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My father Gunner Andersohn passed away last week Tuesday while I was away in Seattle. This is the first time in my life that I have so few words available and yet so much to say.  Just a few weeks ago, I flew back to Sierra Vista, Arizona to be at his bedside. I will never forget nor regret those last moments with my Dad, they were priceless.

You can never be prepared or in the right place to get "that call" which unfortunately comes to us all at some point.  Saying goodbye to one of the most important people in my life is by far the hardest thing I've ever done.  The lump in my throat, the queasy stomach, and unstoppable tears are merely a sign of the love that I have for my father.

The last and most memorable words my father spoke to me were at his bedside when he said "I Love You" then asked me to read him the 23rd Psalm from his Bible.  This particular verse seemed to give him hope, faith, and helped put his heart and spirit at peace. I will never forget those moments with him.

I'm sad to see him go, he was only 85 years young, but I'm relieved he's no longer in pain and suffering.

His legacy will live on through his friends and family.  His musical talents and gifts will continue to be handed down from one generation to the next.  He will be loved always, missed forever, and will now rest in peace for eternity.  Our family created a Memorial for Dad that will let others continue enjoying his music that he so loved to share. 

So many wonderful people and friends have been by our side with supporting thoughts and prayers.  I could never imagine what it would be like to go through something like this all alone, yet I know there are folks that have.  I am so grateful and blessed to have a family and such wonderful friends that step up and are there for us when we need them most.  The greatest gift in life is people and the giving of their time.

Since I was just a small boy, this was one of my favorite songs he played.
Click Here to Play "Three O'clock"

One day, my heart will find all the right words and the perfect song shall be created, played and dedicated to my father.  But right now, I just need to get through the loss. Until then, the world may have one less person, but the heavens have gained one more great man with a talented spirit and soul.  I owe an insurmountable amount of appreciation and gratitude to one of the greatest people who ever walked this earth, and who now roams the upper plains and finally rests in peace... My Dad, Gunner "G-Man" Andersohn.

The Andersohn Boys

My father always signed off on his letters and post cards with a signature that read...

Musically Yours,

Gunner Andersohn

Even "CRAZIER" was standing out there shooting this!  :-O

Last week I was fortunate enough to get away for a couple days to take my kids and visit their Grandpa for his 85th surprise birthday party in Arizona.  It had been 8 long years since my 3 boys had seen there Gramps, so this was a great surprise and fun for us all.  I won't bore you with all the mushy and sobby details, but I did want to share this video with you of my father playing the piano, possibly the very last time, and it was such a blessing to have it caught this on film.  Somehow I think he must have known this, and so he performed this song called "MORE" magnificently. 

So no tutorial today, no instructions or "How To" do this or that, just a simple video of Dad on his piano, with all his grand kids, son, and friends gathered around to wish him a very special 85th birthday. He is the oldest living Andersohn on the planet and he's quite proud of that. As you watch him play this song, keep in mind that this man played and entertained his entire life for thousands, maybe even millions. Now, just for a select few.

He has suffered and survived many illnesses, has only 1/4 of a stomach left, has arthritis in all his fingers, and is being treated for Parkinson's disease on top of his battle with cancer.  He hasn't played this piano for many years, but you would never know it by his demonstration of passion and love for the keys that's shown in this video. I hope you enjoy it, my father...  Gunner Andersohn at the Piano.

Happy Birthday Dad, you made it to 85!  I am proud of you and honored to be your son.  Your gift of music has now been handed down three generations and is still giving great joy and happiness to others this very day.  My gift back to you is sharing this song with all my friends and family here, so that your talents and music can live on forever. Thank you for sharing this very special day and this song with your family, your friends, and now with the rest of the world.

Musically Yours,
Happy Birthday, I love you Dad!