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John Kurtz Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Kurtz
Michael Resser
March 4, 2021
The warm memories of John Henry recur, like the sound of distant drums.
Steve Miller
April 8, 2008
Oh my, what a loss. I met John in Vail. I was the asst. mgr. of the Holiday Inn in the seventies. He was one of about three entertainers, that captured not only the vacationers, but locals alike. The last time I saw him, the 40th year anniversary of Vail, he still had his famous smile, laugh, and looks. He is one of the many special memories that my wife and I had, in our 33 years in Vail. God's speed, my friend.
Steven D'Annolfo
April 4, 2008
I employed the VO services of John Henry at Court TV in the early 90s. I remember him as a very engaging and friendly fellow. I'll never forget his kindness and how he consistently offered me an invitation to lunch. He sure loved to talk and did it very well. I am surprised to hear of his passing. Condolences and best wishes to all his friends and family.
Chance & Frank Earle
March 25, 2008
I met John Kurtz in Vail in 1969 -1970 ski season. He was travelling with the band "Country Coalition". What a talented group. I met up with John again in Manhattan Beach, CA. and saw the many aspects the group went through to produce an album. I met alot of John's friends along the way. I saw him again in New York at Elaines and we shared a good laughs as he regailed my fellow classmates of stories we had in California. We, my husband Frank and I, caught up with John when we were cruising the intercoastal water way in 1999 in Cape May. We shall miss him... Our thoughts are with his family and his very closest friends.
Melanie Hogue
March 21, 2008
Was anyone ever richer in friends than John Henry Kurtz?
He made that happen.
He did it by cramming more living into his 22,781 days than most people ever do in a long lifetime. He made every hour count.
Friend, brother, uncle, son...and historian, singer, wit, voiceover artist, musician, traveler, skier, gourmand, storyteller, Anglophile, fisherman, philanthropist, collector, sailor, actor, domestic enthusiast, mimic, swimmer, reenactor, chef, dialectician, marksman, humorist, philosopher...
He taught us how to live, and I shall think of him every day until I die.
John @ the benefit for Ronal McDonald House @ The Cutting Room, Photo by Bert Pence
March 19, 2008
Kevin O'Neill
March 19, 2008
I'll miss seeing John Henry on the beach, conversing with Tommy D in his bathing suit. Hang in there, Yogi.
joe cerisano
March 18, 2008
I met John Henry back in 1985 at a session. We just hit it off instantly. He used to live about a block away from my wife and I in NYC and we'd see him every once in a while while we were walking with the kids and do this "Hi neighbor" as a greeting. People would look at us like we were crazy, and we loved it. We'd talk about the business, talk about life, his house down in Cape May. He's the one who turned me on to the civil war reenactments. It was certainly on of his loves of his life. Yep, I'll miss a whole bunch. Good people like John are rare and I'm proud known him.
Kinny Landrum
March 17, 2008
I met John Henry first when he was in the cast and I was the musical director of the musical "Marlowe" in 1981. In fact, I think he was the one who came up with the buttons saying "I've been 'marred'." Anyway we became fast friends and played many gigs and sessions together. He was one of the best singers I knew, and one of the ones who made me laugh the most, especially his imitations of Willie Nelson and Leon Russell singing. Plus he had impeccable taste in music. I especially enjoyed being involved in the jams we did at the Cutting Room a few years ago. I will miss him greatly and think about him a lot. At least I have some recordings to listen back to.
Dan Walsh
March 16, 2008
To John's family -- What a joy it was working with John. Back in the 70's we {Steve Barri, Michael Price and myself} recorded an album with John on ABC/Dunhill records. He was an extremely talented singer with a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor that kept a smile on everyones face throughout the project. God Bless you John. I'll never forget you. Dan Walsh
Bert Pence
March 15, 2008
My Dear John and Mentor,
You and you alone convinced me to embark upon my career in the VO business. Our friendship spans two and a half decades. I was a genius the day we met. I told myself, "Bert, this is someone you want in your life and he wants you in his." That was probably the Lord speaking to me or possibly the Maker's Mark I had consumed at Elaine's where we met for the first time. I'm sure Dabney feels exactly the same as I do right now along with Chris Noth and on and on.
A decade later and God knows how many cocktails, etc. later, you convinced me to pursue a career in the Voice Over business as my then employer New Line Cinema was moving its creative department to LA. You explained to me that my memory wasn't good enough to live there as a forgotten quart of milk equaled a car ride to a market. In NYC, you just call "Tony" at the deli and tell him "Hey Tony, shoot me quart of milk." How right you were. You helped me put together my demo, I sent it to the big time agencies, I got signed and I've never looked back.
