Wayne Mitchell Fuston

Wayne Mitchell FustonWayne Mitchell Fuston passed away after being hit by a motorcycle in Apache Junction."You are not band material," are the words spoken to "Mitch" by a school teacher. Unable to afford a band instrument, Mitch's dad, Sterling, located an old fiddle with a crafted neck for sale at the Nashville Fairgrounds in Tennessee. Mitch learned to play and at age 11 was playing to the tune of the Grand Ole Opry on WSM with Roy Acuff. After completing high school, Mitch began his professional career in music touring with the Stoneman Family. In 1976 Mitch is photographed on the David Loggin Epic Records' album "Please Come to Boston" as Mitch's music touched many nationwide as he played a variety of styles winning many championships.Mitch moved to the Grand Canyon state in 1980, but Feb. 28, 2002, a return visit to Tennessee proved life-changing when Mitch survived a house fire, saving his mother, Irene, who was disabled, from the burning building. Mitch ran back into the home to retrieve the fiddle, suffering burns to 35 percent of his body including his fingers and hands. After two months in the critical care burn unit and reconstructive surgery, Mitch's music career ended. Mitch never married; his music was his true love. He is survived by his parents, Sterling and Irene Fuston and uncle Mark Huston.