ForeverMissed
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October 27, 2023
October 27, 2023
Hi John Parker and everyone,

I can't and can believe it's been three years. As Chip would say, "Whoa". I think of Chip often and still wish that I had been able to say a real goodbye but I'm still glad I tried. It was sad not see the light of recognition in his eyes. Ah, well, I know he was and is there. I think about all of you musicians out there every time I pick up my banjo and sing. Love to you all. Peg
October 27, 2023
October 27, 2023
I was thinking about Chip the other day. Another good friend and fiddle player is headed down the same road and music is one of the things she still got joy from.
February 12, 2021
February 12, 2021
I am saddened to find out about the passing of one of my college teammates. Chip Jasmin was a good friend and an even better player. I was reading the listings of Alum of Slippery Rock who have recently passed away, and was shocked to see his name. Both my wife and I spent those four years at the Rock with him.
We began our football careers together on the Freshmen Football team. From there we both were integral parts of the success we accomplished at SRU. Chip was an outstanding defensive lineman. I was looking through the old yearbooks and noticed we were sitting next to each other for the team picture our senior year.
It's funny, but the first thing I thought about was his trademarked chipped front tooth. 
I must say his journey post Slippery Rock was truly fascinating. I am surprised by his love and skill in music. I never saw that side of him, and I wished I had.
My wife and I are now retired teachers living in South Florida. We have both become National Park nerds, and really are awestruck by the beauty of your area out west.
I conclusion, I am sadden by the news of his passing, but my life is fuller for having been a good friend of Chip Jasmin's! RIP Brother!
November 29, 2020
November 29, 2020
I have wonderful memories of playing music with Chip in Narragansett Rhode Island in 1978. He was a special and creative person. I became sad today to learn through the Internet that Chip just passed on a month ago. It has been a really difficult year for so many people
November 23, 2020
November 23, 2020
We were delighted to meet Chip through his son Cove. Memories of Chip and Cove playing music together remain with us, and for this we feel grateful. Chip touched many lives. —Anne and August
November 20, 2020
November 20, 2020
Wherever Chip played on his fiddle,
Folk danced like a wave on the sea.
His son was a man called Cove,
His wife, the lovely Amy.

As we would read from our papers and journals,
Chip would read from his books of song,
Or he would hear the notes flutter by in the wind,
And learn to play them before too long.

And when he came to the end of his travels
To Saint Peter sitting in state,
The angel smiled down upon Chip and his fiddle,
And quickly opened the gate.

For the good are always the merry,
Save for an evil chance,
And the merry love the fiddle,
And the merry love to dance.

And when the people there spied him,
They all gathered round him with glee,
Crying out, here is Chip our fiddler,
And they danced like a wave on the sea,
And they danced like a wave on the sea...


*** with some apologies to W.B. Yeates—but not too many since the original poem (The Fiddler of Dooney) fits Chip so well.

