Greg, I can't believe it's been three years. I still think about you often. Just the other day I was thinking about the time that you and I picked up Catfish King for Mom and Pop and took it to them over at the assisted living place. When we arrived Pop's mouth was watering and of course he didn't have his teeth in. You started pulling out all the food and gave some to me, Mom, and yourself and told Pop that we forgot his food. He was not happy about that, but just before he started to cuss you pulled out his catfish dinner. That reminds me of another time when we were sharing flyfishing stories. You told me that you "could catch'em faster than Pop could eat'em." Miss you, Greg.

Having a big snow day in Fayetteville today and thinking about Greg. Many great times with him on days like today. O

Greg,

We miss your big smile and big personality! I miss being able to call you with funny stories, and I really miss your over-exaggerated stories! Love you so much!
lwood

Greg, Three years...We miss you like crazy! I think of you often and it makes me smile!! Your girls (and Laura), you would be so proud..and I know you are. They are like my own and I love them dearly!! Thank you for taking care of Chas up there! Love you, Hoop Dog

Greg, there's not a week that goes by that I don't think about you. I was just telling my girls about my cousin Greg tonight. I looked up to you and wanted to be like you. I always looked forward to the week I would spend at Aunt Mary's each summer. I remember one particular summer, I believe I was in fourth grade. You had invited over some of your friends including Sparky. Y'all were all playing poker in the detached garage. You had an ice chest full of soft drinks, but they weren't for sharing. You had to make a profit so you sold them...all except the Clearly Canadians. Those were yours and not for sharing or selling. I was just watching y'all until Shannon gave me a quarter to play a hand. I ended up winning $27 and you spent the rest of the night trying to win it all back from me. We even took the fun inside and flipped quarters against the wall to see who could land closest. I can't remember what time we finally went to sleep, but I do remember that I woke up early in the morning and noticed that you were still asleep. I didn't want to get up if you were still sleeping (because I wanted to be like you) so I laid there awake until 3:00 p.m. that afternoon. When we finally came out of the room Mary Lou made us waffles. Man, I miss you.

I read all of the stories and coments and it brings tons of memories of Greg rushing into my mind. From My Pleasure, parties at the house, that summer when he was rush chairman, and many others. There are so many but one stands out in my mind right now. It was in the spring of one of those many years I spent in Fayetteville and Greg, BooBoo, Chris Reeder and myself were headed to Hot Springs for a weekend of trouble. We were somewhere between Russelville and Hot Springs on that winding road and of course Greg was in a hurry. I probably told him 10 times to slow down in those curves, but he never did. On about the 11th time I started to comment about his driving he looked at me in the passenger seat and said \"Who's f*&^*(ing this cat and who's holding the tail?\" I laughed aobut that so many times and like so many other Greg stories, have told it over and over again.

One of my fondest memories of Greg started many, many yrs ago! He always called me, without fail, sometimes in the middle of the night, to wish me a happy birthday. I can hear his voice today--Happy birthday, Jenn-I (and sometimes added warrior to that name) 2272! I can't tell you how many people remember my birthday every yr. because of the 2272 slogan that he started when we were very young! Thanks to Greg, I will always have so many birthday wishes on this day. I love and miss him so very much. So here's to Smed....2272!

Mary Lou, Mel, Shannon, Laura, Libby, Catherine and all other friends and family....I think and pray for you daily. How I miss our wonderful Greg!!!!

we gathered last night at my parents's house with mary lou and mel and remembered all the many memories there. it's where we first met greg and then later mary lou and mel. we spent many a night by the fire, watching the sunset, and i am so thankful for all the times there with greg and his family.
we love you all, amy

Greg was one of the first people I met when I moved to AZ from SC. I met him through Merry Beth Curtis (Evans) and Chris Knight and I have so many fond memories of him. Hanging out at his and Brian's apt in Tempe, many shows and lots of roadtrips! I didn't see him often in recent years but when I ran into him it was always like we had just talked the day before, most recently on a chartered bus in Phx for WSP at Dodge Theater! I am so glad I had the chance to hang out with him at that show. I have never met anyone like Greg. What a force of energy and enthusiasm! Laura, I think about him and you and your fam frequently and wish you all the very best! XOXO- jen hopper

