Andrew Speight Obituary, Death –
The San Francisco Bay Area and the jazz community mourn the loss of a wonderful human being, and a great player in Andrew Speight After learning of my close friend Andrew Speight’s untimely passing, I have been left in a state that can only be described as utter shock coupled with an overwhelming sense of loss. Please read the post that was published by the creative director of Manly Jazz for more information; I apologies that I am unable to respond individually to each and every one of your letters at this time. Since the time I was 13 years old, Andrew and his entire family have treated me as if I were a member of their own family. I consider them to be my “second family.” I am extremely thankful for the love and support they have given me. When I was there, I would often sleep on the couch in their living room.
Andrew (and John) were the ones who introduced me to some of the most incredible music that has ever been created. They also provided me with the opportunity to perform in some of my first major concerts, put me in contact with some of the most influential people in the music scenes of Sydney and other cities around the world, and were wholly and consistently supportive.
We never stopped talking to one another and have been able to keep our connection strong, particularly in the more recent years. This is in spite of the fact that he was away from his family for a substantial amount of time.
Over the course of our friendship of forty years, Andrew has shown me a tremendous deal of music that has made an unforgettable mark on me. These songs have been with me forever.
We made the most of each and every chance we had to enjoy ourselves, but at the same time, we were making preparations for the future…. I am completely at a loss for words; in fact, I don’t even know what to say… I am totally and utterly bewildered. I hope that you, my very special, very special friend, will finally be at rest in the afterlife. I love you, mate.