Ritchie Valens released hit songs such as Donna, La Bamba, and Come On, Lets Go and his records sold over a million copies. Im watching the real thing. A few months ago, he went to the pot shop to get his medicine. Im glad I finally did go, he said. Ritchie, one of his brothers, perished in a plane disaster on February 3, 1959, when he was 21 years old. Talking about his family background, he was born to his father Jos Esteban Valenzuela (18961952), and his mother Concepcin Concha Reyes (19151987). The names of Ritchie Valens' siblings are Connie, Irma, Robert Morales, and Mario Ramirez. He also assisted people that needed help and this made him quite a beloved figure in his local community. Visitation will be held on July 14, 2016 at 5:00 pm at Crespo Funeral Home, 4136 Broadway Street, Houston, TX. On Feb 2, 1959, 17-year-old Ritchie died in a plane crash, along with Buddy Holly and J.P. "The Big Bopper." Eerily enough, it was known that Ritchie had a tremendous fear of flying after witnessing two planes collide when he was younger. Bob Morales battled cancer for six years during which he went into multiple recessions. The school authorities eventually discovered what Morales was up to and his school vice principal tried to punish him. Oxford University Press. Discovery channel was at the. Concerning about Bob's educational background, he completed his intermediary level education with good grades from San Fernando High School. His entire family was there for the experience and met many famous musicians. They dated for several years during which they lived together. Stay Tuned with Married Celeb For More Amusing Articles About Your Favorite Public Figure!!! After this first audition, Keane signed Valenzuela to Del-Fi on May 27, 1958. Ritchie Valens was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. [22], "Boogie with Stu" from Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti album was inspired by Valens' song "Ooh, My Head". Roberto Bob Morales was born on the 9th of March 1937 in Los Angeles, California. Get the Behind-the-Seams Stories of Pop Music's Most Iconic Garments. (Ritchie's siblings are alive and living in California, his father died in 1951 and his mother in 1987) Connie talked about what it was like growing up as Ritchies sister. He also created a similar stainless-steel monument to the three musicians that was installed near the Riverside Ballroom in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Donna inspired Valens to release the song Donna in 1959. I didnt fit, but I fit here. Ritchie Valens' brother, Bob Morales, the eldest of the siblings, died in 2018 at 81 years. Norton, who was 6 when her brother died, remembered how he used to sing to his little sisters. He was a prolific song-writer. "Dad would tell us, Oh, hes just going to take a shower and get some food. He was just real. Con once aos se fabric una guitarra elctrica, que utiliz hasta que compr una Fender Stratocaster. As a result, he has participated in 59 fights, winning 56 of them, with 38 coming in a knockout, drawn one, and lost one. The Ritchie Valens Memorial Highway is located between the 170 and 118 freeways. The first songs recorded at Gold Star Studios, at a single studio session one afternoon in July 1958, were "Come On, Let's Go", an original, credited to Valens/Kuhn (Keane's real name), and "Framed", a Leiber and Stoller tune. Ed Sullivan Show He met his wife at a Santa Cruz rehabilitation center, where they both worked. He was a performer-songwriter. His parents were from Mexico. What happened to Ritchie Valens Donna? Bob Morales had a total of ten children out of which nine survived him. Somewhere deep inside my mind, I was waiting for him to come around the corner and ask where Ive been, Connie said. By his own admission, Morales stillfinds it very difficult to sit and watchLa Bamba, which is about him and his brother. Vegas Rockabilly Weekend, with The Chop Tops as part of their farewell tour, She stuck with him though and they had a total of seven children before they finally split in the early 70s. They had seven children together named Brenda, Robert, Nora, Richard, Jerry, Barbara, and one other. As the first Mexican-American hitmaker in the U.S., he laid the groundwork for Chicano rock and beyond, with an enduring legacy that continues to inspire generation after generation from legends. We know that Hollywood does things their way, but I want you to show my sons life for who he was and not what you want to make him be, and they were true to their word. You can cancel at any time. Bob rode his bike without a license for his final 25 years. Morales was just 21 years old when Valens died, and he took it hard. Furthermore, they began dating and stayed in a live-in relationship for a many years until they got