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Warren Spottswood Obituary

SPOTTSWOOD Warren M. Spottswood, age 61, born in Mobile, Alabama August 4, 1945, passed away suddenly on Saturday, December 16, 2006. He was a writer, an actor and member of the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television & Radio Artists. He was well known up and down the west coast from San Francisco to Canada. He was a musician from Bourbon Street to many venues in San Francisco where he was also a successful stand up comic. He returned to music and his New Orleans with his closest friends in La Famille Sauvage and also joined The Geraniums. He will be missed by family and friends in Mobile, New Orleans, Clara, MS and San Francisco. He is mourned by his life partner Louise, his beloved brother Henry, niece Kimberly, nephews Sean and Justin and other family and friends too many to mention. Barry and Jessica were the mainstays of his final days and his friends were supportive to the end. His mother-in-law Edna was a Mother to him in all ways. Memorials to Heifer International or any charity to help animals, to aid people to recover in New Orleans or build communities anywhere would be a fitting tribute. ""I tried to walk softly on the earth!'' A memorial gathering will be announced by Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp, 1600 N. Causeway, Metairie.

Published by The Times-Picayune on Dec. 24, 2006.
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Hey Brother,
I talked to Deb and Bob Sarlatte at an audition the other day. Regaled them about some of our adventures. There were so many. I think of you and speak of you often...I even think our sweet old cat Nancy might be with you somewhere. Sure wish we could pal around and do crazy things like we used to. You're still one in a million and barely a week goes by that I don't spit out or think of some set of words that you created, influenced or you and I created together. My Liv did her first stand up in the Village in NYC. That was probably your influence through me, even though you never met her in person. God, what I wouldn't give to hear a rant from you on our current political landscape. I hope you have a nun in a headlock. Love you, Michael Ray

Michael Ray Wisely

October 15, 2019

...you called me Mozart...you gave me records, and suggested "Lean Jean"...we ran the "Zoo Jam", and that had consequences...oh, and I just framed that signed poster of 'Fess at that early Jazzfest...
...you were always a blast Warren, and I wish I could've seen you before you went to that great trombone section in the sky...
...better late than never, may your dust forever travel in the wind...

Stevie Gurr

August 11, 2014

I was so lucky to know Warren, and Stevie Gurr is an example of why.. so many years later and people still remember him and speak fondly of him. Stevie, your name is quite well known to me, he spoke of your good times so much. People may not realize how shy he was and he had a hard time performing on stage when I was in the audience, so I saw him very little. That is another reason why comments like Stevie's are so priceless to me.

Louise Spottswood

June 2, 2012

...a bit late here for me,but Warren called me "Mozart",and he loved the "Zoo Jam" that we played on a number of nights at the Zoo...I still have some records that he gave me,and continue to play Bill Haley's "Lean Jean",which he suggested we do...I'd lost track of Warren when he moved to New Orleans,and was saddened to learn that he'd passed...I can see his huge smile in my minds eye...thanks Warren!!!...

Stevie Gurr

May 31, 2012

Warren was the one comedian who could always make me laugh. What a gem of a man he was.
"We all have certain needs."

John Kraft

January 17, 2012

Well, my darling.. it has now been five years and still your memory burns as bright in my heart as ever. Many of the people on these pages have stayed in touch with me and their love and kindness has kept me going. You always made Christmas so special, it was years before I found out you did not enjoy that time of year, but you loved giving me things and treated me like a pet so much. The best thing you ever gave me was you. Till I hold you again.. I will always love you. Louise

Louise Spottswood

December 26, 2011

It's been a year today since I watched and held as you left this world. I try to believe we will meet again, but it is so hard to wait. All the loving kindness poured on me from so many of your friends speaks of what a good man you were. My deepest gratitude to those who posted here... it is so supportive to me to read and remember his loving comments about all the people who have since posted memories of him here. thank you so much to all of you!

Louise Spottswood

December 16, 2007

Dear Warren: You are truly a loving, booming, giant spirit. The next world's gain is one huge loss for us. Thanks for being so very good to my son, Sean, and my daughter, Robin. The post cards, pictures and letters you sent to Sean always meant so much to him. Thanks for all you gave to Robin and for being so kind and loving to me.
You made New Orleans, San Francisco, Florida, Mobile and even Columbia a very special and funny place to be with your humor and generosity.
Say hello to Mimi and Ronnie for me!
Love, Elizabeth