Laura,

I am still shocked and saddened by Greg's passing. I think of the two of you and your family often. I remember the first time I met him was after a World Series playoff game and you were together at a bar in Downtown Phoenix. He was so friendly and kind - adjectives that I am sure are used to describe him universally. I remember he was excited because he'd bought a World Series special baseball to commemorate the occasion. My favorite memory of Greg, though, is from my holiday party in 2004. When the two of you walked in, he walked up to my mother, looked her in square in the face, and said \"Mrs. Davis, it is so nice to see you. I am going to give you a little hug and kiss now.\" And he did! And it made her (and me) feel so honored and special. We still talk about that, and how gentlemanly he was.
I was happy to come across this website and am thrilled to see how beautiful and perfect the girls are, and happy to hear that you are doing well. You and your family will remain in my prayers and good wishes.
With love,
Lisa

I think of Greg often as I know all of you do as well. I met Greg (& Laura) in Arizona before they decided to make their home there ~ He and Brian Carlton were roommates and had a great home in Tempe. I remember lazy days of drinking canned budweiser, watching hunting shows while smelling fresh josed bread throughout the home ~ Greg & Brian were great cooks! I never did have a nickname until I met Greg and was never able to shake it after :). I remember how loyal Greg always was to Laura and his family. He would talk with Shannon and Laura like best friends, which they were. It was inspiring to see how he was the center of all things and a rock to those that needed him. Of course, he is truly the most entertaining person I've ever met and the best story teller...Baby Deer is my favorite. Coming to AZ for the most unspeakable tragedy was an emotional reunion with everyone but a moving and inspiring reminder of how many people Greg touched as well as the incredible grace that is within Laura. I hope I can make it to Gaston's since I'll miss Telluride this year. ~ Lizard

i saw the two most beautiful girls this past weekend.... not talking about laura or lisa, not mary lou or shannon, although with that list you know where they got it! i was so taken with the vibrant energy libby and catherine exude. libby could possibly be a miniature laura. and catherine, what a spitfire! greg is up there with the grandads chuckling from above... he knows that in the EXTREMELY unlikely event that someone forget him, she's right there as a reminder!

i was lucky enough to share two home states with greg and laura. i was not smart enough to take advantage of that as i should have. lesson learned. there isn't a couple i know that radiated warmth and inviting friendship more than greg and laura raffaelli. what an amazing gift to have been on the receiving end.

i feel so privileged to have been able to read and hear memories of greg's life. i'm quite certain he added YEARS onto the lives of many with his laughter-inducing stories and antics. he's watching us to see what we do with those extra years, you know. make him proud!

j.

Libby and Catherine, I choose today to write this note because it is an important day for me, it is the celebration when Jesus rose, and knowing that your dad would have a big party with God and his angels I thought it would be nice to to let you know that your dad was a wonderful man that always looked forward to see you happy. He did everything that he could do to make that possible. Libby I remember one time that you misplaced your "friend" before nap time. He looked everywhere to find it, it seemed that he was looking for a million dollars. He would have popcorn ready for when both of you woke up from your nap, and his face would light up every time that he saw both of you. I have several memories from you, and I really miss you, your mom, and your dad. I always felt and will feel bless to have been able to take care of his two greatest treasures, you two, Libby and Catherine we love you so much and always are in my prayers the same as is your mom.

My name is Kristi Lynn .I met Greg several years ago When I began cutting his hair. I saw him almost every 6 weeks.Although I only met you, Laura a few times I heard many wonderfull stories and felt as if I knew the girls just by hearing all about them thru our short visits.Greg was always a breath of fresh air in the salon.He always laughed alot and had such a gentle way about him.I was on maternity leave so I missed seeing him exept when I ran into you all at PF changs.I think of you and your family often and I hope you all are doing okay.Dan and I send our love and support and We both miss Greg and his energy.God Bless you all

