RIP Judy Greenberg
“When the light of time is on us
We will see our moment come,
And the living soul will carry on.
Light a candle in the darkness
So others might see the way,
Light a candle in the darkness, when you go."
Judy passed from us on 15th December.
Only a few short weeks ago, she received the totally unexpected news that she had Stage 4 pancreatic cancer and that there was no hope she would survive. She told only a few of her closest friends and family while she decided what plans to make - especially in view of the large Neil fan community she belonged to and which had become one of the main focuses of her life.
No one, not even Judy, expected that her passing would come so soon, and she was still making plans almost to the last. Apart from the love for her own family, Judy lived for Neil, for his music, for her work for the Neil Young Archives and of course for her Facebook groups and all the wonderful people she got to know through them. Each and every one filled her with immense joy and a sense of purpose and fulfilment. When Neil heard of her serious illness, he wrote to her and Judy glowed with love and pride as she read out his words to a small circle of friends.
I think we all know that Judy would want her work and legacy to continue at all costs so we are now looking at the best ways to make that possible. Her work for her Facebook group needs no introduction or explanation. Everyone sensed her total commitment to it and she carried out her ‘guardian’ duties with respect and understanding and above all with love for the thousands of Neil fans with whom she came into contact. Love and only love.
With many of us, she also maintained direct, personal contact behind the scenes. She and I, like many others no doubt, had many lengthy exchanges over the last few years. We didn’t always agree on everything but there was always one absolute constant, her undying love and respect for Neil. I shall certainly miss our talks greatly as I am sure everyone will. It is simple testimony to her abilities as a leader and ambassador that her Facebook group, which had slumbered for a long time until she became Administrator at the end of 2017, grew from some 20,000 members to well over 40,000 in only five years under her careful leadership.
So let us continue Judy’s work and legacy out of respect and love for who she was and what she has achieved. May her memory be a blessing and may peace and love be upon her.
Tribute by Robert Broadfoot
Thank you for the heartfelt words Robert. Judy will be dearly missed. We briefly crossed paths with Judy at the Neil solo shows in Chicago back in 2018. We were both eagerly awaiting the concert to begin and trying to get to our seats. While brief, we're glad we at least had an exchange before we put the keys in our ignition and hit the road.
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