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G. Drury Obituary
He was born in Evansville, IN but lived in Louisville for most of his life. He and Alison owned the Hitching Post Saddle Shop in Middletown for 20 years, however Jug Band Music was his true passion. He entertained people across the United States and in Canada as "The Amazing Mr. Fish" with the Juggernaut Jug Band for more than 40 years. The music that meant so much to him lives on in the many recordings that the jug band produced.
He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Drury.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Alison; daughter, Heather Leoncini (Michael); son, Matthew; mother, Dorothy; brother, John (Bonnie); and many nieces, nephews, cousins and fans around the world. He also leaves behind his brothers in music - the other members of the Juggernaut Jug Band.
Mr. Fish wanted to have his life celebrated by his friends and family. A party will be held in his memory on Tuesday, from 4-8 p.m. at Park Place Restaurant at Louisville Slugger Field , 401 E. Main St., 40202.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the National Jug Band Jubilee, 218 S. Keats Ave., Louisville, KY 40206. Mr. Fish was very involved in the planning of recent Jubilees and the preservation of Jug Band Music in Louisville.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for G. Drury
January 6, 2010
Heather, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. I know how close the two of you were. As you well know, I really enjoyed the band for many years. Your Dad will be greatly missed. Thinking of you.
Dorrene Kilroy
William Murray
January 5, 2010
I am simply shocked at learning this. I couldn't wait until the jug band would come back to Clifton's on a weekend night. A big part of that was the sheer talent of Mr. Fish. He was a great man and I will miss him dearly.
December 18, 2009
I'm just devastated to learn about "Fish". What a loss. He had a spirit about him that shone brightly. He will be so missed for so long. Ann Cottell Schatzinger
Nancy Renaud
December 16, 2009
The greatest there was...We enjoyed his music and that of the Juggernaut Jug Band for many years since coming to Louisville. We will miss him dearly and we will keep him in our memory each and every time we continue to enjoy Jug Band music.
Jenn Drury
December 2, 2009
Uncle Steve...he was the best. He will be missed and already is verrrry much so. I wish you could have seen me play guitar Uncle Steve. I brought it for Thanksgiving. I'll always play it in memory of you. I love and miss you..just as much as everyone else.
Cary Willis
November 20, 2009
I just heard about the passing of the Amazing Mr. Fish. What a wonderfully talented man, who brought so much joy to so many people in Louisville and beyond. My condolences to Heather and the rest of the Drury family and the JJB, and my sincerest thanks for letting the rest of the world share some time with him.
Jack Twombly
November 19, 2009
As sound man and fan since KY Music Weekend first started, I have always looked forward to Mr Fish, Roscoe Goose and all the fine members of the Juggernaut Jug Band (past and present) to come on the stage and " Blow away" any seriousness and reality that was around us at the time. They represented Louisville and Jug Band music in a way that will alway be remembered. One of my favorite memories was a time when a band who had just come off stage after an excellent set said " Let's see who can follow that", I simply said to the band leader "just watch!". "The Jug's" then took the stage. Need I say more?
With all respect, we will miss you Mr. Fish.
Diane Lemon
November 19, 2009
Steve and I were high school classmates at Waggener. I remember spending Saturday afternoons listening to the early band practices. Not everyone is lucky enough to pursue their passion in life. I am so sorry for your loss, but his spirit lives on in all who knew him.
Diane Bressman Lemon
Beth Creamer
November 18, 2009
Alison, Paul Paletti telephoned me with the news of Steve's death. I have a friend who lives on Tyler and whenever I am in your neighborhood I think so fondly of Steve and you. You both were so welcoming. Paul told me he and Steve recounted that infamous dinner at Old Stone Inn. That night remains vivid in my memory because it was so bizarre. I am thinking of you and your children. Take care.
Tom McShane
November 17, 2009
Been a long time since seeing Steve, Alison and Heather, great folks, saw the band two years ago in Crestwood, just plain fun! Great guy!
D. Finkel
November 17, 2009
I have been a big fan of the juggernauts for many years, through many iterations. I introduced my husband, step-kids, friends to the music -- anyone I could l drag to the show at Clifton's. Last year I got to realize a dream when I was able to book the group for a reception. Mr Fish's love of life shone through his music.
The Juggernut Jug Band Family
November 17, 2009
Mr. Fish is playing the washtub and throwing rubber chickens to the best in the music industry that has passed on. What fantastic fun, smiles and laughs Mr. Fish must be having now! God bless you for those same things you had brought into our lives! Our thoughts are with you Allison!
