We saw the ambulances alongside Rte. 8 at around 11 p.m. Friday. At first, we thought it was an accident but it turned out the ambulances and a sheriff’s deputy’s car were at a driveway.

On Saturday morning, Bernie Coveney brought the news. John TwoPonies died at his home Friday night of an apparent heart attack.

A musician and songwriter who wandered from Texas to the West Coast to Nashville to Virginia, settling in Floyd County. According to his web site, he performed at local gigs and FloydFest and was working on a CD with bassist Chris Luster and Jeremy Herman (guitar and mandolin).

I only met John once, during his short-lived partnership with local computer techniciain Frank D’Amico. He came by the studio to talk about his plans for developing web sites and I chided him for trying to steal some of my current clients.  He grinned and admitted that he had tried but said "I couldn’t get anywhere. They sure are loyal to you."

His friends are loyal to him. John has gone through some hard times in recent years. His son was horribly burned  when a pan of hot grease overturned and doused him and friends rallied around John with a benefit concert. He repaid that kindness by performing at a benefit to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.

On Saturday, the talk at the "indoor yard sale" at the old Lazzardo’s space and at Cafe del Sol ranged from shock to sadness to hopes that he has gone on to a better place.