AudioCircle
Industry Circles => GR Research => Topic started by: Danny Richie on 29 Jul 2015, 02:29 am
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Gary Dodd is no longer with us. He was 59 years old.
I last talked to him on Friday. I did not hear from him Saturday or Sunday. I called him on Sunday but his phone went straight to voice mail. I also tried to reach him several times on Monday with the same result. So my wife and I went to check on him this morning. He did not answer the door. But we do have a key and we were able to get in. I went in calling for him but got no answer and as a round the corner to the hall I could see him laying in bed. I reached out and tapped him on the leg and spoke to him, but it was clear at that point that he was no longer with us. He had clearly passed away several days ago. From what it appeared he had passed in his sleep. He looked natural just laying there like he was taking a nap with his sheet pulled up over most of him. I guess he couldn't have gone away any easier.
The last contact that we had with him was Friday Morning. We were able to access his cell phone and see that the last call he made was Sunday evening. So Gary passed away sometime after that. Possibly in his sleep Sunday night.
I had to wait a while to announce this until all of his family had been notified. I don't know anything yet about any other arrangements. I am leaving those things to his family. I will post more as I know more.
At the moment I am felling pretty sad. He was a true friend and I will miss him greatly. But I also feel blessed to have known him and thankful for how he enriched my life and helped take my joy of music to the highest levels. Tough days ahead...
Also, a couple of years ago Gary was having a really tough time after his last heart attack and really struggling financially to make ends meet. Many of the great people in the audio community helped him out and made donations to him that really got him through a tough period. And I just wanted to thank all of you that came to his aid at that time. May the good Lord bless each of you as you have blessed him with your generosity.
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SO horrible to hear. Danny, thank you for doing everything you did for him over the years. You were the best friend he could have had.
And here's to an innovator gone before his time.
Shawn
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I spoke with Danny earlier today, and much of the rest of the day I've spent thinking how lucky I've been to know Gary. What a great guy and good friend. Such an enthusiast for high quality audio... he just bubbled when talking about a new idea. The world's a smaller place tonight.
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Danny,
Gary will be greatly missed by many!
You and Kristy have been his support system and I know he was glad that you were all there until the end. No better friends can a person have!
I am so glad that I got to know Gary and call him my friend.
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RIP to a genius.
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This is terrible news :(
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So sad to hear Danny, thoughts are with you and your family and of course Gary's family.
As you said, you are lucky to have known him and I'm sure he felt the same way about you
Hang in there man
jay
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So sorry to hear this news. Gary was a great guy, I'm glad I can say I knew him.
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I did not know him or used their products.
But Iam glad he had so many valuable friends.
RIP
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I never met Gary in person but did have the pleasure speaking to him by phone about the equipment I bought from him over the years.
Shocking and such sad news to hear.
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:cry:
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I had a feeling when I saw the title I knew what this message would be. My heart sank reading this.
I am glad to have known Gary. He was a survivor, with far more heart than his body gave him to work with.
I hope that if he didn't go out as he would have wanted, at least it was at peace.
Danny, it doesn't help now, but rest a little easier knowing you and yours did everything a friend could ever ask for.
Condolences all around.
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I am saddend to hear this news.
I am very sorry for you loss Danny, as well as others who were close to him. You were a great friend when he needed one Danny, we should all be so lucky to have the same.
Sincerely,
Ed
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My condolences Danny.
I had the good fortune of meeting and talking with Gary this past May at LASF. I'm glad I got the chance.
Mike
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Heartbreaking loss. :cry:
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Sorry to hear this.
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Condolences from us here in the Falls.
Very sad news indeed. :cry:
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I wish I'd gotten to know him better.
Ive installed many of his amazing buffers and got to have dinner and a beer with him years ago at rmaf. All i can say is being in his company was enlightening and fun.
R.I.P. Gary you'll be missed by many!
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So sorry to hear this sad news. RIP Gary.
Danny, you did so much for him to help him out. We all wish for friends as kind as you were to Gary.
:cry:
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I am so sorry Danny. I hope you will be blessed with countless wonderful memories. I have been inspired by the love you have shown toward him. Be at peace and may all who care be comforted.
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Very saddened to hear this.
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Sorry to hear this. It is sad with all Gary went through.
As others have said Danny, you were a friend without peer to him, and hopefully that will provide some comfort in times to come.
Condolences to all.
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God bless you Gary, your work here is done.
Hang in there Danny, he was lucky to have such a kind hearted friend such as yourself to see him through his last days.
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Saddened to hear this. I have one of his battery preamps, and every time I listen to it, I'll think of him and his creative genius.
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Gut wrenching news. The Big Blue amps will always be in my mind. Sorry Danny.
