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THE JOURNEY OF A FEW THOUSAND MILES |
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However childhood wouldn’t move Lin a
thousand miles - not yet. He grew up only twenty minutes from Silverton, in
an even smaller town called Molalla, OR. Molalla boasts agriculture, timber
& manufacturing as their main resources - primarily a farming and logging
town. Perhaps there has been an oversight - the list of resources is
incomplete until you add: guitar player-extraordinaire. Surrounded by this
picturesque view, in a town where down-home values were still intact, Lin
first picked up the guitar at the age of nine. It was his father’s
encouragement that enticed Lin to diligently practice and hone his craft.
His father was a local musician, and once perfected father and son began to
play locally covering festivals, events and clubs.
Striving musicians are all too familiar with the term “paying their dues”, and this experience did not escape Lin. He put his time in like most everyone else. He was not above working 12 hour shifts in and around the country music circuit in clubs as nostalgic as Tootsies. Somehow I picture Lin doing this all with that warm, sincere smile of his - and loving every minute of it. Lin at most times was not a man of many words. That is unless you caught him at the right moment - and then you might be showered with funny stories or the odd joke or two. The one constant that was always present with Lin was his infectious smile. And the one topic he loved to discuss was Oregon and where he had come from. He may have moved, but the little boy from Oregon was still present in the twinkle in his eyes. Perhaps that is why Lin always seemed so laid-back and full of fun - he loved what he was doing and relished every moment for what it was worth. The next few years kept Lin busy, and all-too-soon the list of famous artists he had played with would grow to include: Hank Thompson, Billy Joe Royal and David Frizzell. These are facts about Lin that I was never aware of until I had read about them. But that’s just the way he was - Lin, the “Boy From Oregon” - nothing more and nothing less. Notably Lin was also an accomplished singer and songwriter - something that impish grin of his would never let on.
Sitting here writing to reminisce and contemplate the fun memories I have of Lin inevitably causes my tears to escape - which ironically matches the rain that is cascading down the window pane. In the midst of tears though I begin to laugh, and an old cliché keeps coming back to me-probably because its Lin’s infectious smile that I’ll remember the most. “Don’t cry because it’s over - smile because it happened”
"I am honored that Valerie & I
are able to pay tribute to Lin's memory.
The sadness we've all experienced over the sudden loss of Lin has really caused me to re-evaluate all that I've taken for granted. It is so easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of life whilst neglecting things that mean so much. I know it's human nature to do it - but I'm glad that once in a while we are reminded that we have much to be grateful for - and that it's important to love and support each other. Material possessions pass away - but the love and time you give of yourself will always remain - and to me that is the greatest gift that anyone can give. We have many fond memories of Lin, his laughter, his smile and fun-loving nature will live on. I've always loved the quote "Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery - but today is a gift and that's why we call it the PRESENT."
I feel so very blessed when I think of all the incredibly special people who have crossed my path. To each and every one of you who has made a difference in my life ~ I Love Ya'll ~ and I'll always be grateful ! Always let the people who have touched you know what a difference they've made in your life - for you'll make a difference in theirs by doing so - and there is No time like the present. My heartfelt prayers go out to Lin's Family as well as his "musical" family (Travis LeDoyt & His Band) and everyone else who is saddened by the loss of a great man - Lin D Poulson" ~ Ronda Marson ~ 
We all have special people that come into our lives,
that touch our hearts, minds and soul. It's so hard for me to come to terms with the fact that we will never see Lin again on this earth, hard to realize that his beautiful big smile will only be seen in photos that we hold. The tears that I cried that day I learned the horrible news that Lin was gone from us and many days after, were tears of both sadness, because I knew I wouldn't be seeing Lin on this earth again and tears of joy, because I know I have been blessed to have had Lin in my life even for such a short time. Lin will always be with me, in my thoughts, my smile, my tears, when I hear a song , a phrase, there's always a reminder of his smile. We had some wonderful memories and should have had a lot more. He accomplished so much in his short years by touching others through his music and in an individual way that only he could do. His Smile....His Laughter....will never be forgotten. Lin you will never be forgotten....you will always be loved, forever in our hearts and missed very much. My Mamaw always said that when the day comes for us to open the door into the unknown that we have to be confident that one of 2 things will happen; either there will be something solid for us to stand upon or God will teach us to fly. I'm positive that Lin has learned to fly. I will miss you my BEACH BUDDY!!!
~ Valerie Keen ~
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In the heart of Willamette
Valley is Silverton, Oregon - just 15 miles east of the State capitol in
Salem. Population: 7400 - small as far as most towns go - but big enough for
a boy with dreams. Silverton now known as “Oregon’s Garden City” is where
Lin Poulson was born 39 years ago. The pictures of the scenic landscape are
breathtaking, which must have been inspiring to a boy who grew up surrounded
by music. 
Silver Creek, encased
within this small town is self-described as a “creek that runs through the
center of town on its journey from the cascade Mountains to the Pacific
Ocean.” How ironic this description is - the common roots we all share is
the journey we partake in life…a journey that can take us over a thousand
miles.
The music bug had bit - and Lin
never looked back. During his high school years he continued to play in
local bands. I imagine though, that a musicians soul, longs to be
encompassed in the midst of a city where the air itself breathes a lyrical
melody. Logically, Lin made the only choice he could - to make the move to
“Music City, USA” - Nashville, TN. The year was 1996, exactly 2378 miles
from Molalla - and the journey had only begun….
For over the past three years Lin has been
the main-stay guitarist for Travis LeDoyt, touring world-wide with LeDoyt
who performs an awe-inspiring tribute to Elvis Presley. Travis, like Lin,
had taken the chance of making the trek from the small town of Greenfield,
MA to Nashville, TN in the hopes of furthering his musical career. Obviously
the choice was the right one for both of them. It was entirely obvious that
Lin had thoroughly enjoyed touring with Travis over the past few years - and
had many laughs and good memories to share about the experience. After the
last show we all attended together Lin turned to me and said “Wow - wasn’t
Travis incredible tonight?” Lin, an accomplished and incredible musician in
his own right, respected and appreciated a gift in others that he had also
been blessed with. And blessed we were to know this “boy from Oregon” who
dared to follow his dream. 
