Memories of our winters spent in Florida came rushing back when I learned of the death of a good friend yesterday.
Devere Newberry was a consummate gentlemen, a dying breed, who would treat everyone with respect and courtesy. Any conversation I had with him was given kind consideration as he would give his full attention to whatever we were discussing. And he never talked down to women, or men for that matter, despite his obvious superior knowledge about many subjects.
It was always a pleasure to be summoned for an afternoon libation at his and Dorothy's comfortable porch. We would all, about eight or ten of us, discuss music and the fun things that had happened to us. Seldom did we argue, even though some had differing backgrounds.
Devere's talent as a singer and entertainer contributed considerably to the annual talent show, held each year in the rec hall of Sanlan Campground. We shared the stage several times performing a comic duet. His script, polished in rehearsals, was crafted to make the most out of each laugh. Hilarious song parodies included "Give me a home where the buffalo roam --- and I'll show you a dirty house!! And his impression of Jimmy Durante always brought the house down.
Goodbye dear old friend and thanks so much for the memories.