Dear Alison and Nat
I am very sorry about your loss. His wonderful talent will always stay in my heart. If someone is sad he puts a shiny smile on there face.

Love,
Tess

Dear Allison and Nat,
I am really sorry about your loss and hope the best will soon come out. Rusty has brought sunshine out on a rainy day with his smile. The love he showed me will always stay in my heart.
Hugs And Kisses,
Tobey Z.

Dear Alison and Nat, Kirk and I are teachers at Eaglebrook and had the distinct honor of working with Rusty when he was a student here as well as the pleasure and joy of watching him perform several times here at school years later. I also worked with Rusty as class agent and secretary for the Class of 1970. He was such a loyal supporter of the school and so humble about his accomplishments. We were devastated at the news of Rusty's death. Who could forget that smile which was always present and which lit up the room and lives of all he touched. His positive, fighting Irish spirit convinced us that somehow he was going to beat the odds. He was and is an inspiration to all of us. We are all at a loss for words that might offer you comfort at this time. You are not only in our thoughts and prayers but as well in those of the entire Eaglebrook family.

During Rusty's shortened life he did many more things than most men do in a lifetime twice as long. He touched so many lives with his generosity, magnificent talents, and good humor. As others have noted, the anticipation was palpable when Rusty would move to the piano with a grin and a wink. It was with misty eyes that I reviewed the photo galleries -- who can ever forget that look of Rusty's -- fingers mischievous on the keyboard; chin askew over the shoulder virtually ignoring the microphone in favor of engaging the audience; twinkle in the eye -- seeming to laugh with you as he pounded out an impromptu ballad which captured the humor of any situation and invariably resulted in sides aching from laughter.

But now our hearts ache for the time we will not get to spend with him and our prayers go out to Alison, Nat, and the rest of his family.

Rusty will be remembered by all his Exeter classmates at our 30th reunion in May. There will be tears and there will be beers -- and I think that is just how Rusty would have wanted it.

Dave Brackett

Dear Alison, I am saddened to hear about the passing of your dear husband. Although, I only got to work with him on the Green Heart for a short period, his easy going nature and smile have stayed with me. I know that you and Nat will keep each other strong and soothe your souls with the wonderful music that Rusty left for the world to sing...What a blessing it is for all of us to have his music...forever. God bless you and your family

Rusty didn't know us, but we sure knew Rusty.

To begin with, I have a brother named Rusty, so I felt instantly entitled to feel like I knew Rusty Magee when I first heard him perform back in 1987 at the midnight free show. I was living on 44th and tenth, a young Chicagoan, U of M grad, slinging hash in the big bad apple for the first time; trying to make it as an actress. I grew up listening to ‘Tubby the Tuba', and particularly, 'Rusty in Orchestraville'.

So, we'd come, my boyfirlend, Joel, and I, to the free show almost every Saturday night. to say that listening to rusty perform 'Rusty in Orchestraville' made me feel like I was "home" is an understatement.

We'd always leave his shows laughing, singing, and most of all, remembering all the good things about home. Rusty reminded us how to incorporate all of those "good things" into our lives in the asphalt jungle.

We will miss you Rusty.

Sending love and light...

Beth Lane & Joel Moody

Rusty made magic and I was lucky enough to be present at the free shows at the West Bank to see it for myself. He enriched every moment he spent on the stage. I thank him for the gift he brought to us all and I will allways remember. Budge.(sam)

(And from Tess:)
Hi, Nat, hi Alison, I know you're sad. My mom cries all the time and I get her to do square roots, like of 16 or 100, and having to think about that helps.
I'm sad about Rusty, too. I remember him telling pretty funny jokes. I don't remember his hair. I've met a lot of people and he was one of the very nicest. And I loved him.

(Gracie asked me to type a message that she dictated. -- Eve)
My name is Grace and I'm 6 and three-quarters. My mom is Eve and my dad is Todd and my friend is Rusty.
Here's something I remember. He was really cheerful. It didn't seem like he was sick at all.
I want to see Nat and Alison. I hope they aren't sad.
I'm sad. I'm sad that Rusty died. Everything is different now. Something is missing.

Dear Alison & Nat,
I was so saddened to hear of Rusty's passing. I offer you my heartfelt condolences. I have re-located to L.A. so I've been out of the loop. I knew Rusty had been very sick, but somehow I thought his sweet Irish soul would beat all odds. However, it seems he was too kind and good for this world. His talent was amazing and I am so grateful that he left us with such a wealth of beautiful music and memories. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to perform some of his wonderful work. My prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Ruth Williamson