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In Memoriam: Chuck McCabe - August 24, 1944 - July 23, 2010

Chuck at Sisters' Folk Festival

Chuck McCabe passed away peacefully on the evening of Friday, July 23, 2010 in Santa Clara, California. He had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier in the year, and chose to walk through the final stage of his life privately with his wife Cindy, close friends, and Blah Blah Woof Woof musical cohorts at his side. The aggressive nature of this disease made his last days blessedly swift. The outpouring of love from Chuck’s fans and the greater folk community around the world has buoyed his family and friends during this time and they are deeply grateful.

If you wish to make a donation to assist Chuck's wife Cindy with expenses please see the donations page for more information.

Please sign Chuck's guestbook and share your memories.

Comments

thanks

I remember Chuck running the after hours all star open mic at Bronco Billy's at the Sisters Folk Festival. The very first time i had ever sung in front of 200 people he was there smiling so big after i got off stage, gave me a hug and said what a great job i had done. That is how i remembered him, organizing and supporting other musicians and having a great time. He was an inspriation.
kathy marshall

No more new songs

Before moving out of CA, I attended many of Chuck's concerts & would often tease him by asking "what have you got that's new?" & he would oblige with his latest gem. I get choked up just thinking that I will never again hear a "new" Chuck McCabe song.

Goodbye old friend. I will miss your sense of humor and empathic insight to the human condition. I'll keep your songs alive in my own performance as long as I'm able. And now, in your own words, it's time to "Say a prayer for the living and carry on."

Thank you

Chuck, You're one of those musicians that seems to have always been here, and we could always count on another one of your wonderful cds showing up at KKUP every now and then. It's so hard to believe you've left this world.
Thank you for all the music all these years and for sharing your talent and time with those of us at KKUP and our listeners. We will miss you and remember you forever.

MY FRIEND

I have known for a year Chuck was battling cancer but I thought the form was treatable. Not Pancreatic. When the terrible news arrived last week that he was near the end Nita and I were both devastated. I love Chuck. He has always had a special place in my heart the 16 years I was lucky enough to have him as a pal. More like a brother. We traveled to Woody Guthrie Festival the year he won best song. That was a week together I cherish. The trips to Tucson and then staying together in Sisters in a ranch cabin were also special. He was one of a kind. So gentle and non-assuming. A great friend, son and husband. My sympathy goes out to Cindy, his family and all those he touched. There are many. When being around other pals of his I was always amazed at the deep emotions of friendship and love and loyalty they also felt towards this extraordinary gentle, kind man. Like others, I feel I have lost a special part of me with his passing. Love and kindness to all those touched by Chuck. I will miss him terribly...Toby

When someone you've never met...

touches you so deeply through their music and friends that you take a closer look at your own life, deciding to do a little more living, a little more laughing, have a little more fun and love a little more often ... that is someone who made a difference. Thanks Chuck. Travel well - meet 'cha on the other side...

Thank You, Chuck

Although we met only once, our musical connection was instant and I will never forget you. Be at total, blissful and musical peace, Chuck.

Scope.

If you knew Chuck, you know he was a fine fella, a gent and kindly to the core. His songs had a quality not common among even the best writers: scope. He covered lots of memes and tropes and themes while never losing intimate focus. His specifics worked in general for many people, and his broad strokes invoked the personal within his listeners.

Gonna miss you, Chuck.

Making sense of it all

From the first time my husband introduced me to Chuck I knew he was a special man. His music was from the heart and from Nose Job to The Junk in Murphys Yard, everyone could relate to it. He was always a gentleman yet quietly funny and always appreciative. He took what life threw his way with grace and dignity yet without complaint.In making sense of his Death I've come to realize the purpose of life is Love. Love those close to you and love your life and make the very best of each day.I'll always be grateful for him playing my favorite song and indulging me...and I can't wait to hear the songs Chuck writes in heaven , I'll bet they will really be something.

