To Rusty's family:
I just read about Rusty's passing away online. I met Rusty at the Lucille Ball Festival of New Comedy way back when. He was a lovely bloke and I particularly remember his kindness to me and the theatre company I was with. My heartfelt condolences to you.
With respect,
K.D. Halpin

Dear Alison and Nat,
My thoughts are with you during what must be a very difficult holiday season without Rusty. I only learned of his passing a couple of weeks ago while reading an interview with Lewis in the Hartford paper. An incredible shock. I was able to track down Jamie and be filled in on the struggle the last few years have been for your family. Though I only knew you all for a short time (Nat was a baby and I still have video of his first Christmas) I will be forever touched by the kindness of Rusty and Alison (and her mom Alyce) and the unique, loving talent that was Rusty Magee. God bless you and know that somehow, somewhere, Rusty is with you always. The CD is a wonderful memory and thank you Alison for sharing him with the world. My heart goes out to you, to Jamie, Jane & Kids and to mom Bettie. May his memory warm your hearts forever.

Joan Levine Gurski

To the Family and Friends of Rusty:

I found out about Rusty's passing purely by chance. My wife gave me the latest Lewis Black comedy CD and inside the liner notes, I found a dedication to Rusty. I was shocked and saddened by the loss of this talented, generous and kind man.

I worked at the West Bank Downstairs Theater -- as a bartender and later as a playwright -- during the late 80s - early 90s. During my stint at the West Bank, I had the privilege of seeing Rusty perform nearly a hundred times. He was an incredible actor and comedian. Rusty was also extremely supportive of young writers and performers. For that reason I, as well as so many others, will always be grateful to him.

Alison, Nat, and all of Rusty's family:

I thought of all of you during the Thanksgiving holiday. I hope you had a good holiday, even though I'm sure it wasn't the same this year.

The last e-mail I received from Rusty was just after Thanksgiving last year. It's hard to believe it was that long ago already.

I wish you good cheer during the upcoming Christmas holidays as well.

Michel Benguigui, a mutual friend, informed me recently of Rusty's death.
I knew Rusty in Nimes, France, during the year he spent there in 1972-73, and when I visited him in Ann Harbor in 1973.
Unfortunately, I lost contact after that. But I am full of admiration for the great career he had.
I will remember him as a cheerful and kind person.
All my deepest sympathy is for his mother, who I met in 73, and for his wife and son.

In the late 1980's while attending NYU Film School I frequented the Midnight free show at the West Bank Cafe. I became a huge fan of Rusty's and Lew Blacks.

I wanted to video tape the show for an NYU class, but was kind of shy then and didn't approach Rusty or Lew.

Low and behold I soon spotted Lew Black on the subway and got up the courage to talk to him, I asked him if I could tape the show, he said yes and I did.

Nothing ever came of the project, but I still have tons of tapes from that night of Rusty and Lew, and the others from that time period.

If Rusty's family is out there and would like the tapes, I would be than happy to send them to them.

James Riddle
jlridd@yahoo.com

this week is the first time I've been back to nyc since Rusty passing. I miss calling him up and meeting him for a 7-minute cup of coffee in the middle of all the craziness of both of our lives.... I miss having his sweet inspiration inspire me. My best to all his family and friends. wow. I really miss him.

How I wish I had known Rusty... I saw him twice, in What You Will and at a Moonwork Saturday night show. Rusty seemed to me to be the guy around whom people gathered, the true life of the party.

As an aspiring writer, I look to Rusty and the works he left for the courage to create, and the boundless energy that it takes to make something where there was nothing before. I am inspired by his talent and motivated by the obvious joy he took in sharing that talent with the world.

Thanks to all who helped make the Sweet Appreciation CD. I listen to the songs and hear the love his friends had for Rusty and I pray only that someday I can achieve half what he did.

And perhaps one day, if I make it up there, Rusty will give me an autograph.

Alison and Nat, God bless you and may your memories keep Rusty alive forever.

Sincerely,
Paula Rueger

When I think of Rusty, I think of all the innocence and hope of our youth. He was a wonderfully funny, talented and charming human being who made the world a better place for all of us.

Dear rusty...the last time I saw you was at the corner of 72 @ BW...we talked about the Tigers and you took out your wallett and showed me your ticket from the last game at Briggs stadium I think......had a few laughs and went on our way...you always made me smile and laugh and want to talk rock and roll...My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your lovely family...I was lucky to get to know you and the west bank ganf thru john bowman...what a gift it was...peace...your talent was a true joy ...and that is what life is supposed to be about...you did it. Bravo...
dave