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Well heck I am sorry to post this one... I hate to be gone so often for so long then have to deliver this news...

Our good friend Graham Henderson passed away on February 7. I received a letter from his wife Eve telling me that he enjoyed his last internet-free months immensely. He died suddenly after coming home from a roucous round of karaoke at the pub as was his typical Saturday night. She told me also that they played our song "Don't Cry" at his funeral which touched me deeply.

I know he will be sorely missed. Especially by me... he was one of a kind.

-Uncle Chuck

I was and am sorry to hear that. I'll miss him, too.

Joe

This is so sad. Graham was one of my favorites. As Chuck said, Godspeed, Cobber!" You left a trail behind well worth following.

Alan

That REALLY sucks!!! He was somewhat legendary round' here, and one of JPF'S truly great characters. He will be sorely missed...Here's to ya cobber!

yeah, Bob, it more than sucks. Graham and I enjoyed a lot of communications away from the boards. In fact, I was working on the music for a song he co-wrote with Annie Cozean. When I am finished with it, I'll post it. Damn, this is sad! I'm wiping tears from my eyes as I am typing this.

Alan

Wow.. I just heard this myself a few minutes ago. This is very sad news indeed. Does anyone know if he was ill? I always wondered why he disconnected from the net after being so involved for so long. He said he wanted to travel, and I think that's the greatest gift you can give yourself if you have the time, the health and the means. I know as my health has suffered I turn to the thoughts of traveling with loved ones as a priority.

I am very happy to hear that he was out doing what he loved just before it happened. That means he went out on a very positive note. May we all be so lucky.

So long Graham! I always considered him my crazy Australian Uncle. I was looking forward to seeing him in person when we finally make our way to Australia.

Brian

I thought I'd post his Avatar here.

Brian

Brian,

Can't shed a lot of light on your questions. But, to the best of my knowledge, Graham had no known significant health issues. he and I sent emails back and forth quite a few times. He told me the reason he was getting off the Internet was to be free to come and go as pleased...to travel at will. When he was on the Internet, he felt a commitment to be involved with any sites on which he participated. That sense of commitment would impede his freedom to come and go as the moment persuaded him. He anticipated he didn't have a lot of years left and he wanted to live his last years as he had always dreamed...the freedom to do what he wanted, when he wanted with no guilt or apolgies.

Wish I could tell you more, but that's all he ever told me. The last tiume I Heard from him was several months ago. He said he was having one hell of a good time! I can believe it!

Alan

I'm really sorry to hear this news, he seemed so invincible.
A fun guy & he will be missed.

Calvin


http://www.soundclick.com/bands/0/calvinstewart

I remember Graham mostly from the Mentor Forum a couple years back; he was always so enthusiastic, and truly got excited when he was able to take the chosen lyric and "make it sing". I didn't know what a "musical bed" was, 'til Graham took one of my lyrics, and sang it to me over one of his "musical beds" ....

He had a great sense of humor. It's good to know he was happy and living life fully.

Graham, miss you man! Take a few "beds" with you, never know when they may come in handy!

Mike

From the land down under to the land up above. The Ultimate Walkabout....I teared up just seeing the title of this Post, but I'm glad he was doing what he knew he should be doing. Can't ask for much more than that out of a Life.

Midnite

One of life's truly great character's,Graham will be missed.
DAM IT!

This is very sad news. Graham was a very prolific and entertaining poster when I first joined the board many years ago. One of the genuine characters on JPF and always enthusiastic, he will be sadly missed.

RIP mate

So sorry to hear this, good-bye old buddy, see you on the other side.

Graham was already missed on the boards, but he'll be missed everywhere now. So long, buddy.

Brian,
According to the letter from Eve he was doing well. She said he was having a great time but 'burning the candle at both ends'. It sounds like he just plain wore out. It also sounded like he died suddenly and unexpectedly. Prolly the best way as far as I am concerned...
Chuck

Graham was passionate about music. As far as that goes, he was passionate about life. Always ready to help folks out, quick with a joke or an encouragement. He was an old fashioned good guy who completely understood the young folks. Yes, as Shandy said, he was missed here already, now he'll be missed by many. He's now playing harmonica with the angels and helping them out with their songs. Goodbye, friend.

What sad news. I'm sure all of Esperance will miss him, as will his beach, and of course many of us here...

The VERY FIRST lyric posted on this "new board" by me was a tribute to Graham. He had a love for, and a history with, big draft horses. So I wrote this lyric for him. Of course he helped with some of the detail....



henderson’s horses
© 2001 john voorpostel

came here forty years ago
our land pride’s long well worn
wisdom came from daddy
as he taught me how to farm
one thing I remember
is be careful of your sources
‘tswhy he bought the best blood lines
when he bought henderson’s horses