hitched. With hits like their rock-and-roll cover of "La Bamba," along with "Come On, Let's Go," and "Donna," Ritchie Valens was a bonafide star. He joined the family, temporarily working in agricultural camps in San Jose; picking produce and loading them onto trucks. You might find more information about your ancestors from trees shared by other Findmypast members. He was suffering from prostate cancer which became the cause of his death. Ritchies fire and drive fueled a passion He loved us no matter what and guided us to rise above," Diamond-Morales said, as reported by The Mercury News. Yet, because of him, his brothers and sisters have had the opportunity to meet many famous people, she said. What does Ritchie Valen's brother do? Caption: Bob with his ex-wife Rosie (source: FaveBites). Mother of 1950s legendary Rock 'n' Roll singer, Ritchie Valens. Simply add your ancestor's basic details, along with a few extra family members to narrow things down, and see what you discover. The concerts will be at Arnold's Park. Valens' love for music began when he was five years old. How old is SA Morales? Eventually, a lawsuit was filed by Keane, and half of the award went to Valens' mother, although she was not part of the suit. Morales younger half-brother, the late Ritchie Valens, was a popular musician during his lifetime. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and "The Big Bopper" J. P. Richardson, as well as pilot Roger Peterson, were killed in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa on February 3, 1959. There is no information on where Morales currently is or what he is doing today. There were no such things called social media at his time. He informed her as much and this marked the end of their relationship. Steven did not live to see the fruits of his labour as he died on 3 February 1959 in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, United States. When he was 16 years old, he was invited to join a local band, The Silhouettes (not to be confused with the group of the same name famous for its hit song "Get a Job"). You most likely recognize his iconic hit, la bamba, which came out in 1958, when ritchie was only 17.born in the san fernando valley in los angeles in a neighborhood called . Ricardo, aka, "Ritchie" would grow up in Central California farm camps and even labored in Campbell orchards to help his family make ends meet. (Arian Schuessler/The Globe Gazette). He had two half-brothers Roberto "Bob" Morales (19372018) and Mario Ramirez, and two younger sisters, Connie and Irma. The crash killed all three passengers and pilot Roger Peterson instantly upon impact. Copyright 2021, All Right Reserved MARRIEDCELEB. My daughter loves that movie.. This dulled his senses and pain but it negatively affected his work as well as his relationship with his family. You gave me so much to work with and be grateful for , Posted by Esai Morales onSunday, September 16, 2018. Valens was just 17 years old. (1937-2018) and Mario Ramirez. Connie said she loves hearing stories from people who say Ritchie inspired them to start playing an instrument or to start singing. He prefers to keep it secret from the media. He also studied at San Fernando High School. He later worked there as a substance abuse counselor, though he was unsure if he could do the job properly. Since Bob had a rough upbringing, living in a group home from 12 to 16 years, he commiserated with folks needing to get on their feet. Caption: Ritchie performing live (source: Longview News-Journal). CLEAR LAKE To the rest of the world, Ritchie Valens is a rock n roll icon. Encyclopedia of Popular Music, 4th ed. They got to talking about who my father was and he ran to his car and got a torn piece of paper. Bob Morales was best known for his charismatic personality and his trademark Mohawk hat that he wore with dignity and pride. In 1958, Steven released two singles, La Bamba and Donna. "Going back to school after he died was so hard. Also, he had younger siblings, Connie as well as Ima. It was years before he decided to come to the Surf Ballrooms annual tribute to Ritchie, Buddy Holly and J.P. the Big Bopper Richardson. His fame bought his mother a house on Remington Street, and he gave free concerts at his old schools, San Fernando High and Pacoima Junior High. At the moment, the price of Bob's t-shirt is around $20.99 - $26.99. Check your inbox to be the first to know the hottest news. "2019 marks 60 years since the day the music died . Another mural went up in 2012 at the intersection of Van Nuys Boulevard and Amboy Avenue, which was painted by Hector Ponce. Their wedding ceremony took place at the rehab center they had both worked, Janus of Santa Cruz, and they were wedded by a reverend. Our family is blessed to be a part of the Ritchie Valens