Rest in Peace

Bob did so much for music and musicians. He will be missed.

condolences to his survivors....family, friends, fans

I was shocked and saddened to see the news. I always enjoy his song about his dad moving to Utah..Gone to Utah from Sweet Reunion....R.I.P. Chuck....

Legend

All the words that have been said by others and myself in the past few days have brought up old memories and introduced new stories that I, a veteran of 35 Chuck years, have marveled at and relished. Truth is, Chuck truly lived up to these unbelievably, legendary yarns, and will live forever in the annals of the South Bay music scene. Thanks for your energy, charm, humor, encouragement, and amazing lyrics! My favorite lines from Chucks song "Our House"-

"Now, you come to our house and our house is your house too
Yes, you come to our house and undo a button or 2
Just let out your belt and live like a family do-a-oo-oo
Cause when you come to our house, our house is your house, and next time we'll come and see you"

-Cheers, Keith

Condolences

I remember Chuck from the mid-70s (Grog and Sirloing, Los Gatos) and admired his musical talent and dedication. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his many friends.

Chuck

I started as a fan, then became a student through your workshops. Finally, I became a friend. Thank you for sharing your talent, wit, and friendship. I am only one of many who will miss you greatly.

Connecting with Chuck after 20 years

I had heard my former brother in-law on KPIG last year and e-mailed the link. Chuck graciously invited me to a couple of concerts and I was not able to make them. I finally showed up at the Prunedale library to see him play and he was absent. Now I realize why. My prayers to Cindy and your family and Chucks friends. He was always kind and thoughtful to me and a humorous, warm
musician.

Musical Legacy

Your musical legacy will live on at Independent Songwriter Magazine. You will be greatly missed...

You'll be missed Chuck

Chuck
We never did meet but having listened to, and enjoyed, your "Creatures of Habit In a World of Change"
I e-mailed you and told you of the laughs my listeners had from "I'd Rather Be in Redding" and sent you my localised lyrics for Reading, Berkshire, England. Not only did you give the idea your blessing, you sent me the backing tracks from your recording and suggested I record it myself, which I have done.
I'll play both versions tomorrow.
I considered you my friend and will miss you. My love goes out to your famile and loved ones.

Eddie

Thanks, Chuck and God Speed

We'll miss you greatly. A very talented guy, a good friend and outstanding human being.

happy trails, chuck...

i LOVED chuck's stories and wonderfully crafted songs, his rockin' covers that got you out of your seat and onto the dance floor, the charming kind-hearted man he was, his coveted hug "hello". happy trails, chuck!

Chuck McCabe

You wrote songs about real life like 'Minimum Wager'. Thank you-Peace

Chuck

You shared with us all a deep understanding of human nature mixed with humor making it easy to accept. You will be missed.

My Prayer For You

I performed Chuck's song "My Prayer For You" twice this week. I know I mangled the melody, couldn't get Dylan's "Forever Young" out of my head, but I love the lyric, and wanted to share something of Chuck's with our songwriter showcase audiences in the San Luis Obispo CA area. I talked with Chuck several times about booking him here, really sad that didn't happen. I did get to share a stage with him in 2008 at the Mission City Coffee Roasters in Santa Clara. We had a great turnout, and I know a lot of it was because of Chuck being there. I knew his name when I was starting out as a nightclub musician in the South Bay circa 1977, but I don't think we met until four or five years ago. I feel I'm just getting to know his music. I am glad he left us with many songs, recordings, even a book. I will honor his memory by listening and reading, and remembering his humor, his poetry, his musical skills, his songwriting craft.

Chuck

I am so sad to hear of the passing of Chuck, and send my heartfelt condolences. I had no idea he was sick, and so I am shocked as well as saddened by the loss. I'm a good and lifelong friend of Rolfe Wyer, and I was fortunate to have met and hung out with Chuck on a few occasions, and even once sang a few tunes with him during the days of The Boomers at the bar they played at in Los Altos. I just listened to a few of his tunes on YouTube, and I can't fathom he is no longer here. I hope no one minds, but I'd like to share a couple of links to those videos on my Facebook site, as I know many of my friends will get to hear Chuck (most for the first time), and in that way, among many others, he will live on and stay with us...

