Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Maryrrf
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 02:22 PM

I agree with Rita - I so enjoyed Barry's version of Sioux Indians at the Getaway. It was one of the highlights for me. I never imagined it would be the last Getaway I'd see Barry at. He was one of those people you like as soon as you meet him - there was a warmth and down to earth quality that is rare and special- he had it in spades. I was just remembering year before last at the Getaway when Severn had brought some steamed crabs and I sat with Sev, Joe Offer and Barry while they picked out the crab meat and savored every last morsel. It was one of those "Getaway" moments where the feeling of being among friends is so strong. I will miss him on Mudcat, and there'll never be a Getaway where he won't be missed.   

I'm glad Mudcat is back up. When I learned of Barry's death, I needed my Mudcat family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 02:13 PM

Stunned. And I selfishly thought I'd have many more years to learn from this amazing artist. So sorry, RIP Barry.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 02:11 PM

I posted this on the Facebook thread for Barry.
It is a tribute from late lamented great shantyman, to another.

Wishing you a snug berth Barry.

John

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Ferrara
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 02:07 PM

"Sioux Indians" was one of my favorites of his songs. He sang it at the Sunday ballad workshop this year. First time he came to a Getaway, he was at the ballad workshop (I think he also sang "Sioux Indians" then) and said he loved ballads, mostly American ones, but hadn't had a place to sing them for years.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Ferrara
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 02:02 PM

I met Barry the first time he came to an FSGW Getaway. (1998? Can't remember.) I was program director and I think he and Roger in Baltimore led Prison Work Songs that first year. We got along fine – who could not like Barry? – but we really got to know each other while he was waiting for his first liver transplant. I had been through the whole thing, waiting for my heart transplant, and we had a lot to talk about.

The year he had that transplant, Barry and Joe Offer stayed at our place Thursday before the Getaway. Joe and Barry talked until the wee hours. Next morning Joe and Bill slept in. Barry and I talked for hours at the kitchen table about our lives, our families, our struggles with ADD, our transplants, politics, the universe, and everything. Tears were pouring down Barry's face as we talked. Partly it was the poignancy of the things we were talking about, but mostly his tears were due to the prednisone, which has funny effects on people's emotions (I won't discuss what it did to mine!). We could laugh, even while he cried, because we'd both been through it.

Joe drove me to Camp Ramblewood while Barry rode with Bill. Joe and I got lost and took 3 hours but were having so much fun we didn't mind the crazy drive.

My favorite memory of Barry is from that Getaway. Saturday night Barry and Big Mick were hanging out, Mick was singing an Irish song with guitar accompaniment. Barry picked up a metal chair and used the flat part like a bodhran. Sounded pretty good, too. So Mick went to the car and got his bodhran for Barry. I had no idea – none! – that a bodhran was such an incredible instrument. Barry caressed and coaxed and fine-tuned that drum as subtly as someone playing a violin. He varied the strokes, the rhythms, the pitch, moving around the bodhran for various effects and sounds. I was in awe of all this. I thought he and Mick looked like a lean black wolf hanging out with a Saint Bernard. They were continually insulting each other and enjoyed it immensely.

We loved Barry for so many reasons. His convictions and willingness to speak out; his intense involvement with life; his courage and determination to make the most of all life had to offer; his sense of humor and sly remarks; his obvious devotion to his family; and of course his incredible musical talent. More than talent, Barry had such a deep involvement with music that I was awed. I was very influenced in my singing by Barry. He knew wonderful songs from all genres and when he sang, the rest of the world would just go away and he was deep inside the song.

This year at the Getaway I told him I thought he was singing the best I'd ever heard him.   I'm grateful that we had the chance to see Barry - and hear him – there.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 02:00 PM

Barry had such joie de vivre, it's impossible to imagine a world without him.
He lived a short life, but a good-ending one--I can only hope the last couple of weeks of my life are filled with the kind of joy and life he had in his last couple of weeks, from high school class reunions and Getaways to Press Room shanty sings. He was a joy to talk with, a joy to listen to, a joy to know. In my head, on my private memory channel, I'm listening to him singing "Sioux Indians," at the 2008 Getaway.