Elizabeth Gresham

February 9, 2007

Our darling Warren will be missed so much. His witty personality, his caring ways are things Dave, Susan and all the family in Reading, England remember so vividly. We were so pleased he managed to visit one more time in March 2006 and stayed longer than a couple of days so we could make a big fuss of him and Louise, not realising it would be the last time we could hug him so lovingly. He loved Dave so much, they got on so well and Dave's tour of England would have been a massive hit as a comic sketch , we all laughed so much, especially Warwick Castle (the peacock's) and Stonehenge - rocks very old, let's move. He promised Dave a tour of New Orleans (at the double) to get his own back which sadly won't happen now. We'll definitely visit and I'm sure he'll be with us as we tour the city. Warren was such a special person, he's in our hearts forever and no-one can take the special memories away from us. I first met him when I was 19 on my first trip to see the family and I always remember those huge welcoming arms and those hugs, he reminded me of Grizzly Adams and I still laugh everytime that programme is shown on English television. Darling, you are with the angels and looking after us all, until we meet again. Love you so much.

Susan Fidler

January 24, 2007

"See that? That's Alaska. Don't hit it."

John Means

January 22, 2007

Warren and I worked at Cafe Du Monde and then at Anything Goes in the late 70's. I never saw him come even close to not being able to make anybody laugh whenever he wanted. He was also one of the kindest person I've ever known. I will miss him so much.

John O'Kelly

January 21, 2007

I am so saddened to hear of Warren's passing. Warren was without a doubt the most intelligent and funniest person I have ever known. Everyone who saw him on stage remembers his manic energy and irreverent wit. Those fortunate enough to be his friends were forever impressed by his encyclopedic mind and his generous heart. I have so many hilarious memories of Warren ...walking with Warren down Market St. as he mocked and barked at the yuppies yacking on their cells...at the Citrus Bowl where Warren's booming voice provided an impromptu narration of the awful half-time show/Columbus commemoration to the absolute glee of the Cal fans sitting around us...I could go on and on. Warren, you taught me so much about music, about language, about history, about politics, about your beloved San Francisco & New Orleans. Although we haven't spoken in a while, I am a better person for having known you. My deepest sympathy to Louise, Henry & the rest of Warren's family in your time of loss.

Robin Johnson

January 20, 2007

I first met Warren in late 1979 when I was new to San Francisco and comedy and we hit it off immediately. We had a lot of fun adventures together and the shows I did with him at the Holy City Zoo were among the most fun and tilted I have ever been involved with. He also taught me a LOT about music, another passion in my life. Life went on and we evenutally went our seperate ways but I whenever I thought of him, a big ol' smile always came across my face. Goodbye, Warren. Now I know I'll have another friend on the other side to show me around when I get there. Say hi to my Father, John Lennon, Skydog Allman, Warren Thomas, my dog Tracy and all the others for me and keep playing that ol' trombone. I'll see ya down the road apiece.

Steven Pearl

January 19, 2007

I watched Warren in awe as a new comic on the scene at the time. His energy was always dialed to 10. He was always nice to me as a newcomer to the scene. The afterlife is now bless with a warm and talented man. He will be remembered fondly.

Mike Welch

January 19, 2007

I have fond memories of Warren on a Sunday night open mic at the Punchline where he explained in great detail about his recent surgery and it ended up with him pulling up his shirt and showing his scar to everyone in the room. Hutch could only shake his head. Farewell to a very funny man.

Byron Yee

January 18, 2007

"IT'S NOT 'LIKE' ANYTHING! IT'S VERY SPECIFIC!"

johnny steele

January 18, 2007

I am so touched by all the beautiful comments about Warren everyone has posted. To the friends who sponsored this book, I am surprised and grateful. A friend of Warren's will be scattering his ashes in San Francisco Bay sometime on Feb. 20. On the same day, The Society of St. Ann, a wonderful Mardi Gras parading group will do the same in the Mighty Mississippi. Eugene Hulbert, who signed on these pages is going to do this for me. Contact me or him for more information as the day approaches. Thank you again for the beautiful thoughts so wonderfully expressed.

Louise Spottswood

January 18, 2007

Farewell Warren. Many fond memories of you and here's hoping that you are reunited with Max the Wonder Dog and reciting the Gettysburg address with Lincoln. Play on. Godspeed to a unique Southern Gentleman.

R Erwin Spencer

January 17, 2007

May you rest in peace, a great loss to the comedy world.

Sam Arno

January 17, 2007

The first time I walked into the Holy City Zoo Warren was on stage. It was a strange sight, this giant man performing in such a tiny club. Warren was giving it his all, jumping around the stage and being crazy. Then and always, his humor was never at the expense of anyone. He was a warm and generous person.

