I must apologize for being late, I lay awake last night trying to remember all the people who had attended John Herriott's 80th Birthday Celebration at the Club yesterday afternoon.
Without a doubt the largest gathering of show people and fans I've ever seen.
Circus officials and people from all parts of the country. Within a span of five minutes I shook hands with John Cuneo, Rick Pfening, Elvin Bale, Ray Gronso, Tarzan Zerbini, La Norma, Paul Ingrassia, Dolly and Pedro, Rudy and Sue, Chic Silber, Frank Perry, Larry Allen Dean, Mike Naughton and so on.
There was a sign-in book at the front door, I wish I had a complete list.
To me the highlight of the evening came when John narrated a slide show giving the full sense of the show people he and Mary Ruth had known and worked with, interrupted by rounds of applause.
This should come as no surprise tho, for the most part John has long been the representative of the Sarasota circus people at meetings, social events, memorials and sadly, funerals.
We have been friends for 56 years not counting the friendship between our fathers before us.
I conclude by saying, "Job Well Done!" |
10 comments:
Truly a magnificent gathering for
a most worthy friend of us all
Long may he wave
Sounds like a fantastic evening. Keep following the arrows, Johnny.
Best to you, Mary Ruth and the rest of the family.
Buckles,
Heidi kindly invited me and I'm sorry I couldn't get down to Sarasota for the big event.
Let me pass on my happy birthday wishes to the inimitable Col. Herriott.
Jack
Certainly a most enjoyable gathering and congratulations to the four daughters for making this I’m sure a very special memory for their father.
Mary Ruth seemed to be having a great time watching the slide show.
For Rudi & I, we not only enjoyed the girls reading Johnny’s poems but seeing Johnny & Buckles together on the stage was a real treat.
Sue.
Happy 80th to the one and only Mr.Herriott. Getting to see this gent sharing the ring with equine one only thinks of a glass act.
Sincerely
JC Hall
Col. Herriott -
Congratulations on this wonderful milestone. May you continue in long life, happiness and feistiness! ~frank
JOHNNY: I still have the autograph you signed for me, in 1957, at Katy Ballpark, at 3rd & Webster, in Waco. You were on Gil Gray, always a beautiful show, and I believe you had horses, camels and llamas. You were among the first circus stars to give me the time of day, so thanks for the memories, Happy Birthday, and enjoy many seasons to come.
Wish I could have been there. All my best sir. I know it was quite an evening.
Bob
Buckles: Due to reasons beyond our control we could not follow through with our plans to be down there with all of you wonderful people for all of the activities. This is but one (BIG) reason we are so grateful for THE BLOG. Even though absent physically, we can still share the fantastic time all of you had.
Could not sign off here without a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY wish for the Colonel and his fine family.
As my Southern friends used to say, "God Bless You real good."
Paul Gutheil
Many thanks for your kind words on the "blog" and we had a wonderful time. Not just me but the whole family. Its great to be part of this unique way of life, working and living, I am humbled to be part of it. Thanks so much and I can't eexpress my gratitude for MR and the family for putting it together. I believe I know everyone that was in attendence. Thank you all. John Herriott
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