Book of Memories for John C. Northrop

Condolence From John Gurske

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 21:00:23 EST

John had a profound affect on my life which makes the news of his passing even more difficult. ( I recently googled to see what he was up to ) I studied guitar with John from age 12-19. He taught me virtually everything I know about playing the guitar. I didn’t immediately become a guitar performer and teacher, but I have been the last 20 years. (which have been the happiest of my life. ) I am sad that I didn’t get to tell John personally how much he meant to me in my life’s journey, but I’m happy to share with his family, especially his wife Susan who I remember hanging out in the loft of an apartment on Gorham street ? While I took lessons from John. RIP my friend.

Condolence From David Wickhem

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 17:54:45 EDT

So Sad, The world needs more people like John... John took me under his musical wing and introduced me to Jeff Beck and George Benson at the ripe age of 15. He showed me how guitar is the coolest instrument ever, and has led me to a life long love of music and guitars... Getting him and his band Snowblind booked at my high school for a dance, to seeing the John Northrop Jazz Rangers at the Park Motor Inn... My heart is broken for you Susan... I still have a live recording of John and Clyde Stubblefield that was broadcast on WIBA... It still gets played on a regular basis... I am a better person for knowing John and Susan, and always appreciate the time they spent with this kid of 59 years...

Condolence From susan brown

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 11:02:26 EDT

Sending light and love to you, Susan. The band in heaven just got better.

Memorial Candle lit by Bill and Sarah Finch

Mon, 16 Jul 2018 20:57:52 EDT

Bill and Sarah Finch

Condolence From Mike Boylston

Fri, 13 Jul 2018 14:58:50 EDT

My thoughts go out to Susan, Ryan, Erin and John's extended family. Very unexpected I have so many wonderful musical and personal memories of John from BBQ Bob & the Beefcakes, The Tonix, the Duchin Room, Whiskey's, Slavey's....too many to enumerate. Finest guitar player I ever met and a great, extremely intelligent guy. Hopefully I'll play with you again one day, bro!

Photo shared: John Northrup obit photo.jpg

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 05:45:04 EDT

Story shared: Christmas Story

Fri, 29 Jun 2018 15:28:27 EDT

It was few weeks before Christmas in the olden days, we both had venues to perform at that evening, so we planned to go out just after sunrise to cut down our Christmas trees. We headed for Owl Creek. The morning was clear and cold, around minus 20 degrees. We arrived and started walking knee deep in snow toward Owl Creek..We decided the best trees were on the other side of the creek, so we started looking for a place to cross. We saw a narrow stretch of the creek and thought we could jump across John jumped first and made it. I took my leap but was not successful and went in up to my chest. I crawled out and we started looking for our trees. After some debate we proceeded to pick out our trees and cut them down. Now all we had to do was haul them back. When we arrived at the creek I jumped across first and made it. John passed the trees to me and once I had them it was John's turn to jump across. He almost made it but alas he was just a little bit short and went in up to his chest. Once back at the car we loaded the trees, looked at each other and started laughing until tears ran down our faces. Good times never forgotten.

Rudy Kerzan

Condolence From Jonathan Byrd

Thu, 28 Jun 2018 18:31:31 EDT

My deepest sympathy to John's family and friends on his untimely passing. I took music lessons from John, as did so many people in Idaho. He was always warm, funny, and helpful. John was a master guitarist, and the first honest to goodness pro level jazz musician I studied with. I was amazed by the depth of his knowledge and skill, and the lessons I took from John really moved me forward. I still have pages of his hand written notes, made during our lessons. I remember he showed me 21 different ways to play an F7 chord, at least 15 of which were new to me! I'm going to go home tonight and play Freight Trane, a song John taught to me one summer day, and remember him. Jonathan Byrd Portland, OR

Condolence From Rudy and Nancy Kerzan

Tue, 26 Jun 2018 16:36:25 EDT

Truly a great friend and master musician. He will be missed.

Condolence From Rudy and Nancy Kerzan

Tue, 26 Jun 2018 16:30:26 EDT

Truly a great friend and master musician. He will be missed.