November 15, 2020
November 15, 2020
Well, Chip ... it looks like I missed the live tribute with all of our friends so it's just me and you now. Have you formed up a new group of friends where you are now to play music and sing with yet? I'll bet so. We sure did a lot of that together over the past 36 years. Nothing ever topped that first time though when you, Dave Streeter and I stayed up all night at the first annual Bear Hug Mountain Festival. It was a night I'll never forget. And, I'll never forget what a special person you were either Chip. You and Cove made it to my wedding fresh off the big road trip you took following Amy's passing and you made to Jane's memorial to sing a few songs only 8 short years later. I'll bet there was singing at your memorial here earlier today. Guess I'll have to sing a solo version of "Too Tired to Tune at the Lake of the Loon" Fare Well my friend...
November 15, 2020
November 15, 2020
I first met Chip when he approached me at a dance at Mount St. Charles in 1966-1967. He asked me to dance, and I could not believe what a gifted dancer he was. I almost fell over when he actually did a split right there on the gym floor. We dated for a few months and he would sing and was just the sweetest guy. We stayed in touch and he graduated from WHS in 1968 where he then went to Slippery Rock in Pennsylvania. We'd run into each other from time to time over the years, and it was always nice to see him. In later years, he was in a band with my sister, Denise Drolet. The name of the band was Nightingale. They played so well together with other band members including Shelley, John and I believe a young man named Mark. Forgive me for not remembering all the names or if I left anyone out, but that was many years ago. I was fortunate enough to meet Amy and she was an absolute delight to know. I remember her beautiful blue eyes. The band put on a concert entitled, "A Concert For Linda". A friend of theirs was sick and needed support, and they were only too happy to accommodate. It was held at the Father Marot CYO Center in Woonsocket, RI.  My memories of Chip are of a man who loved his family, his wife and son, and music. Rest in peace, and I will never forget you.
November 15, 2020
November 15, 2020
ahhhh Chip... so many warm memories from music to skating, laughing to swimming in the ditch... One of my favorite encounters with Chip was when we bumped into each other at the Salvation Army in Kalispell. He was perusing the old cassette tapes. We both took two steps backwards and plopped on a saggy couch and stayed there for hours catching up till the store closed. My proudest partnership with Chip was being a parent of 'Hippie Spawn'. Cove (and Amy) you always have a home in the Flathead. I will so miss his beautiful gap tooth smile and will remember him always in the music that keeps this world going round. 
November 15, 2020
November 15, 2020
I never once saw Chip grimace or roll his eyes as I flailed, trying to figure out what key we were in (I was supposed to be in). Always made me feel welcome and always invited me back to try again. Which is what a real teacher does. 

Really loved the memorial and seeing that brotherly love, tells you a lot about a person.

He will be missed.
November 15, 2020
November 15, 2020
I was so sorry to hear of Chip's passing. I will forever remember his smile and joyous music. I'm so blessed to have known him. 
November 15, 2020
November 15, 2020
 After quite some time of enjoying Chip's music and his coming to Kila School to share his talents with the students and staff, a mutual friend tells me that Chip was also from Rhode Island. In Montana, to date, I have only met two other people who started life on this planet in the Ocean State. I was excited to learn this and naturally the subject came up the next time we met. Come to find out, we were both born in Woonsocket and we were amazed to discover that his mother's maiden name, Bilodeau, was the same as mine! 

A sweet connection was established and from that day forward, I always called him "mon frere". What a gift he gave us all being our brother and troubadour. The world is a better place because of Chip's commitment to the beauty and richness of music, community and plant earth. Keep shining, mon frere. Je t'aime.

