Rocky Leister, who lived in Glendale, Arizona, and was native to Washington State, has played his final gig. Rocky never missed a beat and that’s why it’s no surprise that he took his final breath on 4/25, at exactly 4:25 p.m.

His band members include his mom, Evelyn Schave, dad, Dennis Schave, son, Rocky Pratt, sisters, Darlene Bernard and Tanya Ghetian, sister-in-law, Marilyn Beban and niece, April Gedney (A.J.). He was supported by his adoring fans…an extended family of step-brothers and step-sisters, aunts, uncles, friends and fellow musicians. He was met on the stairway to heaven by his nephew, Michah McGarrah, and his best furry friend, Yoda, who passed just days before.

Although Rocky was known to many for his classic rock and gospel instrumentals, his best medley was his late-night phone calls to his family and friends. To be on the receiving end of one of these Rocky originals was to hear you were loved. And it was music to your ears.

When he wasn’t drumming, strumming his guitar, or dialing a telephone keypad, you’d most likely find him in his favorite recliner, with a TV tray holding a plate of his famous nachos, rooting for his Seahawks. But, just like any artist, Rocky had his muse. And, more so than anyone or anything, he found his rhythm in the woods. Logging was his profession and setting a choker was by far his best composition.

A celebration of Rocky’s life will be held on June 8, at 6 p.m. at Reconciling Pentecostal Assembly in Phoenix. His final encore will take place afterward in Washington, where friends and family will gather to spread his ashes in the forest.

If you’re wondering what you can do in Rocky’s memory, here are a few ideas: discover a cure for cancer, send him a birthday wish each Aug. 27, learn how to play an instrument, call someone to say, “I love you,” bet on the Seahawks for Super Bowl 2020, hug a tree.