(In case you don't remember me - I'm Brian's ex-girlfriend). I think of you and your girls often, Laura. 2007 was a difficult year. I lost my mom suddenly in July of last year. Seeing the pictures of Greg and you and the girls . . . the girls are the perfect combination of you and Greg. What a Southern sass-a-frass Libby seems to be! The great memories of Greg must overcome the pangs of pain you feel from his absence. I hope you are well. I miss your beautiful energy and smile. All my best - Michelle

I will never forget Greg or "G-Man" as I used to call him. Greg is a man that I can't say enough good things about. He taught me of seflessness and totally being about other people and making them feel special and that they were the most important person in the world. Watching Arkansas football games in the back yard having a couple of Miller Lite & Coors Lite beers were always a great day for me. An embarrasing story was one afternoon I had a few too many beers and Lisa Moody was in town visiting Greg, Laura, and the girls. It was getting late and it was time for everyone to go to dinner. The one problem was I couldn't drive home. Laura had to drive my truck home while Lisa & Brugh followed in another car. I am so blessed to have had Greg in my life and he will always hold a special place in my heart.

I remember Louis and those big blue eyes------ I understand Greg Had those same eyes.
Greg loved the horses --when he came to see us---Jason-Teri and Shanon were out side riding something--QA 50's-Horses--Three Wheelers--swiming. Greg liked to rope-- so I gave him one. Louis told me not to give him another one if they ever got that one away from him. He would go with us to rope on the back hill.
We always had a great time.
Those were great times.
Uncle Jimmy

dear laura, where do i begin,,,,,my very first recollection of greg is when you came over for drinks and i thought what a handsome teddy bear of man. you just wanted to give greg a big hug!!!!! and those baby blue eyes...wow...just a stunning couple,,,and then those two beautiful girls came along and his love fo his girls was always very apparent. caddis was almost part of greg,,,he hardly ever came without their beautiful and loving dog which reflected the very laidback aura greg exuded wherever \\he went...greg added a relaxed and friendly accepting presence,,everyone enjoyed being around himi always wanted to go on a hike or outing with him. he seemed like he truly loved the out of doors..i was imoressed that laura went camping so often in their early days....he could be casual but elegant at the same rime...greg gre greg soon we will ave eternity ti spend time since i feel cheated since i did not ge to just sit ans talk with you as i would hae liked...i remember great barbecue skills and times out by the pool..my son william constantly told me how lucky greg was to have laura but she was undoubtedly very content too love and prayers, susan and jim french

"For this son I prayed." Greg and Shannon were my most prized possessions. I loved every minute of being their Mary Lou. Greg was born full throttle. It was if he knew he had to do it all in a short period of time. When at age 3 we would say our prayers and I'd tuck him in bed he would always say, "what we do tomoree?" Each day was a gift and he's pack all he could into it. At three his uncle Jimmy gave him a horse that he loved. Then Uncle Tommy gave him Heather, a big Irish setter that he loved to rope. He once tied our maid to the back of the chair and left her there until I came home from the grocery store. Next came a go-cart that went much too fast. I told his father to put a muffler on it to slow it down. I looked out to see he had put a big orange flag on the back of it so cars could could see and not run over he and Shannon as they went down the street. He and Shannon had mopeds, 4 wheelers, a sail boat, jet skies, a cat ski, dogs, birds, and an aquarium with beautiful fish. We had a detached garage that we turned into a game room with a jukebox, shuffle board, game table and outside a swimming pool and trampoline.His birthday parties started one day and continued until the next afternoon.
Greg loved tennis, golf, soccer, baseball, basketball, fishing, hiking, water skiing, snow skiing,camping,
and anything to do with the outdoors. I think that's why he loved Arizona so much. His greatest achievement was marrying Laura and their joy was Libby and Catherine. Greg said they were miracles. Now he knew how much I loved him!
Greg is now in a better place and I'm sure he and his Dad are party chairman of all the great feast. He has met his father-in-law and a grand father he never knew. The stories have just begun. The greatest loss is that of a child. I miss him more each day, but my hope is in the Lord. "Taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living my baby you'll be! Greg, I can't wait until tomoree when I can join in all the excitement of God's creation with you.

