Letters from Fans
2003 (Jan - Jun)

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Foreword from Butch:

"Mahalo" means "thank you" in Hawaiian, but cannot adequately express my gratitude to the nice people who have taken the time to send me compliments about my music or performance. Mahalo no ("Thank you very much")!

Received: 28 June 2003 from Yayeko Nishina

Dear Butch,

It's nearly a week since we arrived home from our cruise on the Norwegian Star. Just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed listening to your melodic singing voice and visiting with you. Went to your website and learned a lot about you. Your CDs are great. What a surprise to have seen you on the pier as we were being herded like cattle onto the bus to take us to the airport.

Keep up the good work in making many people happy listening to your singing!

Take care.

Yayeko Nishina
Culver City, CA

Received: 16 June 2003 from Kathleen Nastruz Cheek

Hi there,

I am writing this note for my father Joe... he has been talking a lot about his and Mom's times with you and your cruise family... if possible could you send a note with the most recent sailing cruises for you... Dad is actually doing pretty well all things considering... Our family now time shares him. At present he is staying in Washington State between myself (daughter #2 ) and my bro (son #1). We will be making a trip to Albuquerque, NM, for his oldest nephew's wedding on July 3. On August 29th his Naval Ship also has an annual Reunion that he will attend for the second year. This year it actually is being held in WA State. Last year we took him to New Hampshire for the same.

As I said previously he has expressed quite an interest in the possibility of seeing you on a cruise again so... please contact me if possible...

Thanks so much,
Kathleen Nastruz Cheek
for Joe Nastruz

Received: 15 June 2003 from Janet Holloway

Dear Butch:

Yes, I did receive the two CD's you sent and was so pleased that you had autographed them and had written the two notes for me. I want you to know that I am sorry about your illness and I'm worried about your voice because you really need it in your singing.. You have such a marvelous voice. (I really can't think of enough words to describe it. You can count me in as a member of the Butch Fan Club. Maybe it could be worked out for you to have fewer hours of entertaining...like only 2 hours...from 8 to 10 or so. I did get a chance to visit your website and loved the colorful pictures. I was so surprised to see the backs of our heads (Me, Gloria and Mary, in that order) in one of the shots. It was taken of all of us in the Atrium and I didn't even realize it was being taken. I liked your writing about Fanning Island, and I like the graphoanalysis but had to have copies of it because I haven't been able to finish reading it yet. I do love your handwriting, too and will comment on that later.

Oh, Butch, guess what? Gloria came down to see us this past weekend. We had a wonderful time. We enjoyed her so much and she seemed to really enjoy being with us too.

Thank you again for the CD's.

Fondly,
Janet Holloway

Received: 15 June 2003 from Gene and Ruth Brushart

We regret that we didn't take more time to enjoy your offerings in the Star Bar, but we've not yet adjusted to FREESTYLE cruising that tends to make our evenings more complicated. And being on the go all day long, from early in the morning, tended to wear us out before the night life began.

We were grateful to pop in to have you sing and play for us the Hawaiian Wedding Song on our 50th, though. A memorable part of the cruise.

We discussed our long appreciation of your entertaining talent with the cruise director, and made special mention of it on our cruise critiques, for what good that might do.

Aloha and best wishes,

Gene and Ruth Brushart
Waverly, OH

Received: 2 June 2003 from Charla & Larry Manica

Dear Butch,

To let you know who is writing this: We came into the Star Bar quite by accident, after looking in Las Ramblas. We stayed 3 hours! Our cruise was May 18-25. We are the ones who had the espresso maker going in our stateroom at the same time we were listening to your CD, thus zapping the power from the CD player.

This email is directly to you. I'll write another email someday for you to put onto your fanmail on the website..........Oh, I guess you can snip out what you want of this one for your fanmail site.

It is an interesting knowing that multitudes of people parade through your life week after week. Each of us who enjoyed your talents remember you well. You can't possibly remember very many of us! By now, you've met, visited with and played favorite tunes for another troop.

