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The world lost another good man today.
Mr. Joe Willett of Pahrump Nevada. Drummer, friend, an example of a gentleman and a person who made everyone feel good just by being in his presence.
I just got back to Nevada from Colorado after 9 months. I knew Joe had been having health scares off and on over the last year but he faced everything with strength and courage and humor.
Joe had cancer in his lymph nodes that spread to his lungs. He was prepared to battle it. He checked into the hospital in Summerlin but in relatively short order was sent home for hospice care.
I drove 60 miles into the desert yesterday, to the spot where my girlfriend was killed in a rollover accident this past August. I sat on the shoulder of the highway, the wild winds and passing traffic rocking my car. I looked out over the terrain and said a prayer and told her once again how much I missed her and I cried.
I drove home, went to Sunday services at church, and prayed for peace and comfort for my friend Joe.
Today, approximately 24 hours later, Joe's friends and family started posting eulogies on his Facebook page. He died at home, peacefully, earlier today. I cried again. The night before I left for Colorado I went into the club where Joe played regularly and I was DJ for several months. I went in for one last beer before leaving town. I didn't even notice him sitting there. It was such a joy to see him...we slung the bull for about an hour before I shook his hand and left.
I wanted to have another beer with him when I returned. When i knew that wasn't going to be possible, I wanted to visit my friend one last time. Turns out that also was not possible.
Realize this is a guy who toured with Hank Williams Jr. LONG before he became a joke during the McCain/Palin campaign, when he was dangerous, when he was straight-no-chaser outlaw country. Joe was there on the drum kit. Did he have stories? Are you kidding me?
But the biggest thing to know is how much musicians...myself included...admired and respected this man. I know a few people whose egos are beyond massive, but when Joe was in the room, they showed respect, they KNEW who was the boss.
This is the part where I tell you to let the people in your life who you love know what they mean to you before you no longer have that opportunity.
My girlfriend knew I loved her more than life.
Joe knew he was my friend because virtually EVERY time we would have some form of exchange it was bracketed with the words "my friend" from each of us.
It's a big world.
Joe was just one guy, doing the best he could.
But DAMN, did he leave this big chasm that has turned into a lake today, filled with the tears of the men and women who realized that they had the honor of knowing this man.
Rest in peace, my friend. We will meet again.
I just got back to Nevada from Colorado after 9 months. I knew Joe had been having health scares off and on over the last year but he faced everything with strength and courage and humor.
Joe had cancer in his lymph nodes that spread to his lungs. He was prepared to battle it. He checked into the hospital in Summerlin but in relatively short order was sent home for hospice care.
I drove 60 miles into the desert yesterday, to the spot where my girlfriend was killed in a rollover accident this past August. I sat on the shoulder of the highway, the wild winds and passing traffic rocking my car. I looked out over the terrain and said a prayer and told her once again how much I missed her and I cried.
I drove home, went to Sunday services at church, and prayed for peace and comfort for my friend Joe.
Today, approximately 24 hours later, Joe's friends and family started posting eulogies on his Facebook page. He died at home, peacefully, earlier today. I cried again. The night before I left for Colorado I went into the club where Joe played regularly and I was DJ for several months. I went in for one last beer before leaving town. I didn't even notice him sitting there. It was such a joy to see him...we slung the bull for about an hour before I shook his hand and left.
I wanted to have another beer with him when I returned. When i knew that wasn't going to be possible, I wanted to visit my friend one last time. Turns out that also was not possible.
Realize this is a guy who toured with Hank Williams Jr. LONG before he became a joke during the McCain/Palin campaign, when he was dangerous, when he was straight-no-chaser outlaw country. Joe was there on the drum kit. Did he have stories? Are you kidding me?
But the biggest thing to know is how much musicians...myself included...admired and respected this man. I know a few people whose egos are beyond massive, but when Joe was in the room, they showed respect, they KNEW who was the boss.
This is the part where I tell you to let the people in your life who you love know what they mean to you before you no longer have that opportunity.
My girlfriend knew I loved her more than life.
Joe knew he was my friend because virtually EVERY time we would have some form of exchange it was bracketed with the words "my friend" from each of us.
It's a big world.
Joe was just one guy, doing the best he could.
But DAMN, did he leave this big chasm that has turned into a lake today, filled with the tears of the men and women who realized that they had the honor of knowing this man.
Rest in peace, my friend. We will meet again.
4 replies
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= new reply since forum marked as read
I'm sorry for your losses.
RIP Joe Willett
Peace to all your friends and family.
I am so sorry for your loss, Miles Archer.