I forgot that we were supposed to add a favorite story. So here's mine:
I had just gotten my first new, fully-loaded sports car which I had always wanted. It wasn't but a couple of months old when I ran a red light in Fayetteville and was slammed into by another car right on the edge of campus by Holcombe Hall.
By chance, Greg was right there to help. I wasn't really hurt - just bruised and upset at myself. But Greg scooped me up and took me to my fraternity house a few blocks away.
I don't even remember what all he told me now, but Greg was throwing out every story he could think of about car wrecks (And he had lots of stories). Although I don't remember the exact stories he told, I do remember that he made me feel better. I guess that was his goal.
He even stayed with me for about an hour and a half just talking away until my girlfriend got there. I paid him back with dinner a few weeks later.
Today, I now realize that I owe Greg a lot more than a just a few dinners. That's because he helped me (and probably hundreds of others) switch onto the country and Americana music he so passionately loved. I am proud to say his influence lives on today.
Sincerely,
Jared Jones

I've known Greg since I was 2 years old. Our lives seemed to intersect quite a lot. We went to the same church and attended high school and college together. When I moved to England in 1994, I only saw him during the holidays in Texarkana where he would always greet me with the classic Greg smile and Greg's famous arm around the shoulder combined with a hearty handshake. Although I have dozens of memories of Greg at parties and events, the one thing I remember most about him is that he was so steadfast. Greg was the same great guy that I knew since I was a kid. No matter what situation he was going through, you could always depend on Greg to be rock solid. When his wonderful father, Louis, passed, I remember his strength in holding up family and friends. He was an amazing man of character who I will greatly miss and always remember. My family would like to extend our deepest sympathies.
Sincerely,
Jared Jones

Meggan et al.,
Just as you had the opportunity to hear stories from Greg's vault (yes, many guestbook readers know the Baby story well), I too had the pleasure of hearing Greg's stories about the Grand Canyon trip and the people he met. He described each and every person and the interesting lives they led. He spoke highly of your documentary efforts (weren't you ahead of the game!), and I am anxious to see and hear more about it. I know of his many efforts to keep in touch with you and others after the trip through emails, christmas cards, etc. I have no doubt that, were Greg alive today, you and the rest of the group would be in \"the family of Greg\" for life and that we would meet in the near future. Even though he isn't here, I intend to keep up that connection. Thank you to Molly for organizing the trip.

And thank you from the bottom of my heart for your guestbook entry. I look forward to meeting you in person.
Laura

Dear Laura,

Greetings. my name is Meggan Lennon. I was fortunate enough to get to know Greg on Grand Canyon river trip last year. Although I didn't know him beforehand, I count myself very lucky to have gotten to know him during the river adventure, and am honored to consider him a friend.

I can't imagine what a difficult year this has been for you. I hope you take some small solace in knowing how clearly happy Greg was in his life, and how very proud he was of you and Libby and Catherine. We still have your sweet Christmas card photo on our fridge. Your girls are beautiful.

I've included a letter here for the girls about our trip.

My husband Craig and I live in New York City, and we both hope to meet you sometime. You are most welcome any time you might find yourself out east.

Warmest regards,

Meggan Lennon
366 Broome St. #43
New York, NY 10013
h. 212-625-9339
megganlennon@earthlink.net


Dear Libby and Catherine,

I was lucky enough to get to go on the Grand Canyon River rafting trip with your dad. He talked excitedly about both of you and your mom all the time. It was clear how much he loved his family and how very happy he was in his life.

As you might imagine, he and Chris Knight were the comedic duo of the rafting group.
When there was first talk of the trip together for Molly Norton's birthday celebration, Chris and your dad established themselves as the pranksters of the group. Chris called up Molly and said that your dad really wanted to come on the trip because he headed up a group called "Dam the Canyon" who wanted to put up a dam and fill up the Grand Canyon with water to use as a power supply. Molly, as a staunch environmentalist, and great lover of the Grand Canyon took them seriously, and was fooled by them for months. She was very upset and initially said your dad wasn't allowed to go if he really wanted to fill up the Grand Canyon! Eventually she figured out there was no such organization as "Dam the Canyon" and laughed when she realized they had been pulling her leg for months.