I will never forget how you saw me through my bought with cancer. Nor will I ever forget your image...particularly your dashing figure in your version of "short shorts." I love you John. I always will. And hell, I'm not even gay. It won't be the same at the Peacock without you. And Elaine's hasn't been the same since you sought refuge in Cape May.
Bon Voyage my friend and all my prayers for your family and all who will shed many tears in your honor and that "fuzzy" feeling you gave us all.
Bert Pence, An on air voice personality, thanks to JHK.
Mr. & Mrs. Steve Barri
March 14, 2008
Our deepest condolences to John's family. We were extremely priviledged to work with John at ABC/Dunhill Records and know him for the talented, humorous, sweet man he was. As an artist, John was professional at all times and a joy to work with in the studio. We saw him when he was in L. A. last year and shared a couple of hours of laughter together, reliving our good times at ABC. Rest in peace, John, and sing with the angels.
Love, Julie and Steve Barri
Tom/Nancy Downes
March 13, 2008
We met John Henry over 26 years ago and still laugh at the "Chicken Joke" which was our first exposure to the man. We hope he will meet us on the other side in the same manner. God speed, good friend.
Thanks for the cap.
Tom and Nancy Downes
Cleveland, OH
Rachele Cappelli
March 13, 2008
I have known John Henry for many years being in the music business together. I had the pleasure of being a part of John Henry's charity event at the Cutting Room a few years back.. He was truly a joyous, compassionate and friendly man. After the event a bunch of us fellow musician friends and John Henry shared a great dinner at a restaurant which ended with ALL of us singing together and sharing some good times. He had a wonderful time that night and I will always remember his smiling face..
I am truly saddened by his passing and my deepest and warmest sympathies go out to his loved ones.
David Goodall
March 13, 2008
John Henry and I had lunch together every school day throughout high school. I didn't see him again until our 40th reunion, when we had dinner together. In many ways it was as if we had just had lunch. The humor was the same! He stayed in touch after that and was very supportive of my work as Ecumenical Chaplain for the Homeless in Phoenix. I was one of the few with whom he had shared his condition at that point and asked me to pray for him. I will miss him.
Don Troiani
March 13, 2008
John Henry was the best kind of friend anyone could ask for. I will sorely miss his razor sharp
wit, rollicking good humor and enthusiasm for just about everything , particularly for his
collecting hobby. He was perennially ready to make a new purchase and delighted in each as if it
was his very first. The good times, great dinner conversation and most of all the esteemed
gentleman I was proud to call a friend for several decades will never be forgotten. Rest in peace
old chum, we’ll meet again in a better place.
Spring Hill, Tenn. 1997
March 12, 2008
John Henry and the Kurtz family on vacation in April 2007
March 12, 2008
Arlene & Charles Childs
March 12, 2008
John Henry’s larger than life persona, infectious good humor, kindness, and generosity drew us in and held us close. We will always keep him in our hearts. John Henry will be long remembered and sorely missed.
Irene Queen
March 12, 2008
John,
We met at Elaine’s over 20 years ago. I walked in with my friend, Beth, for a late night pastafest. Our mutual friend, Peter Bonventre, introduced us and he still swears he was telling a story about me when I walked in the door. At the end of the evening, you asked for my phone number on, yes, a matchbook cover! Our short (10 months) period of dating led to a lifetime friendship. You always remembered the anniversary of that day, even when I didn’t. “Armistice Day,” you’d say. “November 11.”
I’ll always remember the songs, the laughter, Cape May, Thursday nights at Elaine’s, the Civil War collection…
“I’m just taking care of this stuff for my guys” is what you said about your collection of Zaire uniforms, swords, guns and more. You had some special connection to those soldiers from the Civil War. I hope they greet you on the other side and say “Thank you” for the honor with which you treated their belongings.
You spoke proudly and with such affection of your girlfriend, with great respect for her musical talent. Your own talent for singing, dialects, banjo, and guitar was a delight to hear. You had an incredible ability to hear a language of music that most of us never heard or understood, and to communicate in that language.
A peaceful and beautiful journey to you. Thank you for sharing your many gifts with us. I hope you are enjoying the beautiful music in heaven now. Your incredible voice and musical talents will be a precious addition to that heavenly choir. I’m lucky to have been your friend.
Irene (Keller) Queen
Dr. Thomas Peavy
March 12, 2008
Many years ago GMG3 John Henry Kurtz and I served on board the USS Bainbridge off the coast of Vietnam. John made a lasting and lifelong impression on me. Over the years we shared our experiences. I have the album John recorded for ABC Records and continue to appreciate John's singing talent. Now I have learned that the voice I have heard for these many years is silent. I am sad, yet I rejoice in having known and served with John. Shipmates have a unique bond that endures over time and that bond was one John shared with me. Each time we talked, John would conclude with the caring admonition, "Take Care of Yourself Chief." The world knows good men like John for a blink of time's eye and then they depart. The memories left with those who continue on are a lasting memorial. I will go on Deck today and look toward the horizion, there just beyond where the sky and water appear to meet I will find my Shipmate held secure by his anchor in a port beyond turbulent waters. Rest friend and enjoy eternal Liberty there.
