My Good Friend Elmer
Elmer was not only a great musician but a great person as well. He had a heart of pure gold. I played music with Elmer from 1974 until 2007, but I also worked in the coal mines with him as well. Elmer was my boss and I have to say I’ve never had a better boss. I remember one time when there wasn’t enough work at the mine due to lack of coal orders and equipment breakdowns. Some of us workers didn’t get to work some weeks. Elmer knew we had families to feed and bills to pay so he paid us as though we had worked. I’ve always thought that Elmer paid us out of his own pocket, that was the kind of person he was. Elmer was like my brother and I miss him terribly. He made me promise just days before his death that I would keep the music going and I am trying my best to do his request. But, I have to say that without Elmer, it is not nearly as easy to do. Elmer will always live in my heart and in my music. I feel blessed to have known him and traveled with him doing what he loved to do most, play his bass and banjo. God bless you Elmer and thanks for the memories.