Your dad and Chris were always together - were always in the same boat toasting the canyon with beer cans they kept in the "drag bag“ a makeshift cooler that floated behind our rafts. They always kept everyone in good spirits with their jokes and funny insights, even days where we were paddling all day in the cold rain.

Your dad was always going out of his way to help other people and he was always putting up everyone else's tents first, and was always first to volunteer to paddle when people were tired.

As you know, your dad was an incredible storyteller. He and Chris would always stay up later than everybody at night telling stories. I'm sure you know the story about the deer named "Baby" your great-grandfather had made friends with and who your dad got into a fist fight with. The way he told this story with dramatic pauses and full on re-enactments had everyone rolling on the floor of the Grand Canyon with laughter until they were crying, and they demanded to hear it again and again.

For some reason, our late night storytelling crew was dubbed "Man Camp", (although there were several women. . . ). Your dad started nominating some of the women on the trip to be the officers of "man camp" in order to keep it civilized.

Your dad and I were some of the few who only stayed for the first week of the trip -- most everyone else was staying on the river for another week. He only came for the first half because wanted to get back in time to spend his wedding anniversary together with your mom. The day we left the rest of the group, we had a long 8-mile hike up from the Colorado River to the North Rim of the Canyon. We started out early. Your dad was a great hiker, and was frankly in much better shape than I was. He could have run up those switchbacks, but was very kind and patient, and always waited for me - probably adding hours on to his trip. He was even nice enough to carry my backpack part of the way when I was completely exhausted.

We finally made our way up to the north rim and he insisted on buying beers for everyone to celebrate. We hung out in the lodge and toasted our long hike. That trip would not have been nearly as fun or interesting without your dad’s wonderful sense of humor, kindness and generosity of spirit.

To someone who only barely got to know your dad, he made quite a lasting impression.
I'm sure you know how much he loved you, and how proud he was of his family. He will always live in the hearts of those that knew him.
Love,

Meggan Lennon

A little diddy I keep on my refrigerator, but I can't take credit for it. Good luck catching Greg's dash even with his short 34 years!

~The Dash~
by Linda Ellis

I read of a reverend who stood to speak
at the funeral of his friend. He referred to the date on her tombstone from the beginning... to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke of the date with tears but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth, and now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own; the cars, the house, the cash. What matters is how we live and loved and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard, Are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left You could be at \"dash mid-range\"

If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real, and always try to understand the way other people feel, and be less quick to anger,
show appreciation more and love the people in our life like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect, more often wear a smile remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read with your life's actions to rehash... would you be pleased with the things they say about how you spent your dash?

Ginny - you poor soul - you must have been so disappointed when you met Clay.

JAZZFEST ALERT!!!!

for all you late night groovers out there.. and you know who you are

Tipitina's has The Greyboy Allstars booked for the 5/3 Sat night show


i have some fond memories of Raffaelli at the Sat night Tips shows during jazzfest....... \"keep em coming\"

At the encouragement of Aunt Mary and Laura, here are a couple thoughts on Greg's earlier days. Girls- I hope this helps you to know your daddy when he was a kid too.

*Greg has rarely ever used the words "mom" and "dad". From the time he was little, they were "Mary Lou and Louis". I went home and tried the first name basis. It didn't go over near as well at my house.
* Before there was Caddis, there were Sheba and Polo. Greg has always adored his dogs
* I remember coming home from school and regularly splitting a plate of nachos on the couch with Greg while we watched TV.
* Greg grew so fast, that he slept a lot. I just remember him sleeping all the time
* Greg was the one who showed me where Aunt Mary kept her secret stash of Haagen Daz bars.
* We used to climb in bed with Aunt Mary and he would get so frustrated when she would put her feet on him. Laura- was he like that later in life? I just remember it being really funny.
* I used to sit outside and watch him shoot baskets while he quizzed me on my junior high boyfriends. He really made me think he was interested.
* I remember when he went off to Arkansas and I kept hearing about this set of twins who looked just like Tom Cruise. Clay and Brian- I couldn't wait for your 1st trip to Texarkana.

Libby and Catherine- Your dad was such a charmer and so full of life.

Stoby, think you could find the video from your wedding? I know a few folks that would like to see that chest on stage.....wasn't there a tie involved?

