Lew Bundles Posted February 11, 2022 Share Posted February 11, 2022 Not sure how many of you caught Muzza’s post on Facebook which informed us that he will be taking an extended hiatus from that platform...Amidst the well wishing from the posters, an ominous overview was set as to the reason for his abstention... He responded to my post with a private text and, although I don’t think it is proper for me to reveal his health situation at this time, I do believe that we can all assist by offering prayers and positive thoughts in his direction... As many of you know, Muzza and his wife Kiwi, were staples on this board for many years and they are two people of the highest caliber level that I have ever met... For the uninitiated or uninformed, they made a handful of trips to America from their native New Zealand and were never lacking for love and support of their fellow EC fans as many of them opened up their homes to the couple for many nights accommodations, reflecting just how popular these two were amongst us... They even had the good fortune to meet Eric on one of their trips here at Bernie’s WAB, a yearly celebration at our webmasters home each year in which Eric(and Jim) actually attended at some point... Now is the time to open up our hearts once again and keep Muzza in your thoughts and prayers...He is a man with a Spiritual dedication and lacks nothing in the Faith department but an extra boost from us would never be considered misplaced or unappreciated... Thanks for your anticipated cooperation... We need more people like Muzza in our world and the longer we have him here, the world shines a little brighter... 5 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susie b Posted February 11, 2022 Share Posted February 11, 2022 Agreed! Muzza & Kiwi just celebrated their wedding anniversary this week. They have been through SO much over the past few years and have truly honored those wedding vows, together through thick and thin. They have such open hearts full of love and the spirit of adventure. Sending the power of prayer and love across the ocean to New Zealand. We said a special prayer in the barn last night for Muzza as I know how much he loves animals. He's got the love and horsepower of eight rescued racehorses on his side, and they know how miracles can happen and are grateful to be alive to pay it forward. Love you Muzza & Kiwi!!!! ❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️ 🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LC Posted February 11, 2022 Share Posted February 11, 2022 Lew, that is truly the greatest post you ever wrote. Susie, the same to you. There is such authentic, heartfelt love in the words both of you wrote. Thank you! I met Muzza and Kiwi at Weekend at Bernie's (WAB) in 2007. For newer posters, Bernie used to host a big EC.com gathering at his home in NJ. It's where you could put faces to the names behind the posts here. The year I was there was also the year Eric Carmen and Jim Bonfanti showed up. I had my two (very young) daughters with me, and we got there late and left even later, driving all night to get to our destination (family visit). Muzza and Kiwi were two of the absolute highlights. I mean, flying from New Zealand to see Raspberries and attend WAB? Amazing. And they made such a sweet fuss over my two girls—something a dad notices and forever appreciates. (By the way, Muzza and Kiwi, those two little sweethearts are now 22 and 19! Time is a thief. They do remember the party, though. And I have a picture of them with Eric, though now I wish I had shot them with everyone at the party.) Anyway, I stayed in touch with Muzza and Kiwi through the board and, after they stopped posting here, Facebook. And for years, through fantasy sports. Yes, around the time of WAB, I started fantasy baseball and fantasy football leagues filled with EC.com board members. Muzza isn't much into American football or baseball, but we got him involved every spring by having him choose our draft order, randomly. I always got a kick out of that—no one could complain about his or her draft position; Commissioner LC had nothing to do with it. Muzza handled it from halfway around the earth. So, if you pop back in and read this, Muzza, thank you again! Wishing you all good things and offering positive thoughts and virtual hugs... from the other side of this "rock revolving around the golden sun" (to quote Julian Lennon). Your faith is an inspiration. With admiration, good vibes, and love, Larry (LC) 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Posted February 11, 2022 Share Posted February 11, 2022 Great posts, Lew, Susie, and LC! Without a doubt one of the most delightful couples I've ever known. I too have been in contact with Murray privately. Although he is in the best of hands with Marilyn (his wife, partner, and nurse) and his Lord Jesus Christ, prayers and well wishes are welcomed I'm sure. God Bless the both of them during this time. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackhawkpat Posted February 11, 2022 Share Posted February 11, 2022 I was fortunate enough to meet Muzza and Kiwi (Murray and Marilyn) when they visited Chicago and we all attended the Hardrock Cafe for a luncheon. Everyone in the group was from the board here, maybe 12-15 people, if I recall correctly. Among other things, I gave them a Chicago Blackhawks pennant and because of my name being Blackhawkpat here, somehow they got the idea that I owned the hockey team! Lol (I’ve certainly blown enough money on the team over the past 50+ years but ownership? Not just yet) They told me they hung the pennant up in their living room and anyone who visited them would ask them about it, “The ultimate conversation piece” as they put it. Marilyn wrote me and told me they had never watched hockey before but because of me, every time a Blackhawks playoff game was on national television in New Zealand they tuned in and rooted for my beloved team. That truly made me happy. Two great people, both with huge hearts and big smiles, that I hope and pray the best for. I need you to get well soon Murray, so you are there when I eventually take over from the Wirtz family and buy the team! Get healthy my friend, I’ll be praying for you! Blackhawkpat 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhonda B Posted February 11, 2022 Share Posted February 11, 2022 All of you are such a caring and compassionate bunch here. Although I never had the chance to converse with Muzza and Kiwi, from the little I saw they sure look like a fun couple. I offer my prayers and thoughts as well. Thanks Lew. 4 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Posted February 12, 2022 Share Posted February 12, 2022 Good times with the Kiwi's! 