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Gary sounds like a great guy to be around. He can now rest in peace from the troubles of the world.
Rocket_Ronny
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Gary was a true artist, craftsman, father, and friend. He had such a wonderful smile and was always dreaming of ways to create beauty. He beat the odds so many times. Is there anyone else on the planet who lived 20 years with a piece of denim wrapped around his heart?
Of course, I cannot forgive him for paying his own medical bills under the worst possible circumstances.
Danny,
We all thank you for stepping up in the most graceful and selfless way to help Gary in his many most serious times of need. You were his most loving and supportive family and God's hand.
Seth
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Sorry to hear such sad news. My condolences.
steve
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Rest In Peace Gary. I will miss your laugh and your smile. My prayers go out to his family and to the Richies during this time. Every time I listen to music through your pre-amp I'll remember you!
Chris
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I knew what I was about to read... Sorry to hear it.
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Every time I turn on my stereo I'll think of him and miss him. I never met him but we spoke on the phone several times and online. He's making great gear in heaven for all souls to enjoy.
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Danny, Gary was blessed to have you as a friend. Now he's in God's hand. Gary, Rest in Peace .
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RIP Gary.
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I never had the pleasure of meeting Gary, but it's clear that he had a very positive impact on many peoples lives. RIP Gary. Thanks for sharing your passions with us.
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Met him several years ago at RMAF. May he RIP.
Wayner
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A very tragic loss. So sorry to hear this. RIP Gary. Thanks for letting us know, Danny.
Best,
Anand.
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Sorry to hear about this. My condolences for their loss to all who knew Gary
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Deepest sympathies to both you and his family. I did not know Gary, but have been reading about how you had been helping him get back on his feet. A heartwarming story of human kindness, you were a true friend Danny.
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I'm so sorry to hear about Gary. Even though I never had the pleasure of meeting him, apparently he was a great guy from what others have said. Gary was very blessed to have a true friend like you Danny who stuck by him to the end. My condolences to you, your family, and Gary's family.
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Sorry to hear that Danny. That's pretty tough.
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I am so very sorry to hear this, especially since Gary's lot in life was so much brighter these past few months. With Danny & his wife getting Gary back on his feet, it looked like better things lay ahead.
I was privileged to own a Dodd tube buffer, & knew with Danny's help, even better products were in the pipeline. Then this ...
Rest in peace Gary. You fought the good fight and were blessed with some wonderful friends in your too short a life on this world.
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Danny,
Thank you as well as your family for taking care of Gary during his time of need. You are true friend & great person.
Gary is not suffering any more and is in a better place. Our prayers go out to him and his extended family (which includes you).
Sincerest condolences,
Pete
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Dear Danny,
Audiophiles have indeed lost an industry leader; but, sadder than that, you have lost a dear friend. It is heartbreaking to read your past posts: the love; the hope; the terrible downs; the radiant ups. May Gary (and you) finally have peace.
Chuck
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I received the news from Mark N. but did not what to post until you did Danny :( Glad to hear Gary went peacefully. The upside is the music just got better in heaven. RIP Gary, we have a new angel looking over us.
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Very sad to hear this news. My condolences to his family and friends. Danny, your friendship to him is truly a model for all.
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Deepest sympathies to you, and Gary's family on your loss.
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May Gods comfort abound, Danny you were a great friend, may God richly bless you for your generosity.
Gary is enjoying music on a whole another level today. :)
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Shocking to say the least. Thanks to Danny for keeping us informed about Gary over the years. I was glad to meet him at RMAF several times and always enjoyed listening to his equipment.
I extend my deepest condolences to all the family and friends. Our God is a God of comfort.
Bob
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Gary, you will be remembered in my home. My 120's are singing every day. Rest in peace.
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So sorry to hear the news Danny. As you mentioned, Gary will be missed. Nice person, excellent designer, all around good guy. Sounds like he went peacefully, so that is a blessing.
Condolences to his family and friends.
Will have the fire up his pre tonight in memory.
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Rest in Peace, Gary. To think that our conversation last Tuesday was the last... :cry:
He sounded fine except for some memory lapse. He certainly was looking to get back on his feet when we talked... :sad:
You have been a true friend, Danny. You and Kristy made his last months so much better. :notworthy:
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I'm sorry to hear that, my deepest sympathy goes out to his friends and family.
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Thoughts and Prayers go out to Gary's family, may he rest in peace......Amazing how we are all connected just a little through this forum and have had the privilege to both enjoy Gary's genius as well as bare witness to Danny's incredible talents, kindness and inspiration of what a friend and fellow Human being should be...
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I did not know Gary or have the benefit of hearing any of his products. Nevertheless, I am saddened to hear of his passing. I have a pair of AV-1 speakers that I built about 7-8 yrs ago, but I've mostly lurked on the GR AC board enjoying the discussions and banter about building cool audio stuff.
