Saying Good-bye to Jay

I got the word over the week-end. No need for condolences. We will rejoice in his life.

 In Memory of my best friend

 

 Jay Gordon Chapman, July 31st 1950 - August 17, 2013

I've mentioned Jay a few times on my blog as my childhood best friend. But I haven't really shared stories of our exploits because Jay and I lost touch. Our lives took different paths and I didn't feel comfortable writing about him without his permission. But that has changed now.... Stories will be shared in time.

Jay was a brilliant natural comedian. He could easily have held his own on "Whose Line is it Anyway" and had the other participants peeing their pants. More than once he had me (and others) literally on the floor rolling, holding my sides, laughing so hard I'd be gasping for air saying, "Stop! Please stop!" His imitation of a crab scuttling sideways or a lizard doing push-ups were priceless. Then there were his various personae:

Zack Stone. Serial killer or Kevin Costner impersonator?

Jay, on right, as Dr. Nasty.

No caption needed.

And my favorite: The wildman.

He was a natural wood carver and carved walking sticks, at one point taking commissions and carving sticks with specially requested designs.

Jay was an excellent dancer with great rhythm. He played a mean set of spoons and for many years played percussion in a number of small jazz bands.

Jay, on right, playing tamboura with our friend John, on sitar.

He was a fine cook.

One of his *magical* abilities was how he could to take away headaches. There was something in his touch, he could pulled the pain right out of your head.

He made everybody laugh.

May you make the angels laugh as well.

Good-bye my dear sweet friend. I would not be who I am, would not be the writer, had you not been in my life. I have no doubt that we will meet again one day.

I dedicate "Blackbird" to you and the day we first listened to The White Album together. This is a lovely cover by Sarah McLauchlan.

Count Jay de Booger has left the building.