To know Karen Bomberry, aka Kickster, was to love her. And everyone did for many, many reasons. We were reminded of one of those reasons when Mike Kach was spotted onstage during the Dickey Betts All Star Tribute Concert in Macon Feb. 28 wearing his "Karen" necklace. (Thank you for the photo and inspiration, Con Bomberry!) Karen made these necklaces and shared them with countless members of the extended family over the years. Please share photos of your "Karen" necklace and the stories behind them here.
Photos left to right: Karen and Lynn T. Bomberry in Pittsburgh, Mike Kach onstage, and my (Lana's) necklace.
Karen and Lynn, and their necklaces, at our wedding.
I had the very good fortune of meeting Karen, and all of the Bomberrys through this website. The first time was at BoboFest where dozens of members from the "Blue Site" traveled to Pittsburgh for an ABB concert due to Bob O'Brien's health struggles and inability to travel elsewhere. What a truly amazing experience that entire weekend was.
Also, a number of us by happenstance stayed at the same Marriott prior to and during Eric Clapton's 2010 Crossroads concert in Chicago.
You couldn't meet a nicer family than the Bomberrys and I was deeply saddened to hear of Karen's passing. The world needs more people like her not fewer. RIP Karen, or Big6 as she logged on to Hittin'The Web.
"My friends say I'm ugly I got a masculine face." Tom Waits
Before my very first trip over the pond for the Beacon 2004 shows, Karen reached out to me on the old blue site to give me advice regarding how to get from airport to hotel, where to meet up with folks, etc etc.
I subsequently met up with Karen and Lynn on numerous occasions ... and also had the pleasure of meeting Colei and Shelby ... a lovely, friendly and very welcoming family.
This is a photo of our last meeting at Wanee in 2012 ... oh how I wish I could relive those days again ... thankfully I still have the many happy memories ...
I borrowed Lynn’s necklace that Ron L returned to him … the feeling when I wore it truly melted this black heart 🖤 of mine… I’ve heard so many stories from Karen of all the necklaces that went out and well I wished I had written them down. Sure miss her! And thank you Lana I was truly touched for you to say my pic of Mike Kach was the inspiration!
Lefty Collins wearing his Karen necklace March 31, 2007. Photo submitted by Greggswoman April 14, 2007.
BlueDad wearing his Karen necklace March 31, 2007. Photo submitted by Greggswoman April 14, 2007.
Bill Ector, Jacquie, Bluedad, Karen March 31, 2007. Photo submitted by Bluedad April 8, 2007.
Jacquie, Dave Pearson, Karen March 31, 2007. Photo submitted by Bluedad April 8, 2007.
Devon Allman and Wharfrat March 31, 2007. Photo submitted by Wharfrat April 6, 2007.
Corky March 31, 2007. Photo submitted by Lauri April 5, 2007.
Jody Goldman Daddio and Terri B March 31, 2007. Photo submitted by Sari April 5, 2007.
Bluedad March 31, 2007. Photo submitted by Sari April 5, 2007.
Elizabeth Ann Lagrua and Mitzi Perryman Haston March 31, 2007. Photo submitted by Greggswoman April 4, 2007.
Lana told me about this wonderful tribute to Karen! This first photo is from June 22, 2002, at a DG&GS show in Pittsburgh, PA. This is the day Karen gifted me my first necklace--along with DB&GS bassist Brother Dave Stoltz and Karen herself.
During that fun 2 1/2-week excursion with Lana in 2002, I unfortunately misplaced my first necklace. Karen gifted me a second Peace necklace (that I still have) later in that trip. Here is me with Oteil in Cleveland, OH, on July 3, 2002.
Love and miss you BigSixPeachHead!
(Edit: You can't really see the necklace, but it's there, I promise!)
