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Tribute to Lawrence Trudeau
Lawrence was dedicated bluegrass follower, singer, guitarist and promoter of the music. His motto was, ‘if it ain’t bluegrass, it ain’t music’. He started playing after his retirement to Summerland and joined in with bluegrass groups in Penticton and drove many miles to wherever there was a jamboree.
He got involved with organizing the Summerland jamboree at the rodeo grounds nine years ago and soon he was considered the expert and spirit of bluegrass festivals. In 1998 he was presented with a plaque from the B.C. Bluegrass Association, “because of the huge amount of effort we have observed Trudeau put forth, to promote bluegrass in this area”. He also served on the board of the B.C. Bluegrass Association.
In 2001 he decided the Summerland Bluegrass jamboree needed a committee to run things and he was President since. His quiet leadership has inspired many and made the Summerland campout the festival people look forward to each year.
In the words of many of you, he gave freely of himself; he was a good friend with a winning smile, the very essence of our bluegrass family. His songs will always be remembered and his willingness to help anyone, no matter whether they were beginners or not. He never had a critical word about anyone. His good sense of humor and his quick wit remained with him to the end. His friend Heather said, “When you get up there, save us a space”, he said, “I’ll throw you a rope”. This remark has a two-fold meaning, he always saved a space for his friends and he always had lots of rope, “in case I need one”. So we know he will always be there with a rope for us when we need it.
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