Immediately after Tim Ellis’ cancer diagnosis became public, Portland’s musical community stepped up and began delivering positive energy, love, prayers, and economic support for Tim, his wife and six children.

No doubt, you’ve either seen or read about Tim’s extraordinary 60th birthday party event, held at Revolution Hall on February 15, 2016.

Click here for PRP’s coverage of the Tim Ellis Benefit.

And, chances are, you’re aware (very sadly) that melanoma ended Tim’s life on March 21, 2016. 

Tim Ellis Portrait

Tim Ellis during soundcheck, prior to his benefit concert at Revolution Hall. Photo by Robert Parish.

On Tuesday, March 29, 2016, Tim’s family and friends have organized a memorial service that’s open to the public. The location is St. Mary’s Cathedral (1716 NW Davis, Portland, OR 97209). Music begins at 1:15 p.m. The 90-minute service is scheduled to wrap up at 3:00 p.m. Click here for details.

Dozens of moving and inspirational stories have appeared in both print and electronic media since Tim’s diagnosis knocked us all over the head in January. He was arguably one of the most talented guitarists, producers, teachers and, most importantly, human beings to ever work and live in the Pacific Northwest.

Tim was an advocate for, and supporter of, Portland Radio Project. That’s why, before we ever started feeding the stream, Tim graciously sat down for an interview between sessions of a collaborative week-long musical education program he regularly produced with Rock Concert Violinist Aaron Meyer.

As you’ll see, Tim shared his perspective on the Portland music scene as well as his thoughts about the ways commercial radio has changed since he began his career. 

During their week-long residency at Touchstone Elementary School in Lake Oswego, Tim and Aaron Meyer helped students from Kindergarten through sixth grade write and perform their own compositions. Tim loved making and sharing music with young people.

As they often did when their time with students concluded, Tim and Aaron hosted an assembly, performing one of their signature duets — the Led Zeppelin classic, Kashmir. The kids and adults in the room were totally blown away.

Below is an unedited video of their performance.

Tim Ellis touched thousands of lives, including all of us at Portland Radio Project.

Like everyone who was fortunate enough to be in his extraordinary life orbit, we are thankful and blessed that we hung out, shared a few jokes (damn, you were funny!) and witnessed your virtuosity on what you called the “greatest thing ever,” the guitar.

PRP Michele Van Kleef and Tim Ellis

Tim Ellis (right) and one of his favorite musical collaborators, PRP’s Michele Van Kleef. Photo by Robert Parish.

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