OnLine Memorial Service for John Fabian (CarterSteelGuitars)

[Hal Higgins]

First of all...to Ann and all the family, my sincerest condolences to you. John was, indeed, one of the greatest men I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. I remember going to the shop there in Mesquite on one occasion with a Carter Guitar that I had just gotten through the SGF. Mr. Bud was there making some additions to, and changes that I wanted done. Mr. John and I talked for a little bit, and I told him that I was in need of a wheeled case, he went and got it for me....I paid for it, and asked if there was any charge for the work that Mr. Bud was doing on the guitar. He told me no, then proceeded to ask me if I had extra sets of strings, and then supplied me with three sets of E9 and C6 each. I'm sure that I was not the first or the last that he'd ever done that for. John was that kind of man in business. On other occasions I'd call from my home and order parts and pay over the phone, and a day or two later there would be the package in the mail. I know that all of us will miss John...and we want to send our best wishes to Miss Ann and all the folks at World Class Steels.

[Dave Wheelhouse]

WHAT A SHOCK! OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS VERY SAD TIME ANN. I MET JOHN AT GERRY HOGANS LAST STEEL CONVENTION A FEW YEARS AGO HERE IN THE UK AND ALL I CAN SAY IS,"WHAT A LOVELY MAN" HE HAD TIME TO TALK TO ME AND HE SHARED INFO AND IDEAS. JOHN ALSO GAVE ME ENCOURAGEMENT AS A PLAYER & BUILDER OF PSG's. HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED. RIP. DAVE.

[Duane Reese]

This is a very sad thing to read. I am glad I had the chance to meet him...he sure seemed like a great guy, immersed into steel like few people I've ever met. I know for a fact that John's hard work and influence helped make the difference between mere passing interest and lifelong occupation as a steel player for a lot of people.

[Stephen Gregory]

He will be missed.

[Bud Harger]

Ann,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. We will miss him.

Bud and Val Harger

[Ray Uhl]

Ann, I was shocked to read of John's passing. I always enjoyed our brief visits at the ISGC. I remember during the 70's when he lived in Kansas City and I would see him at the various Clubs. He was always interested in playing and talking steel guitar. It was a pleasant surprise that years later he would own one of the most successful steel guitar manufacturing companies in the world.

Once again, we should cherish our steel guitar brotherhood. May God be with you and your family during these difficult times. Ray

[Michael Strauss]

RIP John

I stared going for colonoscopy in my early forties, I am now 54. My last one, a little over a year ago, they removed several polyps, more then the 2 prior ones I had. The doctor was concerned, so now instead of every 4 years, I'm going every 2. I agree with John, this is something everyone should do.

[Martin Abend]

Just read this. I'm truly sorry.

[Brad Bechtel]

I attended the memorial service for John Fabian at the Dallas Jamboree this mornig. It was touching and beautiful. Billy Phelps had a lot of great things to say about his friend.

[Gerry Hogan]

Ann,

Sincere condolences to you from Barbara and me. We were shocked when we received the news from our friend, Mike Fereday, who had seen your posting back at the end of January. I emailed you several times, immediately, but each message was returned after a day or two. I assumed you were already swamped with messages of sympathy.

John was an inspiration to all in this business. I also greatly admire the quiet and professional way you both carried the knowledge of John's illness, without letting on. We had no idea he was at all unwell, even as recently as the Irish Festival, last October!

We wish you the best for the future.

Kind regards,
Barbara and Gerry Hogan

[Ted Solesky]

John and I shared a band's gigs 10 yrs ago. I would visit him and Bud at the factory now and then over the years. I will miss the visits. He and Bud built my first Carter around 1994. The guitar is still doing the job. It shocked me to hear of his demise. He and his family are in my prayers.

[Steve Feldman]

I have been out of the loop for some time and just now heard this new about John. It's hard to know what to say, but the one thought I'll retain is that although I really only had occasion to get to know John on just a few occasions - Dallas, St. Louis, etc. - I always felt like I had a friend there.

RIP friend.