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Tribute Wall
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Les Neri9fEye posted a condolence
Thursday, January 21, 2021
My Dog died My Cat died My Fish didn’t die but he got the awful feeling sick blues . I will miss you Walt Lov u Kathy
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Rick Wojciechowski posted a condolence
Sunday, December 27, 2020
I ‘m sitting here over the holidays thinking about my Uncle Walt. I can’t believe he’s not here anymore . Every time a song plays that he would sing at family gatherings, the memories of it totally consumes me. He would take me fishing in my younger days always having the best gear. My Uncle was always prepared for any challenge. One fishing trip I’ll never forget was a 16 hr drive to North Bay Canada. At a place called Garden Island . My Uncle found out that many of the locals played instruments too. They got together one night for a jam that I’ll never forget. My Uncle was at his best that night. He took over that island. So many memories of our times together. Never seen a man with so much self motivation to teach himself to play guitar, make his own fishing flies, teach class, become a police officer, an engineer and so on! I would ask him how do you find the time? He would look at me in that stern expression, and say You Make the Time. I miss and admire my Uncle so much.
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Rod Smith posted a condolence
Saturday, November 14, 2020
I had the pleasure of knowing Walt as a shipmate and friend when we served aboard USS John King DDG-3. We shared a cruise to the Med and experienced the Cuban missile crisis together. We stayed in touch with each other through the years and never missed a Veterans Day with a phone call or email. Though I no longer can carry a tune in a bucket we enjoyed singing together often. I am glad that he carried his music into the rest of his life. I’ll miss our friendship and emails. Eight bells and fair winds and following seas old buddy.
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Hector Hernandez posted a condolence
Friday, October 30, 2020
I'd known Walt since the 70's, when he, Earl and Dave Lanzetta and I had the pleasure in forming the band "Blue Ridge" with him. Not only was he a very talented musician and singer, he was witty, funny and a very dear friend. His passing leaves me empty and sad, but I will always remember him fondly. I love you, brother. Wherever you are I know you'll keep singing and making people laugh. May you rest in peace. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to Kathy and Walt's family.
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Abbey Wolf posted a symbolic gesture
Thursday, October 29, 2020
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He was a grandfather to me and my brother, a dad, a husband, a veteran and, a singer with a voice like an angel. The other night he painted the sky for us all here in PA and as he would say ' pink sky at night, sailors delight.' He picked on me in such a fun way and always knew how to light up a room. I will never forget the matching Christmas pj's him, my grandmother, and their dog Rosie wore last year. Country Roads was one of his favorite songs to sing and now it is one of my favorites to listen to. When I hear the song I hear his voice instead of John Denver. I remember one time when me and my Gammy went to watch him sing at an art show and he was having so much fun and I could tell it made him happy. When I was 9 he tried to teach me how to play guitar but I lost my patience, but now I wish I calmed down and let him teach me. A weird thing that I will always remember is the computer mouse that he used. It was a weird shape and grey with a big red ball to move the cursor. He loved to fish. The last time I ever saw him in the hospice he asked for my Gammy to get him water ice so he could eat it in front of his grandchildren (me and my brother) and when he got it he looked at me and my brother and stuck his tongue out. When we were talking about the baby pictures of me and my brother that was in his room at the hospice he called me physco child which made the whole room light up and make everyone laugh. I miss him every day. He is my guardian angle. I love you Gampy.
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Filmore A. Ochoco uploaded photo(s)
Monday, October 19, 2020
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I first met Walter at ANADIGICS where we both worked for many years. We were colleagues in the same department and although we grew professionally at work over the years, we also became very close friends in so many ways. If the work we asked Walter to do was wrong, he told us politely upfront the right way and humbling as it may, he was right. I became less interested with his work and trusted Walter he will get it done right. I became even less interested after he told me he played the guitar, mandolin and banjo. I cheerfully told Walter “I play the guitar too” and he slowly turned, faced me straight with a bit of glare in his eyes and sternly replied, SO? That was Walter.
