Date: February 05, 2004

Once in a lifetime you meet a person like Boe Harbison. He was a gifted musician who could write spellbinding lyric and then put it to music. A Harbison woodcarving or cabinet is not only functional it is art. This bright and thoughtful man was taken from us far too soon. Unlike most of us, he leaves a living legacy in his music and woodwork.

Who will ever forget the Peacehill concerts in Silver City or the guy who sat in the corner and played the guitar at Paul’s every Friday night? He was the man behind several benefit concerts for various organizations in our town. Boe loved making music and new friends. Ironically, he will continue to do both through his recordings. Listening to his songs will forever fill my heart with joy and wonder for what he created.

One of his greatest gifts was story telling. His yarns and jokes never failed to entertain. Boe could spin a tale like no one else, and who will ever forget that smile?

Boe meant many things to many people. This gentle man was a sharecroppers son, storyteller, poet, soldier, songwriter, wood carver, homebuilder, brother, husband, listener, teacher, musician, joker, designer, inventor, cabinetmaker, woodsman, lover, and friend. Our community was lucky to have this artist in our midst for a short time. But we are all richer for having known him. Now, there is an empty space in my life but I will always smile when I think of Boe. Yes, once in a lifetime...

Jim Bradley

Date: February 05, 2004

We miss you Boe, we will never forget you. you were an inspiration to many people....including me

rocky

Date: February 05, 2004

We miss you so much Boe and wish you were with us to see another Spring. Thank you for your kind heart, gentle voice, and your always encouraging words. You've been a blessing to us and helped us to see so many things, that we might have missed. Your music, is such a precious gift to us, that we will cherish forever. We will never forget you Boe, our brother, our friend. Dawn

Date: February 06, 2004

Who can put words to express a man like Boe. There are none...and yet there aren't enough. Boe Harbison was a man with a true passion for life. He saw the world in a way most of us would otherwise miss if we wouldn't have know him. He did not care to conform to the way others thought life should be. He had his own ideas and dreams, put all fears aside...then took action upon them. He accomplished in 52 short years what we all strive for in this life, yet fail to reach...He understood what was truly important in life and LIVED his dream every day. Not caring what others might think of him or his lifestyle. It was what suited him and made him happy.

Material possessions didn't mean much to him. He valued a good friend, a good story or a good tune much more. He escaped the hustle and bustle of the big city to settle in a place where he could find the serenity his soul craved. He lived by his own means and on his own terms, not depending on anyone or anything else, save for the love of his lifelong partner, Edna (and the occasional sidekick pooch or two).

A gifted man in many, many ways, Boe loved to share his talents with others. Not out of obligation, but because he understood that's the way it should be. After all, our God-given gifts weren't meant to be selfishly kept to ourselves. What good would it be for a flower to smell so beautiful if no one else could smell it? That is part of it's purpose, and Boe understood that friendship is part of our purpose. He gave of himself to a community that came to know him and Edna, then grew to love them....and will miss him dearly.

Boe was my uncle. And because of distance, in both age and geography, I did not know him as well as I wish I could have. He was off to Vietnam before I was old enough to appreciate him. Once back from the war, he and Edna followed their dream to the north country of Michigan's U.P. Their visits back to Holland were short and seldom it seemed. Yet when I knew they were in town I always looked forward to seeing them and enjoying good conversation and a yarn or two. But, all to soon, they were headed back to their little cabin "In the Woods". I grew older and got swept up in the business of the everyday, the very thing that Boe knew to avoid. Always wanting to pay them a visit and enjoy the beautiful country they settled in, but never taking the time. Now there is no more time and I am a poorer man for letting it slip away.

Yes, Boe understood about life. Just listen to his music and hear the messages in his lyric. They are his proclimation to the world. A deeply thoughtful and introspective man, Boe put to music what was in his mind, heart and soul. And that will live on forever. He will live on forever in all who knew him. He was that kind of man. Someone you met and you knew would leave an impression on you. And he did! We can all take a lesson from our experiences with Boe. Each in our own way.

