In Memory of Hoss

[Capt. Morgan]

Not sure how many of you remember Hoss. He used to be the Pub Guy at The Drift Inn for many years and then, became a bona fide "Rennie", doing leather work and mugs at other Faires, Oklahoma, TN and MDRF to name a few....well, we got word today that he passed away at Pennsic just yesterday. I guess for a guy like Hoss, Pennsic would be the perfect place to depart. There are those people who live their life their way and on their terms...Hoss was definitely one of them and he will be remembered, and missed.

We are not here for a long time....we are here for a good time.

[Sir Trevor]

OMG!
I can't believe it.

For those who may need to jog their memories.

[Athena]

Damn.

[Jezzy MacPeaks]

I want to say I owe my faire life, especially at GLMF, to Hoss, Scott Griffith. I would never have come to know and love the faire life, GLMF, nor any of you, my family, if it hadn't been for him inviting me to go to the Muskogee Faire, then bringing me up here to sell leather mugs. He and I may not have seen eye-to-eye on much, but I can say he very recently left me here on the best of terms, much to my surprise. There were many sides to Hoss. And, I got to know quite a few of them, both good and some maybe not so good, personally. But, regardless of our long-standing differences, I'll never forget the gifts he gave me, one of which I value above all, that being my life with you all. Wherever you are, Hoss, I got your message and I thank you. I hope when we see each other again, we will share smiles and friendship.

For those of you who are of a mind to, and if you didn't realize it, there is a newly constructed "Memorial Gardens" where you may leave a rose, light incense, or be quiet with your thoughts and memories of Hoss. It's a beautiful little spot created for just this type of situation because We Are Family!

[Dillasandra]

Never knew the man personally, but any loss is a loss for the whole family. I'm so sorry................

[Sir Trevor]

Wow.
All those years at faire, and you never met Hoss?
I know you don't go to the pubs, but he also had the leather mug booth down across from the Mud Pit area.

[Dillasandra]

Don't do the pubs, and never had enough money for the mugs! Bet Steph knew him............she loved that booth.

[Michelle]

Oh my gosh! Katie and I just talked to Hoss at Pennsic last Tuesday! She ran into his booth and pointed to a duplicate of her mug and she told him that she had that same one. He asked her which faire she got it from and she said GLMF. He went on to say that he loved that faire, had a lot of good memories from there. May he rest in peace!

Michelle

[Jezzy MacPeaks]

I just heard from Hoss' brother, Russ, about the funeral services. Chris is going to make an official posting on the boards, but I'll share the info he gave me here. Can't hurt to have it in a couple of places, I suppose.

Where: Johnson-Romito Funeral Home, Northfield, OH, on State Route 82 (Aurora Rd.)

When: This Wednesday, two viewings, 2-4 & 6-9, however, between 7 & 7:30, they will ask the public to leave so there can be a private Masonic Service and prayer.

Everyone is welcome to come as Hoss knew us. In other words, if he only saw you in garb, please consider wearing it. He will be in his Kilt and garb! But, if you'd rather not wear it, and if he knew you outside of faire, then feel free to dress as you like.

Hoss will be cremated, and his Graveside service will take place sometime next week.

Driving directions: take I-90 to 271 South. Take Exit 19 (Northfield Exit), turn Right on 82. Cross two intersections, first is New 8, second is Old 8, continue on for approximately 1/4 mile, the funeral home will be on the right.

[Peach]

hoss was a great friend, always made me laugh when he'd stop by the joust. i will miss him, am greatful to have memories to remember him by.

~Peach

[sue]

I have only the fondest memories of Hoss. He will be greatly missed.

[Lizzie]

Oh no! I'm having a hard time believing this. Russ, Chris my heart goes out to you & your family! You know there are some that have some if not all of their ashes shot out of the morning cannon.

[Capt. Morgan]

Well...that would be just like Hoss...making an 'ash" outta himself!

Went to the viewing last night...got a bit misty eyed at the slide show they had...lots of fond memories there and the number of people?! Wow! Russ looked very dashing all 'cleaned up" in his dress kilt and Barret's pipe playing in the background....*sigh*. It does seem sad that we never know how many friends we have until we pass...

Never pass up the opportunity to tell those we know how much we care and love them for, we may and might never all be here again....

[Bosha]

Hoss was a local boy, lived out here with us in Trumbull Township before he answered the call of the road. He is the only person I've ever known that could be both a hard core/bad boy and a sensitive/teddybear both at the same time. Hoss, you are forever in my heart, but you already know that and I know you'll watch over us, like you always did. Happy hunting buddy!

[Jezzy MacPeaks]

Today his ashes were buried at the cemetery in Northfield, OH. It was a small service, ended sweetly by his brother, Russ, playing "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes. He has also laid a cross by the fountain in GLMF's Memorial Garden in memory of Hoss.