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It's Fun to Play the Piano ... Please Pass It On!
Even more so when the person was not only a respected businessman in the music industry, but also a close personal friend. Someone I considered like a father.
It is with a heavy heart that I post the passing of George Cole, formerly of Curtis Music Stores, and later a representative for various piano companies, including Kimball. He passed on Sunday, April 15th, 2012.
I've known George since the 1960's when I used to hang out after school at his store on Andrew Street in Lynn, MA. He hired me to help deliver pianos and organs after school, later hiring me as a sales person, teaching me not only about the piano/music business, but also about life.
When he hired me I was living in an empty apartment house in a seedy section of the city. He said I needed to report to work in dress pants, shirt, tie, and a sport jacket. I had none of these, and no money. I think he sensed this because he asked if I had the clothes he'd listed.
When I said I didn't, he said "come with me". We walked down the street to a plaza with a Gentlemen's warehouse. George helped me pick out all the clothes I would need. He paid for everything, handed me the bags and said "I'll see you in the morning". I knew right then we'd be friends for life, and we were.
He taught me the importance of telling the truth, of working hard, and setting goals. And he taught me the true meaning of being a friend, as he was always there for me.
You will be missed George.
Goodbye my friend.
The funeral is Friday 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 8831 West Bradshaw Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34448 (I will be there).
My Keyboards: Estonia L-190, Roland RD88, Yamaha P-80, Bilhorn Telescope Organ c 1880, Antique Pump Organ, 1850 concertina, 3 other digital pianos ------------------------- My original piece on BandCamp: https://frankbaxtermrpianoworld.bandcamp.com/releases
Me banging out some tunes in the Estonia piano booth at the NAMM show...
Sorry for your loss Frank. I'm sure your living your life with the same values and dignity.
"Imagine it in all its primatic colorings, its counterpart in our souls - our souls that are great pianos whose strings, of honey and of steel, the divisions of the rainbow set twanging, loosing on the air great novels of adventure!" - William Carlos Williams
Your tribute is very touching. My condolences to you and the Cole family. I did not know George Cole but his family, friends, business associates and customers did get to enjoy his honesty, hard work, business ethics and friendship during his lifetime and can fondly recall happy memories and lesson learned from his life experiences. From your description, it sounds like his was a life well-lived.
J & J Estonia L190 Hidden Beauty Casio Privia P230 At least half the waiters in Nashville play better than I
I did not know Mr. Cole, but based on your experiences, I wish I did. I hope that someday in the very distant future someone is able to write something like that about me.
My Keyboards: Estonia L-190, Roland RD88, Yamaha P-80, Bilhorn Telescope Organ c 1880, Antique Pump Organ, 1850 concertina, 3 other digital pianos ------------------------- My original piece on BandCamp: https://frankbaxtermrpianoworld.bandcamp.com/releases
Me banging out some tunes in the Estonia piano booth at the NAMM show...