Voice, Stilled
This post is written by Roomie, who sits at Winston’s desk, fingers on his keyboard, right hand on his mouse, next to a half cup of coffee that he started to drink last Friday morning. The white cup has a picture of a bucking bronco on it, a cowboy waving his whip as he moves with the zest of life. A nasty film is beginning to form on the surface of the coffee.
Roomie has told everyone to leave the coffee cup there. She does not want the coffee thrown out, or the cup washed.
___
Winston…he was a “pretty good guy.” This is how he wanted everyone to remember him.
Actually, Winston was a damn good guy. He was the most honest and caring and giving man I have ever known. I am so fortunate and blessed to have known Winston Rand, to have been married to him for 14 years.
Winston passed away Saturday, June 28, after a 38-hour illness and 3 surgeries totaling 12 hours in an attempt to save his life. His memorial service will be Tuesday, July 1, and will include things you may have seen on his blog, such as his recent post about the styrofoam cup that got tossed about in the traffic of life and found its resting place. His favorite song will be played — “The Rainbow Connection,” by Kermit the Frog, as well as a bluegrass version of Rocky Top.
___
When the coffee in the cowboy cup has dried up and must be dug out with a spoon, Roomie will reluctantly let it go. Maybe. And then, Roomie will keep the spirit of this man in her heart and soul and life forever.
Winston Rand…he was a pretty good guy.
Everyone, please repeat this out loud. WINSTON RAND…HE WAS A PRETTY GOOD GUY.
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Yes he was.
I feel with you.
… Winston was a wonderful man…. I will never forget the great meal that my Wife and I had with him in Knoxville…. I’ll remember him with a steak on his plate, a glass of red wine in his hand, and him smiling while he told us the story of that Styrofoam cup…. we were charmed by his kindness and candor… We didn’t want the meal to end….
… my sincere condolences, ma’am….
Oh Roomie, I have tears in my eyes as I write and goosebumps all over. Heaps and heaps of love to you.
HE WAS A PRETTY GOOD GUY. He was a most excellent guy.
I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Words fail me.
I only had the pleasure of meeting Winston on one occasion, but I felt immediately how good and kind a man he was.
What a nice tribute to a wonderful man. My heart is with you.
(Listening to Rainbow Connection and missing Winston here.)
Oh Roomie….my heart is broken…for YOU and for all of us. I am in shock. Winston was not only a pretty good guy….he was AN INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL GUY who wrote beautiful stories and shared them with all of us. He was a generous and poetic soul who had the most beautiful sense of humor. How very blessed you were to have had him in your life for 14 years. We had just lost one dear blogging friend a couple of weeks ago…and now, our wonderful Winston….I honestly can’t believe it….tears rolling down my face. I’m crushed. I’m so very sorry K. My love to you and your entire family. May you all find strength in one another to help get you through this time; and may you always remember Winston with that wonderful southern humor he was so well known for in his writing….he would have liked that. Bless his sweet soul. Much love, ~ Joy
I had no idea until I read this this morning in my feed reader. I never met Winston, but I’ve been reading for a while now, and I could definitely always tell he was a pretty good guy.
My best to you, and this was a beautiful tribute.
Thank you for the courage, Roomie, to write this post. Knowing is one thing … writing adds a measure of finality that can be difficult to do. Here is my love for you in this loss. Here is my pledge to remember Winston as you request. We will be remembering you on Tuesday. -mg
Words fail me … Winston Rand, HE WAS A PRETTY GOOD GUY! A very good guy . . . even though nobody asked, nobody had to ask.
Thank you for sharing him with us.
That is a shock. I am so sorry to hear this. Even we who just read his words will feel a loss and I can’t imagine what it will be like for you and his family. He was a good and caring man.
Winston was a great friend dating back to college days at the University of Tennessee. I will miss him. He was always more than a “pretty good guy” since I first met him in the early 60’s.
Thank you, Ronnie, for having the courage to write this post. I will never forget him.
WINSTON RAND…HE WAS A PRETTY GOOD GUY!!! A giving, dependable and trusted friend with a razor sharp wit!!!!
There are no words
pita
I am saddened by this loss, your loss.