I remember the excitement
‘twas my birthday after all
were just ‘bout up ‘n ready
to travel spring clear to the fall
needed strong and healthy stock
to get through all nature’s forces
so daddy said lets buy five of
the best of henderson’s horses

they were huge to six year olds
just passing up from five
knew then that we would make it
those clydes ‘d keep us all alive
we’d work and build our new land
they’d plow arrow straight dirt courses
yeah I was all excited to
be getting henderson’s horses

rigged mares to pull our wagon
while daddy rode the stallion
we travelled t’ward the setting sun
through nature’s own battalions
the only reason that we won
was ‘cause of our own strong forces
t’s why when we got to this here riverbend we
thanked God and henderson’s horses

those five have grown to many more
we keep some sell the rest
there’s folks who’ll pay a premium
cause those clydes are simply best
but we only sell to sharpened eyes
who are careful of their sources
and who want to breed a few of their
best to henderson’s horses

oh I’ve seen others up for auction
but I wouldn’t spend a dime
we take ours through rising five
when they're ready in their prime
besides there’s those borne of the hand
that sets good clydes apart
like those we bought forty years ago
that came from henderson’s heart

I’m father to my own now
and I’ve taught them much the same
there’s treasure in those lessons learned
as a dad passes on his name
mine’s still out there this morning
‘n with his grandsons reinforces
take care of them, they’ll take care of you
they’re the best of henderson’s horses


Ride on Cobber, ride on.....

Right you are, Mike,
Graham was passionate about music and life (probably in that order)
I remember when he first showed up on the boards. We all took a crash course (sink or swim) in speaking Aussie... it was either do that or walk away from his posts wondering what on earth he was saying.
He lived a long and hard but joy-filled life.
We should all be so lucky.
and lucky we were to share some time with him

A Cantankerous Cobber
Who wouldn't like the guy?
So long Graham.

Graham is sitting at #3 top posters on the side bar.
He wrote on the boards with an accent, but you always knew what he meant.
I would have a question on the guitar board and he went out of his way to find an answer. I became a fan of his distinct vocal style. He could write a song about anything. If he sneezed, he would write a song about it.
I always expected to hear from him again. The thought of him passing never entered my mind. This is a real kick in the ass. I rarely get sad, but I am today. Ben

Graham was always supportive and encouraging about my posts here. I was disappointed when he checked on out, but I am glad to hear that he was doing exactly what he wanted to do at the end. Godspeed!

Kevin

Graham has 388 songs on Soundclick. We should all go there and listen. Maybe post our favorites on the MP3 board. Here is his homepage statement.

I am writer, and general Mister Nice Guy.
I am not a performer but manage to squeak out stuff good enough for others to hear and do better with.
Lucky for you lot. I get a few other people to sing and play some of my stuff.
I do make Karaoke tracks of my songs and perform them every Saturday night, trotting twix the two local pubs that do karaoke.
I have a whole heap more fun than doing covers all the time.
Most weeks having at least one new song to try out on the punters.
Have seven recorded and getting airplay.
And not only on my show Roar Radio either.
Backing music for Born To Be Blue is now on a video showing the Esperance service providers. Out soon. More later.

Here is a link to my favorite song that Graham wrote. He did the lyric and Anne Cozean worked the piano loop and did the vocals. I've been working on brushes and acoustic bass for it but haven't yet finished. For those of you who have never heard any of Graham's work, this is a great example of his writing.

http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/viewtrack.php?trackid=56814

Enjoy!

Godspeed Graham.
He certainly left an impression here.
I remember my few conversations with Graham left me refreshed and trying to learn more about the Aussie language.
Good for him getting on w/out being tied to the net.

Jeff

So sad to hear the news ... Graham was a good friend to many and was very welcoming to me when I first came onboard. You did have to adjust to him abit ... ... but such a great guy! I'm sure he will be missed immensely!

ML

I remember seeing Graham around when I first joined the boards, i'm saddened at his passing but glad he lived his life the way he wanted to.

Al thanks for posting that link, a truly beautiful song.

Godspeed Graham


Andy

Here's one of Graham's songs that I totally butchered (LOL!): http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7442418 -- I wish I had a better version, this one was 100% written on the spot.

Here are Graham's 4 versions that he had at soundclick (he did like to experiment!).

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=5807522
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=5800213
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=5797954
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=5794000

Long live Graham's memory!

Kevin

I couldn't believe it when I heard the news. As I told Chuck, Graham was bigger than life and someone you never expect to leave, just like Dawg was.

I am heartbroken. As some of you may remember, Graham was the one who dubbed me, "Tink", short for Tinkerbell, many years ago and it stuck. We had a lot of fun on the boards together. I have fond memories of "dueling lyrics" one Friday, late into the night on Shayne's board.

Graham, wherever you are right now... Go to sing I love ya, buddy!

Tink

So Long Graham.
Thanks for "Just Another Day".

Oh my goodness .. such sad, surprising news!
I have been away, just checking in .. glad I did.
Rest in Peace Graham ... Joanne

Seeing some folks pop in here from the really old days reminds us how much we'd love to have you back here more often. It's so easy to assume that people will always be around until suddenly one day they aren't and it's too late. So to those of you who haven't been around much, let me formally invite you to please stick around and let the new folks get to know you like all of us have gotten to.

Brian

R.I.P. Graham.
He was one of those guys who was really passionate about the music.

Play on, sing on, write on, live on in our hearts Graham Henderson.

Chuck:

Before I begin, let me express my appreciation for your bringing this sad event to our attention.

