Addison Alexander Talbot, III

Addison Alexander Talbot III passed away October 15, 2024, at the age of 80. He was born on August 20, 1944, in Jackson, MS, the second of ten children born to Addison and Clara Talbot. His early years were spent in Salem, OR, where his father was chaplain of the Chemawa Indian School. The family moved to Roseburg for Addison’s high school years, where he was active in the debate club and, with a high school buddy, started his first musical performing group, The Gruesome Twosome. After graduating from Roseburg High School in 1962, Addison received his degree in sociology from the University of Oregon.

Addison pursued his graduate studies at University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC, where he subsequently accepted employment in UNC’s sociology department. He detoured briefly to the University of Louisville, teaching there for four years, before returning to University of North Carolina for the remainder of his teaching career. He taught medical sociology and family medicine, and he was very proud to be the first editor of the Family Medicine Review in 1980. Addison started his band, Moondog, during these North Carolina years, and he wrote many of his songs during this time. Either with his band or as a solo performer, he performed many years running at The Old Fiddlers’ Convention in Galax, VA. In 1984, he won first place for his original unaccompanied folk song, “Tillamook County”, at the Mitchell River Fiddlers Convention.

Addison returned to Oregon in the late 1980’s, where he met his current wife, Peggy Mulder. The two of them embarked on a 16-year adventure driving 18 wheel semi trucks, as a transcontinental team, all across the continental United States. Oh, the stories he could tell!! They retired in Eugene to a life filled with music. Addison formed his band BigFootLane in 2010. This group recorded 4 CDs and performed throughout Oregon for nearly 10 years.

Addison was a Lifetime member of the Oregon Oldtime Fiddlers’ Association. He hosted the highly respected Woodleaf Jam for eight years, and he was a proud, dedicated member of the Eugene Drum Circle.

Addison is survived by his wife, Peggy, siblings Katherine Talbot Becker (Dennis), Gay Owings (Jim),  Charles Talbot (Lori), George Talbot (Rebecca), Helen Deife (Mark), Liz Papa (Joe), and David Talbot,  by his stepson, Jim Mulder (Tasha), by four grandchildren, Ted and Megan West, and Lily and Aaron Mulder, plus many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, by his son, Dylan Conrad Talbot, by his stepdaughter Marcelle West, and by his siblings, Paulette Oh and William Talbot.

Addison loved life, he loved music, he loved the Portland Trail Blazers, and he loved his family and friends.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Oregon Oldtime Fiddlers’ Association.

Services will be held Friday, November 8, 11:00 AM, at Unity of the Valley Church, 3912 Dillard Road, Eugene, OR. All are welcome.