Douglas Lars Fieger, 57, lead singer of the rock group The Knack and composer of the 1979 #1 hit My Sharona passed away at his home in Woodland Hills, California on February 14, 2010—Valentine’s Day. Doug had battled lung cancer for six years. He outlived, for many, many years, his doctors' prognoses.
In person, Doug was brilliant, witty, with a wry and biting sense of humor. To those who loved him, his sometimes outspoken and argumentative nature (another Fieger Family trait) was recognized as a thin facade for a genuinely caring and gentle soul. Someone once remarked, tongue-in-cheek, that "Doug had more friends than he could shake a stick at, not that he didn't try."
In the Buddhist tradition, Doug was wrapped in a shroud and left to lie in repose for three days. His remains wilwere cremated. A memorial was held in Los Angeles for relatives and close friends. In lieu of flowers or contributions, the family hopes that you continue to fill your homes and hearts with music.
Doug is survived by his older brother, Geoffrey, his younger sister, Beth Falkenstein, his nieces and nephews, Freya, Gretel, Julian, Aidan and Quinn, and hundreds of friends. He also remained very close to his former wife, Mia who was with him continuously at the end.
On behalf of Doug, his family wishes to thank all of his loyal friends and fans for their years of support and well wishes. Doug did not suffer. He is in a better place. And wherever he is, his love and music will continue to shower down upon all of us who remain in this mortal coil, forever.
The above words were borrowed from Geoffrey Fieger from his law firm website.
An extensive collection of Sheet Music was donated in memory of John E. Cola. With love, from his children Jim, Kelly, and Chad
Laura E. Lancaster 1968-2009
Laura was born April 27th, l968 in Enid, Oklahoma while her father, Blake, was completing pilot training for the US Air Force. She moved frequently in her early years before settling in elementary school at Washington in Mt. Clemens, MI.. During her elementary days she started playing the flute and continued through middle school. Later, Laura attended Brighton High School (class of 86) where she continued her interest in music as a member of the Brighton High vocal choir. After high school Laura moved to Ann Arbor and graduated from U. of MI.. From her post high school years Laura enjoyed music by attending many concerts and musical plays at U. of MI.
Although Laura died suddenly on January 30, 2009 the memory and love for her lives on.
Blake and Sue Lancaster Brighton, MI
A flute and check has been received from the Laura E. Lancaster Memorial Fund.
Dennis (Denny) Martin 1976-2008
Dennis (Denny) Joseph Patrick Martin, 31, of Hartford, CT, lost his battle with liver disease on Friday, November 28. He passed away peacefully in the evening, surrounded by love. Born on December 27, 1976, in Falls Church, Virginia, he spent his childhood in Connecticut and moved to California when he was 20. At a very young age he took up playing guitar, and later drums and singing. His life revolved around playing, listening and critiquing music. He was fortunate to see more of this country and others than many will ever see, due to years of touring with different Bay Area Bands.
Denny was incredibly intelligent, endlessly talented and a ferocious supporter of the underdog. He showed both beautiful compassion and razor-sharp wit and he lived life to its fullest extent. He loved books and music and animals and good food. He felt passion far deeper than most of us will ever be capable of knowing. He leaves behind girlfriend Sarah Boehmke of Hartford, CT; mother Colleen Star of Portland, CT and father Dennis Martin and wife Lynn of South Windsor, CT. In addition two sisters Leah Martin and daughter Sofia of Valley Village, CA and Chrissy Martin of Rockyhill, CT; brother Brendon Martin and son Hunter of Portland, CT. Also many loving friends including dear friend Beth Monchun of Hartford, CT, Elizabeth Dutton of Chesterfield, SC, along with others in the Bay Area. Many will miss him.
John "Mystery Tramp" Jaczkowski 1954 - 2008
JOHN JACZKOWSKI, age 54, An enthusiastic supporter of independent musicians, passed away on September 2, 2008. Loving father of Debra (Lauren) Weber, Karen (John) Perkins and Tabitha Jaczkowski. Dear grandfather of Nico and Lucas Perkins. Survived by Christine Frostick, his wife of 24 years. Brother of James (Marilyn) Jaczkowski, Patricia (Jerry) Petkash, Elizabeth (Tim) Ayres, Joseph (Donna) Jaczkowski, Walter Jaczkowski and Catherine Senyko; Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and loyal friends. Holy Mass was offered for the repose of his soul at Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church.
John aka "Mystery Tramp" was an avid supporter of independent musicians in the Metro-Detroit area and beyond. He strove to support, encourage, advertise, and advocate their musical endeavors. He befriended a number of talented musicians, some of which became close friends. In response to his passing, and in support of the Charity Music program, a number of his talented musician friends will hold a "Mystery Tramp" Tribute Concert in his honor on November 22, 2008 at the Cadiuex Cafe in Detroit.
Karen Ruth Francis 1943 - 2008
Karen Ruth Francis, 64, resident of Santa Fe NM, unexpectedly passed away Monday, July 14, 2008. She is survived by her children, Julie Colclough, Michelle Lewis and husband, Matt, Samuel Francis III and wife, Lorrie, and Lisa Francis; parents, Bob and Ruth Neher; brother, Allen Neher; grandchildren, Brenden and Colin Colclough, William, Jake and Hunter Lewis, and Samuel Francis IV; boyfriend, Frank Wharton; and father of her children, Samuel Francis, Sr. Karen was born in Durango, CO and moved to Albuquerque as a young girl, where she raised her family and later in life moved to Santa Fe. She was a lover of mountains, music, and her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend and will be dearly missed by all. Memorial Services were held Saturday, July 19, 2008, 11:00 a.m. at French Mortuary, University Chapel. Should friends desire, please make contributions in Karen's name to Charity Music Inc., 14975 Congress Drive, Sterling Heights, MI 48313 or www.charitymusic.org. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE
"She loved music and children, and wanted her grandson and others to have access to instruments" Michelle Lewis
................. Kenneth Otto ............. July 6, 1973 - Nov. 12, 1996
Our son, Ken, started playing a coronet in elementary school.He loved band from the beginning and was eager to learn all he could.Throughout high school, he played a trumpet in the marching band, honors band and various ensembles, and often at church. At Michigan State University, Ken was thrilled to become a Spartan Marching Band member!He also joined the Air Force R.O.T.C. program at State, where he and his trumpet were called to service for many programs, memorials and ceremonies.He thoroughly enjoyed making others happy with his music.Ken was enthusiastic, fun-loving, caring and dedicated to the band and R.O.T.C. as he worked toward his degree in Electrical Engineering at M.S.U.
In March 1993, we were devastated to learn that Ken had leukemia and needed a bone marrow transplant.After a year of searching, a donor was found and the BMT took place in March 1994.The recovery was extremely difficult, but Ken made it through and he did pretty well until the beginning of 1996, when he relapsed.In May, he underwent a second transplant.This time, there were more serious complications.Although Ken fought hard and long, we lost him on November 12 that year.
We were happy to learn about Charity Music and the wonderful programs offered, especially for military families.We believe it is appropriate to donate Ken’s first horn to this caring organization; we know Ken would agree and approve.Thank you for the blessing you are to so many in need as you allow them to experience the joy of music.May God continue to bless you for your compassion, love and concern.
George & Diane Otto Brighton MI
New York, NY...August 13, 2009...Les Paul, acclaimed guitar player, entertainer and inventor, passed away today from complications of severe pneumonia at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York, surrounded by family and loved ones. He had been receiving the best available treatment through this final battle and in keeping with his persona, he showed incredible strength, tenacity and courage. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks for the thoughts and prayers from his dear friends and fans. Les Paul was 94.
