I was fortunate enough to shake his hand and see/hear (no jokes please) him in a small, intimate concert a few years back.
RIP 
Awesome story and experience. Never had the pleasure of taking in a live show. I have been listening to Doc for about the last 12 years. I first heard Doc pick fiddle tunes on the guitar by randomly downloading a tune on Napster, and I remember immediately saying to myself, "I gotta learn how to do that." Bought a dreadnaught about 2 weeks later and haven't looked back. I played the tenor sax b/f that, but I've lost interest and became consumed with acoustic flatpicking. Most of my leisure time is spent flatpicking (mostly in Doc's style) these days. Doc's music has become a part of me, no homo.
He would be the first face on the Mt. Rushmore of flatpick guitar without a doubt. He will be sadly missed. I'm grateful for the amount of music he has made available via audio, written, concert videos, and instructional material. His blazing take on Salt Creek with Tony Rice and Norman Blake got me through many a squat session. Also happened to be the first Doc tune I learned. I think what's even more amazing than his music is the positive influence he's had on people. Everyone that's met him has nothing but great things to say; so humble and kind in his greatness. Pick In Peace Doc. You will be missed.