The thing that compelled me to write today is that while I have always admired Danny's products, commitment to his customers, friends and the industry, his concern for Gary put into action wins the gold star. It's easy to talk about helping somebody, but for what ever reason actually doing it can be quite difficult. As I've lurked over the years I've observed compassion and unselfishness by Danny and many of the GR AC members and wanted to say thanks for being a great example of compassion in action.
Blessings to you as you work through this difficult time.
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I always enjoyed my conversations with Gary. And bought a lot of buffers, amps, etc, from him. He was always a gentleman and he was always very honest. Something you don't see much anymore in the audio industry.
God bless you Danny, and good luck.
V....
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Rest In Peace, Gary...
I purchased the PI Audio Group / Triode Wire Labs Special UberBUSS, to benefit Gary. Thank you so much for your generosity guys.
It seems like a couple years ago at this point, so we know it indeed did help Gary through a hard time...
Dave of PI made a faceplate for it that is reminiscent to and a homage to the woodwork that Gary did for his own woodwork on his gear... Ill think of him every time I look at it.
Jason
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Danny,
I am so sorry to hear this news.
You were there when he needed you most.
This is the most important thing one can do for another.
My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Greg
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Sorry to hear that news Danny,
I met Gary a few years back in Danny's room at RMAF. I have not met a nicer, more genuine individual in the entire audio industry.
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I could tell by the sound of your voice yesterday morning what you were going to say. I sat and cried for my friend and his loss to all of his friends. Gayle shed a tear or two, too.
He was stronger and braver than I am. Rest well, dear friend.
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I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. That must have been really tough thing to find.
My thoughts are with you.
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RIP Gary. Prayers to all his family and many friends. He will be missed.
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Very sad news. Gary was a great guy and obviously quite the fighter. He will be missed by many. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.
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Gary was a great audio innovator. I didn't know him, but spoke with him briefly when I bought a Dodd Preamp. I remember the big improvement it made in my system and can still visualize the beautiful wood casework and chrome top. For the past few years I've owned an integrated with his famous tube buffer installed. Those who knew the man will live with fond memories of a good guy and fine gentleman. Those who have enjoyed his products will recall and enjoy the engineering behind his highly musical offerings. Combined, that's a legacy that will last a good long time.
RIP
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When I read the post, I felt it was Gary. He's in a much better place now, and I'm thankful that he helped so many people on their audio journey. GOD bless you, Danny, for being Gary's good friend and supporter in his times of need.
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Danny,
Though your heart may be broken and emotions raw, try to remember the good times and the great friendship you shared with Gary. Clearly he meant a lot to you and your family.
While I never met him, I was inspired by his designs. I regret not communicating with him when I had the chance.
His suffering and struggles are over.
Take care of yourself and your family. Feel the love and be as well as can be expected.
Rob
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I always enjoyed my conversations with Gary. And bought a lot of buffers, amps, etc, from him. He was always a gentleman and he was always very honest. Something you don't see much anymore in the audio industry.
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Very sad indeed. And ".. a gentleman.." and ".. very honest .." is getting to be more of a rarity everywhere you look..
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My condolences to you Danny, and to all his other friends and family. Thank God he had you all in his last few years---they would have been brutal without you, I imagine. Death at a relatively young age really seems to be on the increase, doesn't it? Maybe the great depression and WWII toughened up that generation, but mine (I just turned 65) isn't living as long as our parent's did, for whatever reason. I keep thinking we had it too easy! In the past seven years about ten friends and acquaintances of mine have died in their mid-to-late 50's, some from bad habits (smoking being number one), but others of natural causes. Knowing I could be next helps me keep things in perspective. My favorite song lyric has always been this one from Hank Williams: "No matter how I struggle and strive, I'll never get out of this world alive".
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Yes, SORRY for the news... and Danny, YOU were a TRUE friend as well... Be in peace with that....
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My deepest sympathy to you Danny, along with his family and friends. My understanding was he truly was suffering, which must have been very hard for him to deal with.
May Gary Rest In Peace. :cry:
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I'm frequently at a loss for words when I hear of someone's death. Words just don't do much to ease sorrow or alleviate grief.
I remember something I read on the way to my dad's memorial, I'll paraphrase here. "Death is the end of a life, but not a relationship." I feel the fingerprints of Dad on my life almost daily, perhaps those that knew Gary feel the same about their relationship with him.
I wish I'd known him, but knowing he had good friends and touched many lives is proof of a life well lived. Godspeed, Gary, on to whatever's next on your journey. You'll be missed.
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I updated the original post. We were able to access his cell phone and see that the last call he made was Sunday evening. So Gary passed away sometime after that.
