JON VAN WIE

[xraydog]

I just heard terrible news from a friend who went to visit Jon this morning (4/3/03).

Jon passed away yesterday 4/2/03.

All who knew Jon, realize what a great loss this is both to his family and to the saxophone community.

There may be a funeral service in the Athens, NY region in the next few days, check local newspapers.

Rick D. (xraydog) :cry:

[T-MAN]

Jon was one of the good guys. One heckuva refacer, too. He sure will be missed by many. :cry:

[Mike Ruhl]

:cry:

[Harri Rautiainen]

A fine gentleman and a real professional in mouthpieces.
He was known and remembered by many SOTWers:

http://www.saxontheweb.net/Coats/Jon_Van_Wie.html

My condolences,

[Bill Mecca]

:cry:

very sad news indeed. surprised it was so quick, but who knows, that may be been a blessing. He was a great guy and will be missed.

My condolences to his family and friends.

[gary]

That makes me sad.
Does Tim or anyone know of a means by which we could express (in words and financially) our concern to his wife and children? If it would be welcomed or an intrusion?

[Morry]

Given loving care Jon showed in his craft, and the pleasure it afforded many of this forum, I wish we would start some sort of memorial fund to help his family.

[JoeP]

I did a google search and found this. Horrible news. RIP JVW.


Subject: Tough news for me
From: Jon Van Wie
Date: 3/11/2003 9:55 AM
Newsgroups: alt.music.saxophone
I have sad news for my friends in the saxophone community. I've been diagnosed with bone cancer that has most likely migrated from my lungs. They guess I have anywhere from 4 months to possibly 2 years to live. In other words, they just don't know. It's hard for them to tell how long the cancer has been in me and how fast is will grow. To fight this I'm eating as well as I possibly can and taking as many supplements that fight cancer as possible. Above all, I'm trying to maintain a very positive attitude. Cancer seems to feed off from negativity. I look forward to seeing spring and feeling the warmth of the sunshine!

After all the snow shoveling I've had to do this winter, I thought I had aggravated my sciatica nerve. I had a lot of pain in my hip and back. After the problem didn't seem to want to go away, I went to the doctor. They sent me to have x-rays taken that day. The doctor called me the next day and told me the x-rays revealed bone loss in my hip. The next thing was to go for a bone scan, CAT scan and blood work. After all that they still don't know exactly where my cancer had originated from, but they do know I have bone loss and something growing on my lung.

I could have biopsies done to pin point where and what kind of cancer I have exactly, if I wanted to undergo chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a very harsh treatment and it will destroy the quality of the remainder of my life. With the kind of cancer this is, there is no chance of beating it. I don't want to go that route. They may be able to prolong my life, but I'll be very sick in the process. I'm still having a certain amount of quality living now and I'd like to keep it that way as long as possible.

The hardest part of getting sick like this is seeing the pain my passing will cause my lovely wife, children, family and friends. The worst part about death and dying are not the ones who have passed. It's the pain in the hearts of the ones who are left behind. We all know that at some time or another we're all going to pass on. I'm ready to go when the good lord needs me, but to watch the tears fall from my sweet wife's eyes, after being married for only 8 short months, just breaks my heart in two. We love each other so much!

I know my clients will be saddened to hear this news too. I've made a lot of friends through my mouthpiece refacing skills. Saxophone players are among the greatest, smartest and sensitive people in the world. I know this from knowing so many of you on a personal level. Few players of this great instrument are undesirable as people.

I'm still able to work right now, but how long is up in the air. I will not work so hard as to shorten my life needlessly. Yet I love my work and I will keep going as long as possible. Some people might advise me to max out my credit cards and take the vacation of a life time, but I love my life the way it is and have no desire to see any other part of the world. Happiness dwells in the heart not in some far away land!

I have many pieces here right now that need to be finished. For those of you who have your piece or pieces here, please be patient in my getting them done. I'm doing everything in my power right now. If I pass on before I can get to them, I have made arrangements to send the pieces back along with a refund. With any luck I'll be here long enough and find the strength to get plenty done!

