Losing Richard Collopy...

Costs are rising and times are tough.
Please consider a donation to keep this
place going.

Welcome to one of the most active flamenco sites on the Internet. Guests can read most posts but if you want to participate click here to register.

This site is dedicated to the memory of Paco de Lucía, Ron Mitchell, Guy Williams, Linda Elvira, Philip John Lee, Craig Eros, Ben Woods, David Serva and Tom Blackshear who went ahead of us.

We receive 12,200 visitors a month from 200 countries and 1.7 million page impressions a year. To advertise on this site please contact us.

You are logged in as Guest

Users viewing this topic: none

Printable Version

All Forums >>Discussions >>General >>

Page: [1]

Message

<< Newer Topic Older Topic >>

gj Michelob

Posts: 1531
Joined: Nov. 7 2008
From: New York City/San Francisco

Losing Richard Collopy...

Losing Richard Collopy.

For those in the bay area, I regret to report that Richard Collopy, the fantastic guitar repairman who had repaired, restored and resuscitated string instruments for more than three decades, passed away. He was 58 on August 4th when heaven claimed him.

Whoever bought my German Vasquez Rubio may appreciate his cosummate craftsmanship. And as I am waiting for my new GVR I had planned to have him adjust similalrly, I am brokenhearted to think we will not discuss action and frets and strings and the physics of sound any longer.

We lost another gentlman, with the most amiable dispositions, impeccable working ethics and miraculous hands.

Good bye dear Richard.

_____________________________

gj Michelob

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 2 2009 6:05:12

henrym3483

Posts: 1584
Joined: Nov. 13 2005
From: Limerick,Ireland

RE: Losing Richard Collopy... (in reply to gj Michelob)

my condolences.

its tough losing friends and the people that are within our social circle.

recently one of the elderly security gaurds in our library passed away we were on a first name basis and i knew him for the last 4 years, i would talk and have a chat with him at lunchtimes or heading home on sunday from a long afternoon of study.

he was a sterling gentleman.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 2 2009 16:35:49

gj Michelob

Posts: 1531
Joined: Nov. 7 2008
From: New York City/San Francisco

RE: Losing Richard Collopy... (in reply to henrym3483)

Thank you, Henry.

_____________________________

gj Michelob

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 2 2009 18:30:24

Escribano

Posts: 6416
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy

RE: Losing Richard Collopy... (in reply to gj Michelob)

Too young, death sucks. We never get the chance to say how much we care in hindsight. My thoughts gj.

_____________________________

Foro Flamenco founder and Admin

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 3 2009 1:33:16

Graham_B

Posts: 283
Joined: Jul. 10 2007
From: Leigh, Lancashire, UK

RE: Losing Richard Collopy... (in reply to gj Michelob)

I'm sorry to hear of this talented gentleman's untimely death.

Condolences to his family and friends.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 3 2009 3:14:29

gj Michelob

Posts: 1531
Joined: Nov. 7 2008
From: New York City/San Francisco

RE: Losing Richard Collopy... (in reply to Escribano)

quote:

We never get the chance to say how much we care in hindsight.

So true, the last time I'd seen him he had spoken at lentgh about some illness he suffered, and later called me to apologize for his "lamenting". Naturally, I dismissed his concerns but thanked him for being so considerate. We spoke a bit about the ailments we all suffer and discover as we age, my hand stiffness, new seasonal allergies and the like.

I wish -as you point out, Simon- that I had stopped by again, perhpas listen more and above all let him know that I did "care".

It was my first friend in this city (SF) I am slowly adatpting too, and possibly the only one I could chat about guitars with.

We can only helplessly bow -not without protest- to the devine "justice" imposing such deprivations.

Thank you, Simon and Graham, for your kind words.

_____________________________

gj Michelob

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 3 2009 8:51:07

Ron.M

Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland

RE: Losing Richard Collopy... (in reply to Escribano)

quote:

death sucks

I've been thinking about this strange (for me) combination of words all day...

Conclusion?

I LOVE it!!

In fact, I am going to have it emblazened all along the side of my coffin in glittery blue and red letters, so the folk can at least have a laugh when they carry me in.

... Actually, I haven't a clue whether it sucks or not, so I can't really comment.

cheers,

Ron

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 3 2009 11:58:01

Escribano

Posts: 6416
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy

RE: Losing Richard Collopy... (in reply to Ron.M)

quote:

I haven't a clue whether it sucks or not

It sucks for those left behind - especially when it's sudden as there is nothing one can do about it - and there's the rub. So, yeah.... death sucks

_____________________________

Foro Flamenco founder and Admin

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 3 2009 12:15:58

cathulu

Posts: 950
Joined: Dec. 15 2006
From: Vancouver, Canukistan

RE: Losing Richard Collopy... (in reply to Escribano)

Yes, death sucks. So live like there is no tomorrow. I am trying to make every moment count - as my son grows up, I want to hold onto the present even more, and not miss a beat.

Condolences regarding the untimely loss.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 3 2009 20:26:54

kitecris

Posts: 1
Joined: Jul. 12 2012

RE: Losing Richard Collopy... (in reply to gj Michelob)

Hi all,

I appreciate this is a rather late reply and you may have heard this before but in case you have not..

I was listening to a lovely new acoustic album by an artist called Sun Kil Moon - "Among the leaves" this week.

The eighth song was called "Song for Richard Collopy" and was one of the most beautiful songs I had heard in a long time.

It drove me to google Richard which took me to this forum thread.

I would like to share the song with you all so registered so I could post this message.

Sun Kil Moon - "Song for Richard Collopy"

If you have spotify you can hear the track now.
http://open.spotify.com/track/4vj7drsI9OJgj9MlcItA9U

The album is amazing too
Sun Kil Moon - Among the leaves

Review
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/jul/08/sun-kil-moon-among-review

Crispin - Scotland

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 12 2012 10:42:19

RTC

Posts: 667
Joined: Aug. 20 2008
From: DFW Area, Texas

RE: Losing Richard Collopy... (in reply to gj Michelob)

gj Michelob:

I am sorry to read about your friend's passing. I do not have any words of wisdom.
I pray that the Lord provides the family and close friends with the peace and love they deserve.

RIP Richard.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 13 2012 1:15:59