Butch, you have amazing talent. Little did we know that you are also an accomplished artist! Your voice is like velvet and your guitar style is very soothing. We hope to learn by your website when you put out another CD. We like the low bass tones of the baritone guitar, but be careful that the volume is lower on your guitar amp, so we can still hear your wonderful voice. I liked your singing voice in the really low range.

You don't have the opportunity for a large enough audience in the lounge at the top of the ship. I hope they put you back into the atrium. The daily newsletter describes you as "Hawaiian music", but you play much more than Hawaiian only. Maybe they could describe you more accurately?

During this past week, we mentioned when it was Tuesday (at sea), Wednesday (Fanning Island) and Thursday (at sea). I think from now on, Wednesday will be "Fanning Island Day". I am thrilled you have photos of Fanning Island on your website. You mentioned something about putting those up, but I can't remember if you said you would be putting them up or if you already had. Maybe you put them up on the same Sunday we started home. I sent the URL link to our 3 sons & daughters-in-law and also to friends. I really believe that for most cruisers, Fanning Island is the memory they take home from the cruise. You are another fond memory.

Music touches people deep inside themselves. Your beautiful voice is God's gift to you, and through you it is a gift to many, many people.

Sometimes, whistle a tune and think of me!

May God Bless You and Keep You Safe,

Charla and Larry Manica .....written by Charla
(Prairie Village, Kansas)

Inscription on an Old Bell

I Call the Living, Mourn the Dead,
I Tell When Days and Years are Fled,
For Grief and Joy, For Prayer and Praise,
To Heaven My Tuneful Voice I Raise.

Received: 18 April 2003 from Diane McKelvey

Hi Butch,

Mahalo for the positive comments. You made me smile. As I said in the letter I gave you on the last day of the cruise -- you are 'Kilohana'. I hope I spelled it right, I got it out of the Hawaiian Dictionary that I copied, but mean it from the heart -- "The Best" or "Most Wonderful."

We had a wonderful time. The ship couldn't have been better. Excellent service, excellent food, friendliness of the crew and the entertainment, of course, was "Superb". The tours of Volcanoes National Park and Waimea Canyon were incredible. We found Fanning Island enlightening. We also met some nice people. Remember Wilma? I liked her a lot. I found her to be a sweet, warm person.

[...]

Got to go for now. I am glad that we got to share time together.

Aloha - Di
(Sun Lakes, AZ)

Received: 18 April 2003 from Ann Davenport

Hi Butch,

It's rained all week here with the tempt. very cold in the 40's. as of yesterday the sun came out and today has been so beautiful. Of course Thomas has been out in the yard planting flowers and cutting grass with our grandson's help. Now, look what you have to look forward to when your grandson gets older.

Last night I watcher a cook Show, Emeral, who had a guy on from Hawaii cooking with him. The Hawaiian guy had a cookbook out and seemed to really know his stuff. Along with the cooking they had dancers and men playing instruments with one fellow singing. I of course loved the show but one remark Thomas made really has stuck with me all day. He said that guy that is singing can't touch Butch O'Sullivan. One of the happiest days of my life was when Thomas met you on the Oct. cruise and liked you and loved your music. He really began on that cruise to understand why I love your voice so much and saw the God-given talent you have for himself. He's a man of few words but when he speaks others listen. [...]

Aloha,
Ann as in Annie's Song
(Raleigh, NC)

Received: April 2003 from Mrs. Yasu Terada

(English translation by Michiru Shibuya, Japanese International Hostess, and pursers Yuri and Midori on the Norwegian Star:)

ALOHA!

My dear sweet Butch,

Before I left Japan, my number 1 wish was to take my 45-year-old ukulele to Hawaii hoping there would be ukulele lessons on the ship, but there weren't any. I'm so happy that Michiru Shibuya found you, and that you were willing to be my private instructor.

Every minute was so important. It was a joyful time. I felt like the famous Japanese conductor Ozawa was teaching me as I met you for the first time.

I was also taking a hula dance class every day. I think the secret of long life is ukulele & hula dance, both for mental and physical exercise.

In Japan, they taught me the melody of "Aloha Oe." It is quite different from the original Hawaiian version. I will be dancing with my own style for original music & song "Aloha Oe." Please come to see me dancing.

I wasn't able to say "Thank you" or "Good bye" to my sensei ('teacher') and shake your hand.