Laura, We will always treasure our summer in Sun Valley with you and Greg, Lisa and Jim and the memories of your wedding in Arizona. Much love to you and the girls.This is a beautiful tribute to Greg.

Peq, Not only is "Your Long Journey" so fitting, but listening to it with Greg's picture above really looks like he is truly on his long journey. Pretty cool!

Laura,
I'm Brick's aunt. She e-mailed me this site and I've thoroughly enjoyed seeing it. I know how meaningful the relationship between all of you has been for Helen and Clay. The site is a wonderful tribute.

You are dearly missed,
Nicole

Jenny, you just reminded me of one of my favorite stories. We had just returned from Steamboat - 1995 Spring Break. Dax was still staying with Clay, Sparky and Greg. Dax walked in Greg's room one afternoon and saw him with his shirt off...he said, \"man, is that a goatee growing on your chest.\" I nealry fell over laughing. Dax hit it right on. Greg and I laughed about that comment every time he had his shirt off, which was a lot in Arizona

One more thing, Greg had the hardest time growing facial hair. He came home for the Knolls trip with the most pitiful, splotches of hair on his face and we made so much fun of him for 2 days that he finally shaved it--thank goodness. Missy just reminded me that she thinks that is why he like to unbutton his shirt 2, or 3 (or sometimes 4) buttons. He did have a pretty good looking chest and his hair grew better there than on his face. Good memories! Thanks La and Brewsky for this website.

What would be really good, is if I could spell my name correctly.

Good call on website!

I remember a big Oaklawn weekend in Hot Springs in the early nineties if memory serves. It was like a month before Greg was moving to Arizona. Of all the crazy-fun we had, the memory that sticks in my mind most is Greg embracing and consoling a teary-eyed Shannon in the parking lot of Rocky's Corner. After losing their dad in the not too distant past, Shannon was especially upset about Greg going so far away....

Shannon- I don't know exactly what Greg said to you that day, but I know he wants you to never forget how much he loves you and will always be with you.

I just got back from the Razorback game. Go Hogs! We just put a whoppin on Florida. On my way to the game I was going to pick up Mike Lamberth, aka Lambo, aka Lamby when KC and the Sunshine bands, "Get down tonight" came on the radio. This is a perfect example of how little things throughout the day constantly remind me of Greg.

It was probably the summer of 94 and Greg had just seen Carlito's Way. Greg was enamored with the music in the movie and just had to have the soundtrack. We spent the whole day driving place to place trying to find it but it wasn't out yet. At one point we pulled over and got the bag phone out to call ahead to the stores we had not been to yet, still no luck (yes girls phones used to be in bags). We decided to get KC and the Sunshine bands greatest hits instead, I'm not even really sure why. Anyone who spent any time with Greg that summer will remember that was his theme music for the rest of the year. I can't hear it today without thinking of him or that damn chicken dance he used to do.

I miss Greg so much! I love the pictures!

I wake up today missing my favorite call of the year. Like Too Short said in a previous entry, Greg called me every year on my birthday. It didn't matter where I was or where he was, I always got the call. I can hear his voice in my head,\"Happy birthday, Jenn-I, 2272\". What a great friend he was!!

I want to throw a birthday wish out to Vince and Big Daddy, it's great to share a birthday with good people.

I invite you to listen to "Your Long Journey" by Alison Krauss and Robert Plant on the Music link. What is it about Alison Krauss....

Laura,
What wonderful memories this has brought back! I can't imagine a better way for Libster and the Stinker to remember their Daddy!

Stacy \"CHED\"

I added a feature to the "music" link above. You have to hit play on "Standing on the Moon" and then maximize the YouTube screen. You have to watch the entire song (won't let you skip to the end - sorry). After the video ends, it will ask you for an email address. Send the email to BCarlton@hfflp.com with the subject line "I completed my homework." It is case sensitive - sorry. After you do this you'll get a special message... Trust me.

