| Michael Jackson - Memorial Toast |
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| Written by Nic Templeton | |
| Thursday, 30 August 2007 | |
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SUN, SEP 30, 6:00PM – MEMORIAL TOAST TO MICHAEL JACKSON (@ Beverage Place Pub and other fine drinking establishments) All at once, beer drinkers across the continent will raise a glass to the memory of the man who did more than anyone to further the cause of good beer, the one and only Beer Hunter, Michael Jackson.
"Jackson was immensely influential on all of us: drinkers, brewers, distillers, and of course, writers. (He could be almost too influential; I remember one writer telling me that he didn't read Jackson's work at all any more, because he didn't want to sound too much like Jackson.) His books were bibles for beer and Scotch whisky drinkers -- moreso here than in the UK, perhaps -- and his tutored tastings were ground-breaking. Jackson was the first rock star of beer, drawing crowds of admiring fans whenever he appeared. " More of this wonderful write up can be found here. Discussion and more info can be found here. Michael Jackson's website, beerhunter.com. Charlie Papazian sent this to the AHA TechTalk list, the day his death was made public: I received the news of Michael Jackson's passing late yesterday evening (I had been traveling all day). I am stunned as I'm sure all of the beer world is. I first met Michael in 1981 when he accepted my invitation to attend the American Homebrewers Association Conference. From that moment our friendship has been lasting. I spoke with him a couple of weeks ago regarding his planned participation at this year's GABF. He was looking forward to seeing his friends and helping any way he could. In the closing part of our conversation he was telling me of his various writing projects. Then he paused and said "Some day I want to write a book about my life with Parkinson's disease...I was thinking of calling it 'I Am Not Drunk.' " I chuckled with him a bit and he continued, "Don't you think that would be a great title?" Michael’s sense of humor was uplifting and a treat to be around.Michael has many dear friends throughout the world. Many of us have seen him struggle with Parkinson's but for most of his struggle none of us knew exactly what was going on. I was shocked when he told me last fall. There was a lot of Michael we didn't understand during the last decade. He kept his struggle a secret from most of us. I feel so fortunate to have been able to be with Michael over the last 26 years as much as I have. It needs not be said that Michael will be missed. Michael is a legend. Michael gave his all. But it is worth reflecting that as we all do, Michael had a personal world, where he often was not put on a pedestal. I know Michael enjoyed contributing to the beer, food and beverage world. He maintained immense satisfaction from his contributions. He also lived in Michael's world in a small flat in Hammersmith. With his significant other at the time, Patty, he raised Samantha (Sam) his adopted daughter. He took great pride in being a father, a grandfather, guidance counselor and sharing his life with the nearby community where he lived - without asking much in return. That is what Michael was dearly about. I have so many experiences I can recall, but for the moment, the world that loved Michael is quietly reflecting with what Michael has left us as individuals. Never mind the beer, the whiskey, the food and brewing lore - Michael was much more than met the eye. I'll dearly miss a friend and individual who really cared about people. I know all the staff here at the BA office are also reflecting on how much we will miss him. At the Brewers Association we extend our deepest feelings of sympathy to his family and closest friends. Charlie Papazian President Brewers Association
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 19 September 2007 ) |
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