I'll sing you a song, though it may be a sad one,
Of trials and troubles and where first begun;
I left my dear fam'ly, my friends and my home,
To cross the wide mountains and deserts to roam.

--Charlie

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: RTim
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 01:44 PM

I posted the following on Facebook -
For my friend Barry Finn -
"One thought ever at the fore - That in the Divine Ship, the World, breasting Time and Space, All peoples of the globe together sail, sail the same voyage, are bound to the same destination." (Walt Whitman)

Tim Radford (who could not be at todays wake, but wish he was)

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: gnu
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 01:38 PM

We had words a few times, but always managed to sort it and mutually apologize. Glad we did. RIP Barry.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Bill D
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 01:35 PM

I have never met a singer who sang with such power & intensity when a song was 'big', and with such gentleness when it was needed.

Rita & I have been remembering 'Barry stories' for 2 days, and we will get some posted as we can.
   Barry stayed here overnight a few years ago, and rode to the Getaway with me...and he was such a delight to just TALK to. Then he met his many other friends for the weekend and continuously amazed us all with the variety and power of the songs he sang.
At one point, someone started a song, and Barry NEEDED a bohdran to play, and not having one, he grabbed a metal folding chair to add the needed rhythm! Mick, seeing his problem, ran to his truck and fetched a REAL drum, and....more music was made.

What a wealth of living Barry crammed into his all-too-short time with us.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Brian Peters
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 01:34 PM

Very shocked to see the 'Obit' added to the thread title. I met Barry several times on my trips to the US and, apart from his great singing, I was impressed by his down-to-earth lack of pretentiousness, warmth and directness. The same qualities always came through in his Mudcat posts. I'm sure he will be sorely missed by the community over there.
Brian

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 01:33 PM

Oh, such sad tidings.
With the Cat being down for a few days, I'd not heard the news.

What a shock. Tho' I'd heard and rated his CD, I'd only actually come to meet Barry "in the flesh" for the first time this year too, also at Seafest, and what an impressive guy, a fantastic singer whom it was a privilege to join voices with, and a really nice chap. He was so enthusiastic, so knowledgable, so full of life, joie-de-vivre, call it what you will but he had it all in spades. And I too was so looking forward to his next visit to the UK.

My sincere condolences and sympathies to his family and everyone who knew him.

RIP Barry.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: stallion
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 01:22 PM

My life was the better for knowing you sunshine, so sad you left us with so many things we still had left to do.
Had a dream last night, Barry was leaving through a door saying " I'm going on ahead I'll see ya on the 7th" very spooky.
I will miss him
Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 01:22 PM

Some verses from one of my old songs, "Pastures of Memories," that are running through my head today:

Waves of time drift slowly by,
Now I'm sailing with the tide,
Through misty islands in the morn,
I keep a sharp lookout.

But that pirate ship of yesterday,
Now she lies beneath the waves,
Her timbers buried in the mud,
Where can her captain be?

Now, our time is drawing near,
The farthest shore is becoming clear;
So trim the sail, make fast the sheet,
We've old friends we'd like to meet;
They'll welcome us upon the shore,
And join us in this song.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Brakn
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 01:21 PM

Sad news. RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: InOBU
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 01:20 PM

THe above from Inobu, (Lorcan)

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 01:19 PM

He will always fill our hearts with joy, holding all who knew and loved him (the same thing) in the light, Lorcan

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Banjiman
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 01:17 PM

We're so sad to hear this. We only met Barry this year when he was in the UK for Seafest, we had a good sing......we just knew we were going to really like the guy. We were looking forward to his return next year.

Deepest condolences to his family and close friends.

Paul & Wendy Arrowsmith

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 01:17 PM

That poem about the person just being in the next room? This all has the feeling that Barry stepped out to check the weather and the door accidentally slammed shut behind him. It's not real.
There was no sadness leading up to his death, there was no foreshadowing. I'll miss him like crazy, but aside from that big hole in the universe, I'm not that sad. I keep imagining things through Barry's Irish sense of humor, which is why something on that Peabody Funeral Home page stuck me as completely, and inappropriately, funny. I can imagine sharing the comments with Barry, and I know he'd laugh.