As I sit here studying for the AR Bar Exam, it reminds me of when I took the AZ Bar Exam 9 years ago. The exam was in Tucson that year, and my law firm arranged for my accommodations putting us up at the Arizona Inn. Greg, of course, drove me to Tucson and stayed with me. It was a two day exam. On the night before the exam, Greg arranged for me to have a massage in the casita. That kind of thoughtfulness was so Greg. The next day, he dropped me off at the exam, went back to the hotel, grabbed the paper and headed for the pool until I could break for lunch, also so Greg. He then picked me up for lunch and again after day one was over. We spent that evening taking shelter from a summer monsoon in our casita with room service. He followed the same routine for day two, taking me, picking me up for lunch, and picking me up at days end. When the exam was over, he had a six pack of Coors Light iced down in the car for me for the ride back to Phoenix.

It will be very lonely taking the AR Bar Exam without him this year.

It has come to my attention that my earlier post may have offended some people. In Greg’s honor I tried not to let facts or the truth get in the way of a good story. I meant no disrespect to Greg’s memory. It was a poor attempt at humor and I guess it didn’t come off too well. If I have offended anyone I am truly sorry. This not being the first time I’ve been in the doghouse; that reminds me of another Greg story.

I’m not sure how old Caddis is now but this story took place when she was just a puppy, maybe a year old. Greg was in town for the Christmas holidays and came down to meet me and the boys for our annual duck hunt. He asked if he could bring Caddis and I said sure thing. I knew we maybe in trouble when we loaded up and Caddis rode in Greg’s lap all the way to the duck woods. I turned and said Greg are you sure this dog is ready to hunt? His response was oh yeah she’ll do great. I have never seen a lab more miserable in my life. We were standing in freezing water and Caddis, ears back would keep 3 legs in the water with one raised out the whole time. You could clearly tell this was an Arizona lab. As it was time to load up that’s when the real fun started. Caddis wasn’t having it, she would not come to Greg and we simply couldn’t get her back in the truck. The longer this went on the madder Greg got and the more we laughed. I have pictures of the whole thing and would post them if I was smart enough to figure it out. After 45minutes we were on our way back to the camp, Caddis riding in Greg’s lap all the way.
After a big breakfast the dominoes came out and one game led to another and another. Before we realized it the day had gotten away from us. Now in true Greg fashion he was going to be late. I had promised to have him back in LR by that afternoon. He and Laura were going to dinner that night with Laura’s family. He made it back just in time but forgot his bag at the duck camp. This would not have been that big of a deal but Greg and Laura were heading back to AZ the next morning. Needless to say I don’t think the evening went too well. By the time I got to Laura’s house the next day with Greg’s bag Laura was so mad she wasn’t speaking to me or Greg. Now I’ve known Laura for almost as long as Greg and this was a first. Although we had gotten in trouble it was a day I’ll never forget. Thank you Laura for allowing us to have that time.

A wise man from Texarkana once said to me, “time heals all wounds”….I hope it does in this case too. I hope this site has been as therapeutic for everyone as it has been for me.

Thanks Laura and Brugh

Stoby

The Meters Reunion show---San Francisco---2000

I have a favorite story of Greg just being an awesome friend to me

When this one-time reunion show was announced, the first thing Vincent and I did was figure out how the hell we could get to San Francisco for this supreme night of funkiness. The second thing we did was call Greg to see if he was in with us. Of course, he was all over it and the next thing he said was \"I'll take caer of everything!\" Greg took charge and had it all planned out....he had this friend (Jackson Williams) in San Francisco that had an apartment we could stay in, it's all under control, don't worry about anything, yada-yada.

Something happens and Vincent has to back out and then I get a call from Greg a week before the show saying he had to bow out as well. I told him there was no way I was letting him out of this....I'd never been to Cali, what was I supposed to do with this $$$$ plane ticket, don't know anybody out there, etc....and before I could say anymore....\"Chill out, I got you covered.\" Huh? \"I've already called Jackson, he knows your coming, he's going to leave a key out for you because he's going to be out of town, and I've also arranged for Jackson's driver pick you up at the airport.\" Wha? \"Yeah and when you get there, here's Helen Main's number and make sure you call her and yall will get hooked up for the show\".

I had never met Jackson or Helen at that point and was like 'are you SURE' this is going to work out, cause I'm havin my doubts........ Trust me, he said.

