We were informed by Judy Edwards that JD Hoag, who played with The Ventures in the early 1980s, passed away from the Corona virus on Sunday, April 26, 2020.  He was 73 years old and had been battling the disease for several weeks.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends on this very sad occasion.  JD traveled with The Ventures on tour in 1981: Don Wilson was working on studio projects and was unable to go on the road, so JD took over on rhythm.  He toured with the group again in 1982 and is well remembered by all of us who knew him.  He was a long-time friend of Nokie’s who first introduced him to the group.  I have been in touch with Harvey Wicklund (who spent time with The Ventures as a roadie and also sometimes played bass when Bob Bogle was unavailable) and Bill Ford who was road manager for the group in the 1980s: both of them were devastated to hear of JD’s passing as are we all.  May he rest in peace and join that sadly increasing number of Ventures’ extended family, as part of the big rock and roll show in heaven.