I have become quite attached to those few blogs I read daily, and Winston’s was very special. He was witty, literate, and it has been a pleasure sharing this virtual bit of the world with him.
He was, indeed, a Pretty Good Guy.
I thought Winston was not only a pretty good guy, he was a REALLY GREAT guy and will be missed greatly. I shall miss his wit and wisdom. You, Roomie, who he loved so much, and his friends and family, are in my prayers as you go through this difficult time.
OMG, what heartbreaking news. And so sudden!
Condolences, yes, and - if possible across the net from Yurp - HUGS! He will be much missed.
Stu, who loved to tease Winston and vice versa. RIP.
I’m so sorry to hear this. I only knew Winston Rand - a pretty good guy - from this blog and the comments that he’s left at my own, but I always appreciated hearing from him and coming here to read his thoughts.
My condolences.
Not only was he a Pretty Good Guy, Winston was a great blogging friend - loyal, supportive, full of humour and compassion. The news is still sinking in. I feel for you, Roomie.
WINSTON RAND WAS A PRETTY GOOD GUY.
His writing was always so genuine and true. I’ll miss him.
All his friends and family have my deepest sympathy. I share your loss.
OMG…Roomie, my heart and thoughts are with you. This is such a shock. And you are right…Winston Rand was an excellent man. I only met him online, but for almost two years, he has encouraged me in my blogging, written to me when he knew I was struggling, and celebrated when I had good things to share. His voice will be sorely missed!!!
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Winston’s passing. I had been hoping to meet him face-to-face on one of my Tennessee trips…trips that will become more frequent now that my younger daughter is in the process of moving to Nashville.
I wish comfort to Winston’s loved ones. One side effect of “this thing we do” is that we leave tangible traces of ourselves all over the Internet. An Electronic Legacy. Winston had a good heart and a sense of humor, as evidenced by his own Electronic Legacy…and he will be missed.
[...] Winston, from the blog Nobody Asked, died this weekend according to a post written by the Roomie. [...]
This is sad news, but thank you so much for posting. Our friendly rivalry will be missed during next year’s basketball season for sure.
I am so sorry for your loss. I only knew Winston through his blog, but I always appreciated coming here to read his posts.
My condolences.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Winston was a wonderful man and I offer my condolences.
My heart is broken. I can’t believe we never met face to face. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Even now, I cann hear “Rocky Top” pouring from the heavens!
WINSTON RAND WAS A PRETTY GOOD GUY.
I’m so sorry to hear this bad news. I’ve never met Winston. I have enjoyed his blog. Bless you all.
[...] WINSTON RAND…HE WAS A PRETTY GOOD GUY Posted on June 30, 2008 by GingerSnaps I am sitting here in total shock. As I was scrolling through my feed reader, I stopped dead in my tracks to read this very sad news about somebody I considered a blogger buddy: [...]
Our world will be a smaller place without Winston Rand, and it will have a very large void. So many thoughts are with you, many of us who only knew That Pretty Good Guy and his Roomie. Thanks you so much for your post, it was most fitting.
I just heard and I am so very sorry. Please accept the condolences from my family to yours. I so enjoyed reading what went on in his head… he just seemed so warm. I was hoping to meet him at an area blogmeet sometime this year.
WINSTON RAND WAS A PRETTY GOOD GUY
Dear Roomie,
I am holding you in my thoughts during this very sad time. Winston was kind and caring and oh, so supportive of me throughout our blogging acquaintance. I will never forget him.
My deepest condolences from me to you and yours.
WINSTON RAND WAS INDEED A PRETTY GOOD GUY!!!
Winston was never less than generous and gracious to me and my blog, far more than I or it deserved; whenever I’d post that I’d be away for a while, he’d always leave a comment saying that I’d be missed.
It’s my turn to say that about Winston.
God’s peace to you, Roomie, and to your family.
I only met Winston once, at Mothership BBQ I think? He seemed like a pretty good guy.
winston rand was a good deal more than a pretty good guy to those of us who took the wrong ramp off the interstate and ended up here. he was a joyful experience. I will miss him, but not as much as you. My condolences and well wishes go to you.
Aw Winston you are gone. I will miss your comments on my blog and I will miss you.