Alex Reid

January 17, 2007

Warren, my friend. You are without a doubt one of the nicest people I've ever met in my life. In many ways you where my big brother. Your support and friendship ment so much to me. I've always hoped that I'd see you back here in SF so I could tell you that.
This is one of those times that I'm going to believe there's a heaven, so I can dream about you playing with Max (the wonderdog). You watching Max rip up empty plastic milk jugs and laughing maniacally.
That's heaven.
Peace

Tom Sawyer

January 17, 2007

May the souls in your new world be as lucky as we all were in ours. You were an incredible talent. Farewell for now. Trafor

Tracy Forrester-Hayden

January 17, 2007

When I first started doing comedy in San Francisco, Warren was already a bright star in the firmament. He was one of the first to make me feel welcome...like I had been accepted into some sort of secret society. Thanks Warren.

Andy Valvur

January 17, 2007

Have a safe journey home

Norman Hazzard

January 17, 2007

I'm shattered.
Warren was a brilliant man.
Great memories of this
truely funny cat.
Always good to me as well.

Mickey Joseph

January 17, 2007

What we feel inside is more important than any words we can express. The entire cast and crew that presents Comedy Day each year, along with the comedy community of the San Francisco Bay Area will miss him very, very much. He was a gem.

Pat & Barry Katzmann

January 17, 2007

I was very sad to hear of Warren's passing. I had the pleasure of working with him many times. I can remember showing up as an opener in Chico after the headliner, Warren went up. I got lost. On my arrival Warren said, "Go on, get up on stage, get your money!" Warren was a great guy and you can't say that for a lot of comics. I liked his frenetic, pissed off, high energy on stage. I will miss him and his unique brand of funny. Working with comics like Warren at the Zoo made the night seem a little brighter. Some established comics weren't very friendly to new comics, but Warren was open & friendly. I will miss his presence on this earth.

Tessie Chua

January 17, 2007

From the first day I walked into the Holy City Zoo you encouraged the insanity of every comic to make sparks fly on those wood walls...all driven by your mc ability like no other...irreplaceable. And somehwere in the soulful part of heaven is a second line with 900 trombones and deafening laughter...you are a treasure!

mary jo pritchard

January 17, 2007

Warren was an original. 6 foot 13, booming smooth southern voice, Jonathan Winters-esque delivery with many wacky characters tumbling around in his head. I never met anyone like him. Always very nice to me, and apparently to his many friends signing this book. Rave on, Big Easy....

Clark Peterson

January 17, 2007

Warren was the finest poet-philosopher-comic I've ever known. The only one, actually. And he'll be sorely missed. I only wish I'd written down all the funny and insightful things he told me back in the day -- I recall that I thought then I'd never forget them. Now that he's gone, I find that it seems to have all gone with him.

Marc Hershon

January 17, 2007

Warren your life journey is over and a new journey begins! Your memory will live on as your humor and music are remembered. It was nice getting to know your in the northwest you will be missed.

Mike "Wally" Walter

January 17, 2007

Warren,
keep 'em laughing where ever you may be --
and singing, and humming, and giggling and playing music too --
You will always be remembered!
Love ya' -

Jimmy Gunn

January 17, 2007

Warren Spottswood was a madman! Crazy funny. I never knew what to expect. I have an old video of him introducing me on stage but not much of his stand up is on it. Just his warmth.
God has his hands full.

Mark Pitta

January 17, 2007

I remember him well and only knew him slightly. He sure struck a chord. A great and funny man. My Sympathies. It was truly sad to hear of his passing.

Kurt Weitzmann

January 17, 2007

Warren,
May the journey home to the halls of your ancestors be swift and joyful! I will always remember working with you at "The Club" in Monterey and at the Holy City Zoo. You never failed to amaze me with your gift of improvisation and sarcasim. Dude, you were freakin funny! Thanks Warren.

"Chicago Steve" Barkley

January 17, 2007

I remember those many nights at the the Holy City Zoo. The Bulwinkle impression with the Godzilla puppet. The lever in its back stopped working and you could no longer do the bit. I will never forget the look in your eyes when I presented you with a new Godzilla I had found in a thrift store. Stunned gratitude and a huge hug. You poured kindness into everyone you met. I can never forget you.

Dan St.Paul

January 16, 2007

I got to open for Warren many times at Cobb's. He was opinionated and nice at the same time, and a great, great comic. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing.

Laurie Kilmartin

January 16, 2007

Warren for me was in many a "bigger than life" man. His superb intellect and outrageous humor touched all who ever met him. As the front man for our band La Famille Sauvage he never failed in his love and devotion for what we were doing and he also gave me the encourgement that sustained me as the least experienced musician of the group. I loved Warren in the best way, unconditionally, as a man and as a musician. I still can't accept the fact he isn't here to make us laugh and share a song.

owen murphy

January 15, 2007

Warren was responsible for the only house-band the comedy club Holy City Zoo ever had. Spottswood was such a brilliant comic. It seemed like no matter what happened he would spontaneously have a quip for it.

Editor HumorMall

Susan Cerce

January 13, 2007

Warren,
I've got all the photos, videos, audio tapes...

The onstage, corporate event, private party insanity,

A lazy Sunday out on the Brigantine Enchante' before filmming Magic boat, a frantic roadside chat with cops after a Rooster T's show,

Living up at my place in Marin just before you got sick the first time and had your identity stolen,

My oldest daughter Brenna (then 3) calling you War-room. Confounding Bob and Chip, winning our Emmy for Scared Stray, doing the Eureka run in the dead of night, mocking, roasting, laughing,

Being Drill Sergeants at the Hewlett Packard corporate picnic with Robin Steele, David Feldman and you, Writing and recording the Oracle Song (Tone Loc rip-off) and your starring role as the Prison Pope when we put of the Travel Convention entertainment.

I'll get all this stuff put together and posted on my site.

I've always loved you, my brother... and until we meet in Heaven (let's be optimistic) I'll just say, "I am a far funnier, happier, more thoughtful man because you called me friend."

Marty Higgins

Martin Higgins

January 12, 2007

So
many times we laughed so hard we thought we'd expire from
breathlessness. The time we shared was brief but special--they truly
broke the mold, my friend--know that your wit and wisdom live on in our
memories and hearts. You will be missed.

Debi and Will Durst

January 11, 2007

I can only hope that you and The Inter-Galactic Beast are together confounding the Burrito Brothers with roofing shingles on Halls Mills Rd or watching Godfrey Daniels bounce up & down near The High Chapral...teeden

Jack Williams

January 9, 2007

There will be a simple party, get together to remember Warren on Monday night Jan 15 at Le Citron Bistro starting at 7p.m. It would be so nice if people come to tell a few funny stories about this great guy, and think of him all together listening to the music he loved and having a drink or two. It's at 601 Orange Street, down from the Saulet Apts. heading toward Wal-Mart.

Louise Spottswood

January 8, 2007

I can see Warren standing on the stand as the M.C. at the Holy City Zoo. His quick wit and charming manner never failed to make me laugh--he was one of a kind and a real Southern gentleman.

Karen Warner

January 6, 2007

Too few were the times we spent together. I wish, as one always does in life, that there would have been more. But, there isn't more. I'll have to settle for the times we did have, which although they were few, their sum was greater than many of the interactions I have with people I've known far longer. I'll always cherish talking politics, drinking beer, and listening to the Beatles. God bless you Warren. Here comes the sun.
Ben Wisdom

Ben Wisdom

January 5, 2007

Good Bye good friend. May you join the band in heaven and watch over Auburn football for eternity. Thank you for allowing me to reach a potential that only you recognized and for allowing me to share your music and insights. I miss you dearly.

John Breithaupt

January 3, 2007

You who were more a brother to me than a cousin. Having the opportunity to share time/space with you in this life time has been a blessing and an inspiration. If only I can live up to your example. The Other Warren

Warren Mills

January 2, 2007

If one had ever had the opportunity to be entertained by Warren on one of his guided tours, then one knows the tremendous void his passing has created. He was truly one of the greats. His knowledge, humor and unflappable presentation made his tours the one-of-a-kind experience patrons desire! The silence is deafening!!

Alan Raphael

January 2, 2007

We know how you are all hurting at the moment, but it is at times like these that we need to remind ourselves of the good times and celebrate Warren's life.
We were fortunate to have met Warren and share in his superb sense of humour!
I know this sounds rather selfish but we are all so sorry on this side of the pond that he and Margaret-Louise didn't get to move over, so that we could have shared more time together and attend a Spottswood gig!
We'll miss you Warren.
Our our love from Bob, Nikki, Abbie, Amy and the rest of your extended family in England

Robert Williams

January 2, 2007

My Dear Friend,

I am going through all of our old correspondence. To this day it still makes me laugh and happy to have said, I knew you once. It seemed at the time that we wrote each other constantly but, looking back, it was never enough.

You are an inspiration to me always.

Your nephew and dear friend,

Sean

Sean McLendon

January 1, 2007

There is not space enough or time to tell how much I miss you my sweetest man. I wait to hear your voice but there is nothing but silence. I do not know how to face the long days ahead... I will love you forever.

Louise Spottswood

December 27, 2006

Good-bye Warren, you will be missed!

Randy Bush

December 26, 2006

Farewell good friend

Eugene Hulbert

December 24, 2006

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Staff of Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home

December 24, 2006

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