This episode of the podcast is a personal indulgence. Jack French reported to the Internet OTR Digest this morning that Dennis Crow, the best friend a four-inch-high stuffed bear ever had, and a good friend to the Digest and to my daughter as well, passed away suddenly yesterday, April 20, 2008. Certainly Dennis will be missed by his family, and those of us in the hobby who knew him, but he will be missed most of all right around Thanksgiving, when he gently reminded everyone to begin listening to the story of The Cinnamon Bear, so it would properly end on Christmas Eve. Each year he provided many handouts for devotees of Paddy O’Cinnamon, including maps, lyric sheets, even sheet music.

You can bet that each year, when my family gathers around to listen to the adventures of Judy, Jimmy, Paddy, the Crazy Quilt Dragon, and all of the amazing characters who populate Maybeland, we’ll think of Dennis, and be much obliged to him for everything he’s done over the years to promote the gentle magic of this timeless story.

So please indulge me; even though it’s nowhere near Christmas time, listen with me to the opening story of The Cinnamon Bear, and munch a cinnamon bun in honor of a man who always carried the wonder and joy in his heart.

 The Cinnamon Bear - Episode 1 [16:29m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Jack French of the Metro Washington OTR Club posted a note to the Internet OTR Digest this morning announcing the passing of Dennis Crow, who died suddenly yesterday, April 20. Dennis was a member of the Metro Washington group, as well as SPERDVAC, and was the best friend a four-inch-high brown stuffed bear ever had, bar none.

Not only was Dennis a friend to the Digest, he was a good friend to my daughter as well. Each year, a little before Judy and Jimmy woke up, he would send her something related to The Cinnamon Bear - last year, he sent her a beautiful stuffed Crazy Quilt Dragon she was holding when I checked in on her as she slept Christmas Eve.

Dennis, thank you. I’m going to miss your gentle reminders about when to start The Cinnamon Bear next year, but where ever you are, know that every year when we listen, we’ll be “much obliged to you” for everything you’ve done.