November 14, 2020
November 14, 2020
We used to throw a hell of a good St. Patrick’s Day party, and for close to 30 years Chip was a big part of the fun. He once told me that in school he was taught by Irish Catholic nuns and was shocked to learn as an adult that he was actually a French Canadian Protestant! Fortunately his love of Irish music endured. While Amy played the piano, Chip would teach little kids to Senior Citizens traditional Ceilidh dances and no one sat still when he launched into a jig. We were so incredibly lucky to know him!
Thank you and rest well Dear Chip.
November 14, 2020
November 14, 2020
I have so many memories of playing music with Chip it's just a flood. The first time we met at Mike Conroy's fiddle festival in Darby in the mid-80s when he asked me to back him up with guitar for his mandolin set (he didn't play fiddle yet) and I disappeared looking for my dog and when I got back to the clubhouse (the old log one) he was mostly done with his set and he thought it was the funniest thing in the world that I stood him up for a dog. ALL the contra dances into the night, especially one single-digit January midnight when we were trying to load our stuff into his van with a raucous Hellgate blowing fine, cold snow sideways into every crevice of our gear. The Banjo Pharaohs. His wife, Amy. Our kids growing up. Irish sessions every Thursday at the Hamilton House when it was still an intimate, narrow shotgun room. We'd get in the groove during the dances and play some fine stuff together. Those were the best times. He always said music was his life and I'll bet it still is.
November 14, 2020
November 14, 2020
Once upon a time long ago Chip had a cider pressing party that I went to at his house. Everyone brought boxes of apples and squeezed by a large wooden press in the yard as the air whispered with the sweet smell of fall. In the evening we all went inside and had a music jam. Some 40 years later it is a warm and wonderful memory and Chip was a large part of it.
November 14, 2020
November 14, 2020
Thoughts to all of Chip's family. We share an absence, but then a fullness in our hearts, because of who Chip was. During the time I spent with Chip in recent years, his spirit shone through. He was always 'game', had a joy and appreciation about him, a generous, nurturing character and an open-hearted humor. It is true, you remember how a person made you feel and Chip made you feel valued. Rest easy, friend.
November 14, 2020
November 14, 2020
I knew Chip when I was young and foolish and despite being from of my parent's generation he always struck me as someone who was young and wise. His youthful energy was transmitted through his music and the way he could captivate the room with his stories... his giant smile, the sound of his hearty laugh, and the mischievous twinkle in his eye... Around him I never felt like a kid, I felt included and I knew I was part of his team. He taught me many tunes and showed me how tunes with a little heart, tunes, can be much more than notes strung together. Though I didn't recognize it at the time, he modeled how to live a compassionate life. I will think of him every time I pick up my fiddle and try to emulate the compassion he shared with his family, friends, and community. Wherever he is now, they are lucky, and I consider myself very lucky to have him living and laughing in my memories.
November 12, 2020
November 12, 2020
Chip, I don't think I know another person who could play and sing for an entire weekend and not repeat anything. I love your spirit and I will always think of you whenever I play the songs you taught me like "Lovers Waltz" and "The Nightingale." You have music in your heart and shared it with all of us. You always inspired other musicians to believe that their song was a good one. Shasta just reminded of the fun we used to have pressing apples with your hand crank press. We will miss you. Take care Cove and Amy. Diane Olhoeft and Jerry Downey
November 12, 2020
November 12, 2020
I first met Chip when we did a recording in my shop in the 80's and we crossed paths doing gigs and sessions for decades after that. We also had him come to Florence 4th each year and it was a highlight of the year to put on a show and play some music for the school and community. 
He brought joy to so many people.
November 11, 2020
November 11, 2020
I was lucky enough to get to dance to Chip's music many times over many years. Chip's music always made everyone's feet start dancing -- you could not sit while he was playing. And you could not feel sad or alone when you heard that music. Many thanks, Chip. And my love to your family and friends -- we will always remember you.
November 7, 2020
November 7, 2020
I had the pleasure of playing and singing with Chip in a Celtic group called Fairweather for a few years in the late '80s/early 90s. What a talented and relentlessly positive person he was! I used to call him "Pollyanna" sometimes because he was always so sure everything would work out well, despite any and all odds. I have seen him only a couple of times since moving from Montana in '98, but have many fond memories of time spent with him. Cove and Amy, I'm so sorry for your loss.
