05/17/2022
On May 12th I lost a longtime friend and the store lost one of its favorite patrons and supporters. Chris was a legend in the local music scene and beyond..being just a few years older, he was just playing out in bands as i was reaching the age to go see them.
Then as I became the age of playing myself and hanging around music stores he was teaching at, he was always cool to talk to and share his knowledge. It was such a great feeling, when after opening my store, I saw him walking thru the door. He would often stop by at closing time with a few loose PBRs in a walmart plastic bag and we would talk guitars, or stories from the band we both used to be in (not at the same time) or how proud he was of and how talented his kids were, but mostly it was about fly fishing. 🙂
I alway cracked the same joke when ever I was dealing with a left hander about "you're holding it wrong" except Chris. it never seemed that way, he was not only holding it correctly he played and you just knew he was meant to.
He was a big supporter of the music scene and its small businesses...when he wasn't at my store you could find him hanging out at Hanna's Music Supply. He would always take turns shopping for his strings and slides and such. He didnt collect guitars, he had some, but he played them brother! He played his les paul for decades and it shows, it has stories and lore and when you saw it and you heard him you knew you were infront of a bonefide rock star!
When I took ill with cancer the first time Chris was one of the multitude of people who donated time, money and talent in support.
He was the kinda guy you wanted to hang out with, and would be there for you if needed.
I got the call the morning of the 13th with news and like everyone my heart sunk to my stomach. I was already nervous to have the house phone ring as my mom had been diagnosed earlier in the week and just had surgery with first rounds of radiation beginning that day. I reached out to his family in private, but have just been at a loss...after losing other friends during my own battle, like John Henricks and others, I struggle with like I dunno survivor's guilt or something and i just clam up. It has been good for the soul these past few days to see all the posts and support for his family and stories and photos. I truly hope they receive a little peace and love from them.
Below is a quick snippet of The Man himself and one of many special memories.
Buhler For Recovery
