Local Music Legend Mo' Kauffey Passes Away

Mo' Kauffey (L) relaxing between shots on the set of 'Staff Entrance'

It's a sad day for Guelph music fans with the news that Gary W. Wickizer, AKA: Mo' Kauffey, has lost his fight with cancer. He may have been born in Colorado, but Mo' was quintessentially Guelph, and like all good Bluesmen, he's strummed his last song and exited the stage.

The announcement was made this morning by Mo' Kauffey's wife via the musician's Facebook page.

Dear friends, it is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I am writing to you. Gary or Mo' Kauffey as the music...
Posted by Rosita D'Alessandro Wickizer on Sunday, March 13, 2016

It's been well known for sometime that Mo' was sick, there was even a benefit for him stocked with a lot of Guelph musicians back in December. But the show went on, and Mo' was still performing locally in the Guelph and surrounding area as recently as last month.

Tributes are coming in from both fans and fellow Guelph musicians. Kent MacMillan said of Mo's passing that "You will always be an inspiration to me every time I pick up my guitar to channel what it means to be human, through these musical filters. Your passing will leave a void in many of our lives, yet your smile, warm heart, laughter and love will stay with us forever. I am eternally grateful for the moments we spent together sharing the stage during the hundreds of shows we played and the hundreds of moments away from the stage."

Another local music fixture, Ambre McLean, shared this on Facebook

I just walked into The Boathouse Victoria Park and their blues jam tonight is dedicated to our late friend Mo' Kauffey. You are much loved brother! They are ripping up the stage in your honour.
Posted by Ambre McLean on Sunday, March 13, 2016

As for me, I met Mo' Kauffey in an unconventional way, on the set of a short film called "Staff Entrance" for which I was a member of the crew when it was made in 2011. Some may have observed that with his long snowy beard, that Mo' looked a bit like Gandalf the White, and so did director Paul Pengelly.

Mo' Kauffey is survived by his wife, his daughter and two siblings, and, of course, his music.