Mrs. Yasu Terada
Japan

Received: 30 March 2003 from Marie & Earl Northey

Thank you for your lovely songs each night aboard the Norwegian Star at the beginning of June. Thank you for singing Happy Trails.

Earl continues to triumphantly or stay the same in his battle with cancer. Our prayers are being answered.

You helped to make our trail on the ship very enjoyable. Thank you.

ONWARD
Marie and Earl Northey
(Johnson Creek, WI)

Received: 30 March 2003 from Claire & Burt Stern

Dear Butch,

I enjoyed reading your newsletter. You have some good advice. I hope that you are still enjoying playing for the cruise., and bring joy to the people ar around you. We need music, and cheer in those so depressing times of the war. I watch TV for as long as i can and find myself so overwelmed with what I see that I change to music and practice my Hawaian dancing and our ukulele music ("Hummers & Strummers" senior citizen activity group).

I wish I was good enough to sing and play for the troops. This note to say hello from Chicago.

Love,
Claire Stern
(Deering, IL)

Received: 1 March 2003 from Doug and Sharon

Hi Butch!

Doug and I were on the recent Hawaiian Islands cruise on The Norweigian Star and we just wanted to tell you again just how much we so enjoyed your entertainment. Your voice is so melodic and smooth and it was very relaxing listening to you. We did buy one of your CD's, Live at Waikiki, and we do enjoy playing it and listening to your wonderful songs. We just wished we had bought the other one too. [There are 4 recordings -B.]

We never did get a chance to ask you but we were curious as to how you came about your name of Butch O'Sullivan? I am of Irish descent and Doug is Italian, just curious.

We hope to return to Hawaii in a year or so and will have to watch your website as to where you will be playing. We hope to see you again.

Thanks again for helping to make our cruise memorable. Aloha!

Doug and Sharon

Received: 1 March 2003 from Tom Sharpe

Butch,

Thanks for the reply and being apart of a great vacation. Just looked at my video yesterday. It seems I left my camera on during the Island Tours on the big Island with your friend. Ended up with a lot of pictures of you in the front of the bus. I have some people going on the Star from Sonora Ca first week in march and want to recomend this Tour (Hilo Harbor Tours). Can't beat it for $19.

God's Peace,
Reverend Tom Sharpe
(Northern CA)

Received: 24 February 2003 from Nancy Turnbow

Hi,

I sent my first fan letter ever, over a month ago. That in itself was no small feat. I didn't want to use my company e-mail so I had to get another and take a computer off-line to use.

[...] The last thing anyone would expect me to do is write to a man I don't even know and tell him how great I think he is. In case you don't remember who I am, we came aboard January 5th. My husband's name is Hal. He wasn't able to make many of your shows due to bad health. He has lung cancer. I came with other couples we were traveling with.

I'll be watching your web site, hoping you will be on another cruise that doesn't go to Fanning Island. I'd love to see another live performance. Until then I'll settle for listening to your CDs.

Nancy Turnbow

Received: 20 February 2003 from Norm & Barb Wolowicki

Sub: Hi Again

Dear Butch

Been listening to A Postcard From Paradise. My wife and I think this is great music. We were on the January 26 to Feb. 2 cruise. Can't believe how quickly time goes bye, nevertheless; we enjoyed every moment. Especially your music and friendlyness towards us at the star bar one evening. Keep up the good work.

Mahalo
Norm and Barb Wolowicki

Received: 6 February 2003 from Ann Davenport

Sub:You won't believe it!

Hi Butch,

My grandson from Va. Beach who is in the fifth grade called tonight and said he needed to do a survey with me. The question was "If a genie appeared right now and told you she would grant you a wish of one of these five things, to be rich, a big house, a small house, travel or just something you wanted what would it be?" With in five seconds I answered, I'd like to be on the NCL ship The Star and have Butch O'Sullivan sing Annie's Song to me." Now, How's that for remembering a fantastic night when you sang Annie's Song for Thomas' and my anniversary? [...]