If you had to use one word to describe Boe, the best one I can think of is "Friend". Yet, that one word cannot adequately describe him....there just aren't enough words.

We will all miss you, Boe. We are better people for having known you. And we will do our best to use what you gave us and carry on.

Your nephew, John

"Time, time, time. Thinkin' 'bout time. Time. Time. Time." Boe Harbison.

Date: February 07, 2004

What a wonderful life and what a wonderful legacy to those of us who all love Boe. Our thoughts and prayers and with you and I hope you know how much we love you too. Boe's left a great memory for all of us. Boe has brought you, Edna, into our hearts. You are so kind but so soft spoken. Keep being so. It makes you YOU and YOU are so special.

Date: February 07, 2004

I'm not savy to this kind of writing on the internet! That last comment was from me, Edna, - Patty U. I also wanted to mention to nephew John. Thank you for the beautiful memoir. I'm so sorry you didn't have the opportunity to spend more time with Boe. Obviously, however, you learned quickly in your visits with Boe how really special a person he was. How I wish he was still here. But it is as you say - Boe understood about life. - and the best memory is that he was my "friend". Boe was a friend I looked up to.

Date: February 08, 2004

Hi Edna, I have missed you guys so much the last couple of years and now I will regret not making the short drive to see you. You and Boe are special people. My life was changed when you and Boe came to Rhinelander and stopped by my store. There are good people in the world and when we find them we need to stay close--for everyone's sake. Take care, Edna. Goodbye, Boe, send us some music and some lyrics sometime. Love, Paul Ehlers

Date: February 08, 2004

Thanks Boe for everything, your gracious hospitality whenever I happened by at an inopportune time, the warm handshake whenever our paths crossed. Thanks for the gift of your easy friendship and the lifelong gift of confidence in front of an audience you gave me and the other "bag brothers". Thanks for the late evenings telling stories and maybe playing a little guitar in between. Thanks for being you, Boe.

Jim Waters

Date: February 08, 2004

To My Brother BOE, I shall miss our conversations over the years. Life does not seem fair, to take someone who so many loved, Boe and I talked right up to the end about all his wonderful friends, who loved him, and yet it was hard for him to understand that is was true love and friendship, that came his way. The last time I talked to him on Jan.26th, he said how much he loved him family, even though life caused us to be separated by miles, he was always close to his siblings in his heart. He said when the pain was bad, he would remember Jesus on the cross, calling out to his Father for mercy, Now there is mercy for Boe. I shall miss him with all my heart and soul. His Sister, Pegg

Date: February 08, 2004

What can you say about Boe Harbison? That his easy way with people made us feel instantly welcome, even though we knew him only a short time. That his lyrics and melodies came from his soul; from all that is true. That no one could tell us a story like he did. That it was a pure privilege to have known him; to have sat across from him with a cup of coffee and watch his fingers fly up and down that Taylor guitar; and sing those sweet songs. What can you say about Boe Harbison? You can say that he was beautiful.

Linda and David Hopper

Date: February 09, 2004

Edna,

I only spent a little time with Boe on a couple of occasions. He was one of those unique people who touched others. Here is my tribute in the form of a bio-poem, a genre I teach in my English classes. Thanks for helping Kate and touching her life.

Dennis Bradley

Boe Dedicated, interested, involved, conscious driven lover of Edna, woodworking, the U.P. Who felt humor, music, and woodworking Who needed listeners, tools, and lyrics Who gave time, attention, and joy Who feared loneliness, pain, and rejection Who would liked to have seen that perfect piece of wood, new chickens in the spring, and Lake Superior every day Resident of Ontonagon, Calumet Road Harbison

Date: February 09, 2004

What can I say that hasn't been said before? I fell in love with the Harbisons almost immediately the first time we met. To me, they embodied all I longed to be in my life. Simple, self-sufficient, peaceful, and happy. Boe, once said to me that he was not a very educated man, but I strongly disagreed with him. He was smarter than most people could ever hope to be. Boe had life right. Better than most people in the world. He and Edna did their best to avoid controversy over money, possessions, and other things that really don’t matter in life. It is a tribute to him that even in his death he can bring out the best in everyone, even those who barely knew him, and still put smiles on our faces. I still smile thinking about his vow to haunt President Bush. It gives me hope for all that is good and right in the world to prevail. Boe, I meant it when I said that I wanted to be your and Edna's apprentice. An apprentice to your life and how you lived it.

