Wade Thurman

[Bob Womack]

Originally Posted by Jim Tozier

Here's a picture of Wade and I doing a duet at an open mic during one of the original Monroestock gatherings:

Yeah, my wife and I remember that performance at Monroestock and remember working with him on the AG staff. I was just chatting with him on Facebook. Goodbye, buddy.

Bob

[Jim Tozier]

Originally Posted by Bob Womack

...and remember working with him on the AG staff.

That's right! I'd forgotten we were all Moderators together back in the early days after TGF became AGF.

Looking back over some past correspondence with Wade, I just saw that tomorrow, April 28th, is his birthday.

[TBman]

What a shame. I remember Wade. Rest in peace.

[Jim Tozier]

Every time Wade and I wound up playing together, I always requested this song... and I can't think of a more beautiful and fitting tribute than to post it here.

The lyrics take on a completely different meaning now.

This version is from the CD titled From the Inside that he recorded with his wife, Kelley, as The Bayleys.

Click on the title to listen to the mp3 file.


The Other Side
by Wade Thurman

I started down this highway when every step was sure
Every thought was innocent and every dream secure
But lately I've been wondering where this road will lead
If the lessons on my journey are the lessons that I need

I've come down to a single line suspended in the air
One side falls to bitterness, the other to despair
And I must hold my balance to cross the great divide
And hope it doesn't take too long to reach the other side

It seems that I was sleeping while life was passing by
Building on my loneliness with every love denied
And now that I've awakened, it seems that where I stand
Is not the place I wanted, I do not know this land

There's a single line of memories playing in my mind
Like the wire that I walk along one step at a time
Still I hold my balance, despite the tears I've cried
And hope it doesn't take too long to reach the other side

Sometimes dreams are angels that come to lend a hand
Sometimes they're just scattered scenes I cannot understand
But sometimes in my darkest days they look a little more
Like a guide to where I'm going from where I've been before

Some would call it destiny, others call it choice
It doesn't really matter when sorrow finds a voice
I've been through my share of storms, danced beneath the sun
Days when I could barely crawl, days when I could run

And now above the tragedy I simply walk alone
Across the great divide to find the place that is my home
And in the face of every fear, open my heart wide
And hope that love is waiting when I reach the other side
Hope that love is waiting somewhere on the other side

[Kerbie]

Absolutely beautiful, JT. Thank you for sharing.

[Glennwillow]

Wow, Cotten,

I was just thinking about Wade today, wondering how he was doing. What an amazing coincidence... I'm so sorry to find out that he has died.

I remember buying his album of him and his wife some years ago -- The Bayleys. I really enjoyed their music. I had quite a few PM conversations with Wade over the years, a truly good guy that I knew because of the AGF.

Life is short... My condolences to his wonderful wife and his family. But we don't count the value of our time here on earth in years but in the impact we have had on others. Wade surely did make an impact and affected a lot of folks in a very good way. That's a good legacy to leave behind in my book.

- Glenn

[Jim Tozier]

In Wade's last post on AGF (last March), he was hoping to find the cedar/cocobolo Hamblin SJ that he originally owned (then sold to me... and I eventually sent it back to him).

Originally Posted by wthurman

In 2004 or so, I had Kent Hamblin build me a Small Jumbo in Coco/Cedar. It went eventually around 2007 to the late great Rick Skeens. It had a spalted rosette and logo... if you have it and would sell it, and it's not trashed, let's talk. Or, if you know where it might have gone, that would be helpful, too. I was going to have Kent build another, but he is semi-retired and won't work with Cocobolo at this point.

Thanks.

I don't know if he ever found it....

Wade's timeline was a little off, as I'm positive that I sold it back to him in November of 2008.

Not sure where it might be today, but if anyone knows, please drop me a PM. I'm not in a position to reacquire it anytime soon, but I'd like to keep tabs on it so that it might be a possibility down the road.

[Nailpicker]

Originally Posted by cotten

Worry less about the guitars you want. Play the guitar you have more.
The answer will come, and it will not be what you expect.

A guitar is a tool, and a friend. But it is not the answer.

THAT is a great sig and IMO a wonderful truism

[fitness1]

Very sad - he was a very nice and soft spoken guy.

[ahorsewithnonam]

Man, this is heartbreaking. I looked up and I can't believe he hasn't posted since March of 2016. I knew he had some health issues. Anyone know what has been going on for the past year?

[SMan]

Sad news. He was a good guy. Sending up a prayer.

[Don Lampson]

Sad news indeed. I thought of him when I saw the "Musical Family" thread. Those three brothers were all outstanding musicians.

I picked with his brother Jim, off & on for decades, but haven't seen him for a couple of years.

I hope that somehow, Wade can know, that he left lots of fond memories behind him.... RIP...............

Don

[cotten]

Today is Wade's birthday.

Wade on Facebook, March 9, 2016
Went to the doctor today. Was reminded that:

1. I'm alive and recovering well.

2. By all objective measurements, I should not be alive. I was reminded of this today.

3. I was done, and my life stopped, gently, but they brought me back.

4. Yeah, it freaks me out, but I'm glad to be here.

5. I didn't see the light but I had pretty horrifying dreams and visions that don't translate to language.

6. I'm married to the most amazing woman I've ever met. She's so strong in a way I have never seen outside of her.

7. I have a daughter I love beyond life, and despite all the troubles that brings, she is a gift beyond words.

8. I love my guitar... and all the gifts it shows me.

9. My family, her family - it's all family. I love family. And friends. Thank you all so much for all the support and love you've given both to me and to my sweetheart...

This is me now, scary and all:

And one from a happier time, with his brother, Richard, on the right.



cotten

[Jim W]

So saddened to hear this. He was a visitor to our place a few times when we hosted get-togethers. always a gent, and a pleasure to chat with.

[Forensicguy]

I am in shock! I just wished him a Happy Birthday on his Facebook site this morning!

Wade was a good guy. I got to meet him at the AGF gathering at Jim W's place. This was before I ever became a moderator of the AGF. Since then, we've exchanged messages here on the AGF and on Facebook.

He will be missed. My condolences to his friends and family.