The County Mounty
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- Опубліковано 27 січ 2021
- Garnet Walbeck, aka; The County Mounty lives in Renfrew Ont. He grew up living with a mental deficit that prohibited him from living a “normal” life (whatever that is these days). However, he didn’t let that sway him from living life. At some point a metamorphosis took place that transformed Garnet into a cowboy-hat-wearing, law enforcement officer. It cemented his name in the history books of small-town Renfrew. Ask for Garnet Walbeck or The County Mounty and someone will have a story. He would walk the beat and check store shops to ensure all doors were locked after closing, as well talk to the locals. When a new police chief was hired he learned of the County Mounty and was concerned for his safety (in the event he actually did walk in on a crime in progress). He asked the Mounty to retire. That was a sad day, and his friends being shop owners and musicians took him out for wings and drinks for his retirement.
The Mounty is an avid Johnny Cash fan and loves to play and sing his songs. Rarely does he let an opportunity slip by where he can perform his renditions with local musicians in live venues around town. This song is in tribute to this man who I believe is turning 70 years old in October. He found a way to overcome his disability and turn it into a gift for everyone to share and have a memory of experiencing someone special. I know he brought many smiles to my face and gave me inspiration to not sweat the small stuff, as well made me realise that your dreams can become your reality. Garnet lives in an assisted living home in Renfrew where I’m sure he is either driving the residents crazy or giving them lots of entertainment. So now for the disclosures… I wrote this song almost 30 years ago, however; it has undergone a few transformations since the original. As well, I did take some artistic liberties in writing the song, so its accuracy of events may not be totally on the mark. I don’t have a studio, so I recorded it in my basement with whatever software was onboard my computer. Of course, being of a certain age has its challenges learning something totally new. So, this song comes with a lot more determination than talent. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have had making it. It is bitter/sweet that it is finished. I hope Garnet will get to see it as I’m not sure he has a means to access electronic media.
Credits: I want to thank my wife Robin for her guidance and being so patient hearing me play it a thousand times, Cheryl Walbeck Fraser and Jo-Anne Quesnel for supplying the photos, as well, the town of Renfrew and all of the musicians for their compassion.
How wonderful is this, I remember Garnet on patrol on main street when I was younger, Thank you Chris for this, all the memories just flooded back. I sure hope Garnet has the chance to see this it will light up his life. A true Blessing
What a great tribute Chris. Well done. Garnie would be so proud of this.
Made me tear up. A great tribute to a personality I knew in person.
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you Chris.
Wonderful Chris, I remember Garnet well, such a beauty song for one our Characters in Renfrew.
I was thinking about Garnet and this came up - thank you for the tribute, he was a bit of an icon in the ‘frew.
Great job, Chris! I remember this one from way back! 🎶👍
Chris, I love it! What a fabulous ballad! I love the story, the melody and I love your voice... great job my man!
That is beautiful! I used to work at Sidney's and remember Garnet well!
Beautiful!
What a beautiful tribute Chris.
Great song Chris. Garnet was on the Manor Christmas video this year !
That's beautiful, in so many ways.
Beautiful!