My good friend and former Brothers Four member, John Paine, passed away on November 9, 2024. Of course we were saddened by his passing, as were his family and the other members of the group. We received a call yesterday from his widow, Gail, and Meri and I were delighted to relive some great memories of John and also hear about how he was honored as he departed the planet. Gail informed us that the Bros had gathered at their home in Port Ludlow to sing on the beach as John's ashes were spread there.

One of the highlights of The Brothers Four show was John's performance of a Flanders & Swann song, "The Sloth". While Dick Foley sang the verses, John would go to the front of the stage and mouth the lyrics using the goofy face of a sloth. It was hilarious and always got a huge audience response. Gail told us that John's brother, Brett, had recreated that performance for the memorial and did a very credible version.

Gail also mentioned that one of the Bros4 road traditions came up at the memorial. Before I joined the group, they had met a woman somewhere on the road who, I believe, was an exotic dancer. She had given them a photo of herself mostly nude but wrapped in a fur coat. She was known thenceforth as "Fur Lady" and her picture traveled everywhere with us. We would each take turns carrying it from gig to gig and then whoever had it at the time would tack it to the mirror in the dressing room. I'd forgotten about Fur Lady, but Gail thinks I may still be in possession of that photo. I need to look for it.

Great memories - RIP John Paine!