phenomenon, Connie said. With whom did Ritchie Valens die? Mario Ramirez Ritchie's baby brother attends Richie Valens Day at The GRAMMY Museum on July 3, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Director Luis Valdez Writer Luis Valdez Stars Lou Diamond Phillips Esai Morales Rosanna DeSoto See production, box office & company info Watch on The Roku Channel with subscription Donna has two daughters and goes by the name Donna Fox-Coots. Morales children also paid him tribute. Bob Morales had an abusive relationship with his first estranged wife, Rosie Caballero. "Come On, Let's Go" has been recorded by Los Lobos, the Ramones and the Paley Brothers (the Ramones on guitar, bass, and drums and the Paley Brothers on vocals), Tommy Steele, the Huntingtons, Girl in a Coma, and the McCoys. He said about that time, I used to drink all day and I used to tear the house down. songs at his concerts. He dated a girl from a wealthy family called Donna Ludwig. [24], On February 2, 2009, Surf Ballroom held a 50th anniversary honoring the last concert of Buddy Holly, J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, and Valens. It is located on private farmland, about 1.25-mile (2.01km) west of the intersection of 315th Street and Gull Avenue, about 8 miles (13km) north of Clear Lake. He also took to drinking at the age of 14. The star cost $3,500, which was paid for with money raised in his name by family and friends. Ritchie Valens . It was the same . All Rights Reserved. Connie's life wasn't an easy one: she was employed as a farm worker, a waitress, a bartender, and a house cleaner. Morales had cleaned up his drinking habit then, but realized that the life he had with Rosie wasnt a happy one any longer. Connie, who was 8 years old at the time of the crash, now lives in Okoboji, Iowa. His star permanently resides at 6733 Hollywood Boulevard in front of Artisan's Patio mini mall. Morales, the older brother of famed musician Ritchie Valens, was an icon in his own right. Bob grew up with his four younger siblings, Connie Morales, Irma Morales, Mario Ramirez Morales and Ritchie Valens Morales. Their legacies live on through events such as these. After that, he started his mechanics career and owned his own garage. Bob Morales early life is a major story arch in La Bamba, the 1987 biopic about his famous younger brother. He also had an American number-two hit with "Donna". Holding American nationality, Bob is of white ethnical background. Oxford Music Online. In the late 1970s, he moved to Santa Cruz County. Mama told Mario that Ritchie often told her about his dreams, and then he would write a song about those dreams. Valens transformed the song into one with a rock rhythm and beat, and it became a hit in 1958,[4][5] making Valens a pioneer of the Spanish-speaking rock and roll movement. Rosie Morales was born on December 19, 1931 and passed away on July 9, 2016 in Houston, TX and is under the care of. Connie Valens, younger sister of rock and roll legend Ritchie Valens visited Red Rock Center for the Arts in Fairmont on Tuesday to discuss her brother, and how losing him affected her family. [12] Valens was ready to enter the studio with a full band backing him. One of the things he said was that we carry on Ritchies spirit. He used his dreams to end the cycle of poverty for our family. Theyre like zombies there. Richard Steven Valenzuela (May 13, 1941 February 3, 1959), known professionally as Ritchie Valens, was an American guitarist, singer and songwriter. Steven began singing for Donna another hit song called We Belong Together. People who knew their brother have told them that Ritchie never forgot who he was or where he came from, Lemos said. Los Angeles, California native, Bob Morales traveled to Santa Cruz from San Fernando Valley. Ritchie Valens' brother, Bob Morales, the eldest of the siblings, died in 2018 at 81 years. Since his school days, he was interested in cars. Moreover, they married each other at the addiction-treatment center in 1979. Robert Quine has cited Valens's guitar playing as an early influence on his style. He was also something of a local celebrity. Also, he was too old when social sites were just launched. Similarly, a Californian mechanic's average annual salary is about$44,890. He also writes songs for the He loved speeding down California highways and despite not having a driver's license the last 25 years of his life, was never in a major accident. The mysterious thing is that the biological father of Bob is not the related to his other siblings. Bob Moraless brother Ritchie Valens Career, View more / View less Facts of Bob Morales, (Four) Ritchie Valens, Mario Ramirez, Connie, and Irma, 9Seven) Brenda, Robert, Nora, Richard, Jerry, Barbara, and one other. This envy, coupled with his drinking problems, made him act out. Morales parents broke up when he was still small and his mother remarried to a man named Jos Esteban Valenzuela. The event lasted one week and had performances that honored the memories of the three men. Ritchie's younger brother, Mario Ramirez, was only 2 years old when the singer passed away, but he's carrying on the musical legacy left behind by the rock and roll icon: "I wish I had been able to spend more time with him. Ritchie Valens' parents came from Mexico and shared an Indian extraction. The man became his stepfather and raised him from age 2 to 14. The musicians included Ren Hall, Carol Kaye, and Earl Palmer. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . Valens would later become famous for his music and Morales was often jealous of his more successful young brother. A Pacoima post office has been renamed after rock 'n' roll legend Ritchie Valens. He recorded numerous hits during his short career, most notably the 1958 hit "La Bamba . Here, he met his future wife Joanie Morales. Donna had a scrapbook with pictures of Valens and herself when they were together. Bob Morales Mario Ramirez Bob Morales Mario Ramirez. He had a spirit like no other. Who inherited Ritchie Valens money? His love for motorcycles, however, dates back to the time when he got out of juvenile detention. He had earlier been diagnosed with the disease in 2012 and underwent multiple radiations and other treatments for it. Bob had located a pipe organ from one of the clients who stole it from the reverend's church. There are Bob Morales, Irma Norton, and Mario Ramirez. Red Ritchie Valens favorite Accessories? club rode up to him and offered him a ride. for music in Mario, who plays harmonica Search Family Trees. The events of the day later became known as The Day the Music Died. ", hey guys guess who im hanging out with, my grandpa bob morales, Ritchie Valens brother . It's to be followed by a reunion of two performers from last year's concert, Mario Ramirez, Ritchie Valens' brother, and Richie Lee, from Des Moines. Ed. He, however, became envious as his younger brother grew more successful. with, Mario Ramirez (Ritchie Valens' brother) and his Backyard Blues Band from California and with James Freeman, who is an original member of The Five Satins. Bob Morales was survived by his second wife, Joanie Morales. Every time I walk out on the stage and feel the energy of the people and share musical energy with them, I get an idea of what it felt like for him," he said in a Daily Press interview. She said the making of the 1987 movie La Bamba brought the family closer and allowed them each to share each others pain, because they were not able to do that at the time of Ritchies death in 1959. Originally from Los Angeles, Valens was the second of five children, including brother Bob Morales, younger sisters Connie and Irma, and younger brother Mario Ramirez. Valens was just 17 years old. When I went back for testing, most of my cancer cells were gone. Morales then started supporting the non-profit organization, Grind Out Hunger. Bob was a mechanic by profession, so he didnt have as much wealth as other celebrities. One of my favorites was Carlos Santana. The couple dated for four years before getting married on the 24th of February 1979. He released his debut album named Come On, Lets Go in July 1958. We were able to come from our hiding places where we had hidden our wounds, and talk about it, Connie said. She discussed what it was like the first time she came to Iowa, in 1988, for a Ritchie Valens memorial at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, where Ritchie boarded the plane that crashed. He had two younger brothers named the late Ritchie Valens and Mario Ramirez, and two younger sisters named Connie and Irma. According to a statement from Mason City Police Chief Jeff Brinkley, Tuesday morning, the Mason City Fire and Police Departments responded to . "Ritchie has been an inspiration for me, all my life," Ramirez explained. Officers found the stolen vehicle parked in town. A book came out this year about Ritchie Valens. As per medical reports, Bob was an alcoholic from his early-20s. His wife, Joanie Morales, after his passing said that "He was a benefit-of-the-doubt-kind-of-guy." [26] He was so good at writing songs that the future was all in his hands. [7][8] Recurring nightmares of the disaster led to Valens's fear of flying. But Steven might have dated another woman too before his death. He was a performer-songwriter. Steven was the second born in a family of five children. Its funny; I never fit into California. The death devastated him and made him angry at the whole world. [3] He attended school like any other kid. Who is Zendayas Younger Brother Julien Stoermer Coleman? "I'd like to thank all of you to keep my brother's memory alive," said Valens' brother Mario Ramirez. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. Upon being released from juvenile hall, Bob Morales returned to San Fernando Valley and lived with his mother, his half-brother as well as the younger half-siblings that his mother had while he was away. Are ritchie valens siblings nonetheless alive?Initially from Los Angeles, Valens was the second of 5 youngsters, together with brother Bob Morales, youthful . We dont have much of Ritchies things, Lemos said. Another daughter named Connie described Bob Morales as a wonderful and humble man who gave everyone a chance because he had been given a chance in life and wanted to pay it forward. He also brawled at his brothers local performances. This broke Morales heart and things further got even worse when he was bullied at a new school; the San Fernando High School. You have permission to edit this article. Morales, brother of 1950s rock star Ritchie Valens, should have had his picture in the dictionary under "nice guy.'' Connie, who was 8 years old at the time of the crash, now lives in Okoboji, Iowa. The death caused him to go on a downward spiral involving alcohol abuse and other distasteful habits. Dick Dale, famous surf guitarist who toured with Ritchie, told Mario Originally from Los Angeles, Valens was the second of five children, including brother Bob Morales, younger sisters Connie and Irma, and younger brother Mario Ramirez. Ritchie's grown up and married sisters Connie Jr. and Irma had small parts as farm workers in the opening sequence. The names of Ritchie Valens' siblings are Connie, Irma, Robert Morales and Mario Ramirez. Kids knew the performer as "the Little Richard of San Fernando". Jenna Vulcanos Bio: Who is Sal Vulcanos Sister? Bob Morales was, indeed, a kind of wild child, according to his family, whose life took a hard turn on Feb. 3, 1959, when an Iowa plane crash claimed Ritchie's 17-year-old life. WELCOME Circle of Faith parishes are reminded that they will have Sunday services in March at 9 a.m. at Trinity TRUMAN Remember that the meat raffle benefiting the THS trap shooting team begins 6 p.m. Friday evening at SHERBURN The Martin County West School Board met Monday evening in Sherburn. He was only 17, she said. He was real. So, his per annum income may varied on the same percentile. Sunday night he was asked to play the original Johnny Cash guitar that is on display in the museum there. Valens, who became a hit sensation with his track "La La Bamba" and was immortalized in the film of the same name, was only 17 when he died. Valens pursued a music career early on while Morales was a natural hell-raiser. [15] Around 12:55am on February 3, 1959, the four-passenger Beechcraft Bonanza, (N3794N), departed for Fargo, North Dakota, and crashed a few minutes after takeoff for reasons still unknown. A city council member representing Pacoima proposed the renaming to honor Valens so residents would "remember his humble background and emulate his accomplishments. His parents were Jos Esteban Valenzuela (father) and Concepcin 'Concha' Reyes (mother). On Saturday, Bob Morales died. Ritchie influenced the course of popular music. Donna became the most popular ballad in the USA, reaching number two on the charts. Birthdate: May 13, 1941 Family: Parents: Joseph Steve and Concepcion (Connie) Reyes Valenzuela, brothers Robert (Bobby) and Mario, sisters, Connie and Irma. We stay in touch with her, she said of Ritchies love interest, for whom he wrote the song. He was, however, able to mend fences with them after going to rehab and was, thus, able to have a great relationship with them. While growing up, Steven attended Pacoima Junior High School, now Pacoima Middle School. While there, he was offered the job of a substance abuse counselor. The impact killed the pilot, a 21-year-old named Roger Petersen, and all three passengers: Buddy Holly, 22, Ritchie Valens, 17, and Jiles Perry "J.P." Richardson Jr., also known as the Big . It was a wonderful experience and Morales was soon able to get a motorcycle of his own after performing a series of tasks for the president. Bob Morales spent several years working as a substance abuse counselor at the Janus of Santa Cruz Rehab Center. Weve kept these things put away. Swayed by the Little Richard comparison, Keane went to see Valenzuela play a Saturday-morning matine at a movie theater in San Fernando. In his short eight-month career, he produced a lot of great hits.. However, according to the wiki sites, he had an estimated net worth of $100k US dollars at the time of his death. Morales first met Rosie in southern California in the 50s. [9], By the time Valenzuela was attending Pacoima Junior High School (now Pacoima Middle School), he would bring his guitar to school and sing and play songs to his friends on the bleachers.