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A short time after the Mid-Winter Bluegrass Festival, Frank Wolking,
father and leader of Sons and Brothers
band, began losing control of his right hand. Fearing
a stroke, Frank's doctors ran a series of tests. Unfortunately, the
results led to a more grim diagnosis: Frank has cancer of the esophagus,
which has spread to his brain.
Many of you who have heard Sons and Brothers perform, and you know
Frank and his sons for their powerful harmonies, instrumental prowess,
and unique "westgrass" approach to melding bluegrass and western
music. Sons and Brothers have won many fans in Colorado, at shows across
the country, and even in Scotland and England.
Frank and his wife Val are the emotional and spiritual bedrock of
the family. Sons Mike, Aaron, and Joe are the creative drive, and together
these young men coaxed their father out of many years of musical "retirement"
to begin playing, and ultimately performing, as a family.
Their style is hard-driving, solid, emotional, and honest - both on
stage and off. Sons and Brothers is one of the most exciting acts in
bluegrass; the Wolkings are the kind of folks you want for neighbors
and close friends.
Frank is now fighting for his life. He is undergoing aggressive chemotherapy
and radiation treatment in an all-out battle against the spreading cancer.
Through the grace of God and his own strength and stubbornness, Frank
is for the time being still performing with his sons.
While Frank is blessed with a rock-solid family and many, many friends,
the Wolkings now have great needs both spiritual and material. Frank
doesn't have insurance to cover his medical bills, and as the owner
of his own plumbing company, he is also unable to continue to work.
The medical costs will be enormous. The family's only income now is
from the band.
Frank's brother, Fred Wolking, is organizing a benefit concert for
Frank on May 19th, in the Wolking's hometown of Westcliffe. We will
be sending out more information in the show in the near future. If you
are unable to attend the concert, you can assist the family by sending
a donation to a bank account Fred has established in his brother's name:
WMWD Frank Wolking Fund
c/o Colorado Mountain Bank
1000 Main Street
Westcliffe, CO 81212
The Wolkings also appreciate your prayers and best wishes for Frank
as he is fighting both the cancer and the very harsh side effects of
the chemo and radiation treatment.
From Ron Gall, Canyon Rose Acoustic Society, October 16, 2008:
Most of know that Frank Wolking (Sons & Brothers) has had a rough
and tough fight with cancer over the last couple of years. His doctor
mentioned that Frank was a walking miracle, that is he was really really
sick and he showed everyone how tough he was and just what prayer can
do.
Well God decided he needed a great rhythm guitar player so He called
him home on Wednesday October 15, 2008.
Frank passed at his home his wife, Val, sons, Mike, Aaron, their wives
Lindsey & Callie, and Joe, sister Jackie and brother Fred by his
side.
Our loss is God's gain........so the music doesn't die
It is too early to advise you of any other arrangements.....but the
family did want you to know Frank has started his journey.
From Ron Thomason:
Frank Wolking; beloved husband, father brother, business owner, community
leader, and stellar musician; lost his long brave battle with cancer
on October 15, 2008. He died as he lived, surrounded by his loving family
and friends in the warmth of his own home and among the instruments
and memorabilia of the music he cherished.
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