There's not a lot of money involved in refacing mouthpieces. The process, in the way I do it, is very labor intensive. I've been living from hand to mouth ever since I started doing this work in 1993. I know that jazz musicians are the ones that need my service and they don't make a lot of money in the work they do. For that reason I've held my prices down. It's a drag to be broke when you're suffering a life threatening illness.

I will miss all the good things this life has to offer, but I look forward to learning where we go when we die. If dying means eternal darkness and I cease to exist, so be it, but if there really is a heaven and I've done well enough to get in, I can't wait to hear the band!!!

Best of luck to all of you players of the greatest instrument the world has ever known! Jon Van Wie

[ncm]

Please let the SOTW community know if there is a memorial fund for the family. My condolences go out to his family. Cancer is never easy and Jon was truely a good guy.

Take care.

[MBushaw]

Everybody who has a piece that Jon touched-
Every time I play one of Jon's pieces I think how lucky I am to be playing
that piece.
Tonight, when I play I will be sending my thoughts out to the ether-
If we all do this, maybe the universe will know that a great man has left us and has joined in their community. Let's make a joyful noise in Jon's honor.

I've always felt that Jon didn't charge enough for the magic he performed.
I'm sending what I think I owe Jon for all the pleasure he brought to my
playing.

Jon Van Wie
60 Orange Street
Waverly, NY 14892

Mark Bushaw

[Johannes Gerber]

Jon will be missed by many, I will miss him very much.

A real gentleman, who would go out of his way to help others.

It's a blessing that he had not suffered many months, it's also sad that he had to leave us, but where he is now, he will have eternal peace and joy.

Johannes Gerber

[Pete]

See also http://saxontheweb.myforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=1006

[Paul Coats]

I met Jon when it was suggested I interview him for Sax On The Web. He was a nice, personable fellow, so interesting to talk to.

He had an enthusiasm for his craft that came across so well. He enjoyed life in so many ways.

He will be missed.

[Bootman]

I am saddened by his passing, a real loss to the community and to music in general. His memory will live on with each of us who has one of his mpcs. Words can't seem to add enough weight to how we feel at times like this.

[GT]

Amen. :cry:

[Kosma]

:cry:

[RS]

I talked with Jon on the phone a few times. It was always like talking to an old friend.

[JonL]

If there was ever anyone in this business whose decency, skill and enthusiasm were not only exceptional among exceptions, and in whom these qualities were at least equal...that would be Jon Van Wie.

Thank you, Jon.

Peace and good health to all.

[Claus]

:cry:

[R.VintageMorgan]

It is always a shock to so many in so many ways when The Lord closes the time-clock on one such as Jon . There are few enough of us who have a knowledge of the essentials needed to offer the
kind of service Jon did for the woodwind family. Each time another passes, we cannot help but lose another portion of the art, and,
without an adequate apprenticeship program, it may be gone forever.
We at Morgan's join with all the others in praying for Jon's soul, and for his family in this, their time of great need. May God bless
and care for them.
Musically, in Christ,
Ralph Morgan

[Jerry K.]

Please join me in making a commitment to send a donation to Jon Van Wie today to help his family in this time of need. I would encourage everyone to send whatever they can afford - large or small. Let's show Jon's family that he will truly be missed and that he was truly appreciated by his friends on SOTW! If we all pitch in I'm sure it will make a real difference for Jon's Family in this time of need.

[twowheels]

:(

[Stacey]

Wow. On March 11th, Jon said he had 4 months to 2 years. Three weeks later, he leaves us.

