He would sing to me, "Alright, okay, you win, I'm in love with you..." and two days ago, he called me from London to give me his rendition of "Happy Birthday." Michael Jackson, The Beer Hunter. [No, not the "Michael Jackson with the white glove," although he has worn one to tease his public from time to time.]

And yes, and I am the Beer Fox, a name that he teased me about when we first met. I brought him a bushy fox tale from Anchorage as a reminder of that first chance meeting at the University of PA Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology in March of 2005. It took us a year to get together, but then it was like magic. A few days ago, I reminded him that we go together like peanut butter and jelly. I'm in love. Still am. Always will be.

But my closest friend and object of my love passed away this morning. I will miss the superb stories he told me each night...of rugby league, his childhood, his travels, his daughter Sam and her family, and the hundreds of friends he gathered along the way. He loved me, advised me, and shared his thoughts and dreams with me.

If he has touched your life in any way - through his books, Beer Hunter series, beer tastings, inspirations...or perhaps you had a beer or whiskey (whisky)with him, please feel free to elaborate here.

The world has lost this great man, My White Rose of Yorkshire.

I am very sad to here about the passing of Michael Jackson. For 5 years I have attended the Monks annual beer night with "The Beer Hunter" and have discussed beers from around the worlds with him. He was such a great man and he will be missed!
Carolyn, I am sorry for your saddness. Even though we do not know each other well, we did meet at last years beer dinner. I was the girl who had her breast signed....... I can't believe he is gone...... I will miss his conversations with me at monks. If you need someone to talk to you can always email me at rae323@comcast.net.

Ah, yes, I remember the signing well! In fact, I must have your picture in my personal photo album. Pink bra or white blouse? There were two, if you recall.

There will be a National Toast to Michael Jackson's memory on Sunday, September 30th at 9:00 eastern, 8:00 central, 7:00 Mountain, and 6:00 Pacific for the benefit of the National Parkinson's Foundation. I will be at Monk's that night. Perhaps I will see you there.

Details here:
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