July 2008
BARRY REED
was a friend who we all grew up with in Kowie.
An Elvis fan, Barry was said to look more like
the KING than Elvis himself.
Pitch Black hair, expertly carved into the Elvis ducktail style.
That surly expression "You lookin' for trouble, you come the right place".
AND he had a "buck". (guitar)
Many hours were spent crooning, spooning and lagooning.
But for all the veneer, you couldn't meet a nicer person.
At boarding school we had the "Bathroom Boys".
Where Barry would pull out his buck and Doug Pashley and I sung along.
"Midnight Special", "Heartbreak Hotel"...the numbers were endless.
We were all smokers. Texan plain with a box of matches please.
Every spare moment - off for a skyf.
A rough estimate - Barry started smoking at age 12 or 14.
THE TRANSFORMATION
Before our Matric Year Barry was called to the Master's office.
He was told, cut your hair, stop smoking and we'll make you
Head of the Hostel.
Here's where the strength of the man emerges.
He underwent a radical makeover and did a really
FINE job for the year.
Well done my one and eight, to recondition oneself for
promotion,
was highly valued by all of us.
WE WERE ALL SO PROUD OF YOU.
July 2008