Mark Verbeck remembers
I'm preparing for the midnight delayed broadcast of tonight's very last Grateful Dead show from Chicago Soldier Field, and it's natural to think of John and how often we listened to some of those songs together. While living on Curtis Street in Denver, we'd go to Tulagi's in Boulder to hear Paul Butterfield, Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson. This was after the Silverton scene fell apart, and before Minnesota and briefly sharing the basement with you on Gilpin Street.
Visited John and Annetta once in Deer River, and didn't see him again until Denny's belated 50th birthday in '98. He made the wry remark that I was one of the few who had met all three of his wives. It's hard to believe I didn't follow up in later years, despite visiting my sister in Minneapolis. We always think there will be more time. John was a remarkable person in many respects. He took full responsibility for the choices he made, and within my experience never felt sorry for himself.
It was very pleasant, despite the circumstances, to exchange a few words with you at the memorial. Life seemed to be treating you fairly well, and I hope that continues to be the case. I consider myself to be in the bonus years, lucky to be in good health, lucky to be here at all.
Best regards,
Mark