Jones Beach Bums Lost, but not Forgotten
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John Ohlrich
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The many faces of Johnny Ohlrich! John was a lovable,
high-spirited partier and huge fan of the Rolling
Stones. John left us at the tender
age of 17. While hitchhiking, he was struck by a car
and killed.
"...the day we heard that John O died (was) the
first time I saw teenage boys cry."... Randi
Crovets
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| Dave
Black |
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Dave
was a gentle, spiritual soul and a very free spirit.
During high school, his parents split up and moved to
different towns. The family of Mole (Dave Title) generously
allowed Dave to stay with them so he could finish high
school in Plainview (he eventually became one of my
best friends). Dave packed a lot of living into his
youth, graduating early and then marrying at the age
of 17. Barely 21 years old, while hitchhiking in Florida,
he too was unbelievably hit by a car and killed.
...Shari Fuller |
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| Bonnie
Roth |
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Bonnie
Roth (Uncle Scotty's younger sister) was also from Plainview,
another sweet and gentle soul, highly intelligent, a
good and loyal friend. Bonnie was also one of my best
friends in high school (and beyond). After graduating
near the top of her class, she went on to college and
excelled in every subject she studied. Then during a
visit to France she discovered a passion for cooking,
so she studied further at the Culinary Institute in
New York. Bonnie eventually became a chef, living and
working around the country. Unfortunately, she was so
busy that she didn't notice the signs of Hodgkin's Disease
until it was too advanced to be cured. We lost her at
the age of 29.
...Shari (Friedman) Fuller |
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| Dave
Beechel |
Click here
to read about Dave Beechel |
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| Fred
Botway |
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Fred (the Bed) Botway, one of the
original Jones Beach Bums, passed away recently. One
reason Fred will be remembered is that he would try
anything, and we mean anything! There was never an
adventure that Fred backed away from, including hanging
from the scaffolding at Watkins Glen. His penchant
for chemistry, his poetic meanderings, his nude photography,
his parrot Taco and his many amorous adventures are
some things Freddie was infamous for. Fred was part
of United Mutations when he joined the Bums, along
with Scott Weiss and Harlan Sparer... but Fred (and
the UMs) were never quite the same when they met the
Bums, and the Bums were never the quite the same as
well.
.... Dave T (Mole)
to see some childhood pictures of Fred, click
here |
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| Tommy
Rackovitch |
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Tommy was a limitless source of excitement, passion
for living, and enthusiasm and was always one of
the most popular Bums. He introduced us to all his
friends including the Vanderhalls. Tommy loved the
Beach Bums, and we all loved him. In June '72, Tommy
and I hitchhiked all the way out to the Colorado
Rockies together. (Mr. & Mrs. Rackovitch intrusted
me to moniter his medicine and I was so grateful
to them for their blessing for our trip) We camped
in the mountains (and ran into Scotty Weiss) with
hundreds of hippies from the Rainbow Family Of Living
Light, who still exist today. There were other adventures
we shared as fellow Montreal Maniacs. Tommy was
one of the most sincere, trustworthy, decent people
I have ever met, and I will never forget him. My
condolences to his parents and family. May he rest
in peace.
....Uncle Scotty
"He was like my brother...To those who knew
him, they truly saw his spirit and his courage".....Pete
the Freak
"I can't believe he's gone...what a great
person he was. My condolences to his family"...Andy
Gay
"To know Tommy, with his big heart, was to
love him"...Shari
Click here for more pictures of Tom
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love you all, and wish you were still here... |
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If you have any pictures or memories
that you would like to share,
Please Click Here
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