When people left work or retired, Walter and I would plan and play a “surprise” song or two (only for those in our department) at their going away event. Walter would easily select a song, change the lyrics appropriately and made it sound so natural with a bit of comedy…that was Walter. When Walter finally announced his retirement and knew Kathy and Walter were looking for a house in the woods by a lake in Pennsylvania, I thought hard how can we “entertain” in return a man who has entertained us for so long. Well it all came through and our department and a few others nervously sang and played a few songs at his farewell and retirement party. One James Taylor song he would not forget became…not Carolina but “Pennsylvania” On My Mind. That was Walter!
I wish I had more chances to visit Walter at his humble abode, a house by a lake in the woods just to hear his spontaneous wit, humor and uncanny way to make you laugh. And when he sang with that clear and unique voice, he’s captured you until the last sung word and wanting more with his next song. One of the best advice Walter told me once, yes just once – “if you want to hear a song today and expect the same song tomorrow listen to the radio; if you need to hear it different every time to fit your mood, come listen to me”…That is Walter!
Your memories Walter are always treasured and most of all your true friendship……Fil Ochoco
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JOHN GUITAR GOFFREDO posted a condolence
Sunday, October 11, 2020
I thought Walt was a very talented and gifted musician who captivated his audience with his charismatic abilities. I first met Walt at a neighborhood barbecue the Leroys', individual music playing was welcomed, so I brought my electric guitar, played a couple of tunes and so did Walt I can remember him playing Country Roads, it stuck in my head, I was very impressed with his playing. Prior to leaving the party Walt approached me and suggested that I would make a good candidate as an open mic performer. I was quite amateurish at the time but low and behold I gave it a try and went to a local open mic and became addicted to it and up until this pandemic hit us had been very active with open mic appearances. Thank you my good friend Walt Edwards for opening up the door to this new exciting adventure, my mentor, my inspiration.
In real life my dream was to become a pro baseball player and made it to three pro tryouts with no offers. But Walt led me to believe I could make my second dream and that to be a great musician. I once bummed a ride off Walt to go to an open mic and on the way he said to me, John I noticed an improvement with your playing but don't let it go to your head. This comment coming from hello,," Walt Edwards" sorry I dwelled on his comment for days even up until today? I'll miss you with all my heart my
inspiration. All my condolences to all the family and I have said the rosary for Walter.
John Guitar Goffredo
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George Dale posted a condolence
Sunday, October 4, 2020
I am happy to say that Walt was an important part of my life for many happy years. We played music together at more places than I can remember in Philly and the surrounding counties including the great folk bar, The Riddle Paddock in Lima. In the early 70s I played guitar and sang harmony to his crystal clear voice. I can hear him singing Simon and Garfunkel's Sounds of Silence, Mrs. Robinson, and A Most Peculiar Man; James Taylor's Sweet Baby James; John Denver's Leaving on a Jet Plane, Country Roads, and Cindy's Crying. In the 80s and early 90s Walt introduced me to Jimmy Dolan, who played banjo and sang harmony. Together we could play almost every song recorded by the Kingston Trio, Greenback Dollar, MTA, Midnight Special, Poverty Hill; We did many songs by Schooner Fare including Barrett’s Privateers. It was all fun. I still have a large file with the words and chords for a couple hundred songs that we played. When I think of these songs I think of Walt. I’m happy that he continued to entertain people after he moved from the Philly area. It's great to have a friends like Walt and his loving wife Kathy. George Dale
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bpigeon3@gmail.com posted a condolence
Friday, October 2, 2020
The wonderful memories are too numerous to mention. Will always remember Lady on the Porch, hot dogs and ice cream. Our hearts are broken. Love him so much. We know you’re strumming away up there. ❤️ Adele and Steve
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Edie Bickoff posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Always a pleasure to attend one of Walt's gigs. I featured Walt often for the group trips at The Hotel Fauchere and he also was the star attraction at a Hawaiian Senior luncheon at Gold Key Estates. He was a gem of a person that's for sure. "The only truly dead are those who have been forgotten". Although greatly missed Walt's going to be around for a long time.
Edie Bickoff
Lenny Miller posted a condolence
Monday, September 28, 2020
I didn't know Walt for nearly long enough but the time I did spend with him was amazing. Kind, generous with his time and knowledge and of course his enormous talent. He will be greatly missed by every life he has touched.
