Bart's first guitar mentor, Keith Knoche, passed away suddenly in October. Bart recalls, "When I was a teenager Keith paid attention to me, took time with me and encouraged me to play the guitar. Keith, although eleven years my senior, was cool. He always had a sense of humor. I was president of my 8th grade class and I went to Keith for advice in writing my graduation speech. He took the time, hours, to help me through the process. I also remember sitting in his living room in Clear Lake, California and jamming on the guitar and being wowed by his guitars and amplifiers and his song writing ability and that he already had recordings under his belt. During the intervening years I have appreciated the phone conversations, including the joke of the day, and song writing advice and feedback. I will miss you, my friend. Rest in peace."

"KNOCHE, KEITH BRUCE Sept. 28, 1948 to Oct. 23, 2009 Pastor, Evangelist, Chaplain, author, humorist and musician, born in Loma Linda, CA. A graduate of Hawaiian Mission Academy in 1966, BA degree from La Sierra University in 1970, Masters of Divinity at Andrews University in 1973. He was an accomplished watercolor artist, author of seven books including "Knoche's Law." He served as Pastor at the Garden Grove Seventh-Day Adventist for nine years, and provided pastoral services for three years for the Army-Navy Academy in Oceanside, CA. He was currently Chaplain at Family Hospice Care in Palm Springs, CA. He leaves for a while his father Philip Knoche of Bakersfield, CA, his sister Kitsy Knoche of La Quinta, CA, and friend Linda Kirton of San Diego, CA, as well as a host of beloved friends worldwide. Celebration of Keith's life memorial service will be held Saturday, November 7, 2009, at 5:00 p.m., at Garden Grove Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Donations to Family Hospice Care in Palm Springs."