The Grateful Dead has been described as an organism involving many individuals besides the band members.  One that contributed more to the aura of the Dead than just about any other met his end in a car crash in Australia Sunday (3/13).  Owsley 'Bear' Stanley filled a lot of roles during his many decades as a member of the inner circle of people that Grateful Dead members had absolute trust in, from helping to craft the band's signature logo to developing one of the most ambitious tour sound systems ever devised. His nick name was chosen by the band as the  brand approved name applied to the Bear's Choice series of live releases.  Owsley's actual name also became synonymous with the high-grade quality LSD dispensed at a lot of Grateful Dead concerts. Guitarist Bob Weir credits Owsley for being, '...open and engaging - always critical and questioning, but not negatively so much as playfully.'  Countless tributes will pour in.  Many of the most difficult to believe ones will be true.
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