Travis Edmonson of Bud & Travis
September 23, 1932 - May 9, 2009
The Memorial Service for Travis Edmonson on May 28, 2009
The 3 pm memorial services for Travis Edmonson were held at the splendid and very serene St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church in Tucson. It was a sunny and warm day, and the church was filled to capacity.
A painting of Travis was on display at the alter (see eulogy page) to bring his presence ever closer. Mike Bartlett was the planning coordinator, and he and Steven Edmonson (Travis' son) both gave very touching and moving eulogies.
Steven Edmonson
Mike asked the congregation to share their Travis memories, and numerous people stood and gave very heartfelt stories. Each recalled their own connections and the influences that Travis had on their lives, speaking about his talents, grace, style, humor and ability to connect with everyone he met, his Rose-Marie, his wonderful family and how blessed they were to have known him and his music. Unfortunately, there was not enough time for everyone who wanted to speak to pay such tributes.
Gerry Glombecki and Earl Edmonson
Among the musical performers were Ted Ramirez and Michael Ronstadt (from the Santa Cruz River Band), Gerry Glombecki (Travis' music partner), Earl Edmonson (Travis' nephew) and Ellen Murphy and Erin Kissel (Travis' daughters).
Michael Ronstadt and Ted Ramirez (The Santa Cruz River Band)
The recessional music was a recording of a song that Travis wrote, "The Things I've Saved," describing how he wanted to be remembered.
After the services, friends and admirers gathered outside the sunny courtyard or inside the church to offer condolences to Travis' family and to speak about the singular man being honored.
Jeff Williams and Bert Williams play in celebration of Travis' life
Many also attended a dinner and musical salute coordinated by Bonnie Brock at the Old Town Artisans in Downtown Tucson. It was a very informal gathering where people shared stories, laughed, played and sang Travis' music. Being together to share their feelings made the evening poignant as well as a celebration of Travis' life and career.
Some of the musicians who contributed were Ron Iverson, Art Yow, Jeff Williams and Bert Williams and Don and Victoria Armstrong.
with a very special Malagueña Salerosa
Other Tributes
"The Things I've Saved"
from "Travis on His Own"