From bw@ashbysolutions.com Fri Oct 05 12:33:06 2012
Subject:Re: RIP Steve Hayes

I, too, knew Steve Hayes. I was a customer of his, then a dealer of his
preamps, and eventually a supplier of the Barker. I knew a little about
his illness, but didn't know he was falling behind in 'Round Two.'

Steve was passionate about tone, about keyboards -- especially Hammonds
-- and about his business. We had many long discussions, and while I
didn't always agree with his opinions, I always knew that they were
sincere. Steve and I shared a policy that, "We don't sell anything we
wouldn't use ourselves," and I respected that from him. He filled a
niche that the 'big guys' have long abandoned, and the members of this
list benefited greatly because of it.

As moderator, I had the unpleasant task of scolding him sometimes for
the vigor with which he announced and supported his products on this
list. Many looked at this as unfair and unwanted advertisement -- even
spam -- but those of us who knew Steve understood that it was a
reflection of his personality: He spent a lot of time and thought on
his products, and sometime he really did feel he had the 'greatest thing
since sliced bread' to show us all. His products were his 'children,'
and like any parent, he bristled when they were criticized.

I hope Speakeasy Vintage Music continues to exist for many years to
come. Steve, you will be missed!

________
On a more practical level, the announcement on the Speakeasy site said
to give to one's favorite charity, in lieu of flowers. Does anyone know
what Steve's favorite charity was? I think a collective donation -- or
even a long series of individual donations -- in his name would say more
than a bunch of private but scattered ones. Anybody have any ideas?

Regards,

-BW

Bruce Wahler
Ashby Solutions.com^(TM)
bw@ashbysolutions.com
http://music.ashbysolutions.com
877.55.ASHBY (877.552.7429)

On 10/5/2012 1:32 PM, mzyla98208 wrote:
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