Aloha,

Ann
(Raleigh, NC)

Received: 31 January 2003 from Pat and Don Sandell

Hi Again,
(see earlier messages from Don & Pat, below -- Butch)

We are checking out your future cruise schedule so we can book one where you are performing. The one time we were on a ship with you, you really impressed us. You are such a wonderfully talented man -- your music (we love your new bass guitar), your amazing voice, your unique timing and phrasing, your ability to sing in so many languages, the far-ranging selection of the songs you know, but most of all your wonderful rapport with the audience. Your knowledge about the backgrounds of the songs you sing, and the way you share it with the audience makes them so much more enjoyable to hear, and we remember your stories --and you -- when we hear the songs again.

You make everyone watching feel as if they are your personal friends; we were honored to have you join us for dessert and talk about some of the many topics in which you are so well versed, including many insights into Fanning Island and the history of Hawaii. You say that you play your music to make the world a better place, and so you have!!!

There is an Elvis song you perform that you said was originally recorded by Bing Crosby. We can't remember which song it is. Can you tell us again?

Two more among your growing legion of fans
Don & Pat Sandell
(Loves Park, IL)

(The song they refer to is "Blue Hawaii" from the movie "The Waikiki Wedding" featuring Bing Crosby, Bob Burns and Martha Ray, ca. 1937 -- Butch)

Received: 28 January 2003 from John Guagliardo

(This man had asked me for permission to use one of my recordings in his web site.)

Butch,

Thanks for the email. I appreciate the use of the .wav file, Paradise-8-SweetLeilani.wav., which you posted on your site. I just was looking for a short intro melody to a webpage I was making. Your song was perfect for it because the page has a Hawaiiana theme with an image of a bird of paradise on it.

Aloha,

John
Guagliardo Technologies, Inc.,
A Website Development Company -- www.guagliardo.cc
(Honolulu, HI)

Received: 24 January 2003 from Pat and Don Sandell

Hi Butch

The temperature here in Loves Park, IL, last night was -3, with a wind chill of -27, but we had your "Live at Waikiki" tape playing, and just the vision of you singing on the beach helped to warm us -- a little. Even though it's older, the tape is new to us, and we really like it. This is the way we know and like you -- just your guitar and your talent. And what a talented man you are!!! We checked out your website, and I love the sculpture titled "Peaceful Easy Feeling". I don't suppose the museum has small reproductions that they sell?? Your "A Postcard From Paradise" c.d. is fun, too. It is easy to tell that both you and Don had a good time making it. He really is a talented musician. We look forward to the new album you are working on. We want to be among the first purchasers -- signed by you, of course.

When we were on the Norwegian Star a couple weeks ago, we were not having a very good time until we happened to hear you while dining at Endless Summer. We liked you right away, and made a point of moving downstairs to hear you when we finished eating. We then followed you to the Star Bar which is a nice intimate place, but NOT the venue for you. Your talent and personality should be showcased in a larger area where more people can get to know you. You very cordially befriended us, and we shared Don's rope trick, dessert, and interesting conversation with you during the rest of our voyage. We really hated to leave you. Don said that even though we don't particularly like the Norwegian Star or it's way of doing things, we DO like you enough that we plan to book another cruise while you are still there.

While in Waikiki after the cruise, we saw many of the quilts you told us about. I like the pineapple pattern. They are very different from the traditional quilts found around the midwest.

Have you seen the December 2002 issue of National Geographic about how the Hawaiians are reclaiming their culture by learning the traditional ways of doing things and of speaking? Heck, for all I know you probably helped write it! Anyway, if you like, I'd be glad to send you the copy I have; just let me know if you'd like it.

Take care, and write back if you have time. We'd love hearing from you.

Don & Pat Sandell
(Loves Park, IL)

Received: 19 January 2003 from Pat and Don Sandell

Hi Butch,

We just got home, and I put on "A Postcard From Paradise" while we sort through mail, make phone calls, etc. I REALLY like it!!!! You should be very proud. You are such a joy to listen to, and to know. I will write more later, but just want you to know that you are still making us happy with your talent, and just because you're you. Hope we were able to make your time aboard a bit happier. I didn't really mean that you should provide us with a place to stay when we return..... but your reaction was great!! You are a beautiful man, inside where it counts.