"Chief"
Kathleen Hanna
March 11, 2008
JH - you were one of the greatest men I have ever known! You always made me howl with laughter with you clever, hilarious witticisms and you made think about life with your soulful insights. You made life more vibrant and more fun - just knonwing you! I will miss and love you forever. Goodnight sweet prince.
John Henry
March 11, 2008
John Henry and friend, Dabney Coleman and Harry Dean Stanton
March 11, 2008
Dick Rubinstein
March 11, 2008
John Henry's Family - Many of our high school class knew John Henry; many including me, hardly knew him very much till our last reunion. If he hadn't previously, at our 40th reunion in 2003, he made a positive and permanent impression. I just wish I'd known him longer - as we all do. I think I can speak for many if not all of his entire high school class that we'll miss him greatly. Peace...
James Owens
March 11, 2008
My condolences to the family of John Henry. It was always a pleasure to see him. He always had a friendly greeting and was ever ready to share his knowledge of the Civil War and its artifacts with those of us who shared his passion for that period. He will be missed by all of us who knew him.
B.C. Milligan
March 11, 2008
"The muffled drum's sad roll has beat
The soldier's last tattoo..."
I did not know John well, save I knew him well enough to feel his loss. The boys of Company K will not forget you, John.
Ed "Muzzy" Scheetz
March 11, 2008
My dear friend, the original “Yogi”, God had blessed you with such talent. Thankfully, you shared it with me, for which I will be forever grateful. The unbelievable memories of our youth; our exchange of “One Liners”; and mutual love of humanity. Now, each time I make an imprint on the sand I will remember you, and look out toward the sea, and picture you rowing the Guards boat, and riding the waves with a contented, silly smile.
Love, "The Muzz"
Michael Resser
March 11, 2008
While I only had the distinct pleasure of meeting John Henry several times, I always held him in high esteem knowledge and love of the history of the American Civil War. He was a giant of a man, not only in stature, but in intellect and humanity. My sincere condolences to his immediate family and his large family of friends in the living history community
Larry Nottingham
March 11, 2008
John Henry your humor, courage, and leadership will be greatly missed.
Phil Levy
March 10, 2008
John Henry was always one of my favorite people. Even though I had not seen him in years, he lived always in my heart and in countless stories. There was an energy and dynamism to him that was infectious and undeniable. He was a powerful force of nature and the world is the poorer for his loss.
Martin Carberry
March 10, 2008
It is with great sorrow that I learned of John Henry's passing. John was a magnet to people. He pulled people to him with his intelect, charm and energy. We lost a wonderful spirt in John. I will miss him greatly.
Richard Baldino
March 10, 2008
The world will be a very different place without John Henry. He will be greatly missed.
Kevin Hoffman
March 10, 2008
John Henry, You will be missed. A good friend and Collecting buddy. I will think of you often, will care for the treasured pieces once from your collection. I'll remember your great attitude and draw from it. I'm glad we had a wonderful conversation recently.
Juanita Leisch Jensen
March 10, 2008
There is John Henry, his face lit by the flames of a campfire, enjoying some tunes, sometimes holding a cell phone so a distant friend could enjoy the experience too. There is John Henry, coming out from behind the table to explain the uniqueness of a photo, uniform, or artifact. We should remember John Henry's legendary "Thank you, boys," and appreciate all that we see, or have, or hear. God be with him. We will miss him. I miss him already.
Lisa and Allen Taylor
March 10, 2008
My fondest memories of John Henry were our walks on the beach in Cape May. Karen, John and I would do our power walks and stop to talk to everyone along the way. He always made us laugh. We will miss those times the most.
Lou DeCecco
March 10, 2008
Yogi, My thoughts are with you my friend. Lou DeCecco
anna hiltz
March 10, 2008
Our sympathy are with all John Henry family. He was a great friend to me and our family. We are the family of Bonnie Berkmeier. We all are very very sad of his passing. He was a great guy.
Karen Parker-Masarone
March 10, 2008
John Henry was one of the funniest, smartest, most articulate and talented people I have had the good fortune to know. His friendship and generous spirit have been invaluable assets to my life.
Fred Gaede
March 10, 2008
John Henry enjoyed life to the fullest, and was always willing to share his many talents with everyone. He was particularly generous with me and I will always appreciate that genorosity and our close relationship. My condolences to his family on the loss.
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