This is to express sadness for Barry Armstrong. During my time at Pacific High, I was friends with the journalism crowd, since I had a weekly cartoon with the school newspaper. Also, some of my friends were with the rock'n' roll crowd, since I was a member of Drew Johnese's band, Fellowship of the Ring. Barry Armstrong was a good friend, though I cannot recall our connection. Perhaps, it was from Mr. Bond's singing class. In the summer of 1969, Barry wanted to take a day trip to visit the ocean, but I declined, because I was busy studying for the French exam, given to incoming students at U.C. I will always feel a little guilty for declining Barry's invitation. At any rate, my best recollection of Barry is his performance in the high school production of Oliver. Barry had the lead role, and he was a fine singer. I will always remember Barry's moment of fame, standing at front/center stage, and singing, "Who will buy . . . ." Once during my freshman year, in college, I had a talk with Barry, and it concerned the singing on Dark Star, on Grateful Dead's Live/Dead album. I made the remark that the singing was not really skilled. To this, Barry told me that the untrained quality of the singing provided extra atmosphere to the recording. And so, I agreed with Barry's remark, and I now understand that the untrained character lends an attractive yearning quality. One of Barry's classmates has kept me posted regarding Barry's health issues, as they presented themself, in the decades following graduation from Pacific, but I don't know anything besides the sketchiest details. So long, Barry.
David Loucks (1970)
I remember Barry as being very friendly, outgoing, and talented. I am sorry to hear he has died.
Tom Brody (1969)
This is to express sadness for Barry Armstrong. During my time at Pacific High, I was friends with the journalism crowd, since I had a weekly cartoon with the school newspaper. Also, some of my friends were with the rock'n' roll crowd, since I was a member of Drew Johnese's band, Fellowship of the Ring. Barry Armstrong was a good friend, though I cannot recall our connection. Perhaps, it was from Mr. Bond's singing class. In the summer of 1969, Barry wanted to take a day trip to visit the ocean, but I declined, because I was busy studying for the French exam, given to incoming students at U.C. I will always feel a little guilty for declining Barry's invitation. At any rate, my best recollection of Barry is his performance in the high school production of Oliver. Barry had the lead role, and he was a fine singer. I will always remember Barry's moment of fame, standing at front/center stage, and singing, "Who will buy . . . ." Once during my freshman year, in college, I had a talk with Barry, and it concerned the singing on Dark Star, on Grateful Dead's Live/Dead album. I made the remark that the singing was not really skilled. To this, Barry told me that the untrained quality of the singing provided extra atmosphere to the recording. And so, I agreed with Barry's remark, and I now understand that the untrained character lends an attractive yearning quality. One of Barry's classmates has kept me posted regarding Barry's health issues, as they presented themself, in the decades following graduation from Pacific, but I don't know anything besides the sketchiest details. So long, Barry.