Date: February 09, 2004

After Peg and I first met Boe and Edna, as we rode home in the car, we both looked at each other and, at almost the same time said, "I want to be more like them." Two sweet, gentle souls with love in their hearts for each other and everyone around them. Each of them blessed with so many gifts.

As we became better friends, Boe and I would talk about Vietnam and I would wonder to myself how a gentle soul like his could have ever survived the crucible of battle. My wonder turned to amazement when I found out they lived in the U.P. for years with no electricity, no running water, and no indoor plumbing! He told me once, "First rule, Bill. Never build the outhouse with the door opening out. Think of it as more of an inhouse than an outhouse". He had alot of comments like that, the practical kind of wit and wisdom you might get from an older brother. If I had had an older brother, I would've wanted him to be Boe. And although I've only known him for 3 years, I feel like I've lost an older brother.

I've been a professional musician for a long time and Peg will tell you I'm very critical of alot of music I hear. I loved Boe's music from the first time I heard it. Peg did too. I used to sit and listen to him and wish I could create something as simple and beautiful as some of the things he wrote. There's so much honesty, pain, humor, forgiveness, and redemption in his music. I remember when something quotable or interesting was uttered, Boe would often say, "There's a song in there somewhere." The truth is, he was the song. He wrote it the way he lived it, and that's what made it an honor for me to be considered his friend.

Goodbye, Boe.

Bill Carrothers

Date: February 09, 2004

Dear Boe,

You probably know this by now, but you are the single biggest musical influence I've ever had. Even as I work toward a Masters in Music Education, it will never come close to what you taught me about music, guitars, performing, teaching, and people in general. When we first met, I had written four songs in my whole life. Now its closer to 40, and I never would have done it without your patient ear and encouragement. When I practice, your voice is still in my head, reminding me of what to work on, followed by one of your great jokes.

Thanks for letting me be a part of Peace Hill, the Bag Brothers, and your life, Boe.

We're all richer because of you.

Ross Reishus

Date: February 10, 2004

It is great to read all of the wonderful things people have to say about Boe. He touched so many lives. He was a kind and humble man just trying to navigate through this life like the rest of us. He just seemed to do it with more grace than most. I’ve learned from Boe that there are no failures in this life as long as you lend a helping hand to those around you. Being successful is letting someone lean on you and letting yourself lean on others. He knew that our emotional connections are the most important, and he nurtured them in the people around him. A friend asked me if Boe ever wrote any songs about the UP or Porcupine Mtn. area. My response was that Boe wrote songs about people. We all search for answers just like Boe did, and if we weren’t searching before we met him, we are now. What was amazing about Boe was that he gave us a few answers before he left.

I listen to his music and if I close my eyes, I can see him sitting in front of me, his fingers sliding effortlessly across the frets, making one guitar sound like two. It seemed effortless, but I know how much time he put into his playing. He was a hard worker in all aspects of his life, from his woodworking, to his friendships, his marriage and his music.

I was so incredibly fortunate that for ten years he allowed me to be a part of his music and I’ll never forget his words of encouragement. He had words of encouragement for all of his students. Someone once asked me what brought me to Ontonagon and Boe answered for me, “Fate”, he said. I will keep his words with me in the future to carry me through when times are tough or I think my music is no good. I’ll remember that Boe believed in me. But really he believed in all of us. Most importantly he would want all of us to live our lives to the fullest. He was always running away from time in his songs and in his life. He was trying to remind us that in reality we all are, so that we wouldn’t waste a single day! He had so many great lessons as he was a natural teacher, friend to all and a truly great man. Now we are left with the silence after the song, memories our only reminder of the beauty of the music that was the life of Boe Harbison. Boe, I’m sorry I forgot to hide your walkin' shoes. A wish of peace for all, Sara Moilanen

