Heaven gained another star and SL lost another avatar. Bear Rasmuson – gentleman, scholar and music aficianado extraordinaire – passed away on Wednesday, June 8. I have known Bear for a long while now. Bear was a good friend of and to Callipygian Christensen and so we would often meet at Calli’s art exhibits or when she was DJ’ing. I have been spending more and more time lately inworld following the good music. I discovered that Bear DJ’d and was a fantastic DJ – informative, personable and with great taste in music and a huge play list. I joined Bear’s group and wore my “Dances with Bears” tag proudly.
Last night as word spread of our loss, many mourners began gathering at FogBound, a great SL blues club where Bear was often to be found – both DJ’ing and listening. Meredith Mistwalker and Yannik Lytton own FogBound. Meredith informed the community:
Anyone who knew him will be saddened to learn of the passing of Brother Bear Rasmuson out in real life. He was a great friend to many, both at FogBound and throughout SL. He loved the Blues, but loved sharing the Blues with others even more. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family in this time of loss.
We all began to share reminiscences in local chat. Bear had mentored many of the DJs that were there, including Minx Nootan who was directing the wake. Minx started the set the way Bear started HIS sets, with “Soul Man”. As Minx spun the tunes, she would tell us why she’d picked that tune, what it meant to her, to Bear, to us. The people kept coming – at one point there were 67 folk in the venue. Bear DJ’d at The Wharf Rat Blues, the Savoy, FogBound, JJ’s Joint, and Riverside to name just a few of his homes and friends.
I am glad that I had finally begun to know Bear personally. I remember all the times we shared a table at Tribeca listening to Calli spin the Blues. Part of me regrets that I didn’t chat more with Bear, learn more about him, but most of me feels that Bear and I were communing then in the way he most preferred: good music and good friends.
I’d like to share what Kohrabi Wittels said last night as Minx played “Soul Man”:
Bear is really a Soul Man now – watching over all of us, I’m sure.
I’m sure too, Kohrabi. Bear lives on in our thoughts, our memories, the way he taught us, educated us, shared with us, influenced us. His memory is a blessing. Thank you, Bear Rasmuson.
Ahuva's Blog 
Bear you will be sadly missed. I spoke to you on Tuesday the day before you were taken from us, now how I wish I could of talked to you longer. I will miss your sets, your music triva and your fashion sense. 😦
But I know you are now rocking with the great music talents that you loved-Stevie Ray Vaughan, Gary Moore, Jimi, and Janis and so many others that you enjoyed to listen too.
RIP Brother Bear ❤
(Soul Man)
Ivy
I will miss you my Bearhug, youve taught me so much. tho staying calm is one im still working on. Youre with the biggies now bro….and you deserve this spot next to them. Just, didnt expect you to go so soon! Love you Bearhug…. sis Blu RIP ❤
Brother Bear I’m so saddened to hear of our great lost. You are a wonderful man and I am honored to have crossed paths with you. My heart and prayers go out to all those that loved you. I hope they all find comfort in knowing that we all now have an angel bear on our side. Love you bro.
I met Bear when he first came to The Crossroads, he was charming, charismatic, a wonderful and playful joker and very much a gentleman. He never failed to show up at any of my shows to show his support and had claimed he wanted to DJ at The Crossroads with me because (as he claimed) he first came out of curiosity but stayed because of the music and because of my voice and sense of play and fun when I spun. I will always miss the wonderful bear hugs and laughter he always brought with me. Of course the MOST unforgettable moment was watching a chat in group between Bear and OldBear (whom I affectionately call OB1) were trying to nab some griefers. Not only were they FABULOUS in working together, but through all the chaos they had me rolling in stitches and tears at the comments they were making. Bear, I know you’re watching over us with the ever fabulous music in our hearts and minds still playing. Bless you dearly, Brother Bear, for all you have done and touched in the hearts and lives of many. *TIGHT HUGS*
RIP Bear – I had only met you at a few weeks ago, but you always made feel so welcome at Fogbound Blues club. I love to dance to your tunes. You shall be missed. A real sweet gentleman. ❤ xoxox Condolences to Bear's family and friends 😦
Will the Circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
There’s a better home awaiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky.
I told the undertaker,
Undertaker, please drive slow
Cause this Bluesman you are haulin’
Oh, I hate to see him go
My heartfelt condolences go out to the friends, family and Sweet Calli Christensen. Rest in Blues, Bear.
Jewel
You are going to be greatly missed you were one of the first blues DJ”s i listened to. My condolences go out to all of your family and friends You rock bear and i will miss you.
Felena
For some of us Angels in our lives are few, for others were privileged to have known you Brother Bear.– Dj Isobela Capalini/Colette Tuteur
Bro Bear, you were my hero . . so so sad.