Update on Doc McConnell

[Mimi Rockwell]

Unfortunately, a few hours after Doc McConnell returned from the NSN conference in Gatlinburg last Sunday, he had a stroke which has left him physically impaired on his left side, in the muscles of his eyelids, and in his swallowing mechanism. His cognitive functions seem to be o.k. although he is sleeping a lot which the doctors say is healing for him. He is at the Holston Valley Wellmont Hospital in Kingsport, TN and his wife, Guerry, and daughter, Hannah, are with him almost constantly. You can keep up with his progress and leave a message, which Guerry will relay to him, at the website http://www.caringbridge.org/docmcconnell. Doc led a workshop at the conference on Friday and then told his hilarious story "The No-Run Run" at the Saturday night concert. Many folks with the health problems that Doc has had since spring would have cancelled their performance, but Doc, trouper that he is, was determined to go through with his commitment, and those of us who were lucky enough to have heard him are the better entertained for it. I have posted this also on the group site "Needing Our Thoughts and Prayers" so check in there for progress reports.

[Mimi Rockwell]

I am so sorry to report that Doc McConnell passed away last night. I'm attaching a note from his daughter. More can be learned from http://www.caringbridge.org/docmcconnell and from the funeral home where he is identified by his given name Ernest Randolph McConnell. How wonderful he was able to perform at the NSN conference and pass on with that audience's laughter in his memory. Mimi Rockwell

[Rachel Hedman]

More thoughts are Doc McConnell and his passing can be found on Bruce Walker's blog post.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

[Mike Lockett]

After hearing about Doc's passing - I feel terrible. I had the opportunity to introduce Doc for his workshop - then opted to stay in IL to rest due to a torn rotator cuff and prepare for a storytelling tour of Taiwan that started as the conference ended. I feel badly that I gave up the opportunity to see one of the greats one last time. Thanks to those of you who were at the conference - I know you made him feel as special as he was for all his long-time contributions. From Taiwan - Mike Lockett (Grandpa Mike) - Yes, they have renamed me here...