Sad news. I'm sorry for the loss of your friend Don.

There were a lot of instrumental "guitar" groups back in the day, but in my mind the Ventures were a cut above. Great arrangements, and they always rocked. This is a very good book for anyone interested in their history: https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Dont-Run-Ventures-Del-Halterman/dp/0557040515

I play instrumental rock n' roll live and do several of their arrangements. I'll be thinking of Nokie when I'm playing "Walk Don't Run" at my upcoming gig next week.

I'm sure Nokie and Mel (Taylor) will be ripping it up tonight!