APPRECIATION GOES OUT TO:
Keith and Joyce Shirreffs for generously hosting this memorial and providing food for everyone. The Vernon Isaac Big Band for "blowing the roof off" and being there for Vernon to the very end. Carmelo Scaffidi --Leader and First Trumpet; Michael Tremblay – Saxophone; JP Allain – Piano; Roddy Ellias – Guitar; Gary Elliot – Guitar; John Geggie -- Acoustic Bass; Michel Cloutier – Drums; Bob Cleall – Trumpet; Bill Rowat – Trumpet; Don Patterson – Trumpet; Art Katona – Trombone; Alex Guerin – Trombone; Steve Guerin – Bass Trombone.
Bob Misener -- co-ordinating the open stage; Shaun Blackstock -- bringing his drum set and kindly offering it to other players as well as sitting in for most of the jam. All of the fabulous musicians who treated us with intense, artful playing on the open stage. Many of the tunes were regular favourites at Jazz Ottawa.
The Vernon Memorial All-Star Jammers are:
Shaun blackstock – Drums; Monique DesRosiers – Vocalist; Kim Kalen – Piano; Neil Sealy – Bass; Tim Roberts – Saxophone; Peter Turner –Trombone; Bill Rowat – Trumpet; Gaby Warren – Vocalist;Bernard Stepien – Saxophone; Ann Downey – Bass; J.P. Allain – Piano; Don Patterson – Trumpet; John Haysom – Trumpet; Michel Cloutier – Drums; J. F. Delannoy – Piano.  Please let me know if I have left anyone out. Every one of you really contributed a lot to the evening. Daphne Griffiths -- prepared, lovingly displayed and presented the many scrap books of Vernon's career. The earlier years had been carefully documented in pictures, posters, and paraphernalia from those times, and the thrill of seeing into that era of Montreal Jazz was a really special experience. Sue Galvin and Daphne Griffiths put together the latter books of photos and clippings, which document much of the time Vernon spent in Ottawa. All evening people flocked to the books, and you could hear many stories being told that would come to mind when the images came to light. Bob Cross -- carried, delivered and set up much of the display of Vernon's possessions -- photo's, Jazz Ottawa things, hanging pictures. Great Job! Doug Biesenthal -- arranged the stage and assisted in helping Joyce and Keith set up the club for the guests. Carmelo Scaffidi -- set up the Vernon Isaac website to let everyone share memories, and kept us informed about the memorial. Mike Tremblay -- Thank you for sharing your store website for Vernon while a special site was set up. Mike's Music -- will work with and co-sponsor with "The Friends of Vernon Isaac Society" to set up a memorial fund in Vernon's name. More details can be seen on this website. Daniel Leavitt -- for finding and bringing in the music stands. Of course, all of you who attended -- old friends, new friends -- we all brought the spirit of Vernon Isaac with us and gave him a really great send-off!!
Blackbird, Bye Bye !!
- Sue Galvin

I personally would like to thank ALL of Vernon’s Big Band musician’s that gave their time and came out to the Vernon Isaac Memorial Celebration to perform for Vernon. Michel Cloutier, John Geggie, JP Allain, Rody Ellias, Gary Elliot, Steve Guerin, Alex Guerin, Art Katona, Bobby Cleall, Don Patterson, Bill Rowat and Michael Tremblay. Special thanks to Steve Guerin for the ‘stand by’ mode you offered – a true pro. Thanks Steve!
- Carmelo Scaffidi

VERNON ISAAC BLUES
- Lyrics by Monique DesRosier

When he walks into the room, you know he's arrived,
The smoke from his cigar leaves a trail a mile wide,
It hangs from his lips, a part of his mouth
And even when he kisses me, he doesn't take it out.

Let the good times roll,
Let the good times roll,
Feel his music in your soul,
Let the good times roll.

The guys all think he's slick, this man around town,
When it comes to wooing women, they can't seem to turn him down.
He moves in real close, lowers his voice,
Whispers in your ear, oh now, who's got a choice.

Let the good times roll ........

He dresses real clean, this saxophone man,
Hustling & busting, finding work for his band,
Musicians galore, a vocalist too,
But when it comes to saxophones,
You'll never find two.

Let the good times roll ............

The prayer meetin's called, the chairs are in place,
Sit yourselves down, I might deal you and ace,
The "livin' & dead" is the name of the game,
Take all your money, boys, you know that's my aim.

Let the good times roll ............

We've come here this evening, to pay our respect,
To a great jazz musician, one you'll never forget,
The gleam in his eye, the grin on his face,
Vernon, there is no one who will ever take your place.