Thank you Rusty. Thank you for your spirit, your sense of humor and your songs. I am so glad I got a chance to jam with you one last time...Love to you Alison and Nat

Dear Alison and Nat,
Firstly: Nat, I lost my dad to when when I was 9, and I think I have a little bit of an idea of what you're going through. What really helped me was people -- like YOU have -- showing me that my dad -YOUR dad brightened people's lives!!! He REALLY made a difference in this world!!! He had the gift of clowning and humor! He made people laugh!!! You probably already know, and you'll certainly realize when you're older how valuable that is! You can really reach people -- heal people through humor!!! On top of that, he had the gift of music! A truly magical gift!
I found out today - my birthday -- that Rusty had passed on. I already had in mind that what I wanted to do with my precious, little birthday time (ie: kids somewhere else for a bit --) was, for the first time, watch the video of my husband's 40th birthday party, at which Rusty performed a whimsical tribute, mocking the then-trendy "Rent". It was "titled"
"14,610' (that's how many days on this earth, Joe Baker has been....)
I expected to be writing a note to Rusty today, expressing our appreciation for his contribution to the event - instead -- we're expressing appreciation of Rusty to Alison and Nat - for this wonderful man we love and that you love --It was such a gift to see him on our TV today. It was such a gift to have him in our lives. To know him was to be a happier person. You are in our prayers! Love,
Renae and Joe Baker

Dear Alison and Nat, I am an old classmate of Rusty (and came to hear you, Alison, perform on 42nd Street last spring). I want to add my heartflet thoguthts to you both and your families. I, like so many others who have expressed their thougths about Rusty, feel very lucky indeed to have had a bit of Rusty in my life. I send you all love and know that he will live on in all our hearts, most of all yours, forever! Eleanor

I just wanted so express my condolences to Rusty's family and friends. I did not know him personally, but I was a fan of his music and had been aware through Mary Testa and Jonathan Freeman of his long and courageous battle. His beautiful and talented wife Allison has long been one of my favorite performers and I am sending my prayers out to her and their son and to all of their many close friends. Peace and Love. Billy

Dear Alison and Nat, Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your dear Rusty. Feb 16 is my birthday, so I'll always remember what day Rusty left us, and say a prayer for him. You've created a beautiful celebration of his life on these pages. I'm sure it will bring all of his family and friends comfort when they need it. My prayers are with all of you.

Thank you Rusty:
for teaching me how to play “Dead End Street”, “The Border Song”, the Alice Cooper song (can’t remember the title), and probably dozens of others;
for singing harmonies until they made us stop (then singing some more;
for laugh after laugh after laugh…;
for hours and hours of floor hockey (sorry I barfed);
for “what the f*** is life?!” (and “where is Timothy” anyway?);

I miss you and the grand piano on Hill St. Your powerful light continues to shine on everyone you’ve known. What a very, very special guy. I’ll think of you often.

I love you, Nat. I love you Alison. And thank you, thank you, everyone who is writing in this guestbook. These words are immeasurably comforting, for all of us here in the realm of Rusty Magee. Please keep sharing memories. When I can stop crying, I'll write something, too.
I love you forever, Rusty.

Dear Alison and Nat,
My prayers and thoughts of love are with you both. Having been inspired by Rusty's work for years,I feel privileged to have gotten to know and create with Rusty. Rusty is one of those Souls who will always be present. His talent and heart have touched all who have ever been fortunate enough to come in contact with him. I know my memories of him will live on forever.
Love,
Michael

I regret that I only knew Rusty professionally. I directed him in a series of comic sketches as part of an industrial. The mechanical requirements of those kinds of productions can be difficult to transcend. Rusty was an unforgettable presence whose remarkable personal wattage was distinct in that it tended to illuminate everyone around him and the whole scene tended to glow as a result. He was generous and hysterical, focused and endlessly creative. A very bright light has gone dark in this city. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

Rusty was one of the most passionate people I have ever met. His love for music and his knowledge of every type of music in the world was infectious. His wit, love, intelligence, and kindness will be sorely missed.

Love to Alison and Nate.