David, Janice, Douglas
Tom Cunningham
November 17, 2009
Thanks, Fish, for being so generous with your talents. You have enriched many lives with your music and sense of humor.
Doug Ruth
November 17, 2009
Will always remember fondly working with the Juggernauts on the River Explorer. Steve was a real prince to work with and was quite a talent. I'll miss you Mr. Fish!
Leigh Ann Jeter
November 17, 2009
His legacy will live on in his music and through his friends and family. He will forever be a part of each of us and will be greatly missed.
Jesse Vertrees
November 17, 2009
Mr. Fish, you will be missed by many, many adoring fans/friends. Cyndy and I always enjoyed seeing the Jugg Band and having a few minutes to catch up with you. Not only a talented musician, but a wonderful human being.
Our condolences to Alison and the kids.
Jesse & Cyndy
Jon Hardy
November 17, 2009
I remember Friday nights at Butchertown Pub in the 70's, and Mr. Fish playing that washtub bass with work gloves on his hands. He was one of a kind and will be missed. Sometimes, they go far too young.
Sean and Debbie Todd
November 16, 2009
We were so honored that Steve and his family came to Augusta, Georgia to celebrate our wedding this past July. Steve was always the life of the party and we will always remember him when we think of our special day. -Sean and Debbie Todd (North Augusta, South Carolina)
Andy Hallmark
November 16, 2009
I am so glad I got to see you play this summer in Louisville. I knew things weren't quite right, but you tried real hard to cover it up. Thanks for your big music and thanks for your even bigger heart. You will be missed.
Sean and Debbie Todd
November 16, 2009
We were so honored that Steve came to Augusta, Georgia to celebrate our wedding this past July. Steve was always the life of the party and we will always remember him when we think of our special day.
Nancy Johnson Barker
November 16, 2009
Mr. Fish has been a dear friend through the years. He was always a superstar on stage during Kentucky Music Weekend festivals at the Amphitheater, as well as so many other stages around the country. He will be deeply missed by all of us in his huge musical family. We'll miss his joy, his humor, his love of doing jugband music, and his dedication to bring that music to others. Thanks, Mr. Fish, for bringing the joy!
jerry ditsler
November 16, 2009
Since I discovered the Juggernauts at Cliftons about 2 years ago I have always had a smile on my face as I drive down the road listening to their music and in particular the humor and voice of Mr Fish. My grandson "Gabe" born in Feb of this year thinks they are singing his name when the play "Hey Babe" on " You mean we get paid for this" I feel cheated, so I can only imagine how his close family and frieds must feel.
Don Dunn
November 16, 2009
Good bye Mr. Fish. Thanks for the memories. You will be missed. Our loss is Heavens gain. I shall keep you and yours in my prayers
Russ Drury
November 16, 2009
Amazing Mr. Fish, you will be deeply missed by all that knew you. Our hearts are saddened, but the Heavens have received a new member for the band, and the angel's harps will now be replaced with washtub basses! Thanks for all the great memories, laughs, smiles, and most of all love! We love you Uncle Steve!!!
Michelle Condra
November 16, 2009
Though I didn't know Mr. Fish, I do know Debbie Drury. My thoughts and best wishes are with her and the entire family during this time. May God bless and keep you all.
November 16, 2009
Steve (Mr. Fish) was a good friend who always had a sense of humor. I think one of my favorite memories was when he and I drove to Asheville, NC to his son's graduation and to meet up with Alison, her parents and Steve's parents. Then went on down to Birmingham to meet up with the rest of the Jug Band to perform downtown in a music festival. I will miss Steve.
Tom D
Sule Greg Wilson
November 16, 2009
It was always a treat to be in Mr. Fish's presence. He was loved, and will be so sorely missed! Thank you so much, Fish! Bless you, and condolences to the family. Hugs to you from far away...
Rev Mike & Donna Childress
Mike Childress
November 15, 2009
Dear Alison and family:
We are saddened by Steve's passing. As his mom and dad's former pastor, I had numerous occasions to share laughs and his music. He will be missed, espcially his enormous spirit. Please know our prayers are with you in these days. We are so glad to be able to contribute to something he loves, the National Jug Band Jubilee.