November 5, 2020
November 5, 2020
Monsieur Chip- The Montana music man, the huge smile, lover of cookies, pies and dance, fiddling, sunshine and nature. So many memories of working with him to bring delight and magic to schools through music, dance and art. With your music you encouraged building bridges between cultures and all people, history, and caring for the environment and each other. Chip, your mark on the hearts of Montana children and adults has been made and will stay for their lifetimes. It has on mine. We love you, and will miss you always.
Marina Weatherly
November 5, 2020
November 5, 2020
Cove and Amy, we are so sorry to read of Chips passing. God bless you both. Duby and I will always remember Chip with the students at Grantsdale. He shared his talents to the delight of students, faculty and parents. We were partial to the sit down square dance! We feel blessed to have such wonderful memories.
November 4, 2020
November 4, 2020
Chip was a good man, and a good friend to all,...playing amongst the likes of Pete Seeger,.....I shall miss him,....
November 4, 2020
November 4, 2020
We met Chip at Corvallis Elementary School in the early 90’s. Chip sure made my kids excited to go to school on days he was coming in to play with them. He was pure sunshine and beamed with joy, fun and silliness that all children need. He reminded me of the innocence and enthusiasm of John Denver and I loved volunteering when he was going to be at school. He was a genuine lover of life and anyone who knew him felt it. The world has lost a wonderful spirit ❤️
November 3, 2020
November 3, 2020
I feel so fortunate to have been given the opportunity to be a caregiver for Chip. He became a dear sweet friend and sometimes I felt that he was helping me more than I was helping him. He brought me joy and taught me many lessons through his great sense of humor, smile, positive attitude, music, laughter and playfulness, kindness, and overall appreciation and love for life and the beauty of this valley. It was obvious to me that he had a likewise impact on many others as wherever we went he was always being happily and warmly greeted! I thank God for the blessing he was/is in my life and I thank you Cove for allowing me the privilege of helping your dad. You will forever have a very special place in my heart Chip!
November 3, 2020
November 3, 2020
Chip! He was the embodied archetype of the wandering musician. Singing the news to all who would listen. Sharing the story with children and adults animals as well. A communicator through his creative spirit. Amy! kept him grounded and gave him a home base on a beautiful homestead with a huge garden and plenty of food. So gracious she was. It was an adventure to cross paths with Chip. His love for teaching was palpable and all the rural schools he and Amy went to to offer those farm and ranch kids a taste of creativity was a gift in a rural state. He is missed and lives on in all of our creative hearts. Chip went beyond boundaries and I am sure is somewhere up north in French Maritime Canada playing a tune with his ancestors! Live on everyone through his bold spirt and kind heart!
November 3, 2020
November 3, 2020
Chip was one of a kind. He worked with our fourth graders at Daly Elementary School for many years. He taught them through songs and dance. He made sure every child was engaged and no one was left out. The students looked forward to the week with Chip. Cove, I remember the year you and your dad played drums on the trash can, I believe you were a student at Grantsdale at the time. Chip was a special man and will be missed.
November 3, 2020
November 3, 2020
Rest in peace, my old friend.
     Steven Levinson
     Class of “68”
     Woonsocket High School
     Woonsocket Rhode Island
November 3, 2020
November 3, 2020
I first met Chip in the 7th Grade at St.Charles School in 1961. As I recall, he was the first person to greet me in the school yard as I was the new kid in the class. We graduated from Woonsocket High School together some six years later. I visited him at his home in Hamilton in 1990 while I was a visiting artist at the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena. He and Amy were so happy to have recently welcomed Cove to their family. Our evening ended sitting around a fire in the cradle of the beautiful Bitterroot Valley, It is my last memory, singing, playing guitars and reminiscing about our youth in Woonsocket, RI. A fire, a guitar and a song, that's Chip to me, RIP my friend.
November 2, 2020
November 2, 2020
Chip Jasmin was a gifted musician and educator. His presence in a school changed the culture. I have memories of so many years of residence in West Glacier School and then Bigfork Elementary School. My daughter danced to the lyrics, Chip would have been delighted to hear my granddaughter singing it many years later. 

