23 Comments
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Suzanne Drisdelle's avatar

Nice to read about the great grandfather I met only a few times

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John DeMont's avatar

his story had to be pieced together, Suzanne, because he was not wanting to blow his own horn

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Carol Burk's avatar

Great article John!

Can't help but think of Natalie McMaster's beautiful song 'Fiddle and Bow' with Bruce Gouthro on vocals.

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John DeMont's avatar

Thanks Carol.

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Gerry Arnold's avatar

A wonderful read.

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John DeMont's avatar

Thanks Gerry

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James Warner's avatar

Thanks John, a great accounting of things.

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John DeMont's avatar

Thanks James.

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Anne Shea's avatar

You have the most thoughtful wife! What a gift,and how touching to be able to keep the musical tradition going in your family. We feel pretty fortunate that you shared your saxaphone playing with us.

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John DeMont's avatar

She is very thoughtful Anne. And I am not sure at all it was your good fortune lol

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Sherrill Lindsay's avatar

Great story John.....I have a similar story, involving my mother. French from Bouctouche NB...Four young French ladies moved to Truro N.S., all sisters from ages 16 or 17 and up to work at Stanfields....I guess they were the talk of the town for a bit. My mom if alive would be like 105 now....She was taught piano at age 5-6 by a relative, and was quite good as an adult. Good side story, when she was moving to Truro at age 17-18 the piano fell from the back of the truck, and broke a leg (it is an upright piano). The leg was repaired, and she played her whole life, I have the piano, and my kids learned to play, and now my grandkids have learned to play on it. However my daughter who lives with me recently said that we should move it on as there is no interest now....Have to admit that even tho I do not play I am having a hard time with it....(moving it on). My mom also self taught herself guitar, banjo, and accordion. I have her banjo, and her accordion as well. She was also a self taught artist. If you saw her first painting, you would be like wow, that is really your first??? Some of her talents were passed down, I write a bit, my sister is a master photographer, and also picking up a paint brush did a painting that looked professional, An older brother now deceased was a master photographer as well, and a younger brother too was a great photographer, did wood work, and can install and or take out a car engine or a transmission. Another sister is a dog and horse whisperer ( from my dads side). All were great athletes as well, including myself, a second degree black belt in Uechi Ryu Karate Do. LOL.... sorry but I diverted....Funny the things that roll out once one starts.....Great story.....Ray Lindsay Truro

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John DeMont's avatar

Great memories Ray. Thanks for that. A long ago student of Sensei Maloney’s myself.

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Sherrill Lindsay's avatar

Oh nice.....Meet him, and worked out under him many times.....our Sensei in Truro was Duncan MacLeod....

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Lawrence Jacobs's avatar

Wonderful story, and thanks for your grandfather’s service.

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John DeMont's avatar

Thanks Larry

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Paul MacDougall's avatar

Good stuff here John. You’ve woven a lot of different things into this piece to wonderful effect. Cheers, P

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John DeMont's avatar

Thanks, paul. Great to reconnect

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Cathy Davey's avatar

Great story. We have a lot in common.

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John DeMont's avatar

Tell me more Cathy.

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Peter Macnab's avatar

Amazing read. What those men endured is mind boggling.

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John DeMont's avatar

Thanks Pete

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John DeMont's avatar

Thanks Anne

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Anne Crossman's avatar

Thanks for this. Good luck with your practice sessions. Let us know when you are in front of a crowd so we can enjoy your playing and think of your grandfather.

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