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Like Peter J, I'm not so good with words to express my feelings about death of a loved one, so I'll simply say that I am sorry for your loss and that your kindness and friendship toward Gary was a beautiful thing. May your memories of Gary continue to enrich your life, Danny (and family).
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Rest in peace Gary, no more pain. Praying for God's comfort for family and friends.
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Gary's suffering has ended. You could not have been a better friend.
My prayers are with his family and yours.
May Love Always Abide,
Bill
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Danny, you were a great friend to Gary. I did not know him but I'm sure he appreciated your friendship and caring.
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Oh No-You were a wonderful modest and humble person Gary- you are in a Better Place now!
Danny - my condolences-thank you for support and care!
Regards,
Kishore
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I remember when Keith Kidder and I met Gary in 2000. We were sitting there listening to a small single driver in a box you were demoing and Keith looks at Gary and says: "That is the noisiest watch I have ever heard." Gary looked at Keith and said; "Those are my heart valves!" After that Gary explained how they were out of warranty at that time. I learned a lot more about him and came to love him in the times after.
He was an innovator like no others I have ever known in the tube end of audio. Run a tube amp off of 12VDC? You must be daft, Man. Gary was not "daft" or crazy. He was a true rule breaker and innovator. I'll keep his gear on display forever. They were and he was that special.
I loved the man, so did Gayle. We will miss him until we see him again!
<><
D&G
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I was shocked to learn that Gary is no longer with us... So sad!
He was a very talented, innovative individual. His 120 amps are one of my faves, and I still use his battery powered preamp (my second one, no less), and I have no itch to change it out with anything else.
RIP Gary, you will be missed.... I sincerely appreciate all the musical bliss you have provided me!
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So sorry to hear this. May God comfort his family and you and your family. I met Gary in your room at RMAF--great, great guy. My prayers are with you and his.
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I did not know Gary or have the benefit of hearing any of his products. Nevertheless, I am saddened to hear of his passing. I have a pair of AV-1 speakers that I built about 7-8 yrs ago, but I've mostly lurked on the GR AC board enjoying the discussions and banter about building cool audio stuff.
The thing that compelled me to write today is that while I have always admired Danny's products, commitment to his customers, friends and the industry, his concern for Gary put into action wins the gold star. It's easy to talk about helping somebody, but for what ever reason actually doing it can be quite difficult. As I've lurked over the years I've observed compassion and unselfishness by Danny and many of the GR AC members and wanted to say thanks for being a great example of compassion in action.
Blessings to you as you work through this difficult time.
+1
As a teacher I tell my students 'Don't tell me, show me' - Thanks for such a good example.
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Sorry to hear. I talked with him last Thursday or Friday and he sounded like he had found a little peace with all that he had been through. Gary and Trung really introduced me to the advantages of DIY and Boutique gear and I'll be forever grateful for that.
:(
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Gary had a very tough last few years. I trust that he is in a better place now. Gary's gear transcended from normal stereo components into a form of art
and he will be fondly remembered by many audiophiles. http://www.10audio.com/images/Dodd_front.jpg
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RIP Gary,,, you will be missed.
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I read this right after Danny posted it and my heart sank, a very sad day. I wanted to post something but couldn't find the words, still can't, but here's a pic of the wonderful amp he built me, now sold sadly, and missed:
(http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w352/stevenkelby/DODD%20Amp/SI850631_zpsa72e83fc.jpg~original) (http://s523.photobucket.com/user/stevenkelby/media/DODD%20Amp/SI850631_zpsa72e83fc.jpg.html)
Lastly, Danny, you're the best friend a man could have, respect.
Steve.
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I once visited Gary at home in Dallas. It was easy to observe this was a guy who surrounded himself with tools and devices of a passion. Many drudge thru life never realizing their potential. Gary certainly can smile above knowing he did all, serving life's purpose well. Peace.
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R.I.P., Gary.
Danny, you and yours did a wonderful thing, making sure that your friend was taken care of and was as comfortable as could be. Much respect.
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RIP Gary.
Sorry for your loss Danny.
Still loving my Dodd Battery Powered Pre!
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A very talented designer!! A real loss.
My condolences to everyone.
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They say, only the good die young, good thing they have such a great place to hangout while they wait for us. :wink: My condolences to everyone close to him.
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I did not know him or used their products.
But Iam glad he had so many valuable friends.
RIP
Same here. I had read some of the threads regarding his current state.
Never knew him, but am saddened at the loss of a seemingly great person.
RIP Gary.
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There will be a memorial service for Gary in Garland on August the 22nd. If you were a friend of Gary's and would like to attend then please send me a personal message for the details.
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Very sad, but he was very lucky to have Danny as a friend. Danny, you are a real mensch.