In loving memory of my father.

We are saddened by the death of the patriarch of our family.
This page will stand as long as this site as a dedication to his memory.

I have lost my father, my mentor, and my best friend.

I love you, Dad.

Leader Of The Band
by Dan Fogelberg

    An only child alone and wild, a cabinet maker's son
    His hands were meant for different work and his heart was known to none
 He left his home and went his lone  and solitary way
and he gave to me a gift I know I never  can repay

    A quiet man of music, denied a simpler fate
    He tried to be a soldier once,  but his music wouldn't wait
He earned his love through discipline  a thundering, velvet hand
    His gentle means of sculpting souls took me years to understand.

    The leader of the band is tired and his eyes are growing old
    but his blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul
My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man
    I'm just a living legacy to the leader of the band.

    My brothers' lives were different for they heard another call
    One went to Chicago and the other to St. Paul
    And i'm in Colorado when i'm not in some hotel
    Living out this life I've chose and come to know so well.

    I thank you for the music and your stories of the road
    I thank you for the freedom when it came my time to go
    I thank you for the kindness, and the times when you got tough
    And, Papa, I don't think I said 'I love you' near enough.

    The leader of the band is tired and his eyes are growing old
    but his blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul
    My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man
    I'm just a living legacy to the leader of the band
    I am the living legacy to the leader of the band.

Rest in Peace.