LonPaul S. Ellrich

LonPaul Stewart Ellrich Musician and father, died May 7,2008 in the Indianapolis recording studio he helped to create. Born in Indianapolis on October 25, 1970, LonPaul spent many days with his grandmother, Molly Stewart, while his parents worked. He then attended St Richard's, Park Tudor, and Broad Ripple High School where he was always known as Paul. This part of his name was given by his grandfather, Paul R Stewart, who, early on, instilled in LP a love for jazz music and the English language. From BRHS on, LonPaul, as he has since been known, was educated by the books and magazines he read and by all of the different people he met. LP took to the computer when he was only 11. He even taught a class on computer fundamentals to Butler University Education students when he was 13. His love of Macintosh and all things Apple is well known, and in 1999, he was able to help his mother Kathie use a computer (iMac of course) for the very first time. He helped her learn to make use of this tool in the family's local antiques business, Recollections, and was often seen there helping out. One year he even dressed as Santa's Helper for a Christmas party on the corner of 52nd & College. He was more recently helping his mom to establish a viable online eBay business, and although off to a decent start, many of their projects remain sadly unfinished. LP was taught the fundamentals of the drums by Indianapolis drummer John Hill before he embarked on a life-long journey to listen to, interact with, and learn from as many musicians as he could find. During that quest, he played with Din, Tin Lounge, Sardina, Marmoset, & the Mysteries of Life while sitting in with many other groups, and helping to produce the music of even more. He was a natural but untrained singer, he taught himself to play the guitar, and he was able to find music or make music with the most common of items in any place he happened to be. LonPaul never really cared where he laid his head, and from his teen years on he lived in a variety of houses, storefronts, basements, and apartments, in Indy, Bloomington, and even Chicago. So many, in fact, that I'm sure not even he could have remembered them all. Recently he found a stable home with his friend and mentor Richard Upton, and they were looking forward to possibly buying a house. Often seen walking, sometimes waiting for the bus, and occasionally even driving, he could always find a way to get where he wanted to be. His walk was unmistakable, and his music friends feel that came from the constant energy and musical rhythm that was always within him. His vehicles were always old and full of stuff, but they ran - that is until they didn't. He was a well known fixture in many Indy & Bloomington coffee houses, and sometimes he even worked in them. He was quick to learn, energetic and personable until his artistic drive or inner demons caused him to quit. He really only wanted to make music. Having recently returned from a spiritual journey to Mexico, LP was more focused, more inspired, and more creative than he had ever been. Determined to be a healthier and happier man, his calendar was crowded with meetings of SMART and NA, with acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and counseling. He had lately been busy helping many old friends with small recording sessions, and the week of his death he was finishing an important and long awaited recording session that he felt was "Amazing!" But perhaps LonPaul's greatest accomplishment can be seen in the eyes and the smile of his three year old son Rupert Kosmos Augustus. A true gift to both LP and mother Libby, Rupert was born on September 1, 2004. Postponing many musical opportunities, LP joyfully cared for his son almost daily while Libby had back surgery and went back to school. Recently, while Libby worked a full-time job, LP took Rupert every weekday at 7:30 am. They went to the Children's Museum every week, visited all the local playgrounds, had play-dates with other kids, and sometimes even just rode the bus for fun. They went everywhere together - LP walking with Rupert on his shoulders; Rupert in the red wagon; Rupert in the car seat. They would visit friends and go to coffee shops, almost always together. Recently, with the willing help of all of Rupert's grandparents,LP was also able to make more time for his music and his own well-being. But never has a three year old been blessed with as much fatherly love and attention as young Rupert was lucky to receive! LonPaul is survived by son Rupert and his mother Libby Briggs and Nana Lynn Burnworth. LP is also survived by his grandmother Molly Stewart, his mother Kathie Stewart and her husband Steven Charles Smith, and his aunt Chris and husband Jeff Marks. LP's father, Douglas K Ellrich survives along with his wife Nancy and children Duke and Nestan. The extended families of all survivors will also mourn the loss of LonPaul, as will his many friends and fans who knew him through his talent and his music. If you would like to read some musical memories of LP, please visit www.musicalfamilytree.netlgroupllonpaulmemories. There is also a memorial concert being planned for a future date. Services will be held at Crown Hill Funeral Home in Indianapolis on Wednesday May 14. Calling will be start at 5:30 p.m. with a Memorial Service to follow at 6:30 p.m. Contributions can be made to the Rupert K. Briggs Ellrich Scholarship Fund co Key Bank, 10 W. Market St. #100, Indianapolis, IN 46204.