Earl, while you and I have only met briefly once or twice, I have always felt your presence around the CATS. I never had the privilege of meeting your wife, but this I know. She must have been a wonderful helpmate for you. I have seen Les's video of her in 1993 doing her best to accompany you and Jeff Johnson during one of your jam sessions.
You have chosen a unusual life's work, that while glamorous to us outsiders, I am sure it is a very tough profession. There isn't a lot of financial rewards, or job security in being a steam locomotive engineer, yet your wife did what she could to support you just like playing her sax to add harmony to your songs.
Joanie and I are keeping you and your family in our prayers in your time of great loss. John Cole