And at the sing yesterday, I could imagine I'd turn my head and see him sitting there with his diet cola.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 01:03 PM

Facebook isn't the best place to carry on a typical Mudcat discussion. We'd distress and startle the rest of our friends, wouldn't we? But when this news came out I was struck with the craving to have Mudcat in place to read the stories people will tell about this wonderful singer. I never met him, but I have listened to stories, have chatted with him on various Mudcat topics, and thoroughly enjoyed the videos Amos posted this year.

My condolences to his friends and family.

SRS

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Amos
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 01:00 PM

Days after the news first appeared on one of his YouTube videos from the Getaway as a comment, and I am still ringing in my brain with the impossibility of that good heart being gone from us. I am grateful to hear it was evidently a smooth escape with minimal turbulence, for he deserves an easy sail to more open waters. I can say this much, Barry: I am warmed and grateful to know you and I shared the path for a short way, and you always made things better for your being present. Thanks, mate.


A

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 01:00 PM

I've just had the heads up that those not on Facebook can't access the page via the link given. At the request of one such person, and wit apologies for such a long cut and paste, here's the content of that link.

Post #1
Jeri Corlew wroteon October 16, 2009 at 6:42am
Barry passed away this morning. I don't have any details. Barry was in hospital recovering from what appeared to have been a mild heart attack.

I don't know when Mudcat will be back up and I thought his friends would want to know.



Post #2
Siân Thomas (Wales) wroteon October 16, 2009 at 7:20am
This is a complete shock.

My condolences to his family and all who loved him.

sian

   

Post #3
Rose Sheehan (Boston, MA) wroteon October 16, 2009 at 7:23am
Thanks for posting, Jeri - so shocking, so sad.


Post #4
Hazel Bolton wroteon October 16, 2009 at 8:19am
Another bound for the great singaround in the sky.

"When we meet again there'll be such singing
When we meet again we'll set the heaven's ringing
We'll raise our voice in harmony and roll the years away
When we meet again some day"

RIP Barry


Post #5
Catherine Jayne Pettigrew (London) wroteon October 16, 2009 at 8:35am
This is such sad news. I met Barry in 2005 and he was a lovely man with a fantastic voice.

Condolences to his family

Khatt x


Post #6
You wroteon October 16, 2009 at 8:37am
I'm speechless.


Post #7
Jeri Corlew wroteon October 16, 2009 at 9:16am
I'm having a hard time believing that he's gone. He was just here at last Friday's session

Barry was larger than life on the outside. Once you got past the outer layers, you realized he was Barry all the way through.

      
Post #8
Tamara Hiatt wroteon October 16, 2009 at 9:49am
I don't know what to say. I was so looking forward to meeting him some day. Wishing peace and comfort to his family and friends.


Post #9
Allison Aldrich (Concord, NH) wroteon October 16, 2009 at 10:38am
What a shock. What a kind man. He and I first bonded thru Mudcat and then through having kids with disabilities; my heart goes out to Justine and the kids.


Post #10
Jane Gilday wroteon October 16, 2009 at 10:48am
Oh no! This is so sad and after he made such a recovery a few years back. We met him at the Getaway in 2005. One of the best!


Post #11
Claire Beorn Norman wroteon October 16, 2009 at 10:58am
Tears flow like rain.

Oh he don't want a harp nor a halo, not he --
Just give him a breeze and a good rolliing sea.

So sorry.

ClaireBear



Post #12
Mary Jane Endres wroteon October 16, 2009 at 11:26am
Please, no. I don't want to believe this.

Janie



Post #13
Dani Black wroteon October 16, 2009 at 1:21pm
speechless. more later. my heart just aches for his family, and the large circle of dear friends he gathered around him.

I'm holding those precious few memories from the Getaway the other week like talismans, pebbles I'm wearing smooth...



Post #14
Mike Gibson wroteon October 16, 2009 at 2:21pm
i met him when visiting the states four yrs back and again when he came to sidmouth a great loss



Post #15
Nathan Tompkins (Portland, OR) wroteon October 16, 2009 at 2:23pm
Oh man...I didn't know him...but I have always enjoyed his posts....

