Let's start by turning the way back machine to about 1972.  I 1st met Kurt at the bus stop at Hamlet Green. He was the long haired hippie kid from Chicago. We quickly became friends.  Had a lot of good times in the early years.  Went to see several bands with Kurt and others as he enjoyed music. They included: Yes, Emerson Lake & Palmer Brain salad surgery, Rick Wakeman's journey to the center of the earth tour, and most notably Pink Floyd at Foxboro. I'm sure I missed a few.  

I showed Kurt that you can pull an engine out of a VW bug in 20 minutes to change a clutch (some of you may know that Kurt was not very mechanical).

 He also loved watching the Walton's, never missed an episode.  My mom would call him John Boy when he came over, my grand mother who came over from Germany for a short period of time before moving back would always ask me how's John Boy when every I spoke to her.

Speaking of nick names I would call Kurt "Lou", he would call me 'AL"  This was from a skit from Firesign Theatre. We would listen to this at the appartment Bruce Lescel and I shared.     A couple of years ago Kurt had given me two framed pencil sketches I had done again back in the early years 70's.  I had signed them with the initial JM for( Joe Moore) this is the name I used until I was 18.  These sketches are hanging in our living room.  

If you know Kurt the band "Yes" was one of his favorite bands. He had given me an ash tray that he had taped the bands name (that he had sketched and colored) to the bottom. I still have it after 30+ years and will have it till I pass.

  He and Nancy (his true soul mate)  gave me a picture of Kurt and myself, from one of thier parties.  This will be framed and forever cherished.   Cathy and I always enjoyed the fall parties,always good to see old friends. We would stay till end a lot of the time and help them clean up. This will be truly missed.   

  Kurt,  When you see Bruce, give him my best.

Last but not least, Kurt was a big J.R.R. Tolkien (Hobbit, Lord of the rings) from long before the movies where made. So I leave with this:

"All that is gold does not glitter"

" Not all those who wander are lost"

" The old that is strong does not wither"

"Deep roots are not reached by the frost"

Miss you, Love you always  Hans and Cathy Rode