Rev Mike & Donna Childress
Gerri Abrahamsen
November 15, 2009
Mr. Fish was a joyful man, and will truly be missed. His music was filled with good times and lots of laughter. The Juggernaut Jug Band touched our lives and we will miss seeing and talking with Mr. Fish. He remains in our hearts forever.
Daniel & Gerri
Michael Jones
November 15, 2009
Fish was a great musician and an even greater ambassador for Louisville culture. He'll be greatly missed.
Shugo Maki
November 15, 2009
I feel very disappointing that a great musician passed away.
"The Amazing Mr. Fish" thanks for it having been done big contribution in jug band music.
Jubilee performed in louisville in this September became the memory of our life.
And our member is proud that "blow jug" was performance together on a stage of Juggernaut.
We pray its soul may rest in peace heartily.
Shugo "Old Southern Jug Blowers" (Japan)
Aviv Naamani
November 15, 2009
Fish was a true inspiration (musical and otherwise)to me and many others -- we have a suffered a great loss
Lise Avery
November 15, 2009
I am shocked and terribly saddened to hear about the loss of the magnificent Mr. Fish. Such talent, generosity of spirit, humor and intellect will be sorely missed. Thank you, Steve for all the joy you brought to me, my audience and the world. The interview we all did together remains one of my favorites of all time. As long as I have something to say about it, you, JJB and your joyful noise will always have a place on the airwaves. Lise Avery, Anything Goes!! Syndicated Radio
DALE VISH
November 15, 2009
Sorry to hear of your loss. Have a lot of great memories following the JUGGERNAUTS around from back in the 70's till now. I worked for a short while with Heather at SGS.
DALE
ray redman
November 15, 2009
Goodbye, Mr. Fish. You are a part of my fondest memories over these 45 years. I first heard about the JJB from Tony Oswald in '66, I believe. "Crazy kids! What are they thinking!", he said. You would have been about 16.
You, Goose, Slim Django, Reid Jahn and Tin Pan Alan started me playing again 10 years ago after my lucrative career as an artist. I failed the audition for the band, but got back into music. Thanks to you, I'm happier and much closer to poverty than I've ever been.
You were, and are much loved. You are greatly missed. Your last words to me when I apologized for not staying late at the Jugband Jubilee were "Oh, Ray, you can see us anytime at Clifton's. I wanted you to see what great jugbands we've found from all over the world."
Mr. Fish. I salute you. From now on, I will see you everywhere. From washtubs to leather gloves and from kazoos to bad jokes.
Til we meet again....
Larry Stafford
November 15, 2009
Steve, Don and I were best friends at Waggener. Camping and playing music as the Scavengers, the Legionaires and the Juggernauts as a stand in on the street corners of Louisville. Steve searched me out in Wichita to tell me of Don's death. I tried to see them play whenever I was back home but I surprised them in Hutchison, Ks. when they toured. I am sure Stu is reeling with this news but he will continue on with the music. Big Al, my deepest condolences to you and your family. Mr Fish will live on with the music they all created.
Lark Phillips
November 15, 2009
My heart is so saddened by your loss. You are all in my thoughts, especially Heather. I keep remembering how gracious and welcoming he and your mother were, inviting me to be part of your family for Easter one year. May your happy and loving memories of him bring you comfort in time and always be a blessing for you. May the four winds blow you safely home, Mr. Fish.
Fred Glock
November 15, 2009
The music made by The Amazing Mr. Fish with Roscoe Goose, Skip Tracer and Smiley Habenero as the Juggernaut Jug Band restored and rejuvenated the jug band genre in Louisville and across the music world...a creative expression of the happiest kind. His passion and commitment will always be remembered, and sorely missed. I'm honored to have had his friendship. Deepest condolences to Alison, Heather and all the family.
November 15, 2009
Drew and I are deeply saddened to hear about Steve. What a joyous and wonderful gift to us all. I know he and Donny are already playing something for us. If we close our eyes and listen we can hear it. Thank you Steve for sharing your talents and giving us laughter.
Breath deeply,
Jayne and Drew Foley
cindy lamb
November 15, 2009
Go well, Mr. Fish. You will always be a joyful part of my life.
Jo Ann Bohannon
November 15, 2009
Know that you are in our hearts and in our prayers. May you find comfort in knowing that he made the world smile with his music. Now he can form a new band with the angels and smile down on you.
Bobbie Gourley
November 15, 2009
I just can not believe that he is gone. Alison, know that I love you and I am here for you for anything you need.
Bobbie
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