Near the middle of this month I was able to get away and road trip with three other men to a friend’s ranch near Pierre, SD. These trips are always an adventure and this one was no exception. Here’s a pic that’s at least one clue (no this isn’t an iron horse).

This particular ranch property is set up as an outreach and resource to connect people to each other, to the struggles we all have inside our lives, and ultimately to God our creator. So there’s always plenty of projects that facilitate the development and maintenance of the wide ranging “tools” that facilitate those goals. In the process of meeting people where they’re at, learning through talks, studies, comradeship and participation, both volunteers and attendees of events benefit.

During this particular volunteer time one of the projects was to finish prepping some cedar poles to be used as porch supports for a house that will likely be built next year. The original home was damaged this year beyond salvage by broken plumbing. So I’m seen here making my debut run captaining a rather large machine. The logs were successfully moved and many of them ground, trimmed, sanded and stained. Along the way there was much opportunity to wake up each day in a very quiet setting (nice for someone who’s always listening), and be reminded that “His mercies are new every morning”. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

This month there was a very special musical gathering in Council Bluffs for a last “show” commemorating Bob Everhart. Bob, who had hosted and attended countless Old Time Country and Bluegrass events, was the guest of honor as a selected group of musicians played their (or Bob’s) favorites at his life celebration. Bob, we’re so sorry for your passing and we know you will be greatly missed by many.

I got to know Bob a lot of years ago through his Old Time Music festivals under the auspices of his National Traditional Country Music Association, and would make the nearly annual trek into Iowa to meet many friends and clients. Bob worked tirelessly much longer than most of us would have endured at preserving America’s Old Time Music, its core values, and expressing his faith in Jesus. Thank you. You launched many a music passion, brought old friends and new together, and kept at it through the tough gig of making a living through music and festivals where I doubt anyone could satisfy everyone’s needs and interests. The Old Time Music world has lost a stalwart advocate and your family a husband and father.

Bob was with a group that was the first to sign the Tesco Productions “Wall of Fame” in 1991. Following the fall festival he brought a group of bluegrass musicians from Germany to the studio, and between the 1st and 2nd days of recording I painted an area on the wall where a cabinet had been hanging. My wife said we could sign names as long as we didn’t leave the drab green color showing. It was rolled light blue and so it remains today. As I look over that wall (and also our “Hall of Fame”) with their many signings, there are now a number of signatures that serve as reminders of folks that have passed on. Bob Everhart is now another – and definitely remembered.