Fred Fowler

I received some very sad news yesterday when I learned that our friend Fred Fowler suffered a series of strokes. I received this message from Ellen & Dave who organize the monthly music jams in Temple, NH.

Hi friends,

Here's what we've found out about Fred Fowler from his friends Ted & Maureen Petro of Temple, and Ed & Terri Dufresne of Eastham MA:

Our treasured and talented friend, Fred Fowler, suffered a stroke at home on or about Friday, 4/20/18 and was taken by ambulance to eventually end up at Mass General after first being taken to two different small area hospitals. Time is so critical in stroke care. Once there, he had a second, more severe stroke. He's not expected to return to his home in Temple, but, when he's able to be moved, we understand from Ed that Fred will live near his son, Ed, in West Virginia. Fred's "gonna find [himself] a bluebird" - one of his signature songs! Thinking of "Angel Band", he may be softly singing "I hear the sound of wings" - Guardian Angel wings! Positive thoughts, cheers, and prayers to our friend.

John Poltrack has said that he will compile recordings and footage of Fred playing and singing at local open mics and MMMJ jams and provide a link. When we get it, we'll forward that to all of you. It will be a treasure of our fun times and music with Fred. Many of you may wish to send messages of encouragement and support to Ginny, and Fred's family, and we will share that contact information when we know it. Would appreciate it if others can provide same, as well.

Many thanks to all of you who have already acquired and shared information. The local music circle (and beyond) has been terribly shaken by this news. Go play a tune or two for Fred.

A friend remarked to me that when Fred would show up at a jam we knew it was going to be special. He is an accomplished musician who plays guitar, mandolin and fiddle. Whenever I would croak through a song, I could count on him singing harmony. We both enjoy the older country songs and to my delight he knew the old tunes my dad and uncle would sing. Sometime he would break into a yodel. Here are some pictures taken at various venues.