As a long time friend of the Garbutts, I was fortunate to have know Martin since he and Jessica started dating. Martin was always really cool and treated me like part of the family, instead of his girlfriend's little sister's pesky best friend. Over the years, I have shared many fond memories with Martin, including neighbourhood parties, his and Jessica's wedding in Mexico, and my favourite, which happened just this past summer.

In 2017, it was my New Year Resolution to learn to play an instrument. After careful consideration, I decided I wanted to learn to play the piano. As most New Year Resolutions, I completely forgot about it, until that summer when I found a listing for a free piano to a good home. I saw this as a sign I was meant to have it, but my family insisted that if it was free, there must be something wrong with it, and would not let me take it until we were sure that it was in good condition. Of course, I knew nothing about pianos, so my parents suggested I ask Martin to come with me to take a look at it. I knew Martin was a pianist, but I was still reluctant to ask him for this favour. When I did ask if he wouldn't mind, he was happy and willing to help.

The day came to go look at the piano, and what should have been a ten minute drive turned into a thirty because Google Maps sent us way off course. I didn't mind however, because in that time we got to talk to about many different things.  Martin told me about his band, an upcoming trip to Japan, and even how he used to teach piano. When we arrived he was kind, and courteous to the piano's owner. He asked to play, which was the first time I really heard him on a piano. It was effortless for him, but I thought it was a beautiful sound and I felt truly inspired. Martin assured me it was a great piano and the rest is history.

That whole trip, Martin never made me feel like I was inconveniencing him, and never asked for anything in return. I dropped him off at home after and he offered to help move the piano if needed, and even offered to give me a few lessons. He was always one of the most easy going, easy to get along with, most kind hearted people I knew. Martin was a truly exceptional person. I will always be thankful to have known him, and regret not getting to hear more of his music.

 One memory of Martin that stands out above all for me is a specific night that the whole family got together and partied late into the night.  Since we all had too much to drink, we hitched a ride home from family and I remember Martin Jess and I sitting in the vehicle chatting away about how great the night was and small chat about whats new in eachothers lives. Suddenly Martin went to shake my hand, I looked at him very confused and he continues to introduce himself as Martin. Boy oh boy... what a night he had. LOL! 

I'll always remember Martin as such a kind man with a good heart and a real zest for life.

My thoughts go out to Jess and Martins family.

XO

Jessica

McGachy was body and soul, a musician. Multi-talented, borderline savant level of the gift on any sort of keyed instrument. He could play you a symphony on a 30 dollar Cassio, or despite being actually full on passed out on an Upright, easily awoken by anyone yelling "Hey Martin, Bohemian Rhapsody!". Front to back, and just like he started, back asleep. Probably my favourite "Martin being Martin" moment of all time. 

He was kind, understanding and fiercely loyal and protective of the ones he cared about, never being afraid of a little bit of fisticuffs if the moment called for it (guess we can also chalk that one up to the Scottish ancestry too though).

I took for granted nights spent around fires, at the Hardwick, in Jamie's Garage, at Metal House and all over Ontario and Quebec talking about nothing and everything. Stargate, aliens, weird freemasonry stuff. Music, for hours on end, and another one of my favourites, discovering the button on your Roland that was going to crash the ISS by accident. 

I'm gonna miss you man, and I wish we had more contact in the past few years but it's funny how life gets. You figure there'll always be a chance later, but sometimes, there's not. So do me a favour man, when it's my time to go you steal me a Marshall from one of the greats you're no doubt jamming with, and we'll go another couple of rounds. I'll try to be more in key this time. 

Also, while I've got you, please headbutt Roger Waters when he gets there in a few years. Sonofabitch ruined Floyd.