So I arrive in San Francisco, get off the plane and there's Jackson's driver there in a tricked-out BMW with a \"Richard Henry\" sign.....and I was escorted right to the Presidio and Jackson's apartment...called Helen, got hooked up with that crew..they took good care of me...didn't even meet Jackson till the next afternoon......and ended up having one of the best times...

and I might have eaten that ticket and not made the trip if Greg hadn't gone so far out of his way to make sure I would be well-taken care of.

I know that doesn't surprise anybody on here

couple more to follow

Laura and girls,
Great site....Like everyone, there are not many days that go by I don't think about Greg. Wow what great times!! Girls, your dad was simply the best. Words simply cannot describe his larger than life personality. While I certainly remember the great times socially with Greg - What I remember most is that he was the first to call me every morning on my birthday and on the anniversary of my brothers death. He never missed not once. What a friend.
Miss you and Love you Bowser
Trey

It is great reading all the stories about Greg. I am so glad that he was my friend.
It is so funny to see he said the same things to so many people\" You can't put a price on a good time Randolph\". I had a lot of good times with Greg from Pheasant hunting in South Dakota, to making the rush tour in his Explorer, to breakfast (all day) after a dove hunts in AZ.

My favorite Greg story is we were in Pine Bluff for a rush party and some how in the middle of party Greg and I ended up on stage with the band playing tambourine. Next thing I know the lights are on and we are headed for the Pine Bluff equivalent of IHOP. As we are walking in there is a shooting in the parking lot and we l still go in to eat. The next day we wake up and I am trying to figure out where we are Gregg tells me \"we are at Richard Henry's house and I'm pretty sure he is going to be a Sigma Chi, but we are going to go in the kitchen and charm the hell out of his Mom\". All I could say was I am following you, and in true Greg fashion he did and we had a great meal.

Laura we think about you and the girls every day and loved the time we had in AZ. Nelson still talks about \"Mr. Geg\".

Love ya!!

Laura,

What a wonderful way to bring so much happiness to all of Greg's friends. I have looked at each and every picture numerous times with the biggest smile. I don't think I have ever laughed and cried so much! Thanks for sharing so many memories with all of us. You are a wonderful mother and friend!

Love you,

Darrah

When I picture Greg, I hear his laugh, see the twinkle in his eye, see the “up to no good” look in his eye and see that one arm chicken signature dance move of his with no shirt on. I see so much of him in his girls, I really do. One of my favorite traits he passed down to them is their ability to shed their clothes about the second hour into almost anytime we get together. Next thing you know Charlie starts to go skins too, and there are a bunch of naked kids running around. I know he would be so proud!

Brugh was able to load the set list in the link below... give it a listen and I'm sure you will be able to picture Greg and his groove as I did.
not a great set but some great Greg Raffaelli anthems

Let the Good Times Roll......

He's Gone - Robert Hunter

Rat in a drain ditch, caught on a limb, you know better but I know him.
Like I told you, what I said, Steal your face right off your head.

Now he's gone, now he's gone, Lord he's gone, he's gone.
Like a steam locomotive, rollin' down the track
He's gone, gone, nothin's gonna bring him back...He's gone.

Nine mile skid on a ten mile ride, hot as a pistol but cool inside.
Cat on a tin roof, dogs in a pile,
Nothin' left to do but smile, smile, smile!!!!

Now he's gone, now he's gone Lord he's gone, he's gone.
Like a steam locomotive, rollin' down the track
He's gone, gone, nothin's gonna bring him back...He's gone.

Goin' where the wind don't blow so strange,
Maybe off on some high cold mountain chain.
Lost one round but the price wasn't anything,
A knife in the back and more of the same.

Same old, rat in a drain ditch, caught on a limb,
You know better but I know him.
Like I told you, what I said,
Steal your face right off your head.

Now he's gone, now he's gone Lord he's gone, he's gone.
Like a steam locomotive, rollin' down the track
He's gone, gone, nothin's gonna bring him back...He's gone.

Ooh, nothin's gonna bring him back.


This was one of the best weekends of my life

Thanks Greg