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Robin Mitschele posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, September 28, 2020
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I met this wonderful, talented and selfless man...my friend Walt...when he played his beautiful music at the Lodge at Woodloch where I am the hostess in the dining room. I use to tell the guests that they could listen, but they needed to know that he was really only playing for me. We use to laugh about it, just as we would laugh when he would be playing a song and might forget a line and stop and say "well...I guess that didn't work and i'll try it again." He never used sheet music...he was just incredibly talented and everything he played he knew by heart and his voice was just ....soothing and I loved it. He was also loved by the entire staff at the spa and the guests that would sit and listen to him. I remember one night he had almost 40 guests just sitting and singing along with him because they just loved the music he played. They would start to head to their room and he would play another song and they would come back in saying 'I love this song' and would stay till it was finished.
He was such a gentle soul who was loved by so many. To Kathy and his family...he will be so missed here at the lodge but he will always be remembered as the awesome musician who came with banjos and guitars galore and with music that would soothe your heart. Anytime I hear Rainbow Connection or John Denver music I will always think of this very special man. The first time he played the song "Today" it brought back memories of my early woodloch days when we use to sing it on staff night. I told him I loved the song but couldn't remember all the words. The next time he came to play...he handed me a sheet with the words to that very song. He truly touched my heart with his thoughtfulness and every time I hear that song now...it will bring me to tears with thoughts of this wonderful man and all he represented. God Bless you my dear friend Walt...I hope you are pain free and at peace while singing with the angels....I will never forget you Walt.....
your forever friend..Robin
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Leah Marie Kirk uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, September 27, 2020
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"If I had a tale that I could tell you
I'd tell a tale sure to make you smile..."
(John Denver)
Thank YOU Walt, for YOUR tales, and music, that made us smile.
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Mark Ferguson posted a condolence
Saturday, September 26, 2020
Every so often a person will come into your life and make an impact. Walt Ashenfelter (AKA Walt Edwards) was such a person for me. We met about 8 years ago at the open mic I was running. He is one of the most talented people I’ve ever met, be even more than that, he was real! For me, he was a mentor, a kind of father figure, and a great Friend. I will forever hear his voice when he was telling an ironic or a goofy story and end it by saying “but, that’s okay”, and then give a little chuckle. Those of you who got to know Walt a little will likely agree that we are all a little better off for having known Walt. My children got to know him and they all adored him. And he was so kind to them... always! My biggest regret is that I only had the privilege of having him in my life for such a short period of time. Billy Joel wrote a song called “Only the good die Young”. 77 was way too young for this happy, upbeat, energetic man to be taken from us. As recently as 6 months ago he still seemed to me like a reasonably young man.I will miss you greatly, my Friend. I hope to see you again someday on the other side. I’m sure you’re entertaining Friends and family that are with you now and they are helping you sing the chorus of “Sweet Caroline (bum, bum, bum - so good, so good, so good). Rest In Peace, my Friend. Remember to save me a front row table for your future performances. ❤️
Charles Reynolds uploaded photo(s)
Friday, September 25, 2020
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I know 2020 has had it's share of disturbing and bizarre events, as well as some happy times. But it has been especially hard on me losing people in my life.
I learned last week that a friend was not feeling well and learned today that he passed away peacefully yesterday.
Those of you who knew Walt Edwards (aka Walt Ashenfelter), you knew he was a talented man with a rich and interesting life. You knew he was a kind and generous soul who was an inspiration to others, musicians and non-musicians alike. Whether he was playing a gig at the Waterwheel or during a music festival, or he was enjoying good times with friends at an open mic or doing sounds behind the scenes so that others could sound their best, Walt was the calmest, most amazing individual I knew.
But more, he was a friend, a mentor and someone I aspire to be more like. I will miss him. I will miss his sage advice and his kind but spot on rebukes (which he even couched in the kindest of ways). When we met these far too few years ago, it turned out we both grew up in the same neighborhood, only 19 years apart.
His music inspires me, his friendship enriched me, his support always humbled me. The world in general, and mine in particular, was better for having him in it, and sadder for him leaving far too soon.
Whenever I pay Denver or Rainbow Connections, I will always think of him and hope he is somewhere watching and approves.
Please pray for Kathy, and Walt's family and friends.
e
The family of Walter E. Ashenfelter uploaded a photo
Friday, September 25, 2020
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