Hi-
This is one of several attempts I have made to get this thread started.But the Web Site or my Computer has let me down each time.


Normans Funeral will take place on Friday 8th July at 12.00 noon.
   At the Westerleigh Crematorium.    Near Codrington.
    This is between junctions 18 and 19 " off " the M4.
   If you exit at junction 18 ; take the B4465 through Codrington.
          Appologies for not getting this out earlier.    Mike.

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I moved the Norman MacDonald messages over from the other thread, which had combined obituaries for Hedy West and Norman McDonald. Here are excerpts from the combined obituary messages from the other thread.
-Joe Offer-

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06 Jul 05 - 07:49 AM (#1515986)
Subject: Obit: Hedy West
From: Dr Price

Hedy West, great banjo player and singer, died last Sunday - so did Norman MacDonald, of Betty and Norman MacDonald, of a heart attack. Seems like The Grim Reaper is working overtime.

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06 Jul 05 - 11:00 AM (#1516191) Subject: RE: OBIT: Hedy West From: Dr Price Roy Harris, traditional singer and BBC broadcaster, gave me the sad news last night. He also mentioned Norman's passing - apparently he and Betty went to Swindon Folk Club to see Bob Davenport, where they sang a couple of songs. Norman went down with a heart attack as Bob was starting his second set, and despite an ambulance being called, nothing could be done.

06 Jul 05 - 11:11 AM (#1516203) Subject: RE: OBIT: Hedy West From: GUEST,Art Thieme ...and Norm and Betty have become favorites of mine from recordings that Roy sent. I'm so sorry to hear of this too. My sincere condolences to Betty! Art Thieme

06 Jul 05 - 01:22 PM (#1516311) Subject: RE: OBIT: Hedy West From: kytrad Loving farewells to Hedy West, a long-time friend...shared many a stage with her; and to Norman MacDonald, who I knew less well, but Betty and I were both "regulars" on the young Oscar Brand show at WNYC in the late forties. Dear Betty, my heart is with you now. And with Hedy's family as well.

06 Jul 05 - 02:12 PM (#1516342) Subject: RE: OBIT: Hedy West From: burl Hi Wee Little Drummer, Roy Harris is okay. He wasn't at the club, Mike O'Leary-Johns(of Mainbrace) was. He passed the news on to Roy, and others. Roy also spread it around the folk grapevine. The news about Hedy West came from Jerry Epstein of New York. Like so many others I am greatly saddened by these deaths. Hedy West was an exceptional artist, her Topic and Folk Legacy albums were among the best things to come out of the folk revival. She was very well liked in the UK but we didn't see much of her in recent years unfortunately. Norman, along with his wife Betty, made up a musical duo of simplicity and charm. Their singing spread a warm feeling of community among their audiences that was hard to beat. They had a wonderful way of making their listeners feel included in the performance. We could use more like them. I agree with Dr. Price, the Grim Reaper certainly has been working overtime this dreadful year. Ten people whom I knew, or knew of, in folk circles have died since the start of the year. It hurts to lose friends and colleagues, and in our folk world, which can seem like the largest family on earth, these losses leave us all bereft. Rest in Peace Norman, and Hedy. Sincere condolences to their families.

06 Jul 05 - 06:14 PM (#1516505) Subject: RE: OBITS: Hedy West (July, 2005) & Norman MacDona From: Bat Goddess Got a wonderful hug in greeting from Norman at NEFFA in April -- hard to believe it will be the last. Norman and Betty made such beautiful music together . . . Tom and I are holding you close in our hearts and thoughts right now, Betty. Norman (and your harmonies together) will be very much missed. Linn

06 Jul 05 - 06:36 PM (#1516524) Subject: RE: OBITS: Hedy West (July, 2005) & Norman MacDonald From: Bill D I have only listened to Hedy, but have owned her records for 40 years, and this is VERY sad. Her contributions to my early understanding of what music could BE were immeasurable. As to Norman, it hits SO hard, as I have had the pleasure of meeting him & Betty on a number of occasions, and sharing drink, song, and conversation. I will miss Norman & Betty harmonizing on their wonderful collection of songs...but will especially miss Norman's hearty handshake & smile. Thanks, Norman, for all the good times and memories...and all possible condolences to Betty.