Coffee grows on white Oak trees
The river flows with brandy 'O
Go choose someone to roam with you
Sweet as lasses candy 'O

Love you Chip.

Jackie
November 2, 2020
November 2, 2020
Chip not only knew how to tell a story but to encourage reflection and appreciation for the beautiful valley in which we grew up. I still find myself humming 'Swimmin in the Ditch' on a hot summer's day or 'Community' as I walk the streets of my Portland neighborhood, thinking of all the wonderful people back in the Bitterroot.

As children, Chip treated all of us like adults. He believed in us. He looked us in the eye - always. He respected us. He created an atmosphere of comradery that brought everyone out of their 'shell.' And it's no surprise that his son, Cove, turned out to be a great man as well. Thank you Chip. We were so lucky to have you in our corner.

Communi-ty
Communi-ty
Full of people like you & me
What a wonderful world, this would be
...if we all lived in community
November 2, 2020
November 2, 2020
No one had a bigger or more kind smile. I have such fond memories of him and his music. Sending his family love.
November 2, 2020
November 2, 2020
Please accept my heartfelt condolences in the loss of your dad. I met him through my sister, Deni, and truly admired him for not only his musical talent but his kindness whenever we would meet. We spoke once of his illness although at that point he said he didn't have anything wrong and then laughed. I know he was a great person and will be missed by you, Deni and the community that loved him.
November 2, 2020
November 2, 2020
Chip was such an amazing, fun, positive, uplifting influence on our kids! They enjoyed it so much when he would come perform at the schools. We purchased several cds and played them while we were driving. One of our favorites was the “achoo” song. He enhanced our lives through his music and storytelling! He will be greatly missed!
November 2, 2020
November 2, 2020
Chip was one of a kind! He made every kid in school love it the week that he was there. My years of teaching at Daly School were the most memorable when Chip was there for the week. It was so fun to walk through the Daly Den and see every student totally engaged. He shared his talents and made learning about the environment, habitats, and history through music relevant and exciting. He made learning FUN! I can still hear many of his songs in my head…… “Habitat, habitat, have to have a habitat…..” I know I still have one of his cassette tapes of music somewhere. :-) Yes, he will be forever missed.
My heart goes out to you, Cove. 
November 2, 2020
November 2, 2020
Chip was the Johnny Appleseed of the Bitterroot Valley ... his seeds were the songs he shared with children and the smiles he gave so naturally !! We loved him whenever and wherever he played and sang. He will be dearly dearly missed ❤️
November 2, 2020
November 2, 2020
Chip played for my husband, Chip Fisher, and I's wedding on September 25, 1993. He suggested Kate Wolfs' song, Give Yourself To Love, and as I came out onto the yard at Lost Trail Hotsprings, he had everyone singing along. Later in the day he played with my Uncle Bill and cousin Bill Neaves. It was perfect, he was perfect. Cove was just a little guy, and he had a great time playing with my nephew and cousins kids. 
The world has lost a star who made the sound waves more beautiful.
November 1, 2020
November 1, 2020
I, as most Ravalli County elementary students in the early 90’s, have the fondest of memories from when Chip Jasmin would come to school and sing with us. Chip taught young, eager minds about the importance of music, the beautiful place we live and love, animals, and most of all—about the importance of community. Even now I find myself randomly humming a folk song or two that was taught to me by Chip so many years ago. I remember being in awe of Chip’s musical talent and enthusiasm to share that with us. He never met a stranger and always had a kind word and a smile when you would run into him. In losing Chip, we have lost a bright light and an amazing talent.

Thank you to Cove and the rest of the Jasmin family for sharing him with us. His presence and teachings have impacted countless lives. And I’m sure it will continue to do so. I know I will tell the next generation about getting to experience the legendary “Chip Jasmin Week” at school. He is a treasure that will be missed.
November 1, 2020
November 1, 2020
Chip was a amazing person, I can remember him coming to Grantsdale school when I was a child and teaching us songs and playing the guitar. Growing up I remember seeing him on his daily walk around McCarthy loop and stopping by to say hello. He will be missed.
November 1, 2020
November 1, 2020
My thoughts and prayers to your family. Chip was a true gentle spirit whose music and good nature was truly a gift to elementary children throughout the valley. One of my most favorite field trips was with my sons class to Teller where Chip played music for the kids to dance to. I am so grateful to have known him. Blessings to you all.
November 1, 2020
November 1, 2020
Chip was much more than a great musician,
and a friend to all...He was a folk legend in his own
right and I even had the honor of doing a couple
of Bob Dylan covers with Chip at my sidewalk performances.
Chip answered Great Spirit's call and I know within the
fiber of my being that we will all see Chip again
in the Spirit World when Creator makes His call.
A`ho Mitakuye Oyasin
November 1, 2020
November 1, 2020
I am so sad to hear of Chip's passing. I remember Chip's laughter and smiles and larger than life capacity to uplift. I will miss running into him in town, saying Hello, stopping to talk. My heart goes out to Cove--I first met you and your Dad and Mom through DiscoveryPre-school. What a great son you have been and you will continue to be a great man. Know in your heart and core how much your community loves you and is holding you right now. Much much love to you and to all who cared for Chip each day.
November 1, 2020
November 1, 2020
One of my first interactions with Chip was in elementary school when he played music with Cove. My first impression with him was his amazing talent with music. He was so engaged and cheerful with the students. Chip was someone that made me feel valued as a person. That is one the best attributes someone can have. Over the years, Chip was always a supporter to me, whether sports or school. When I'd interact with him, he was always so happy. It saddens me with his passing. I'm grateful for his influence on me for his genuine love of music. I'm also grateful for his support to me and the community for so many years. I know that there are so many people who have been influenced and inspired by Chip. He will be deeply missed.

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