Joe Edwin Armstrong

Joe--how could you have died? You, the muse in my imagination, reminding me that nature is our greatest and truest friend, and that all things professional are but passing through. The Homestead was an unending plan stretching to an undelimited future and yet life was lived day-by-day. From the world of OTA to Healdsburg you brought gifts to all of us.The dance goes on, water-clocks remain to the be designed, stones have yet to arrive. You done good, old friend.

Joe Armstrong, Renaissance Man. How rare to have a scientist, an artist, a storyteller, a musician, an expert on water clocks, an ecologist, a wood-chopper, a true human being and so much more all wrapped up in one! We are all the richer for his being in our lives. Have another adventurous journey, Joe!

Thank you, Joe, for your enthusiasm. You saw across disciplines and cultures, and worked so hard to keep communities alive. I was honored to attend the salon, for the song which you wrote for me, and for your support of my writing. And I so love your wonderful music, which will live on. Be well, Papa Joe.

My father (Frank Wyatt) is a friend of Joe's from long ago. My family and I went to many Harvest Festivals when I was growing up. I remember campfires, singing, dancing - and Joe's wonderful spirit. What a full life Joe had!

Joe was a mentor to me when I arrive in Sonoma as a young professor back in 1981. Over the years he taught me volumes about passive solar design and national energy planning (and the lack of it), but more than anything Joe taught me about life -- how to live it and love it. Thanks partner for all of it. I'll never forget you or the lessons you gave in me.

I first met Joe in the early 1980s, when he came up to Ukiah with a small group of Santa Rosa dancers to teach us a few new steps. He swept into our quiet little community room like a summer squall, and left us with far more than a couple of new dances. I'll never forget the fire within that shone through Joe's eyes or his delighted chuckle when he was truly pleased.

Laura Fogg

We have lost a wonderful man. What a fitting tribute to celebrate his life in June. My mom could be brought to tears with laughter at his jokes. I remember being put to bed and then sneaking out into the hallway and listening to his stories and the "colorful" jokes!! I am so glad my family made it to northern California in 2007 and looked him up. We send our condolences to the family. Brenda Fleming Cannaday, daughter of Clara Belle Armstrong, "Aunt Katie"