My condolences to those who did know him...he seemed like a good man.



Post #16
Mary Jane Endres wroteon October 16, 2009 at 4:04pm
Jeri, given all the leaves on the trees and at least some more snow predicted, Mudcat could be out a good bit longer. If so, might it be possible to send you or some one else a message to get an address for Justine to send condolences?



Post #17
Nancy L. King (Washington, DC) wroteon October 16, 2009 at 4:33pm
The address for Barry on the Getaway attendees list (plus a little help from a zip code directory) is 4 Summit Ave., Derry, NH 03038. Presumably the address is the same for Justine.

I'm trying to figure out what I might say to her. This is so devastating! I saw both of them at the Portsmouth festival just 3 weeks ago.


Post #18
Lorcan Otway (New York, NY) wroteon October 16, 2009 at 5:17pm
Holding all of his, and ours who knew and loved him, (the same thing) in the light... dear fellow...



Post #19
Mary Jane Endres wroteon October 16, 2009 at 5:19pm
Thanks Nancy.



Post #20
Linn Schulz (Concord, NH) wroteon October 16, 2009 at 7:01pm
Right -- that's the address for Barry and Justine and family. It's just totally unreal. Tom spoke with him yesterday. I had Barry songs in my head all day. What a frustrating time for Mudcat to be down.


Post #21
Alice Flynn wroteon October 16, 2009 at 7:15pm
I'm shocked. This is hard to believe. I'm so sorry to hear this news.



Post #22
Mary Jane Endres wroteon October 16, 2009 at 7:17pm
Right, Linn. Just like him to steal off when Mudcat is down, and we need our community wrapped around us to share our memories and sorrow.



Post #23
Leo Pola wroteon October 16, 2009 at 7:23pm
This was the last hting I expected to see on FAcebook tonight. What a loss. What a man to have lost.


Post #24
Rose Sheehan (Boston, MA) wroteon October 16, 2009 at 7:24pm
I am passing along the following info: Barry Finn's wake will be in Derry, NH this Sunday at Peabody Funeral Home, 2 to 6. Mass on Monday, 10 AM, St Thomas Catholic Church.

   

Post #25
Amos Jessup wroteon October 16, 2009 at 7:57pm
Just flapping in the wind trying to fill the hole this leaves in my heart; never a better or fuller man, bigger heart or firmer voice ever walked these halls. Damn, damn, damn, damn....



Post #26
Ken Schatz (NYU) wroteon October 16, 2009 at 9:37pm
Barry, you're singing loud in my head and in my heart. I am so proud to know you and the joy of singing with you. I'm grateful for all that you have shared with me, and I'm very lucky to call you my singing partner and good friend. You've inspired me so much! I've got my work cut out for me. We will all miss you fiercely. And we'll do our best. All my love to Justine and family, and to Neil, and to everyone who knew and loved this amazing man and his amazing voice.



Post #27
Tamara Hiatt wroteon October 16, 2009 at 10:20pm
Maybe Mudcat is down because it is in mourning. Maybe nature rails in winter tears at the loss.

I too wish to be in Mudcat to read his past thoughts and to read the thoughts and feelings of his friends.

Just too sad.



Post #28
Tamara Hiatt wroteon October 17, 2009 at 1:54am
Loads of lovely tributes on his Facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/BarryFinn?ref=search&sid=1577167692.231825208..1#/BarryFinn?v=wall&ref=search

Nothing on the Finn and Haddie website
http://www.finnandhaddie.com/

or their MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/finnandhaddie


Post #29
Mick Lane wrote23 hours ago
I have walked a long and winding path, and I have met many great characters on that journey. In all those travels, across this land and others, there have been those rare few folks that immediately made a mark on me, and planted themselves firmly in my heart and my affections. Barry is one of those. I believe it is akin to two old souls crossing paths once more, in the eternal trek. He was irreverent, caring, talented, larger than life, and loving. He had been damaged by his life and healed stronger than before. His love of his family is legendary, and his love of his friends ran a close second, with music solidly in the third spot. It is good to have been part of your circle, old friend. See you when next our paths cross. Love, Mick



Post #30
Amos Jessup wrote23 hours ago
" I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!"