Dave Kaufmann

very sad

I'm a Connecticut folk-radio DJ who loves Chuck's music. We only met three times, once at the Folk Alliance conference in Austin and then when he twice visited my show, in July 2006 and in September 2008. But during the past couple of years we corresponded a little about anything from family to photography to Mark Twain to weather to whatever, and his kindness, humanity, intelligence, humor, and humility showed through in every note (of both kinds). The last time we e-mailed was in May of this year, when he just touched on the fact that he’d been ill but thought he was doing better. When I came home late last night to an e-mail from Chuck's friend Paul, with the heading "Chuck McCabe," I knew the news was bad. When I play some of his music tonight in remembrance, it will be with both pleasure for what he gave and pain for what is gone.

My Prayer for you

Chuck, I was not one of your oldest friends but you treated me as if I were. I am proud to list you as a friend of mine. As I listened to some great music last night at Marky's house I reflected that the "show must go on," for those of us left behind it will be bittersweet until we get to join you.
I imagined you last night sitting with some of the greats that went before, jamming, telling stories and planning the next gig. Your passing leaves a hole , but your music will live on and make it a little easier for us. Thanks for the time you gave us all. I hope to see you again down the trail.
Allan Molho

Chuck

I met Chuck in 1996 , we were both on the bill at street festival in Mountainview . I was instantly impressed with his humbleness and and sincerity not to mention his talent as a guitarist and songwriter . I wish I had that quick sense of humor that always put people at ease .The years went by and we didn't see each other for a while . Then something told me I should go see BBWW with Chuck just about a month ago I'm sure glad I did . I don't know if you get the internet in the great beyond Chuck , but we will all miss you . Have fun in Singer-Songwriter Heaven.

Glenn

Thank you Chuck

A kind and musical man who will be missed.

Chuck

I remeber the first time Chuck did a concert at the then very young Espresso Garden & Cafe. He was promoting is new CD and the featured tune for me was "Nose Job". Before the concert I went out and bought funny eyeglasses with the big big noses. When the song appeared in the set I had people scattered throught the audience put these glasses on. We had the rare privelege of totaling cracking Chuck up. He had to stop, laugh and regroup. Great fun, with a great man. I move away, but never forgot Chuck or any of you. I will miss him and I celebrate with all of you the great life of a great man. in a better place now he can watch us all and cheer us on. Judy

I MISS HIS MOUSTACHE

I knew Chuck casually through the Los Gatos music scene and my association with Leroy Cheney. I will always remember his winning smile and willingness to help/guide fellow musicians - or for that matter, just about anyone who crossed his path. A couple of years ago, as music director at KRRM, I was able to add a couple of his tunes to our play list. I never got around to telling him that he became a "most requested star" here in southern Oregon. His songs always make me laugh or think --- and sometimes both.

Chuck McCabe

Chuck, Thank you for sharing your your music with us out here in Israel. Your amusing and witty songs gave a little lightheartedness to all who heard them. We will miss you.
Menachem Vinegrad, Radio Upper Galilee, Israel

Thanks, Chuck

Years ago now, at a coffeehouse gig that Jay had set up, I was glad to see Chuck was there too. I tried to play Guy Clark's "Comfort and Crazy," but fumbled the guitar part pretty obviously. I was impressed by how safe I felt with Chuck. I was less embarrassed to screw up in front of him than if it had been most anyone else. I didn't know him well, but it seems to me that he was not a judgmental guy. He carried himself like a very generous and patient teacher.

Thanks Chuck.

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Woodshed Productions, 15466 Los Gatos Blvd. STE 109-161, Los Gatos, CA 95032 - chuck@chuck-mccabe.com.

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