Date: February 10, 2004

Mrs. Edna although I have never met you, My husband and I want to offer our most sincere condolences to you and your family. Your loss is great and no words can heal soon enough. But know that you and your family are in our hearts and prayers. I know of Your husband through his sister, Peggy. I have been working with her for the past two years and that is how We know about your family. Sincerely Eva and Robert Rousey Bentonville, Arkansas

Date: February 10, 2004

Guitar players are an interesting breed. More importantly, there is something special about uniquely talented guitar players. One of my first encounters with Boe, was at his and Edna's shop just over three years ago, when I first came "Up North" to teach music at the elementary school in Ontonagon. I had a conversation with Boe about guitars, the types he had and had played, which brands seemed to play the best, and so on. It quickly became clear to me that this was someone who was a uniquely talented musician and beyond the musiciansihp, this was a person who possessed something very few people have or ever manage to acquire. There was a deep down quiet sincerity in his words but most importantly in his actions. It wasn't something he wore on his shoulder or talked about; you could just sense it. Over the past few years, I too have been touched by Boe's music and spirit at Peacehill concerts, Friday nights at Paul's, and numerous other times in the little back room at the Nonesuch Gallery. The last time at the gallery was last fall, when I took my new 12-string guitar in to play a bit and have Boe give a spin as well. (He brought the donuts-thanks Boe!) There is something interesting about watching the hands of another guitar player. I consider myself average, even after having played as an amateur and a professional now for well over 25 years. Yet in the hands of truly gifted players (players like Boe), I stand in awe. The hands of a player like Boe are always, without fail, an ongoing lesson in humility for me, for I always realize afterward, that there is still much for me to learn. And so it was for me that day last fall watching Boe play my new instrument. It was in his hands for the first time and yet, that guitar was pouring forth sound from the well of Boe's spirit that I have yet been unable to match. I long for more such lessons, but I will never play the same again. Hopefully, I will play just a bit better though for having had the opportunity to just watch those hands. Yes, guitar players are indeed a unique fraternity. I'm proud to consider myself a member of such a group, but most humbled to have known one particularly special and talented player. Thanks Boe.

Terry Oosterhart

Date: February 11, 2004

Boe gave so much of himself to everyone he met that he will never be really gone. He is living in everyone who knew him. The time we knew Boe was short. The songs he sang, the stories he told, the magic he made will live in and with us forever. Roy and Jeanne

Date: February 11, 2004

I see you walking, talking and singing in my thoughts and dreams. I can still feel your hand and cheek on mine from our last good-bye. I look at your picture and can't believe you are really gone. I will love, miss and think about you every day for the rest of my life. My brother Boe, "We will see each other again soon." Ginger

Date: February 13, 2004

Boe said one time his favorite quote was, "Life is somehow good," and he surely figured out how to squeeze the good out of life. He shared many stories from his heart, some good and some bad, but he had a way of whittling it down and making it all seem okay, usually ending it on a note of laughter and love. "..there’s a song in there somewhere..." I hear his voice saying still. It was such a great joy to know him, if only for a short time, too short!!!, but he’s "on vacation" from this life, and his pain and worry have been lifted. Now he’s looking at the BIG picture, and the seeds he planted in everyone he touched with his BIG heart are there for the growing. We are blessed that he lives on in his songs and our memories like a golden thread. There are no words to say how much you’re missed, and to thank you, Boe, for all your gifts and inspirations for so many. Thanks for leading the way through life and to the next so heroically. I celebrate your spirit and I hope you are having the best time where you are. We will meet again!

Peg Carrothers

Date: February 16, 2004

I remember Boe as being the most gentle, unassuming and gracious person I'd ever met. His gentle manner was as comforting as his music. We only saw him once or twice a year when we visited the UP, but we always looked forward to the Peace Hill Concerts at Jackie's shop and his performances at Paul's. I remember visiting their home unexpectedly and was welcomed with open arms even though he hardly knew us. As he said, friends of Jim and Karen are friends of mine.

