Honoring Bill Blue

The Bill Blue Story

Born in Aberdeen, North Carolina, and raised in Yorktown, Virginia, Bill Blue first picked up a guitar when he was in school in Richmond, Virginia. Playing along with records at first, Blue began to develop his unique slide guitar technique.

A chance meeting with Arthur (Big Boy) Crudup --who wrote Elvis Presley’s hit “That’s Alright Mama”-- ignited Bluel’s life-long passion for Blues music.

With the British music invasion of the 60’s and 70’s bringing R&B bands like The Rolling Stones to the USA, interest in Blues music grew and Arthur Crudup who’d been working as a farm hand, asked Blue to put together a live band.

Crudup and Blue toured the USA, most notably opening for Bonnie Raitt on her first American tour.

After Crudup died in 1974, Blue went out on his own and for a decade toured extensively, sharing the stage with BB King, ZZ Top, The Allman Brothers, Albert King, Johnny Winter,  and countless others at Blues festivals across the USA.

Blue made 2 LPs for the Feather label before signing with the prestigious Adelphi record label, one of the best blues labels in the US. Blue made 2 LP’s for Adelphi and the worldwide distribution the label offered gave him the chance to be heard around the world.

In the eighties, tired of the road, Blue stopped touring and moved to Key West.

He continued playing at the legendary Sloppy Joe’s with his band, The Nervous Guys, and  was the first musician to ever play at the famous Green Parrot, now known worldwide as an outstanding live music venue.

Armed with some great songs, his unique style of slide guitar playing, and a gravelly voice that had deepened with age, Blue went into the studio for two live rhythm track sessions with drummer Richard Crooks (a New York player whose credits included playing with Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Dr.  John, and Paul Simon), Nashville guitarist Michael McAdam, London guitarist Matt Backer, Key West Drummer Mick Kilgos,and various other members of Blue’s live band.

The resulting LP, “Mojolation,” garnered stellar reviews, worldwide airplay, and reached No.1 on ReverbNation’s Blues chart and on the British Blues Broadcaster’s chart.

“Mojolation” was released on October 13th 2013 at a record release party at The Green Parrot. In honor of Bill’s new record, his charity work, his being the “elder statesman” of the Key West music scene, the City Of Key West declared October 13th to be Bill Blue Day in perpetuity.

A second album, “The King of Crazy Town,” was also released by Conch Town Records.

Honoring Jacki Leahy

JACKI LEAHY 1954-2022
Jacki loved working on the Crooks Crew.  Her support, ingenuity and enthusiasm shaped the early years of the Crooks Annual Second Line.
Jacki was usually found near water.  She was a life guard, scuba instructor and a cruiser on her beloved sailboat, Rainbow Chaser.
She spent her last decade as caretaker of the Melbourne Yacht Club with her husband Jack and her Jack Russell terrier, Jackson.


Honoring Geno Ostrander

Larry Eugene “Geno” Ostrander was born  a redneck in Charleston SC on August 23, 1953. He was one of 4 children. 


   He discovered hashing in 1992 and attended several American and world interhashes, and hashed in at least 10 countries. He made numerous hash friends throughout the world, and he was well liked by anyone who met him. 



At his memorial in October 2021, over 100 hashers from 11 states came to pay tribute to one of the funnest guys you could ever hang out with. He loved his all-ke-haw and lived the “If you don’t start drinking first thing in the morning, you can’t drink all day!”  every day, and had his camo Tervis tumbler filled at all times. I think he invented the “10 count pour”, where you pour your liquor to the count of ten, and fill any remaining room with mixers. His 2 favorite drinks were Capt and Coke, and VO and Ginger. He even carried a bar in his truck at all times with liquors, mixers and ice so he could stop and pour himself one at all times!!!

   Although he squandered most of his money away drinking and chasing tail, he would give you the shirt off his back if you asked. He was always available to lend a hand or help a friend out. 


Even though he traveled around the world, Geno’s favorite place to visit was Key West, making several trips a year. He passed away August 2, 2021 while visiting Key West.


Honoring Catherine Good Duncan

Catherine Good Duncan transitioned safely and joyously home to her mansion of light in the Grand Universe of God’s domain on Oct. 27, 2020; although not how she, or anyone who loved her, had planned. She leaves behind her daughters Katchen Duncan (Thomas Loth) and Jessica Wex (Andrew Wex), her sister Caren Ward (Mark Carpenter) her brothers Lloyd Good III and John Good (Amber Good), her sisters in love Lisa Johnson and Tamara Chanmugam, her nieces and nephews Clara Christina Ward, Samuel Carpenter, Emily Good, Sara Alia Good-Chanmugam, Lilly Good and Logan Good, and her first grandchild, due in December.

Catherine was born in Philadelphia on Dec. 12, 1958 to Miriam Good and Lloyd Good, Jr. Their family moved to the Florida Keys when they purchased Sugarloaf Lodge in 1973. After graduating from University of Colorado, with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Catherine moved back home to the Keys to raise her two daughters where they could be close to their extended and colorful family.

A member of Unity of the Keys for many years, Catherine was active on their board and music team and also loved leading meditations. She was a devoted yogi all of her life, practicing and teaching the ways of spirituality, peace and boundless compassion up until her final breath. She was a bold artist, fantastic costume maker, and loved singing with the Keys Chorale. She was incredibly funny and was known for her boisterous laugh and often amusing herself. She was also whip smart, and ready for a swim or a party at a moment’s notice. Her brilliant brain and competitive spirit made her a formidable Scrabble and chinese checkers opponent. She could even turn a jigsaw puzzle into a fierce sport. Catherine was loved by many and had innumerable best friends. She encouraged them all to follow their bliss, to not waste a single moment, and she supported everyone with her limitless generosity.

Catherine was invincible, a “complicated medical miracle”, and a 32-year (!!) breast cancer survivor. She not only survived, but thrived! She radiated zeal, good humor, positivity and dedication to a whole life. Catherine inspired everyone she met simply with her mere presence. Her legacy is truly a message of commitment to self-care, health and passionate love.

Donations to the “Above and Beyond” fund at Unity of the Keys can be made in honor of Catherine always going above and beyond for her daughters, her family and her friends. In love and peace, freedom and joy we surround you with love Mommy, “The Thrin”, Aunt Cathy, “The Duchess of Sugarloaf.”

Honoring David "Dave" Wooley


David “Dave” Arthur Wooley, 64, of Smithfield, Virginia passed away on December 26, 2022. Dave was born on February 6, 1958 in Vestal, New York, and was the son of the late J. Bedford “Jack” and Margaret “Maggie” Wooley. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Claire Robertson Wooley; two children, Christy Howard (Rico) and William Wooley (Courtney); five grandsons; his brother John Wooley; and a host of friends whom he treated as family. Dave was a proud 1976 graduate of Vestal High School and a proud 1980 graduate of SUNY Maritime College at Fort Schuyler. He enjoyed telling stories about his high school and college years and took pride in keeping in touch with his former classmates. He spent over forty years working in the marine and shipping industries, and was most recently an Operations Manager for Atlantic Container Line (ACL). Dave enjoyed golfing, being on the water, planning and attending social gatherings, and could always be found with a golden retriever close by. A service to honor Dave’s life will be held at Little’s Funeral Home in Smithfield, Virginia on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 12:00pm, with a Celebration of Life to follow at 2:00pm at Smithfield Station. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.