RUSS THACKER

sittiing in rustys apt on bank street greenwich village 1969 - with michael patton watching out the front window for george harrison to walk by - he did - we all yelled out hey george - he yelled back hey guys - john and yoko had an apt same side of the street a few doors down

I met Russ in 1994. I knew it was inevitable that we would be together as we were for 18 years. We came from different musical backgrounds and grew to greatly respect each other. Every day was an adventure with Russ. With him, anything was possible! I was so moved reading everyone´s messages and they literally brought him back to life this evening. Thank you all for keeping his memory alive!

Just seeing this. I ran sound and did second follow-spot (for finale) of "Your Own Thing" during summer and fall of 1968. Loved Rusty's powerful voice, radiant energy and thoroughgoing professionalism (a trait shared with Marcia Rodd, Tom Ligon and Sandy Duncan). His memory IS a blessing.

How lucky we all were to see Russ Thacker in the theater, in his home or just skating past us on the Upper West Side. A glorious talent who could make light even brighter. Floozies, Rusty. Floozies.

Just thinking of Russ tonight - and The Skies of West Virginia...

Wow! ... how sad to learn of Rusty's passing so many years after the fact. I was reflecting back on stage performers who clearly relished their time in front of audiences. I am not sure why, but (what's left of) my mind flashed back to B-CC in the early 1960's, and Rusty's name (and big smile) came to me instantly. Then I discovered this news online, and was thinking back to his love of being in the spotlight at productions in high school. (I am not sure, but I think I first knew him at...

Oh how sad I am. I had no idea Russ had passed. I was remembering the John Kenley productions that came to Dayton, Ohio every summer and I thought about Russ and how he would so unselfishly spend time with those of us who waited outside the stage door just hoping for a glimpse. He would stop and talk with us and sign autographs, always with a smile. How grateful I am that I was one of those who saw him perform. What a great talent and truly nice man.

Rusty was wonderful. We became friends just before he appeared in 'Your Own Thing' I watched rehearsals and went to the show itself a number of times-he was always full of life upbeat and made you feel upbeat just to be around him. Going through that period of life when I was trying to figure out what to do or who I was while attending Columbia-Rusty was a bright light in the darkness and for that I owe him much.

I spent a very memorable evening with him in Fort Lauderdale. I will always remember with fond memories.