I've never met Jon, although we exchanged an email or two a couple of years ago. However, you can tell a lot about him if you just read his own words earlier in this thread: he worried not about himself, but about his family, his friends, and his CLIENTS. How many of us, if we were similarly diagnosed, would worry "Gosh, I sure hope I have time to finish refacing John Doe's vintage Otto Link mouthpiece!" That shows unbelieveable grace, dignity, and a fair amount of insanity! (No offense, Jon)

If there's a heaven, I'm sure Jon's in it. I fear that his only disappointment may come when he realizes that in heaven all mouthpieces are perfect, and never need refacing! But I suspect the chance to chat with Trane and Bird will more than make up for the disappointment.

May God grant peace and comfort to Jon and to those who mourn him.

Have a great weekend, Jon...

[ferrari]

Nice post Stacey. I'll second that. See ya on the other side Jon.

[Lenny]

Along with Jerry K I've been thinking of sending a donation to the family but thought - wouldn't it be easier for his wife if we set up some kind a donation fund so she doesn't get inundated with small checks.
PayPal has a way to do a donation fund but you need a website to attach it to. Also I imagine it would help if someonewho knows the family could administer it & make sure it gets there.
Just a thought, I don't have a website and don't know where to go from here. Any ideas?

[gary]

My thoughts, exactly, Lenny, as I implied above. It should probably be handled by someone in the US and associated with this site, and, frankly, someone with whom we can all feel comfortable. Unfortunaltely I'm sure anyone "qualified" probably has an already heavy activity schedule.
Tim, Steve, Paul, etc... any thoughts, alternatives?

[MBushaw]

I think a mountain of cards from people who Jon touched would be a wonderful thing. If each included a joyful memory of Jon, this tribute would provide comfort for weeks.

[Jerry K.]

I'm sure that all gestures of appreciation would be warmly received by the family at this time - cards, flowers, financial contributions. A financial contribution made directly to the family has the added benefit of easing any immediate financial concerns that they may have.

Just think about it, if just 100 of us send $100, that would provide the family $10,000 to hold them over for a few months. While this can make a big difference in their lives right now, I'm sure that many of us would not feel any real impact by giving $100. Just a thought.

[Bear]

My condolences go out to Jon's friends and family.

Are there instructions regarding donations in the obit?

[Jerry K.]

I used the address below that was provided by Mark Bushaw:

Jon Van Wie
60 Orange Street
Waverly, NY 14892

[Tim Price]

A super gifted man,and a real amazing person.
My condolences go out to Jon's friends and familyas well.
He and I had some great conversations about music and life.
I'll treasure my thoughts about him always.

[Vortex]

:cry: another general of the saxohpone community down, sad to hear that... :cry:

[sax maniac]

:cry: :( :cry: :( :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :( :cry: :cry:

[Rob Fish]

Along with Jerry K I've been thinking of sending a donation to the family but thought - wouldn't it be easier for his wife if we set up some kind a donation fund so she doesn't get inundated with small checks.

My wife died suddenly and unexpectedly just over two months ago, and I received a handful of anonymous donations. I don't know how Jon's wife will feel, but the anonymous donations caused me a wee bit of stress because I didn't have anyone to send a thank you note.

And I agree wholeheartedly with the post suggesting that donations to Jon's family might be very welcome. I have a small home-based business, and the generous gifts of friends, neighbors, and family allowed me to take my time getting back to work.

Whether it is 100 donations of $100 each, 500 donations of $20 each, or 2,000 donations of $5 each, my guess is that Jon's family would appreciate the financial assistance and, just as importantly, be comforted by the number of people who took the time to let the family know how Jon has touched their lives.

Rob

[George Briscoe]

I had not heard of Jon's passing until I was reading through the posts about Santy today. What an absolute shock. He was still a young man. I remember how down Jon was feeling a couple of years ago after his girlfriend left him and I am so glad that he got to spend the last part of his life married to someone he truly loved. I used to chat with him on the phone and through email and I was not only impressed with his knowledge of mouthpieces, but especially by what a nice guy he was! Of course, the saxophone world has lost a great artist and craftsman, but even more, the world has lost a good person. Read Jon's own words above. They will tell you about what kind of person he was. I never met him face to face, but I was privileged to have contact with him. God speed, friend.

