Vince Welnick, 1951- 2006

From the San Francisco Chronicle:

Vince Welnick, a keyboardist who possessed a fluid and precise style and played with the Tubes, Todd Rundgren and the Grateful Dead, died Friday in Sonoma County at the age of 55.

From the Grateful Dead:

The wheel is turning almightily fast. Life is loss, but our times have turned sorrowful indeed...His service to and love for the Grateful Dead were heart-felt and essential. He had a loving soul and a joy in music that we were lucky to share. We grieve especially for his widow Lori, his sister Nancy, and the rest of his family.

Our Grateful Dead prayer for the repose of his spirit:

May the four winds blow him safely home.