Thread: Rod "Beachhead" Jeffery

It's terrible to hear about a victim of cancer - such a terrible disease.

My warm condolences to mr. Jeffrey's family and friends!

I am lost for words at this news. I know each time Rod and I spoke lately, and he would talk about "things" I never wanted to let my mind think of the day when his long battle would be lost, and he would be taken from us. I knew one day it would happen though. He has made such an impact on my life over the last 7 years, without even meeting face to face. I count myself so very lucky to have shared a slice of his life and now take peace in the thought that, he is no longer in pain, and is with his beloved Shirley, together once again, the way it should be.

Rest in peace Beachy!! I love you and will miss you!!

I'm glad his suffering is over.

Although new to the forum, i convey my condolences to one of the original creators of the forum, may his journey to the other world be the best.....

r.i.p beach i am going to miss your funny e-mails and our little catch up's , i hope your now at peace and together with your wife xxxxxx

Hi Everyone
Thanks for all of your thoughts I know Rod would be smiling on you all.
I won't be able to make it to his funeral as I am in Melbourne. I'm sure the music community in Melbourne will get together in some way.
My memories of Rod (and Shirley) are fond ones. I first met them in 1990. I had seen Rod on TV doing the "Jazz as now" series and I was blown away. The Blues scene in Australia wasn't noted for it's great singers, but Rod was one. I went to see a gig when he came in 1990 and it was a bit too jazzy for my liking, but then he turned up to a legendary blues jam ran by Dutch Tilders and Rod blew everyone away. The power of his voice, his range and his arrangements. We soon became good friends as I was involved in a lot of blues stuff, magazines, radio, gigs etc I stayed with them for the Lithgow Blues Festival and got to know them even better.
The sad thing for me was that they both lived very close to the poverty line for some time. What a shame such a brilliant artist couldn't get the monetary rewards he was due. I'm sure if he was in Europe he might have had a bigger market to work with. Despite that though they were never one's to complain and enjoyed each other's company and the company of friends (and their animals!!).
I last saw Rod last year. Shirley had passed and it was Rod's birthday so I decided to surprise him at his gig in Canberra. He didn't know I was coming and was taken aback by my appearance. That great big hug and tears we shed I won't forget. I know his soul was in torment, Shirley meant so much to him. To think they are together sitting in some nice comfy chairs, sharing a scotch, makes Rod's passing a little easier to deal with.
Once again thanks for all your heartfelt thoughts.
Cheers
Rooster
PS: I posted a song form that surprise birthday Rod had, it is on my youtube site.
YouTube - ROD "BEACHHEAD" JEFFERY "Bring it on home to me"

Thought some might like to see this pic of Beach and Shirley in their younger days.

Really sad thing to hear. Great video btw.

Originally Posted by JonG

I'm glad his suffering is over.

Word.

As Beach loved to use and be part of MD , would it be possible that we are able to put a little section of MD aside to have a lasting memorial to Beach ?

Saddened to hear about Beach's death. May it remind us all that our life here on earth is just temporary, and that a better life lies beyond. God Bless.