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhonda B Posted February 12, 2022 Share Posted February 12, 2022 Would you be able to label the pictures Kirk? I know who you are but the others I don't know. Also, would anyone have a video of that birthday party of Eric's that everyone was at? I may have seen it but it doesn't look like it's available anywhere. Thanks for whatever you can do. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LC Posted February 12, 2022 Share Posted February 12, 2022 Good going, Kirk! Right off, I recognize (besides you and the Kiwis) our blonde girl Wendy and the Chief Pot Stirrer Tony Cartmill (baseball hat). 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LC Posted February 12, 2022 Share Posted February 12, 2022 And... Muzza in that beautiful red car is a priceless photo! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Posted February 12, 2022 Share Posted February 12, 2022 Bottom photo is Murray in my Sunbeam Tiger at In n' Out in Simi Valley. The next photo up from that has just about everybody that was at the BBQ place in Long Beach for this occasion of the Kiwi's visit. Top row left to right: Tony Cartmill with his son, Cameron (?), Marilyn, me, Murray. Bottom row l to r: Sherry Steigerwald (?), Reid Libby, Wendy A. Good times! 3 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted February 12, 2022 Share Posted February 12, 2022 I lend money for the purchase of cars and trucks, but I´m not really a car guy. But certain cars do make my heart pump fast, and Kirk, that orange Sunbeam Tiger has got my heart doing a fast pitter patter right now. Beautiful, stunning car, great job. P.S. praying for Muzz, he is a great guy and one of God´s best soldiers down here on Earth. 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susie b Posted February 12, 2022 Share Posted February 12, 2022 Knowing Muzza's passion for fast cars, you're fortunate that gorgeous Sunbeam Tiger stayed in Cali! Murray could have gone Grace Kelly/Sunbeam Alpine on you. When he makes it through this health issue, he is welcome to drive any of my cars, and that includes the roadsters!!! A few years ago, he commented on a photo of my elderly dad sitting in my little car. He said if that car were in NZ, Dad would be driving as the steering wheel would be on the other side. C'mon Murray!!! The car keys are waiting for you. ❤️🚗🙏✝️ 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew C. Clark Posted February 12, 2022 Share Posted February 12, 2022 I don't remember Muzza BUT was he at The Raspberries concert on July 15, 2005 at the Scene Pavilion in Cleveland?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lew Bundles Posted February 12, 2022 Author Share Posted February 12, 2022 I don’t think he and Kiwi were in America at that time, Matt... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew C. Clark Posted February 12, 2022 Share Posted February 12, 2022 OK thanks!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marlene Posted February 13, 2022 Share Posted February 13, 2022 Muzza and Kiwi are two of my favorite people on earth. I met them at Bernie's (WAB/Eric's BD party) and was able to reconnect again during one of their later visits to the US. They were so very loving and supportive of me during the most difficult time in my life, praying with me from half a world away. My heart is with them both as they navigate this difficult path now, and I am storming Heaven with prayers for Muzza's health situation. I hope they both know how much they are loved and cared about. Dear Muzz and Kiwi, kids, if there's ANYTHING I can do...you know I'm here...always, anytime. I love you both so much! 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marlene Posted February 13, 2022 Share Posted February 13, 2022 I may have a video from WAB someplace, but these are just a couple of fun pictures...first one is me with Muzza and Kiwi, the second is Jennifer and Annie with Muzza and Kiwi, and the others are just a few of the gazillion I have from Eric's BD party. (Sorry the quality of a couple of them aren't so good.) 5 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LC Posted February 14, 2022 Share Posted February 14, 2022 Wow! Great memories, Marlene! If I didn't arrive later in the day with my two girls, we'd have been in that group pic, for sure! What a great day that was.... Thank you Bernie. So great to meet so many folks. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susie b Posted February 14, 2022 Share Posted February 14, 2022 Lots of beloved faces in those photos, Marlene!!! Thank you for sharing your memories of that beautiful day. ♥️ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lew Bundles Posted April 25, 2022 Author Share Posted April 25, 2022 For those of you who may not be aware or not on Facebook, Kiwi has posted a message that Muzza’s time on earth is coming to an end... Very disheartening, as he(and she) are two of the nicest people you could ever meet... I sent a brief message to him and pray that God bless him, for he has already blessed me with their presence in my life... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susie b Posted April 25, 2022 Share Posted April 25, 2022 I just saw Kiwi's message, too. So difficult to absorb that this fabulous human being is leaving the planet. Along with many members of the EC.com family, I have written to Kiwi and Muzza of our love and support. I hope Grayson is waiting for him. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batman Posted April 25, 2022 Share Posted April 25, 2022 This is very sad news. I am not on Facebook, so I haven't been aware of Muzza's health situation. I met Kiwi and Muzza in 2006 at Bernie's for Eric's birthday. Muzza gave me a golden kiwi pin, which I still have. I had dinner with them and several other EC.com members when they came to NJ. Lew was there, as was Tommy Tunes and Ira. These two people had a definite positive energy field surrounding them, because having never met them before, when in their presence one felt as if they were with life-long friends. I will be saying prayers for Muzza and Kiwi. I consider myself blessed to have made their aquaintance. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim From Wisconsin Posted April 25, 2022 Share Posted April 25, 2022 Such sad news...😪 I was blessed to meet Kiwi and Muzza at WAB II and also in Chicago. It's been great keeping in touch with them here and on facebook. It is truly like losing a family member. Tim 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew C. Clark Posted April 25, 2022 Share Posted April 25, 2022 Prayers for family & friends. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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