et al; I am sure that there are those among the list members who recognize the names of Carl Helton and Vernon Calcotte. When I returned from KC I learned of the passing of each of these stalwarts of the tech community here in Jacksonville. Carl was not a current member of PTG, having allowed his membership to expire many years ago when he first started his battle with cancer. His friendly demeanor and ready wit was a joy to all who knew him. Vernon was one of the charter members of the NE Florida Chapter of PTG and before that was a member of the Piano Tuners Association. Vernon had heart problems and a few years back had a pace maker installed. A story that speaks volumes of Vernon centers around another member of PTG who was extremely active in the past, Mr. Barney Johns, RPT. Barney was having problems with his roof and Vernon went up on the roof to make the repairs for Barney (since he was 5 years younger than Barney at 71 :-) While working on the roof Vernon's pacemaker gave his heart a jolt, as it was designed to do, the jolt caused Vernon to lose his balance and he fell off of the roof...he didn't get hurt except for minor bruises but to hear Barney and Vernon tell the story was a memory that will live with those who have heard it for years. That story says more about Vernon than anything I could say................ Neither of these two gentlemen were political tigers, rather they showed the way via their personal example. We are all the less for their passing and they shall be missed. Go with God............. Carl and Vernon. Jim Bryant (FL)
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC