I'm amazed at the reach that Sterling's hands had. I knew a lot of what he did, but not half of it. He didn't boast or expect praise for helping everyone around him who needed it, and he never complained about doing it -- not to me. Everyone knew him for doing good, but it was something different and special for each one. In his business dealings, he expected things done right and fairly, but I don't know many who will fault him for that. He lived his life that way.
Sterling was a mature voice of fellowship for the Woodshed. He stood in the back, and he stood behind us in the strongest sense. More than once, he was the glue and council that smoothed our band family through rough times. He did not let things slide, and for that, we all thank him. He had a very strong influence on our musical direction and sound over the past years, but more importantly, he was there for all of us when we needed him -- and well beyond. He was kind, fair, and demonstrated the kind of integrity that stands as a model for us.
And he loved to ride. Riders tribute their fallen comrades by riding. "Ride on." Musicians say it in notes, and that's what I guess I'll try to do "while my guitar gently weeps". Maybe you'll hear it when I play, but I will certainly feel it.
I can never express the extent of the feeling of loss and sadness that I and we are facing today. Sterling was a member of my family. My children knew and adored him. Many of my family knew, respected, and loved him. He knew me and those I love, and he accepted them as his own, regardless. I asked him to build my mother's home, and he was doing that. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I also knew and told my mother that if you want it done right and if you want to trust that there will be nothing hidden or shorted, then Sterling is the one I recommend.
"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them. I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a Rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a Rock."
I'm trying to believe that in some indirect way, I have not contributed to his accident. When you are close to someone, you change the circumstances of their daily life, and, indeed, I was close to him.
He has made a significant, far reaching, and positive impact on the town and people of Blacksburg, and the fruits of his work as a builder, architect, and citizen will be apparent for a long time to come. He was a very accomplished instructor of martial artist, favoring, like me, the spiritual forms of Tai Chi and Hsing I Kung Fu. He was a very hard worker, a talented, soulful, and intense musician, and, above all, he was a good person. I can't imagine this world or our band without him. We will miss him more than my words can ever say.
I used to hate it when people called me "Danny Boy", but I never complained when he did. And he often did. Somehow it didn't seem so bad when he said it. I don't think I'll ever complain again. Many songs come to mind to tribute Sterling. That's not surprising. We played so many together, and I can hear him singing so many of them. He and I played acoustic blues together as a duet. What an honor. I can remember him singing this one:
"There's just one kind favor I ask to you. One kind favor I ask to you. There's just one kind favor I ask to you. See that my grave is kept clean."
Danny Boy
"but worlds are made
of hello and goodbye:
glad sorry or both
(big little and all)"