Please share your memories!

Come back often and if you have a pic you wish to share, please send it to: hwooden@verizon.net

Comments

[Andrea & David Gelber]

We discovered Woods Tea Company at the Schroon Lake Boathouse in the Adirondacks many, many years ago, and we were instantly smitten by the groups' charm, wit, sensitivity, and musical talents. We bought every tape, every CD over the years. We enjoyed their performances with our young boys and extended family who we shared vacations with. In fact, we used to plan our vacation week at Woods' Lodge based on when Woods Tea Company was scheduled to play! Later we sought them out in New Jersey and attended several concerts of theirs at the Watchung Arts Center and through the Sanctuary Concerts series. We will continue to support the music of the Woods Tea Company, and although it won't be the same without Rusty, his memory will live on in our hearts as we listen to the music. We wish the group strength as you play your first concerts without your dear friend.

[Galen and Karen Ballentine]

We have seen WTC at 6 different places in the last few years. One of our fondest memories of Rusty was in New Braunfels, Tx. When he noticed us there and remembered us from other places he asked us if we were stalking them and smiled. When I denied it he said "Ah, that's what all you stalkers say!" He is certainly missed, as evidenced by the above messages, and we are among the mourners. We wish the best to Mike and Howard as they persist. See ya down the road somewhere!

[Lee Chase]

In the years that my family and I followed the Woods Tea Company I always admired Rusty and his penny whistle ability. Also, my brother, Chip was in awe of Rusty's ability. Rusty brought a personality to the group that was spontaneous and quick and bright. He will be sorely missed. I'm sorry I haven't written sooner but I just heard. Mike and Howard, I'm so sorry. I wish you well in all your callings. I remain and will always be a fan of Woods Tea Company. God bless you in all things .To Rusty's family, I know what I felt after Chip died, I can only imagine how you feel. May you except our heartfelt sorrow at your profound loss and our prayers. Lee Chase

[Fred and Dottie Stoss]

I went to the Woods Tea Co. Website looking to see where they might be playing in December and January, hoping they would be in a one-day’s drive from Rochester, NY. I was, like so many others, shocked and saddened to see that Rusty has passed away. I am stunned by the news.

It is most fitting to tell Rusty’s family and his friends the heart-felt sorrow that both my wife and I have, and that our prayers are with you. We “discovered” WTC in one of those small venues they frequent and delight--Pisceo Lake, NY (call it a suburb of Speculator). We kept coming back each year much to our delight. We also went to see them play elsewhere, most memorably at Colgate University a few years ago. Last summer, Rusty and I were talking about Family and I commented how nice it was to see WTC as a Family Event, for two reasons: you could take your entire family to see them play (and have no fears that the children would see or hear something they should not). We then talked about other Families to which we belong: the ones of our choosing by marriage and birth (we also talked about our daughters both named Katie and Kaeti, and how we gave our child a common delightful name with a subtle twist to drive her teachers and professors nuts). I told Rusty that he also works and plays with a second family--and how great it must be to have the best of both worlds.

Mike, Tom, and Howard, and all of the other musicians with whom Rusty played and frolicked, may our prayers also be with you during these times.

See you on one of your musical trails and DEFINITELY in Pisceo Lake next August for sure! We’ll bring another raspberry pie.

Peace, Fred and Dottie Stoss

[Rey]

What a shock to go online to find out if they are still coming to Waynesboro in January and find Rusty's obit. The group has been here twice, and both times Rusty's showmanship, and wonderful piping, humor and banter made the show warm and rich. I watch them od DVD and think it is a great loss to the musical world. Such a young man should have had so many more good years. I hope the spirit he brought to the band be there still! His "Foolish questions" still gets me to laugh as i hear him through my days, at times.
Please keep the band and the music alive- I'd lie to think he would want that, as much as he seemd to love it.

[Deena Baskin]

I only saw The Woods Tea Co. one time several years ago at an Appalachian Trail Conference, but I was blown away. The group is the reason I started listening to folk music and still listen to folk music. I saw that Rusty passed away, and I was really, really saddened. He was probably one of my favorite of the group because of his sense of humor and the fact that he played the tin whistle (I play the flute- it was a good match). I even went back to my home in Pennsylvania and pulled out my tin whistle and tried my best to play it. It's amazing the effect you can have on a person's life, even from one small concert at a hiking convention. I just hope the rest of the members of the group carry on Rusty's spirit and continue to touch people like the way they all touched me those several years ago. It's truly a special thing.

[sandra carpenter]

I am so shocked and saddened to read just yesterday that 'Rusty' and
Chip had both passed on. My late husband and I just loved 'The Woods Tea Co.' and always tried to get to their shows when they were over here in the Adirondacks. We just loved them all, but Rusty especially
touched our hearts. I didn't get to the show at the Boathouse in Schroon Lake this summer and now I am so sorry. My sincere condolences go out to Donna, Katie and all the members of the band. Thankfully, we have his music.

[Jim Macaulay]

We first saw Wood's Tea Company about 10 years ago, when we moved to Southern Maryland near Historic St Mary's City (HSMC). I think we've now seen them about 4 or 5 times and wouldn't think of skipping a concert! As others have mentioned, you just don't get tired of them!

Yesterday I recieved an email notice from the programs director at HSMC, announcing another return of Wood's Tea Company. I excitedly responded with my thanks and "we'll be there", then went to tell some co-workers. When I got back to my desk, I had a response from our friend at HSMC, telling me about Rusty and Chip. Only minutes before, I was telling my co-workers about Rusty's personality and wit.

Now I've told my friends that this wonderful character would not be present next week, but that the website's audio clip confirms that WTC is carrying on in excellent form, and I wouldn't miss this concert for the world. Tom's return (arrrggghh!) helps soothe the sting a little, and I hope he'll stay.

But what a crushing blow! My very deepest condolences to family and so many friends. I am truely sharing your grief, though I didn't know any of the members personally.

[Robert and Barbara Orleck]

I just recently learned of our loss of Rusty Jacobs. It was through our daughter, Dori Nason, and our son Daniel that we gained an appreciation of the Woods Tea Company many years ago. As most parents do, we had resisted the urgings of our children. Most parents have this problem of not liking the music their children like. But, we finally gave in and went to a Woods Tea Company concert and from there we were hooked. We have since seen the Woods Tea Company perform at least thirty times and their routines never get old! They truly are a rare and talented group that can bridge the gap of generations and appeal to the little children, the elderly and all in between, the liberal athiest as well as the conservative fundamental Christian and all in between. Rusty played such a big part in appealing to the silliness in us and to making all of us have fun, no matter what our age or our politics were.

I had the particular pleasure of asking the Woods Tea to perform at two military reunions that I planned and executed for the men and family of USS ORLECK DD 886, a United States warship that served our country for 37 years. They first performed for us in Maine during our 1999 reunion in Portland. After that I talked many times with Rusty about planning another appearance. He especially wanted to go to Hawaii with us to perform at our reunion there. We were not able to make that work but in 2006 they did come to Wilmington, NC to perform for us at the Hilton on our opening night and they brought the house down. I truly enjoyed working with Rusty on the details that enabled us to have this great group entertain these great veterans and their family. It was clear that Rusty, Mike and Howard had become special friends to our group and went out of their way to be with us again. Toward the end of a two hour presentation, Rusty asked me if it was OK if they did another half an hour which told me how much they were enjoying our people enjoying their concert. Since Rusty's death I have had calls from some of our men who regularly visit the Wood's Tea website where they learned about Rusty. Without them I might not yet know of his death. Our people truly loved Rusty and the Woods Tea and we know they felt those feelings toward us. It was obvious and we will miss Rusty so much!

We are glad Tom is back for he brings some good feelings during this time of deep sadness at the loss of Rusty Jacobs. We are so thankful that the Woods Tea Company will continue on. Rusty would agree I am sure. God Bless Rusty's family, who he loved so much and was so proud of, and the Woods Tea Company. We hope to see them many times more and will always picture Rusty up there on the stage with them when we do. Bob & Barb Orleck

[Joshua Jackson]

I saw Rusty and the Woods Tea Company a couple different times as they played performances at Castleton State College. It was clear to me that Rusty was born with many gifts and loved to share them with others. Although I did not know Rusty personally, I wanted to offer my condolences to Rusty's family and closest friends. I know he's up in heaven and keeping the angels dancing and laughing.

[Jeff and Dori Nason]

My dad just called and told us of Rusty’s passing tonight. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to Mike and Howard. Over the past 17 years, we have been to hear the WTCo in eight different states and in over a dozen venues from museums to parks, churches to bars, and even shared a meal with them in our hometown of Wilmington, NC. Our children know the words to songs they haven’t performed in over 13 years. My husband, being the only Army guy at a Navy Ship reunion, was given the pleasure of introducing the guys on a rainy night on Peaks Island, ME. Never have we ever heard a sweeter pennywhistle, or toy saxophone, played.

[jennifer willis]

A consummate performer and an excellent human being. Perfect integrity. I will search for photos of past performances and be glad to send to his widow.......

