Sad news: Matt Vipond passes

[Jim Price]

Matt Vipond passed away suddenly yesterday at age 32. Here is the story from today's Altoona Mirror:

http://www.altoonamirror.com/page/conte ... ml?nav=742

As the article states, Matt was very involved in helping get the downtown Altoona jazz concerts started, and was involved with the Lakemont Park Wing-Off's and other local events as well. He, like his brother Chris, was devoted to making Altoona a better community and doing things to improve the quality of life locally. He will be very missed.

I didn't know Matt all that well and only spoke with him a few times, but am still saddened by his loss, especially so suddenly and at such a young age.

My sincerest condolences go out to his brother, Chris (Rockpager "sheepleherder"), the rest of the Vipond family, and his surviving friends and associates.

[RobTheDrummer]

Sorry to hear about your loss Chris...

[HurricaneBob]

Our condolences from the Hurricanes.

[Ronnyd]

Half Tempted will keep Matt and His Family in our Prayers.
So sorry Chris.

[tornandfrayed]

You and your family are in our prayers Chris...

Keep the Faith Brother!

[Tegamal]

I'm sorry to hear about your loss.

Prayers sent from everyone at Room 237.

[shredder138]

So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with the family

[CCdrums]

May friends and family be a comfort to you at this time. God bless.

[sheepleherder]

Thanks, JP, and everyone for the kind words. I know that many of you knew Matt even moreso than myself. He had a LOT of friends and touched even more people with his kindness, generosity, intelligence, and wit.

The Wing Off tonight is going to be a benefit for my brother Matt's family. Our band is playing at Zeno's in State College so we won't be able to make it, however, I will be opening up the event with an acoustic version of a song about my family called, "shine" along side Matt's 6 year old son Simon and 4 year old daughter Aubree playing along on cajon drums.

He is now with our mother, Linda, who passed away in 2005.

[Merge]

I'm sorry for your loss.

[whitedevilone]

Very sorry for your loss.

[BloodyFingers]

I'm sorry to hear about your loss.

[generationgap]

My condolences Chris .......sad news, take care dude

[DirtySanchez]

So young. Sorry to hear it. Stay strong chris.

[mjb]

Sad. RIP

[rug]

I'm still in disbelief over this, why is it always the good ppl who are taken from us too soon?? This world is a worse place without Matt!!

[m2helmet]

Chris,
Deepest sympathies to you and yours. Dick Kos and Dakota Rose Band.

[sheepleherder]

Some good people are holding a benefit concert for my brother Matt Vipond's two children in Downtown Altoona this Friday, September 18 from 6:00-11:00. All proceeds will go to a trust fund for Simon and Aubree Vipond.

He was too damn young to go. We (CV&SSB) are playing the event. A few others are playing as well, but I'm not sure on the final details as of yet. The street will be closed in his honor. Alcoholic drinks will be present. Firetrucks for the kids. I have tornandfrayed's Hammond M3 organ all chopped and ready to go, too! Thanks, Dave;)

Here's a link to the event on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=1 ... 58&index=1

(The link may not work if you're not on the Fakebook.)

Thanks everyone, for your support in my brother's family in their time of need.

Sincerely,
Chris Vipond

[tornandfrayed]

We will be there, great to get to see the finished Hammond. Sad for the circumstances.

Peace