[10]. would write a song about those dreams. But by dedicating my life to music, I struggle to honor him. In 1987, she attended the premiere of La Bamba, a biopic featuring the life and career of Valens. Valens's mother, Concha, who died in 1987, is buried alongside him. As Bob Morales was trying to eke out a living, his younger brother, Ritchie was pursuing his musical career and was getting more successful at it with each passing day. Who is Eduin Cazares the Mexican Singer and What Is His Net Worth. While growing up, Steven attended Pacoima Junior High School, now Pacoima Middle School. Inside Erin Burnetts Married Life with Husband David Rubulotta and their Children. After this treatment, he was struck by depression, and still remembers how he felt: I had no ambition or motivation to do anything. Later, they welcomed their 7 children,Brenda Morales,Robert Morales Jr., Nora Morales,Richard Morales,Jerry Morales,Barbara Morales, and Conception Morales. Bob went on downward spiral after turning to alcohol . He ran a methadone program and had beds for 20 alcoholics and 20 addicts. On the other side, his late younger brother, Ritchie maintained a fruitful net worth of$500,000when he was alive. Valens went to 'Pacoima Junior High School' and music was his passion from an . However, he never shared any physical statistics such as height, weight, chest size, waist size, hip size, dress size, shoe size, etc. Bob was raised with his siblings in Pacoima. Multiple motorcycle clubs also came together at Watsonville Plaza in Santa Cruz County for a last ride as a tribute to Morales. He has two brothers, Robert Morales and Mario Ramirez. At that time, his family used to produce and sell agricultural products for a living. Connie, who was 8 years old at the time of the crash, now lives in Okoboji, Iowa. Somewhere deep inside my mind, I was waiting for him to come around the corner and ask where Ive been,, What brought me to Iowa was a time for a change,, Its funny; I never fit into California. He lived long to see all his kids and 30 of his grandkids. Connie Morales, Irma Morales, Mario Ramirez Morales, and Ritchie Valens Morales were Bob's four younger siblings. "2019 marks 60 years since the day the music died," she noted. Three songs on this clip. The names of Ritchie Valens' siblings are Connie, Irma, Robert Morales, and Mario Ramirez. brother of Luis Valdez, who was the writer and director of La Bamba, also played an important role inspiring Mario through his music. Morales, who was 22 when Ritchie died, had a very difficult time dealing with his brothers death. Moreover, Bob's parents Conception and Louis, one younger brother Ritchie and older son, Brandon Morales preceded him to death. His family announced his death and paid him glowing tributes. He had crazy hair. He started playing the guitar and trumpet and later taught himself the drums. Bobby Vee Wiki: Greatest Hits, Net Worth, Death, Wife, & Things to Know. He was immortalized in La Bamba by Esai Morales, who captured his grittiness and his pain. Some of his famous songs recorded are Donna, La Bamba, and others. On February 3, 1959, on what has become known as "The Day the Music Died", Valens died in a plane crash in Iowa, an accident that also claimed the lives of fellow musicians Buddy Holly and J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, as well as pilot Roger Peterson. With his familys encouragement, Mario now performs some of Ritchies Valens's song "Donna" was written for her. Connie, who was 8 years old at the time of the crash, now lives in Okoboji, Iowa. Morales discovered that the father that raised him was actually his stepfather and he was devastated. Though he was known for speeding, he never got a ticket even after losing his license 25 years ago. Ramirez, who was 18 months old when his brother Ritchie died, said he has learned about his brother through stories told to him by others. Valens's remains were buried at San Fernando Mission Cemetery in Mission Hills, Los Angeles, California. His daughter, Gennie Diamond ,pointed out that he never judged them, but rather loved them and guided them to rise above. The names of Ritchie Valens' siblings are Connie, Irma, Robert Morales, and Mario Ramirez. He recorded such hits as, Come On Lets Go, La Bamba and Oh Donna. Name: Ritchie Valens (birth name: Richard Stephen Valenzuela) Ritchie was nicknamed "The Little Richard of the San Fernando Valley". In his short eight-month career, he produced a lot of great hits., Today's breaking news and more in your inbox. Donna's father managed a Packard automobile dealership in Beverly Hills. Distractify is a registered trademark. Many motorcycle clubs visited his house to pay tribute to him.