always in her heart as with all her other brothers and sisters. 

I have heard many stories about you and "The great white Hunter", and that you the youngest, in Della's heart, was very very special. I know you lived your life with great passion. Now enjoy your next life the same way.

Rae (Raciel DePalma) 

As Mary Hopkin once sang,"Those were the days,my Friend".So many stories-so many good times.We'd live forever.Now,Blackie will truly live forever.
One of Blackie's [and the audience's]favorite tunes was"Cindy's Cryin",by the Deepwater Reunion,featuring Barbra Raney[Webster] om vocals.If this works,the song should be playing as you read this.If not,you can go to youtube and get it by the Deepwater.
By the way,at church this morning when we said a prayer for those we have lost,I felt a tear in my eye,and I swear I heard Blackie say"Quit crying you Sap--and pass it on"