He was a wonderful friend, even though I only knew him online. He kept me in touch with all things ARNJ, his beloved UT Orange. I learned from him and hope I brought him more than a few laughs. Not laughing now, but I will again. He’d come back and kick my ass if I didn’t.
Miss you lots, ol’ feller.
Love,
T
What a devastating loss. I’ll remember him as wanting to ride outta here on a Ruckus. (see June 16) Our thoughts are with all who loved Winston.
Winston was one of the finest people I ever knew. The Internet let us connect, yet we never met in person. His presence in this world will be sorely missed.
He was indeed one damned fine man.
I had the honor, privilege and great pleasure of meeting Winston in person in April when I was in Nashville briefly. Could not help but love him instantly.
I can’t believe he’s gone. He was a wonderful, wonderful man. I am gong to miss him terribly.
I am so very sorry, Roomie.
I didn’t know you, Winston.
However, I do wish you well on your journey.
Happy trails.
I didn’t know you Winston, but if Jean said you were a good guy, that’s good enough for me.
Have a safe journey.
I did have the honor of meeting the man; it was a moment I shall cherish.
I did not know Winston either, Yet the words spoken of him tell me that he was very special.
Roomie, I hold you in my prayers.
I am so sorry. Condolences.
I was hoping to meet Winston at a Tennessee blogmeet. I figure our meeting has not been canceled, but rather postponed.
Yep, I did…I shouted out VERY loudly. I’m very sorry.
An Emptiness in Tennessee…
It feels… odd… when death strikes the blogosphere. Very often we know not the person, in person, but we feel we know them from having read them for so long. In reading their blogs, we get a peek into their……
WINSTON RAND…HE WAS A PRETTY GOOD GUY. More than that. He encouraged, he commented, and he cared. I will miss him.
Wow, I’m very sorry to hear Winston is gone. I loved reading his posts on my dad’s blog. He always had something unusual to say. My condolences.
Hello,
I’m here from John B’s, where I discovered Winston in the comments. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Winston’s family.
Cups……..
….. I’m not really sure who instigated that dinner meet-up in Knoxville when I first met Winston, but I suspect that it was me…. I feel sure that he must have left some funny comment to one of my posts……
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow and loss.
Dang. I would come by here from Jean’s. Always had something to laugh at. If not right at top, y’wouldn’t have to go far to find it.
Well, here’s hoping he don’t make Jesus pee his robe.
He was a damned fine fellow, and that’s what I’ll remember. Well, that and driving in a rusty old truck to fetch a bicycle…..to save gas?!?
(y’gotta love that sense of humor!)
So incredibly sorry for your loss, for our loss, for the world’s loss - holding you close in thoughts and prayers - may your memories sustain you in this devastating time. Winston will be missed by all of us.
Oh, dear. I’m so saddened by this. A total shock. I’ve been visiting Winston’s most excellent blog for a few months; enjoying his wit and writing style immensely.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Roomie. Winston Rand was a pretty good guy. No doubts.
Peace,
Pagan
[...] to drink last Friday morning. the white cup has a picture of a bucking bronco on it, a cowboy wavhttp://www.nobodyasked.com/2008/06/30/voice-stilled/Kathy Mattea Mines Home and Heritage for New Album cmt.comKathy Mattea’s Coal has the stark clarity [...]
I regret not having had the pleasure, in life, of meeting such a fine human being, whose kindness and warm wit I knew through comments on blogs of friends of mine.
Godspeed, brother…sounds like you were A PRETTY GOOD GUY.
My condolences. Wish I could have met him in person.
I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. He was a bright spot in the blog world. Winston was a really really good guy, and I will miss him!
Oh, my dear. I only realized recently–having been ill myself and somewhat brainless — that I was on Winston’s blogroll …. and was immensely flattered to discover this!
I am so sorry.
Will be thinking of you.
My sincere condolences for your loss.
It’s just so hard to lose someone you love.
Cas
What a shock. I’ll miss Winston — thank God his work and his spirit survive.
My condolences to you, and to all who loved him.
The blogosphere is already a lot less friendly and witty due his absence. A pretty good guy will be missed.
Roomie-
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, our loss.
