Dear Rusty
I love you very much.
I thank GOD that I have your music , your energie and your beautiful smile in my heart.
Every night, I pray, to hear your music in my dreams !!!!
.
TE QUIERO MUCHO.....DANIELLA MAGEE

Dear Alison & Nat,
I just wanted to send my deepest sympanthies to you. I did not know Rusty, but I know he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

"Every heart that has beat strong and cheerfully has left a hopeful impulse behind it in the world." - Robert Louis Stevenson

Love,
Georga

Dear Alison and Nat,

Rusty was a great man in the true sense of the word. He loved people, he loved making them smile. His heart was as large as his wit was quick. He was an includer, always eager to make room for anyone who knew the only charge for entry into Rustyworld was the ability to laugh. He will live in all of our souls. Lottchen and I send all our love and our condolences.

DJR

Dear Alison and Nat: My thoughts are with you as they have been for weeks. I'll be there for you -- I';ll be home on the 8th

Neighbor and friend Michael

Dear Rusty: You played the best musical theater audition I ever did or I had played for me. It was a song from Phil Hall's Jekyll and Hyde with the words "I'll take back my life!" Love Michael

I'm not sure why, but I keep thinking of the time Rusty came to visit Alison in Washington, while we were doing Standup Shakespeare at the Folger. At the cast party Rusty put his arm around me and said very loud, "I KNOW WHAT YOU SHOULD DO NEXT! STANDUP BIBLE!!" He cracked up the room because he was so spontaneous, warm and silly. But the remark was actually very insightful and original, smart and funny, all the things Rusty could blend so easily.

I'm very sad. It's a terrible loss. All my sympathy and love to Alison, Nat and the family.

Every five years when we look forward to Exeter reunions, the grinning face of Rusty Magee is the first face that pops into my mind. We were best of friends. Rusty borrowed my red, white and blue sweater to wear as an extra in "A Separate Peace" in the fall of '70 and was still wearing it in our senior photos in '73! I got it back, still wear it, and still think of him when I do. Every Sunday morning we worshipped Casey Kasem's Top 40 countdown. I marvelled at his imitation of Tom Lehrer at the piano (and that he knew who Tom Lehrer was). Rusty inspires me still, as I have taken up studying music again at 47, wishing I had his relaxed, natural talent and his courage to pursue one's fun as one's career. Knowing how much I'll miss seeing him every five years, I can imagine how much those of you who were blessed with his presence every day will miss him. In those vivid memories, in the life of his son, and in stardust, he will live on and on.

Rusty's life ended way too soon, but the happy memories will be with us for the rest of ours, and we will all be a little better for it.

Even 30 years after being a classmate of Rusty's at Exeter, I have enormously fond memories of his capacity to use his talents to touch people in special ways. The anticipation as he sat down at the keyboard was enough to start a grin growing on our faces. I am saddened by his passing and thankful to have been enriched by his gifts.

Hi Alison. I just spoke to Bob Golden and he told me of Rusty's passing. I am so very sorry for your loss. He truly was a wonderful person to work with. Please know that you and your family will be in my prayers. God will give you strength to get through this if you turn to Him.

Take care...

Chris Cardillo

I remember Rusty well from high school, his infectious enthusiasm for living, and his fantastic music. I am so glad that the world has been gifted with so much of his music, and that so many people got to enjoy his presence. My heart goes out to his son, as my dad died at age 49 and I remember what that felt like. Blessings and best wishes to all his family and friends,
Eleanor (Campbell) Ritter