Pat
(Loves Park, IL)

Received: 3 January 2003 from Ward and Emmy Breen

Hi Butch,

For the first time, I went to your web site the other day and much to my surprise; I found the video I had sent you. Every since I sent it to you I had wondered if you had received it and now I know. What a thrill!!

While reading your newsletter and the e-mails from your friends and fans I got the feeling that I am not the only one who feels the same way about how you come across to people. My wife, Emmy, and I truly enjoyed the times we spent listening to your wonderful talent.

The holidays have just passed and I'm sure you have been very busy. Perhaps now you will have some time to relax and spend some time with your family and friends. We only had a few evenings to enjoy you in the lounge on the Norwegian Star, but even in that short time it became apparent that you love your music and truly care for the people who you are entertaining.

Thanks again, your new fans,

Ward and Emmy Breen
(Hudsonville, MI)

P.S. Whoever puts your web site together does a terrific job.

(My web site is designed by myself and Patrick at Green Leaf Graphics in Honolulu, HI.)

Received: 1 January 2003 from Sally Opaska

(Feedback About An Article I Wrote In My 2003Newsletter)

Dear Butch,

Thank you for the beautiful New Year greeting. Auld Lang Syne always leaves a lump in my throat. I wish you and yours a very Happy and Safe New Year. I pulled up your newsletter, read it, printed it, and have re-read it over and over. Re: the article about your grandmother. I can relate to the many changes she endured in her lifetime. I was born in 1920, just 45 years after your grandmother was born. And I also have seen many changes in my life. I remember the stock market crash of '29 when rich men were jumping out of buildings and commiting suicide, followed by the Great Depression when our young boys were sent to work camps to make a small stipend to send back to their families, the long soup lines, and all the used clothing I used to wear. In High School I only had two dresses, but a lot of kids only had one. My mom always had a 25 lb. sack of flour, and with that and a pound of hamburger, she could make a meal "fit for a king", and there were 6 mouths to feed because my grandmother lived with us. This was when I also learned to eat dandelions. None of us went to College, but we all managed to go to business school. At the end of the 30's when we were coming out of the great depression, some "brain" decided that we should go to war.

We were known a "the greatest generation" and we sacrificed a lot, but we gained a lot. Then the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and my husband and son both served. Your grandmother lived through these times, too. Then the '60's and 70's when I saw old people lose their homesteads, their farms, just for the sake of building a few more super highways, a few more tall buildings. Disease spread across the country in the form of Aids, other STD's, homosexuality, couples living together without benefit of marriage, 13year old girls having babies, drugs, orphans everywhere, what a mess! And now Clones.....taking God's work out of His hands. Yes, I can sympathize with all that your dear grandmother endured. How do you think she would feel today if she were here, about all the greed and power going on now? You sound a little bitter about the roll the US played in acquiring your beautiful homeland and I agree with your feelings, but I can't say I'm not glad it happened.

If the world could have left the Hawaiian Islands as a pristine paradise, that would have been wonderful! But we can't let our grudges hang like an albatross around our necks. We have to get on with life. You mentioned before that you wanted to leave your child and grandchildren with a genealogy chart of your family? Don't put it off. I just finished mine, all 52 pages. I had 5 copies printed, put in binders with each grandchild's name on the front, put in a fireproof box to be given to each one when my life on this earth has ended. I included a page each for the "10 most remembered things" that has occured in my life. And I also included three of my most loved poems.....one of which I got from one of your newsletters, called "The Dash", remember? It's about what happens in your life between the date of your birth, and the date of your demise. And I have to say, baring a few bumps along the way, so far, it's been a beautiful trip! I assume you are still at home, preparing for your next gig on the Star. The picture in your newsletter of Susie and Pierce was beautiful. That little boy is so adorable, and I imagine he's quite a performer. You can tell by both their expressions that he is one child that is really loved. And how many toys on Christmas Day did you play with, Grandpa? It would be a safe bet that you gave him a guitar! On Christmas Eve I had the whole family here at my house.....all 5 grandchildren at the same time....a miracle in itself. It was nice. Well, gotta' go now. Keep in touch!

Sally
(Carnegie, PA)