The Cambria GreenMan R.I.P.

[Jim Price]

I'm in the midst of some melancholy contemplation as I process the passing of a friend. Cambria GreenMan - the green-clad "superhero" who frequently showed up at live music events, festivals, parades and community happenings - passed away earlier today (Monday). According to friends, he was in his early 30s.

I didn't know GreenMan for all that long, probably the better part of two years. Like many folks who met him, I too first encountered him when the green superhero arrived at a band fest or charity event. I reacted the same way as many, wondering to myself "what the heck is this all about?" I then saw him show up at various locations throughout Cambria, Blair County and beyond. He showed up at City Hotel's "Battle of the Acoustics." He showed up in Punxsutawney for Groundhog Day. Parades, festivals, sporting events, random live music events, he even showed to compete in one of my trivia nights at the Thirsty Dawg Taverne. His legend grew with each appearance.

As I continued to encounter and interact with him, I got to know Cambria GreenMan a little bit and spoke with him pretty often, both on Facebook and when we showed up in the same public places and events. And as I got to know him, I had to tip my hat to him. Here was a person who found a purpose and angle to approach life; bringing his superhero alter ego to life. And he did so to lift spirits, put smiles on people's faces, and even help out at charity events. He found a way to make his mark, and he made a difference.

I last saw the superhero "GreenMan" several weeks ago when he showed up at the Kids Come First Benefit at the Cresson Sportsmen's Club. He posed with children, and grooved in front of the stage during several bands' sets. Later, GreenMan disappeared, but his "Clark Kent" alter ego appeared, and we joked about how both he and GreenMan never seemed to be in the same place at the same time, and he joked about how he always just missed seeing GreenMan. And I last saw his "Clark Kent" form about two weeks ago while I delivered this month's PA Musicians to Pepperoni's Pizza in Hastings. GreenMan was a frequent flyer there, and I often chatted with him and proprietor Rick Ramsey over a slice of pizza. I'm now all the more thankful to have stuck around to chat during those encounters.

Cambria GreenMan's passing serves as another reminder to enjoy your families, friends, and people you interact with while they are here. Enjoy smiles, laughter, superhero outfits, and make memories with the folks you encounter in life. For those are the memories that live on when the unexpected happens in this journey called life.

GreenMan, thank you for making a positive mark on this little corner of the world, and for brightening the lives of those you encountered while you were here. You made a difference, your way. May we all find inspiration in your example so that we too can make our own positive differences in the world in our own unique and special ways.

[MistValkyrie]

oh wow...that's rough. It's wierd that he won't be around anymore.

[bsaller]

I'm in the midst of some melancholy contemplation as I process the passing of a friend. Cambria GreenMan - the green-clad "superhero" who frequently showed up at live music events, festivals, parades and community happenings - passed away earlier today (Monday). According to friends, he was in his early 30s.

I didn't know GreenMan for all that long, probably the better part of two years. Like many folks who met him, I too first encountered him when the green superhero arrived at a band fest or charity event. I reacted the same way as many, wondering to myself "what the heck is this all about?" I then saw him show up at various locations throughout Cambria, Blair County and beyond. He showed up at City Hotel's "Battle of the Acoustics." He showed up in Punxsutawney for Groundhog Day. Parades, festivals, sporting events, random live music events, he even showed to compete in one of my trivia nights at the Thirsty Dawg Taverne. His legend grew with each appearance.

As I continued to encounter and interact with him, I got to know Cambria GreenMan a little bit and spoke with him pretty often, both on Facebook and when we showed up in the same public places and events. And as I got to know him, I had to tip my hat to him. Here was a person who found a purpose and angle to approach life; bringing his superhero alter ego to life. And he did so to lift spirits, put smiles on people's faces, and even help out at charity events. He found a way to make his mark, and he made a difference.

I last saw the superhero "GreenMan" several weeks ago when he showed up at the Kids Come First Benefit at the Cresson Sportsmen's Club. He posed with children, and grooved in front of the stage during several bands' sets. Later, GreenMan disappeared, but his "Clark Kent" alter ego appeared, and we joked about how both he and GreenMan never seemed to be in the same place at the same time, and he joked about how he always just missed seeing GreenMan. And I last saw his "Clark Kent" form about two weeks ago while I delivered this month's PA Musicians to Pepperoni's Pizza in Hastings. GreenMan was a frequent flyer there, and I often chatted with him and proprietor Rick Ramsey over a slice of pizza. I'm now all the more thankful to have stuck around to chat during those encounters.

Cambria GreenMan's passing serves as another reminder to enjoy your families, friends, and people you interact with while they are here. Enjoy smiles, laughter, superhero outfits, and make memories with the folks you encounter in life. For those are the memories that live on when the unexpected happens in this journey called life.

GreenMan, thank you for making a positive mark on this little corner of the world, and for brightening the lives of those you encountered while you were here. You made a difference, your way. May we all find inspiration in your example so that we too can make our own positive differences in the world in our own unique and special ways.

Very well put J.P. He will be missed!!!