Nancy Wasen

Richard was a good friend of mine from the 70's into the last decade. He was a mover and a shaker in the music world, first in the band The Funny Kompany, the iconic Es Shades and then his band Canyon who had a hit "Top of the World". They played all over Ohio and into NY. I was always happy to hang with the band and Richard. He was funny and creative and just a good guy to be around. 

Later he toured with Kim Simmonds (Savoy Brown) and then had some local bands also and lastly played percussion with one of his old band mates,  Don Cook.

Richard had his own construction business for eons. 

He is survived by his son Matthew. 

No funeral but there will be a celebration of life this spring at the Ashland Eagles Club which I am helping Matthew put together 

RIP Richard

Jeff Ewing

Great tribute Nancy.  Coincidentally Kim Simmonds passed away just before Christmas. I forwarded the news about Richard to Kevin Linke and asked if he remembered Canyon.  He responded with:

I certainly remember CANYON…

They were the biggest original band in the region; I’d see them occasionally over at W.J.’s in Mansfield.
They had 45’s pressed up of their single that they sold at their shows, and came pretty ‘darn close to hitting it big (they spoke with fake British accents from the stage!)

Nancy Wasen

I did hear about Kim! How about that? Thanks for your comment. Some of us have been wondering what ever happened the LP they recorded in NYC but no one seems to have a clue