TRIBUTES: Mourning the loss of Tiny Glover
On Apr. 15th, 2008
Recently Rochester lost one of its great personalities, stand-up comic Tiny Glover. Tiny spread joy through his work as a nationally touring comic and also, on a local level, as a storyteller for children. Many people's lives were enriched by having met Tiny, but I think he has a special place in 
the hearts of the many fledgling comedians he encouraged.
Having performed comedy for 10 years, I think I'm safe in saying most stand-up comics are extremely territorial. A comic can hardy give a compliment to another without it being back-handed; a comic can hardly hear a compliment given to another comic without thinking that he himself deserved it more. Tiny was an exception to the norm. He was generous with a compliment beyond all reason.
Though he was constantly working, and in locations as remote as colleges in Alaska, Tiny always had a word of encouragement for acts, even those making their first appearance on stage. If Tiny thought you had something special, he wasn't shy about saying so, even if the compliment wasn't returned.
He once explained to me the reason for his generosity to other acts. Apparently he was working out of town once early in his career, and he didn't have enough money for meals for that week. That night's headliner was good enough to cover Tiny for the week.
When Tiny asked the man how he could repay him, the headliner said, "Don't worry about paying me back. You just be good to others who are coming up." Tiny promised he would.
Most comics would have forgotten such a promise within days. Tiny never forgot.
Rochester's community is the poorer without Tiny, but I'm sure the words of encouragement he gave many comics will continue to provide strength, even if those words seem now to be at a much greater distance.
RICHARD GAGNIER, BRIGHTON
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Julie Horton on April 16th, 2008
I have to agree with Richard Gagnier. He mentioned "Tiny was an exception to the norm. He was generous with a compliment beyond all reason." I became friends with Tiny while attending CCFL (now FLCC). I joined student activities and brought many comedians and musicians to the school to perform during college hour. Tiny understood how difficult it was for me to get on stage and introduce the comics. He gladly did the introductions and had the students laughing. Having the chance to know Tiny, and the opportunity to meet other comedians, there was something special about him. We remained friends throughout the years and I couldn't have been more proud of him.
While attending his funeral, I learned so much more about Tiny. I learned something in an unexpected way. I sat next to a little girl who I didn't know. I noticed she was crying. I gave her a tissue and then asked how she knew Tiny? She told me he visited her school and was suppose to come back. This little girl was heartbroken. She enjoyed his visit and shared with me how Tiny made her feel special. In a short period of time, I learned how his interactions with children really made a difference. Her tears turned to smiles as we shared a few stories about our friend. This was what made Tiny an exception to the norm. He was a beautiful person through and through and will be missed.
Julie Horton