I was stunned to read that Sandy Paton had passed: sorrow piled on grief. It's been too many years since I've been with Sandy & Caroline. Came close a few years ago when Caroline talked me into going to an Oberlin folk weekend/seminar and cheering on Joe Hickerson. At the last minute they were unable to come, so I hung about with Judy and Dennis Cook, and had about as good a time as could be had without the Patons.

When I think of WHY I got involved in folk music, the Patons and Folk Legacy come to mind - the delivery of things of great worth in the music never more evident. I met/heard them first while in grad school in Illinois, and though they lived in CT, there was always this feeling of them being a part of the scene that included Art, and George and Jerry Armstrong.

When I think of Folk Alliance, they're prominent among the memories that come to mind, from that third FA in Chicago when I got to sing WITH them the first time to the watershed Boston FA where Caroline was part of a cartel of us trying to get a tradional singing session going among the river of singersongwhiners (or "omphaloscopists" as Sandy would put it). In our room, with folks gathered from those we (Phil, Margaret, Kate) knew, and the Patons knew, we had a grand time with the beds turned up to make space. A sprightly woman sitting atop the upturned bed proceeded to launch into some long, bloody and gripping ballad. Jaws dropped. I clearly hear Margaret's voice say "who ARE you and why don't we KNOW you?" And that's how we met Judy Cook.

All through the Folk Alliances or festiivals, there were always the "do you know...." and "you should meet/hear/singwith...." suggestions from the Patons. Such joy they passed out in those kinds of connections - and how richly those introductions, by album they'd produced, or in person meeting, filled,colored and changed my life, gave me friends, gave me songs to sing.

Many years ago, when I was rich in hope for Cleveland having the kind of folk life that I knew existed elsewhere, I was fortunate enough to have presented the Patons in a house concert, held at a friend's place. I was close to embarassed at how small the house was (in size and in turn out). Of course the concert was wonderful. MORE wonderful in memory is the rest of the night - when a few of us retreated back to my house with the Patons who were FAR from done singing: a song session went on to wee hours. I know someone HAD to leave about 3 am to drive home, an hour away... while the three of us got to sleep in. Even better, they stayed a couple days with talk over omlettes and stirfry and song. This gift of time singing is one of the things I can think of when I need to list all the times I've been absurdly lucky. Such great good fortune to know these people. Ah, when I think of Sandy's joy in life, and know how it must have been so ravaged by the loss of his grandson - and Caroline's smile. - how it hurts to think that her smile will be dimmed by grief.

So out in the land of "hardly care about traditional folk music" I say there's one soul who is profoundly greatful for the life work of Sandy Paton. My hope for Caroline and the family (by blood and by heart and song) that grief soon take second place to greatfulness to have had this wonderful man for so many years.

Joanne Laessig in Cleveland, Ohio