I am very sad to hear that Dan Wilson has died. His store of knowledge
and his musical talents will very much be missed. I first wrote to him
in about 1970, when I was very new to the pianola obsession, and he was
most helpful. His letters, and later emails, were always long, rambling
and very entertaining. In about 1980 he made a visit to Australia and
came and stayed with us here in Hobart for a few days. My pianola has
never had such an exhaustive workout!
In about 1991 my wife, Beryl, and I visited Dan. I was a bit surprised
when he arranged to meet us for lunch in the local pub, but the reason
became clear when we went over to his house. It was jam-packed with
music rolls and player pianos and there was no way that he could have
handled more than a cup of tea for visitors.
Goodbye, Dan, I'm glad to have known you.
John Phillips in Hobart, Tasmania
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