Dear Johnny,

Benoit, Leo, Gerry, Donnie, Claude, Don, Donnie, Higgs, Billy & the Hawk. Norm too.

It’s very difficult for me to say I can’t come.

I’d really love to see each and every one of you.

I saw Hawk a few years ago and he didn’t change a bit.

I really held out hope thinking maybe I could get away.

But please understand, it would really be too much to handle with me moving that week.

Plus, as Johnny knows, I’ve gotten myself neck-deep with this heavy dark shit that I’d really rather not.

I didn’t seem to have a choice. And so now for less than a year, I’ve had a radio show, The Joe Citizen Show.

You see I turned out to be this right wing patriotic son a bitch that freaked out after 9/11.

Once I realized the true intentions of all the mosques being built, I had to do something about it.

Namely, expose the infiltration of Jihad in America (probably worse up there) and the extent of their infiltration.

So, I interview the experts, and of course give my opinions.

Its very weighty, and I realize the responsibility that goes with such a show.

It’s very draining, especially when you have to explain that you are not the Racist; but simply the Messenger trying to expose the Racists.

I wait for the string section to appear every time they claim what Victims of discrimination they are.

I was thinking the station could play a Previous Show while I was gone, weighing my personal fun (you guys) versus doing the Show Live so that it’s current....But then the house closing got moved from the 23rd to the 28th.

Guys, please forgive me.

It would just be too much for me with everything happening at once.

I do not accept that this will be the last opportunity for me to see all of my big brothers, which you all were for years.

You all did a great job helping me grow up.

You also protected me, as we did each other.

You are all a Major Component of my life...and who I am today.

We were something else...intangible.

Look, if I don’t get up there...you’re not rid of me yet.

I’m going to re-learn how I sent group mails and very much want to stay in regular touch, which I didn’t do for 40 years.

I want to tell you guys all kinds of stuff & bring you up to date...and vice-versa.

Cause for me, it’s just like it was yesterday when we helped Johnny carry the B3 up the snow filled vertical stairs at the Hawaiian Lounge.

I heard Buddy Rich for the first time with you guys at Seaside Heights with Garry.

I heard Maynard for the first time in...Asbestos.

I almost threw up listening to Ornette Coleman with Gerry cause I couldn’t figure out how anybody’s mind (Coleman’s, not Gerry!) could be so demented!  Ben was my best friend...as you all were.

I really loved being in your band.

You took me in.

We all really loved that band.

This is bothering me a whole lot more than I hope it is you guys.

Can’t we do it again next year?

Please?

I was the baby in the band.

Each and every one of you were and still are my big brothers.

You’ve all been a part of me all along.

Roger Homefield

Le Frit

Joe Citizen

Hi Roger,

I am touched by your message, please keep in mind this group of people understand and we will be happy to see you next time around. With people such as this group each and every one of these guys were and still are good friends, we don’t keep in touch every day because we all have our lives, the experience we all had together is unique and very precious, these are guys that care and love music, also cared about each other.

I have to say that John always was a great inspiration for passion and you were the special gifted person with great humour great sound and made the music happen. You have multi-talent and now you are engaged I believe that you always been engage to your people and you loved each and every on of us. We could appreciate this very much this is why we still love you so much.

There are very few groups that I know where people cared as much as this group of talented musicians. Billy is still today my hero; he is still today my favourite singer not only because of his voice but because of his commitment to sing his own way. I love you Roger and without speaking for every one you will soon see that they all love and care for you. Thank You for sharing this moment of your life with us, we all did enjoy it very much.

Well I don’t mind missing the moving just a joke, I am looking forward to a future opportunity. Life is good when we have health family and friends, what we wish to leave behind is up to each and every one of us. I will always remember you as a great talented spirit, a great human being someone that makes a difference in the world. I can promise you that we will be talking about you.

  Have a good one.

  Gerry Labelle

Hi John,

I really enjoyed having a chance to see you, meet your wife and talk with you last Friday night, I wish I had more time with you and you’re wife to get to know you that much more, that’s life, everybody wanted to talk to you. Sorry if I had to leave early on Friday night, I am still taking medicine for my cancer and I had to drive 2 hours to get back home that night. It was to short a time with you guys and the ambiance was loud so not great or easy to talk to each other. I did enjoy every minute of it having the chance to see most of the guys I had a chance to share music with you. Now let’s keep in touch and see how we can contribute to some music in the future together.

You are a very special person and a fantastic human person John. You made a difference in my life.

Your friend

Gerry Labelle

Hi everyone:   ONE WORD FOR THAT REUNION.  ''A M A Z I N G!"    THANK YOU TO THE ORGANIZERS AND EVERYONE WHO SHOWED UP.  LOOK FORWARD TO JOHN RANGER'S REUNION UPDATE.

I got home late Tuesday afternoon.  Had a great Holiday Inn & fantastic breakfast plus sightseeing.  As my friend Donnie Sanders would say:  ''God Bless You All".

Glenn

Hello John Dollard ,

Sincere congratulations for pulling it off.

I don't think that many bands have done this after 40 years

Can't wait to see the pictures.

Leo/Lion