I never met Winston in person, only in his blog, his comments on mine, and a few emails, but I miss him. His words and stories proved him to be an unfailing optimist, of a kind ever welcome in this world. He always added sunshine to my day.
You are at the very center of this loss, but the ripples travel far and touch so many of us. I’m not a believer (or a disbeliever either — I’m a don’t knower) but I would like to imagine, at least, that Winston is having a beer with George.
HE WAS A PRETTY GODDAMN GOOD GUY.
WINSTON RAND…HE WAS A PRETTY GOOD GUY!!! Kind, too.
My condolences.
WINSTON RAND…HE WAS A PRETTY GOOD GUY.
…what a great goal to aspire to,,,and attain.
blessings
I am so very sorry for your loss. WINSTON RAND … HE WAS A PRETTY GOOD GUY. I offer my condolences.
BAC
Why do the good ones seem to slip away, and the creeps can seem to stick around forever? No matter our differences, Winston’s warmth and sincerity always rang through, as genuine as the sun.
Roomie, may your loss be gentle with you.
[...] by Eric, longtime blog friend, virtual drinking buddy and Tom Waits brother in arms. This blogger, Winston Rand, I did not know, but if he was a friend of Eric’s I am sure he would have been a friend of [...]
Oh Roomie, my heart goes out to you. I have been so startled and saddened to read your post. Those must have been some truly difficult hours to which you alluded. For some reason I had been thinking of him, that I would stop by here. I so appreciated the comments he left on my blog and his wit, humor and thoughts written here. He had written some insightful sensitive comments to me relative to some of my own thoughts remembering my husband who had died two years earlier. Yes, my interaction with Winston was that he was a “pretty good guy.”
[...] we won’t get to pick up where we left off, either, I am sad to report: Mr. Rand passed away Saturday. As the woman he called “Roomie” says, he was a pretty good [...]
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear this. I so enjoyed reading his blog and his comments on others’ blogs. He was most definitely a “pretty good guy.” He will be missed by many, including tons of people he never met.
I am stunned and saddened by the loss you’ve suffered. I realize I have but an inkling of it, but, measured by the loss I’m feeling, it must be truly immense.
The news came, amazingly, while my brother Bob (Pure Land Mountain) was visiting from Japan, giving us the opportunity to reminisce at length about him; sharing many of the memories, stories and wry observations that connected the three of us across many thousands of miles.
We lift our glasses to ya Winston; we’re sure gonna miss ya.
Roomie and Family,
The thing is, I don’t think I saw Winston (with Roomie by his side down in the flatlands) but a half dozen times or less. But, his smile… it was full of what seemed like honest joy and I rarely see that in anyone anymore. That smile… yup, that’s what is with me after all of these years. He was a pretty good man.
Oh and Roomie - You’re a pretty great woman yourself. You’ve got some mighty fine boys. I am blessed and honored that one of them in particular is like a brother to me. Thank you for raising them.
Words fail me now. My soul grieves with you.
With deepest condolences to you!!
Salam Winston Rand. You were a pretty good guy. There are not enough of them around these days so you will be sorely missed.
Oldies But Goodies……
One of the things I inherited from my father is a love for 50’s and 60’s rock and roll. Everything from the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly to the Animals and the Zombies. The wife tunes out most of it,……
I have been reading this site for so many years. I have throughly enjoyed his works. May God rest his soul in peace.
It’s been too long since I visited and now I wish I’d visited more. He was definitely a good guy. RIP.
WINSTON RAND… HE WAS A PRETTY GOOD GUY
I am so sorry Roomie.
Winston’s comments on my blog were always full of understanding, wit and humour. Although he and I have not met, I imagined someone with a twinkle in his eye, a joyful laugh, and generous of themselves. Winston, I will miss you so much. Will always think of you as “the Southern Gentleman”.
Tonight will light a candle and think of Winston, and you Roomie, and his family. Blessings.
Roomie, I’m so very sorry for your terrible and unexpected loss.
Winston sounds like the very best of guys who left tracks in many hearts.