[Richard Collins]

I am deeply saddened at the news of the deaths of Rusty and Chip. I should be grading papers here at my desk at school but somehow the loss is overwhelming. I was listing to a WTC CD and noticed a net address, so taking a break I went to the site and learned of their passing. I saw the band several years ago in Tucumcari, NM on a cold April 1st night. After the concert, which I enjoyed so much, I got to speak to Rusty about playing tinwhistles as he signed a CD. He offered to show me his tinwhistles and I declined because it was a school night and my children need to go home. How I regret that. I remember Chip playing "Fiddler of Dooney" so fast and hard that the rosin began smoking. I told a friend, who plays fiddle, about it and he wished he'd been there. Such musicians. So much fun. I have that CD that was signed by Chip (and the band members - he took them the CD and a sharpie. I will treasure it.

The loss of a musician is the loss of light in the world. I fear the darkness, but hope for the dawn.

[Shaun Provost]

I am the other girl that Densie and Kevin Forkey spoke of, and I love sharing that story with everyone! I knew all the drinking songs, word for word, and Rusty never forgot that, he was never afraid to maintain eye contact during a song. I was always fond of Rusty, he always played the songs that I asked for. He inspired me to learn how to play the pennywhistle/irish whistle with his amazing melodies. I remember every single time that we watched WTC play, and all the memories that I share with Rusty. He always remembered who I was, and was more than happy to sign an autograph for me. His music has helped me through rough times in my life. I have so many happy memories of Rusty and it's hard to pick just a few to share. When Rusty came to Bennington, I remember helping him with lyrics for his Foolish Questions Song "Pirates of teh Caribbean" Version. I will never forget. Thank you Rusty for being such an inspiration, such a great guitarist, and a really moving irish whistler. My thoughts, heart, and prayers go to his family and to Mike and Howard. He will be dearly missed.

[Morgan Provost]

I am one of the little girls referenced by Denise and Kevin Forkey. I can remember the time they are speaking of, and I remember turning around and pointing out my parents.
Rusty was usually the member we went to when we wanted to request a song, because he remembered us from year to year, and he usually got the band to play what we asked for. I will never forget the songs they played or the comments he made. Thank you Rusty for many years of playing songs that two little girls who knew all the drinking songs asked for.

[Denise and Kevin Forkey]

We were fortunate to attend a WTC concert in Bennington, Vt, many years ago with our then very young daughters. We all loved the music, and have been faithful followers ever since. We were at a concert at Hildene about 10 years ago, and my daughters, singing loudly, prompted Rusty to ask "Who's little girls are these in the front row who know all the words to the drinking songs?"
My girls now both attend college, and they have introduced many of their friends to WTC's music. It is a tribute not only to the talent of the musicians, but to the gentle souls of WTC that your music is influencing the next generation.
Rusty, a genuine and peaceful man, will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to his family, and to Mike and Howard.

[Eric Hirsch]

What sad news..... I've thought much of you guys recently, having just come back from Ireland and gotten a good hankering for some more traditional music. Never have I seen a whistle player like Rusty before or since.

I first had the opportunity to see Rusty and the rest of Woods Tea up at Colgate University in 1990. The guys in my fraternity never missed a show and I had the pleasure of booking you guys for a private party at our house around 1992-1993. After that, my fondest memory is catching you guys playing in the Lincoln Center back courtyard several years back. We hassled you until you'd follow us to a local Irish pub where we all got pretty snockered (I don't recall too much arm-twisting being required).

What a great group of down-to-earth guys and excellent musicians you've always been. I can't imagine Woods Tea without Rusty, but I look forward to seeing you in the future. I think I speak for everyone when I say we'll miss "Foolish Questions", as well as Rusty's incredible whistle work, both always something of a show highlight.

Good luck to you guys. I hope you are able to carry on and honor what Rusty helped create, and so keep bringing great joy to those of us who love the band.

Eric Hirsch
New York, NY

[Vicki and Bruce Olson, Powell, Wyoming]

We were so saddened to learn of Rusty's death. We have been to see the band twice when they came to Powell to perform. Last time we helped clean up and bought a box of CD's to sell in my toy store. The band's music plays almost daily in Cody, Wyoming. I never get tired of the songs and jokes.
Rusty was such a great entertainer. I can only imagine what a terrific husband and father he was. Our sympathies and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Vicki and Bruce Olson, Powell, Wyoming

[Lori]

My husband and I were so sad and shocked to hear of Rusty's passing. We were fortunate to see him with Woods Tea Co. while at Colgate each semester and most recently, in New Braunfels, TX this past Feb. It was as if no time had passed at all since our time at Colgate. Rusty had a way of making you feel his passion for music and life (most notably when he played the silver saxophone on "There Were Roses" and asked the audience to sing along). He also had such a sense of humor. I heard on the radio today that it was International Talk Like a Pirate Day. I couldn't help but "Aargh" in my car and think of Rusty. We will miss him, but hope very much that Woods Tea will go on since you all bring so much joy to your audiences. I'm sure Rusty will always be with you.