Graham Henderson was one of the kindest, most generous people with whom I have shared "netspace." His sometimes quirky Aussie ways only further endeared him to me. He will be missed even more now. His long standing absence from JPF was sad enough but I suppose we all know our ultimate fate. A JPF legend has passed and I will feel the pain for awhile. Godspeed, friend Graham.

Dave Rice

http://www.ShowCaseYourMusic.com/DaveRice

Bump

Graham always had something to say. On any thread. Come on folks, I know that you have some Graham stories. Don't let his memory go. He would probably write a song about this.

<SIGH>

I'm also surprised to hear this news. Over the years (since about 2002) we chatted quit a bit by email and also collaborated on a couple of demo recording projects.

Graham also played one of my songs and another friend's songs over the radio where he was DJ once a week and could spin the latest recordings from around the world, many of them Christian and faith-based (spiritual) songs. He was definately a believer who knew and trusted his Creator, so I have no doubt he's safely at home.

One song we worked on, "Nothing More, Nothing Less" expressed a deep but simple side of his faith in the Lord. It's a fine jazz tune with a great message about applying a faith in God's plan of forgiveness and redemption, nothing more and nothing less! Working with Graham on this project was probably one of my most enduring memories of him.

Here's a little cheers to my ol' buddy Cobber,
Who knew how to match music and lyrics just right,
He ran the good race and fought the good fight,
Thanks for your friendship and shining your light!

With love and respect to your memory and circle of friends and family too,
Michael

Graham, I always hoped you would drop in again.

Sounds like you were having fun though. Wouldn't have expected anything else.

Gonna miss you Pal!

Thanks Chuck.

Scott

I'm with Brian on this one...With Graham's passing I can't help but think of some of the "regulars" who used to post here when I joined several years ago who are M.I.A, or only check in sporadically...Truman Coyotte,{who I often butted heads with, but have the UPMOST respect for!} Scott Andrew {ditto}, Jody Whitesides, Dukewill,Bob Young, {who I know has major health issues} Sofa King Bixby {who's busy trying to stay ALIVE in Iraq!} John Webb,and of course my pal Joanne Lurgio. {who just checked in for the first time in a while!} We need to stay in touch...Life is fragile, and we never know what's going to happen tomorrow..Don't forget it.. PLEASE don't be strangers!

Amen BC!...I don't know if Folks understand how much we appreciate them, how often they are in our thoughts...I've often thought that Brian should add a MIA Forum, just so that we can let Folks know that we still love & think about 'em.

Life gets busy, and different directions get taken, but that doesn't mean these Folks are ever forgotten.

Midnite

I will never forget the many kind words Graham has said to me over the years. He was a passionate, supportive soul and will be missed.

Really Sad to hear the Aussie's no longer among us..Great Guy, Great Heart, Fun to Read, (I confess I don't Listen to many of Anybody's Stuff..but he did have a Style of His Own!).

"Big G" always Lived it to The Max...& I'm glad he had some True Freedom before the Unexpected-Departure. I've always enjoyed those who did it "Their Way"..(& envied those who could!)

You've been An Inspiration, Graham-migo...& now..The Globe's a bit sadder you're not with us. Hope the Next Gig's even more Fun..& I'm sure you'll be singin' with The Best of 'Em!~

One Last Guy-Hug,
Stan

I admit I am procrastinating on my reply letter to Eve also. I have decided that I would wait a few more days to do so. That way I can let some more people chime in here. Then I'll print this out and include it with my reply.
So if you have words, stories, or anything else to include about your love for our dear Mr. Henderson... now would be the time... and this would be the place.

Uncle Chuck

My most enduring memory of Graham is a title (one of his, of course): "I Still Miss You, Honey, but My Aim Is Getting Better." I always thought it summed him up real well. I have missed him since he's been gone.

Joe

As usual, I could use some lyrical help – so if any one wants to contribute or re-do the tune in any way shape or form, please have at it. I am using a “bed track” (one of Graham’s favorite phrases) composed by Rob Leach and I am just adding lyrics.
I am singing softly, because upstairs there is a gaggle of girls having a Twilight DVD party!

To Graham, I know he would forgive my pitchy singing, he always did before.

MP3: http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7446387
***************************************
The Great Divide

Graham crossed over that great divide
That separates us from eternity
He’s gone over there and left us here
so to him we’ll lift our glass and cheer

May the wind be at your back
and the weather, always fair
let it now and forever be said
that what Graham had, he shared

We knew him only through song and word
but still his spirit shined through
If we can have half the passion he felt
that it can be said that we did well

May the wind be at your back
and the weather, always fair
let it now and forever be said
that what Graham had, he shared

Thanks for posting this Chuck. Maybe it will turn out that a small tribute to Graham will be how many who left jpf returned to this site again if even for a fleeting farewell..

I am SO sad to hear this. Graham was so much fun, but he was also sweet and wise and clever, and was always up for a good time here...
I am going to miss his lively energy and his passion for music. Surely he is singing in Heaven...

Emily

Sorry to hear that. I did not know him well. Had some conversations on a different forum but he seemed a good guy and passionate. Sure he will be missed.

MAB