I wish you peace and healing and the comfort of friends and family.
well, my heart is broken…I thought Winston was right up there at the top …I will miss him..will light candles and say many prayers…Goddess bless you Winston. I know you were a valiant warrior and you;re sitting at the head of the table in Valhalla…my best to all his family and friends…jackie
Roomie, I am so shocked to hear of your (our) sad loss.
I have just returned from holiday and catching up on 2 weeks of unread blogs and find this sad, sad news.
Winston was a GREAT GUY with a fantastic outlook on life, an amazing sense of humour and wit and a way of seeing the obvious when the rest of simply couldn’t. I can’t remember the number of times I have read his posts and thought “why couldn’t I see that?”
I will keep this blog in my RSS reader so that I can still visit his older posts from time to time.
We are all thinking of you at this time - take care and treasure those memories
I don’t surf the net that often. When I do I revisit blogs I enjoy, etc. I read about Windton on Straight White Guy’s blog. What I’ve read both there and here makes me sad NOT to have known him. A man like that should have no shortage of old and new friends. Some day I’ll pass from this world and when I do I hope I’ll meet him, to tell him of all the nice things people have said about him. He sounds like someone I would’ve liked to have had as a friend.
I’m very sorry you lost him. I’m sure he would approve of the kind words you and everyone else wrote just from what’s been said about him. Best of luck and everything else good to you.
…. I am so sorry, ma’am…..
Thanks to all for your comments and words of support. This blog will be Winston’s legacy — one of them. But I do miss him sitting at his desk in his pink (faded burgundy) shorts and his orange UT shirt — I told him he looked like rainbow sherbet — reading and writing. And by the way, that last cup of coffee is still there…from June 27. I miss him.
Here’s a hug, (((((((Kathy)))))))))
I never met the man, but yes, I am quite sure - He was a really good guy. I am so sorry that he has gone.
Hi Kathy,
I come here every day….I’m not sure why. I guess I still miss Winston and his words. I hope you’re doing okay sweetie. I’ve been stopping by your site as well to see what you have to say…..and how you’re saying it….you’re on my mind. It will be three years in November that I lost my husband….ebb and flow Kathy….. Much love, Joy
I only just heard about it, and I’m shocked and sad that Winston is gone. We were blogfriends, I never met him, but I knew something of his spirit through his words, and I wish I’d known him better. It’s a deep loss for this online community. God bless that pretty good guy. And thanks, Roomie, for a beautiful post that helps keep him alive.
it was an honor to be on such a pretty good guys blog
roll. and a joy to read what he wrote. blessings to you, roomie.
Man, man, man. I was away in China and then away on vacation. Got back yesterday. So sad. So sad. I never met him. But he treated me with dignity. It has been an honor to be on his blogroll. His will stay on my blog forever.
Roll on.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I came here by odd chance the first time and now again a second time. Winston had long ago written me such a nice reply to some comments I’d left him about his blogposts on oreo cookie cows and on a beautiful outer space photo. Our two blogships had passed in the night. I just now signed up for twitter and his twitter feed showed up when I searched my mail contacts. As I did not know his face or his name anymore I followed his link to this blog - “who is this?”. Just as I clicked the link, the blog name rang a bell. I’m so sorry to hear this news, and just wanted to tell you of this small incident of lives crossing paths. Just think of how many others he has touched in writing his blog.
That’s very sad. A big shock to his wife , no doubt!
Well shit.
This is what I get for not surfing the feeds more often. I noticed the same post was the topmost for so long and thought I’d better check it out to see what trouble he’d gotten himself into this time.
Roomie, I am so sorry. I wish there was some words I could say, a magic wand I could wave, or a hug I could give that would make your pain go away. We will all miss him so much but it is a drop in the bucket compared to your loss.
This comes as such a shock. I loved to drop in and read Winston’s posts and often commented. It is amazing how much one learns about a person from their writings. We all loved Winston and I know from his writings that he loved his rooomie.
I can’t believe I have been away from the blog world so long that I have missed this news. I enjoyed reading Winston’s blog and then seeing him on Facebook. He was well-loved in the blogosphere and yes, a pretty good guy indeed.
I am sorry for your loss.
Deepest condolences. Winston obviously touched a lot of lives, and through the magic of the internet, he continues to do so. (I just discovered him today.)