Boe and Edna were part of the "crew" of friends we enjoyed spending time with at the Bradley cottage on Lake Superior. They were both so warm and welcoming yet seemed to have no idea how lovely it was to spend time with them. I'm looking forward to seeing Edna again and to have Boe there in spirit.

I feel honored to have some of Boe's carvings, his CD's and that beautiful, gentle presence in our home.

Brett and I will miss him terribly.

Edna, our hearts go out to you. Please know you are in our thoughts and that you are not alone.

We love you.

Brett, Mary Kay, Tyler and Lea Madison, WI

Date: February 17, 2004

I miss you Boe even though I haven't seen you or Edna for a long time.I've talked about you threwout the years about the silly things we use to do growing up and I'am sure that I will never stop.I'am so sorry that I didn't keep in touch with you and Edna over the years.Please forgive me my friend, love you both always.Edna you will always be in my prays and thoughts. Love your friend Donny Wilson

Date: February 19, 2004

Boe was my older brother (not by blood) and was one of the greatest people I've ever known. If there was ever one person I wish I could have been more like it was Boe. I hate to think of what I would have been like if I never would have known him. God Bless You Boe & Edna Rocky thanks for being my friend and my other brother. I got to know Boe when we were kids. There's lots to say but that will be later. Grace was his wonderful mother and I can tell you she was the closest to a saint of anyone I've ever known, Boe stood on great shoulders! Darcy & I Love You Edna and you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.

Date: April 09, 2004

It has now been 3 months since my friend Boe has passed away. Although I have come to accept that his physical presence is no longer with me, his spiritual presence remains in my heart and mind. The sense of loss is still acute however. To try to ease that grief and come to terms with it, I have decided to take stock of how my life is different now, to think about what is now missing.

· I miss the wonderful stories of his life that were always forthcoming during visits, stories that displayed his amazing ability to remember names, details, emotions, and descriptions of places. The stories were told with such detail it seemed like they had occurred yesterday. At times I felt that I actually knew the people and places he talked about even though of course I did not. There was always a good laugh or two along the way, or a solemn reflection on some life lesson. I never tired of them and he never seemed tired of telling them, nor did he ever seem to run out of them. · I miss the joke telling sessions. It was always a friendly contest to see who could come up with the latest new jokes since the last visit. Laughing is always good for the soul; Boe knew that better than anyone. The joke telling was his way of sharing that knowledge with others as well as enjoying and extending the benefits for himself. · I miss the tranquility of sitting in his living room, kitchen, or porch listening to him talk, play his guitar and sing, or practice some new song he had just written. It just seemed that being there, talking, listening, thinking, or reading while he played just made all of your daily life troubles seem so minor and irrelevant. · I miss the prophetic sayings, the words of wisdom, the bits of real life knowledge that Boe would always originate, both in his songs and as a matter of daily conversation. Edna has them all – in a book. It is filled with pages of bits of information that when put together gives a better description of the kind of man Boe was better than any description ANYONE could write. One particular one that comes to mind was “living near the edge gives one a better view of life. · I miss the Friday concerts at Paul’s Supper Club where he played for many years. They were always an evening of celebration, camaraderie, relaxation, inspiration, and social diversity. Boe was the common denominator to many “individual circles of friends”. Because of this there was was always a very good chance to meet new people at these Friday concerts. It was always easy to get to know new people because there was always one thing in common - Boe was our friend. · I also miss that mischievous grin and twinkle in his eye when he began to play a favorite song of mine, and I would look up, meet his grin with my own, and give the thumbs up. · I miss the “Hey whaddayahno?” greeting you would get when Boe recognized your voice over the phone, or during those wonderful Saturday morning Coffee and gossip sessions at the store. Boe was always a wealth of information on community happenings (remember all the circles of friends?). I feel much less in tune with the community now. · I miss the political discussions, current events analysis, and reviews of old and new comedy movies that were always intermingled within an evenings conversations. · I miss the tours of his shop and discussions of the latest projects he was working on. I miss the smell of freshly planed wood, the visions of a sawdust pile from an on-going project. I miss looking at the immense diversity and variety of woodworking projects in various stages of completion and marveling at the talent contained in this one man.

