It was a sad day for many of us who knew songwriter Ted Rusk when we learned of his passing on June 7, two weeks after suffering a massive coronary.  While no formal public funeral was subsequently held, his family and several close friends and band mates from The Great Canadian Swampstompers are planning a musical and social get-together this coming Saturday, January 14, at a farm near where he lived in Sauble Beach.  Details from the organizers’ Facebook event page (anyone who knew Ted is welcome) are below.

“A celebration of Ted Rusk’s life and music will be held on Saturday, July 14. This TEDstock event will take place at 351 Spring Creek Road in Hepworth and all friends and family are warmly welcome. It’s not Max Yasgur’s farm of Woodstock fame, but it is a farm and it will host TEDstock. The event will get underway at 2 p.m., rain or shine. And go until ??

“There will be music, lots and lots of music. All musicians and music fans who knew Ted or his music, and all of his other friends and his family, will have an opportunity to gather together and play or listen to music, tell stories and generally relive the good memories and times each of us shared with Ted.

“Bring your own lawn chairs and BYOB. Food will be potluck - bring one dish for a lot of people. It can be salad or appetizer or main dish or dessert, etc. Whatever dish you want to bring, if it’s enough for 15ish people then there will lots of food and variety for all!  BBQs will be available for use on site.

“If anyone wants to camp over on Saturday night, you are welcome to do so, just bring your camping stuff. There is lots of space at the farm for camping.

“The event will also be a fundraiser for Ted’s son Max, who is 19 and now on his own and hoping to go to college. Voluntary donations of any amount will gladly be accepted at the event to go towards his education and expenses. You can also go to the GoFundMe page at https://ca.gofundme.com/help-max-see-his-dad-ted-rusk if you prefer.

“Please let us know in the comment section via this event invitation page if you plan to attend and how many people will be in your party so things can be planned accordingly.  Also please leave a comment on the event page about what food dish you can bring so others can choose different stuff to bring if they so wish.”

UPDATE/ADDENDUM:

Here’s a link to a video of Ted performing an original tune, “Poor House Now”, in Kensington Market on the patio of Lola, where he was a frequent visitor over several years. Thanks to Mary Kerson of the Kensington Song Songfest project for the link.