[George Briscoe]

I've been searching the web and have not been able to find an obituary for Jon. Does anyone know of one? If not, can someone who knew him closely give us some more details? I always considered him to be about my age, but I don't know exactly. I'm still in shock about this. I think I'll take my tenor out to the blues jam tonight and play some tunes for Jon and Santy...

[Matt Carlton]

Here's what I found....

Jon Benton VanWie, 45, died peacefully Wednesday evening, April 2, 2003 at his home in Waverly, N.Y., five weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.

Jon's love of music propelled him into teaching guitar and performing in numerous rock and jazz bands in and around the New York area. The beloved husband, father, brother and son also became a master craftsman in the art of resurfacing saxophone mouthpieces. Known throughout the world for this work, he will be missed by many musicians for his insight, skill and appreciation of the saxophone.

Jon is survived by: his wife, Rosanne; daughter, Hannah Rose; and stepchildren, Janeen and Michael Lamontagne of Waverly. Jon is predeceased by his mother, Marilyn A. VanWie, and survived by his father, Jurian of Forked River, N.J. Jon is also survived by his sister, Jana Pratt of Bayport, N.Y., and her husband Frederic W. Pratt III and their two children, Frederick W. Pratt IV and Sara Jane Pratt; also by his oldest brother, Jurian Jr. of Monroe, N.Y.; brothers and sisters-in-law, James and Judith of Clifton, N.J., and their daughter, Jessica, and Jeffrey and Torri of Chatham, N.J., and their daughter, Anna Katharine; and his beloved grandmother, Evelyn Benton of Corinth, N.Y.

A memorial gathering will take place at the Lowery Funeral Home, 225 S. Main St., Athens, on Friday, April 4 from 6-8 p.m.

Funeral services will follow Friday at 8 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Anne Bey Canfield, pastor of the Waverly United Methodist Church, officiating.

The family requests that charitable contributions be made in his name to the American Cancer Society, 1948 E. Third St., Williamsport, PA 17701; or Lourdes Hospice, 169 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905 in lieu of flowers.

http://www.eveningtimes.com/articles/2003/04/03/obituaries/obit2.txt

~Matt

[George Briscoe]

Thank you, Matt.

[gary]

I wonder if some of you with more experience in these matters than I could say if it would still be acceptable to send money to the wife.

It seems consistant with the selfless quality of Jon's personality that he and/or his wife would ask that the money go to others, but that doesn't mean that she wouldn't need it, nevertheless. Where to send? Thanks.

[Rob Fish]

Hi Gary,

I made my check payable to "Mrs. Jon Van Wie." That way she can use the money in whatever way she wants - for the family's needs, a donation to the charity of her choice, or for something else.

I used the address shown earlier in this thread:

Mrs. Jon Van Wie
60 Orange Street
Waverly, NY 14892

To those folks whose lives were touched in some way by Jon Van Wie, may I suggest that you take a moment and send a note or card to his widow? When my wife died, I appreciated all the cards and letters people sent to me, and I suspect Jon's widow would feel much the same way.

At times like this, very few people feel like they know the right thing to do or say. Most of us want to do or say something, but we don't want to do or say the "wrong" thing. So instead of doing something that might be "wrong," we back off and do nothing.

I never met Jon. The only connection I've had with him is what I've read in this forum. From what I've read about him, I'm sure that if he'd known me when my wife died he would have picked up the phone and called to say something like "Rob, I don't know what to say, but I wanted to let you know that I'm thinking about you." And he probably would have sent me a card or a note.

Those of you who knew Jon, had him work on your mouthpieces, traded Emails with him, or interacted with him in the SOTW forum know he would have done the same sort of thing for you. So to honor his memory, I suggest you help his widow get through this very tough time. If you have Jon's phone number, pick up the phone and call. Send a note or a card. And if you can afford it, send a donation.

Rob

[gary]

Thanks, Rob. That's the kind of sage advise I was looking for.