[Katie]

I'm so sorry to hear about Rusty's passing. As Colgate students (1999-2003), my friends and I never missed a Woods Tea performance. I remember that Howard had to miss a Colgate show one year (an injury, I think), so Rusty, Michael, and Chip called him on one of their cell phones so we could say hello. That kind of connection is one of the many reasons we all loved a visit from Woods Tea.

[Thom Pease]

Though I did not have a chance to be in the same place, at the same time as T.W.T.C.
"I did however get to meet them through a friend Charles D (Chuck Wright) of the Berkshires.."Just down the road from Vermont.
Who is a friend/Fan of the Band..

"And by the way Chuck speaks/spoke about his many meetings with Rusty and also Chip,(Chuck is a groupie)"So This has been kind of a shock to both of us.(I was a groupie by proxy)

I also have a few Cd's of W.T.C.(A Must) "And I enjoy them whenever I can.
As a musician-songwriter, I can only imagine the loss to his family (Donna & Katie) friends and fan's alike,
"And say; "My heart is with you at this time..

I also have a song of remembrance on my site coincidentally called "Rusty's Song"
"A song of remembrance to another Rusty (1991)that seems to fit a moment like this,
And the feelings that we all share at a time of loss like this. www.thompease.com (Not advertising).."Just sharing!..

"A Fellow Musician/Fan in mourning..
Thom Pease..
Country Folk Music
Wilmington N.C. 28409

[JLee Steed]

What a shock, I was on your web site to see if you would be close to us this year. My mother-in-law and I have seen the WTCO play at NWC in Powell, WY twice, we enjoyed them so much that when you were in Basin, WY in 2007 we took my mother and my 5 year old son. He loved the show and took his CD and signed program to show and tell the next day. God Bless you and your family.

[Gary, Nancy, Sean, & Eric Fields]

We just found out about Rusty's passing yesterday.(15SEP07)

With so many memories: his excitement over Donna being pregnant with Katie - Katie's birth - breakfast with our families & Michael on New Year's day morning - hiking behind the Inn - sitting on the rock at the Inn - bringing our young (10 & 6) sons in to the bar at the inn to watch Rusty, Mike, Bruce & Tom - the load in's & out's - many after show meals with Rusty, Mike, Bruce, Tom, Chip, & Howard - and the many stories about the vans - this list could go on forever. It is sad to think that there will be no more.

Rusty gave our son's one of the greatest gifts a musician can give, the love of music. He taught them that it was cool to love all types of music, not just what is the current trend.

To Donna & Katey, while no one is perfect, I am hard pressed to think of anyone I have known that positively touched the lives of so many people, as Rusty. He will be missed, and his memory will live on. He touched our lives in such a great way. (I can still see the twinkle in his eyes as he talks about Donna & Katie.)

Now the band in "Rock and Roll Heaven" will have a great penny whistle player!

[Brent Weber]

I first met Rusty at the Woods Tea Company annual concert trip to our community college here in Rock Springs, Wyoming. He extended his friendship to me in a way that I felt he and I were very good friends, and we were. Each year he would take time to shake my hand, ask about my health and my banjo playing. We would just chit chat before and after the concerts. His band members would allow me to play their instruments while equipment was packed and loaded, at times in a furious snowstorm.

Rusty's passing came as a great shock. What a fine gentleman and friend he was. I will miss him dearly. My condolences to his wife, Donna, daughter, Katie and his band members, Mike and Howard. May God bless all of you with His Comforting Spirit in your time of need.

[Mike and Pam Hamad]

the news of rusty's passing came as a great shock. he was an extremely warm and kind man and charismatic person, onstage and off. pam took me to a wtco show at colgate university in 1992. she had seen them many many times with her father jack conley, stepmother marni, brother john, and stepbrother matt. everyone in her family knew and loved them, it seemed. of course, the band was incredible... the musicianship... the way they connected with the audience. rusty's pennywhistle playing blew me away as well as his sense of humor on "foolish questions" and guitar and voice on everything he played.

we married in 1999 and our wedding band was the wtco. i remember when they were taking a break how rusty kindly asked me if I would join them onstage for a couple of songs... "everybody will get a real kick out of it," he said... i never did.. and obviously now i regret it deeply. it has been awhile since we have seen the band, frankly, as we now live in florida, but when this news reached us a couple of days ago the memories hit like a ton of bricks. now there is great sadness knowing rusty isn't around to entertain with his incredible musical gifts and to warm everyone around him with his infectious smile.

our heartfelt wishes go out to his family, friends, and everyone who was close to him.