04/17/2026
THE END OF AN ERA - APRIL 2026
Greetings all, Some big news from the shop!
After nearly 60 years on the bench, I am going to take the shingle down, pass the torch, and pursue some activities that are important to me: my wife, family, friends, music, travel and, of course, boating. Effective as of April 17, 2026.
It’s with a heavy but full heart that I leave this profession, industry colleagues, clients, and friends: many whom I’ve met and worked with, from coast to coast in the various iterations of Rufus’ Guitar shops, Rufus’ Island Guitar shop, and Speakeasy Audio, my sound reinforcement company in Halifax in the 70’s and 80’s. Met a lot of fine folks along this journey.
The very first Rufus’ was established in the mid 60’s in Montreal. In 1974, I sold that shop to Chuck Baker and relocated to Halifax and opened a new Rufus’ there. Some years later, Chuck (and Jennie) moved it lock stock and barrel to Vancouver, where it had thrived for many years. They sold the business and retired in 2014. It grieved me when that Vancouver shop closed earlier this year as it still carried my name.
My heart goes out to musicians and luthiers who work so hard, but whose livings are being negatively affected by increased costs and restraints of the industry, and also the politics that adversely challenge Canadian musicians and their support teams.
Speaking of support, there are so many I have to thank for so much. First are the people who have come and gone, who either worked with or for the shop during its various incarnations, Montreal, Halifax, PEI, Kingston, Victoria and finally Parksville for the last 20 years. And also for the wonderful times enjoyed hearing music played on stages, festivals, living rooms and on recordings, an honour to be part of all that.
The years here in Parksville have been amazing, not only as a beautiful place to work from, but also for a clientele that, for many of those years, brought as many as 450 instrument repair orders each year. To those clients and friends, I owe the success I have enjoyed over these years, you have my profound thanks.
I know I also speak for my wife, Charlotte, when I say that we are grateful to have met so many new friends and folks, getting together to share music, at dinners, jams and various events. I continue to be encouraged by the creativity, healing and joy that those who sing and play instruments bring.
Very special thanks to all those who have supported me and worked closely with me over the years and please forgive me if I’ve missed anyone.
British Columbia, Rufus’ Island Guitar Shop: Dave Spinks, Aaron Murray, Rose Birney, Chuck Baker, Carolyn Victoria Mill, Reid Jamieson, and my wife, Charlotte Carey
Kingston, ON Rufus’ Guitar Shop: Gord Mylks, Gary Mullen, Gary Trainor, Oskar Graf, Carolyn Stewart, Kevin Head
Prince Edward Island, Rufus’ Guitar Shop: John Bears, Ernest McLeod, Jerry Martel, Andy Clary
Halifax Rufus’: Tony Duggan Smith, Doug Fenton, Sue Lothrop, Jim Rowe, John Perkins, Steve Darke, Glen Schoales, Campbell Calder, Kevin Head.
Speakeasy Audio: Reith Blake, Katherine Kechnie, Dave Corkum, Barry Fraser, Brian Norman, Kirk Ross, Brian Hines, David Sleath, Doug Fenton, Wilfred Keefe, Kevin Keefe, Denise Walkden, Heather Evans, Kevin Ferris, Ian Robertson, Kip Gillis , Ian Fraser, Pat Kipping, John Perkins, Steve Darke.
Montreal Rufus’ Guitar shop: Gilles Losier, Campbell Calder, Ronnie Abramson, Andre Perry, Rockin’ Randy Kempf, Nino Fumagalez, Sam Buffalini, Kevin Head, Jennifer Giles, George Stein, Chuck Baker, and special thanks to Michael Longworth (rip) of Martin Guitars who always had my back.
And my suppliers who stuck with me through the thin years:
Martin Guitars, Coast Music, Clay Magnuson, D’Addario Canada, especially June Doyle, (rip), Ray Verall.
NOTE: The shop still has a large stock of strings, parts, accessories and instruments for sale, email to set up a time to come by (by appointment only please).
Please check thewebsite for alternative resources for services.
You can read more about the history of the shop on the ABOUT page. links in comments.
Leave a comment with you memories or future plans... :-)
