Devoted Rustie Powderfinger Seriously Ill

UPDATE 4/2/05: Go here for update on Neil Young's health.
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Long time Neil fan and dedicated Rustie Powderfinger suffered a stroke recently and is seriously ill. Ray "Northern Man" reports on Rust that Mark "Powderfinger" Klus is being transferred to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan. Ray asks that we keep Mark & Tish in our prayers.

Also, Bill on Rust is gathering Get Well Cards for our friend. Bill asks that we take a quick minute today and send Mark a get well card. He would really enjoy getting a bunch of get-well good vibes from his "extended" family.

Send your card to:

Mark Klus
P.O. Box 89
New Hyde Park
New York 11040

Here's praying for a speedy recovery, my friend.

UPDATE 2/21 - Ray "Northern Man" reports on Rust:
I spoke to Mark's wife Tish last night and she said he
is doing better and has been moved out of intensive
care to a regular room.
she said his spirits are good and when I asked if I
could bring anything when I go to visit him tomorrow
she said to bring some Neil cds :)
good news.

UPDATE 3/8 - More good news on Mark aka "Powderfinger". He is back home, swiftly recuperating, and in good spirits. Powderfinger sent a note out filled with his usual humor and love of Neil's music and his friends and family. Wonderful news!

Mark writes:

"Once I realized that I did have a stroke, I didn't want to lose my freedom, which urge was quickly squelched as I basically fell out of bed and wasn't going anywhere far. The cerebellum controls much of one's sense of balance, so you can imagine mine was pretty shaky for the first several days. I didn't want to lose my identity either, so I insisted on singing Neil Young songs, however slurred my speech was then, when the occasion arose.

One of my nurses was Carmelita (from Haiti), so all of a sudden "Saddle Up the Palamino" comes from out of nowhere in my foggy memory.

Maybe it was better I didn't know the words to this song at the time:

Oh, oh Carmelina
The daughter of the wealthy banker
Since she's come to town all my friends are gone
& I'm stuck out here with Melody.

I would say Powderfinger is well on his way to a full recovery! Saddle Up the Palamino, Mark!