What have I left of Boe? I am fortunate to have a large assortment of his woodwork items, both large and small, gracing my house. I will enjoy them for the rest of my life. I have numerous photos of Boe and Edna taken over our 20 years of friendship, I have CD’s of his music, I have a few personal items he gave me that I will always treasure. But the most precious things I have are the memories of all those years. I can always sit back and picture them in my mind and they seem like they took place yesterday. I guess at least I can consider myself lucky in that respect.

Robert J. Wagner – Ontonagon, MI

Date: May 27, 2004

AFter reading all the wonderful tributes.. I am sure anyone that just happened on this page will think that people are just being nice and no one could be so wonderul.. Believe me Boe and Edna had to be a gift and example from heaven.. If we all loved like way.. and lived that way...Heaven would happen on this earth. They were exactly like all you read here..and more.. we all love them very much. Bob

Date: July 07, 2004

I want to share a poem which spoke to my soul and I believe to Boe's if he knew this poem. Boe and Edna seemed to find that peace as they moved through their lives together. And, now I know that through time they both continue to own that peace -- and grow it. Edna will grow strong in it. May their example help us all to find that part of us that live in this world -- at peace . . . rest in that grace . . . and be free. julie avery, east lansing

When despair grows in me and I wake in the middle of the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,

I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.

I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief.

I come into the presence of still water. And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting for their light.

For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

"THE PEACE OF WILD THINGS"by Wendell Berry

Date: September 09, 2004

Boe has been gone for almost eight months now. I pray he knows how much I miss him. Thanks to all who had an input in the memorial service for my brother. Always remember him.... Ginger

Date: January 30, 2005

Boe,

It's been a year since you died and I still can't quite get my mind around it. I couldn't speak at your memorial service because I was mad about you going and dying. Truth is, I'm still mad about it. "The good die and the wicked flourish". You'd say "there's a song in there someplace". You're probably laughing about it with that knowing grin of yours. But I can't laugh about it yet. Maybe someday. I remember the day you died, one year ago today. I stood on the steps of my porch and tried to yell at the top of my lungs but nothing came out. You remember? I know you were watching. When the memorial service came, I wanted to speak but I knew the only thing that was going to come out of my mouth was a scream. I still feel that way. At the memorial, I was going to try to read something from Keats, but I couldn't...

The spirit is too weak;
mortality weighs heavily on me like unwilling sleep
and each imagined pinnacle and steep
of Godlike hardship tells me I must die
like a sick eagle looking towards the sky.

I was in your shop a while back. You know. The tools were silent but you were still there. I think your tools wanted to scream too. It's not fair. It's just not fair...

So long, buddy.

Love, Bill

Date: February 10, 2005

If someone has the anwser could you please tell me why we're all made to suffer but we're not supposed to cry

There are no words that can replace all the pain and empty space

we're out of hope out of love and it feels like we're all used up.

But only sometimes... Thinking of you Boe.

Ross Reishus

Date: March 06, 2005

Today is Boe's 53rd birthday. Seems like yesterday he was hanging me in the bedroom closet laughing all the while. I miss him so. This poem is for you Boe.

As kids, we lived together, we fought, we laughed, we cried. We did not always show the love, that we both had inside. We shared our dreams and plans, and some secrets too. All the memories we share, is what bonds me now to you. We grew to find we have a love, that was very strong. It's a love shared by our family, that will never fade away. You are my brother not by choice, but by the nature of our birth. I could not have chosen a better one, you were the best on earth.

Unknown..... Ginger

Date: March 07, 2005

Correction....Boe is 54 today. He will be forever young..I think he would laugh about me making him younger.... Ginger