"Gone where?"

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!" there are other eyes watching her coming and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: "Here she comes!"

And that is dying...."

Henry Van Dyke


Barry--

May the breeze be on your quarter, and fair for your course. You leave so many bonds and are sent off with so many tears for the missing of your keen laugh, bold song, and those piercing eyes full of depth, humor, love, and something else indefinably You. You, huge soul, sail on, and remember us that you sang with, as we will remember you, until the next meeting in song.

Sad though I am beyond saying that you have stepped away from this turgid coil, I delight in your freedom, and knowing your songs are now filling the cosmos from star to star.

Fair winds, and good sailing.

Amos

Post #31
Carol Dale wrote22 hours ago
Dear Barry,

I'm sorry you had to go so soon. You were a giant of a man, and a man of immense personal integrity. The Mudcat will be greatly diminished by your absence. You were unfailingly kind, and you were a stalwart comrade in arms in the fight for justice and human rights for all. I will miss you.



Post #32
Rose Sheehan (Boston, MA) wrote22 hours ago
Here is updated/corrected info on services for Barry:

Marty Stock For Barry Finn: Calling hours will be held Sunday October 18th from 2-6PM in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry, NH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celeb...rated Monday, October 19th at 11:30AM in St. Thomas Aquinas Churc...h, Crystal Ave., Derry with cremation following. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the New England Organ Bank, One Gateway Center, Newton, MA 02158. For more information or to send a condolence, please visit www.peabodyfuneralhome.com



Post #33
Jeddy Rose wrote21 hours ago
i am so sorry for anyone who knew him, i never had the pleasure but my thoughts are with all his friends and family.

may the great mother of all be watching over him and those he loved but had to leave behind.

lots of love to all

jade x x x



Post #34
Abby Zurschmiede (Tallahassee, FL) wrote20 hours ago
Farewell to Barry Finn. Wish I had met you and had a song. I admired your politics a great deal.


Oh, wrap me in my country's flag, and lay me in the cold blue sea
Let the roaring of the waves, my solemn requiem be
And I shall sleep a pleasant sleep, while storms above their vigils keep
My Captain brave shall read for me, the s...ervice of the silent dead
And yay shall lower me in the waves, when all the prayers are said
And I will find my long, long home, among the billows and the foam
Farewell my friends for many a league, we've sailed together on the deep
Come let us shake our hands, I'll sail no more, but shipmates wear for weep
I'm bound above, my course is run
I near the port, my voyage is done

(traditional sea song)



Post #35
Mary Jane Endres wrote19 hours ago
While I am grateful that there are a large number of us on Facebook, and to have this group in the absence of Mudcat, I really long for all of our Mudcat community to be able to come together on Mudcat right now.



Post #36
Laurel Paulson-Pierce (Chico, CA) wrote17 hours ago
here he is..singing...the way i like to remember him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aitT45oZuT8&NR=1



Post #37
Mary Jane Endres wrote17 hours ago
Thanks for putting that up Laurel, as well as the Getaway 2008 video with he and Mick. They were so funny that night at the Getaway. It was well into the wee hours - probably somewhere around 3:00 or 3:30am. Most of the crew in the Peace lodge had gone off to bed, and I was thinking of doing the same, when in blew one of them....I forget who showed up 1st, but I think it was Big Mick, with Barry blowing in a few minutes later. Trading insults and fussing affectionately with one another like an old married couple....and they then proceded to put on this wonderful show for the few of us still standing, of which this song was just one example.



Post #38
Jeri Corlew wrote16 hours ago
Obit and some info here: http://currentobituary.com/ShowObit.aspx?id=70120&member_id=11 says:
---------------------------------------------------
Barry P. Finn, 58, of Derry, NH died Friday October 16, 2009 at the Elliot Hospital, Manchester, NH. Barry was born on February 5, 1951 in Boston, MA a son of Elizabeth (Barry) Bent and the late Eugene Finn. A Derry resident for the last 22 years, he was formerly of Mission Hill, MA and Brookline, MA.

He is survived by his wife Justine Donovan of Derry; his daughter, Natalie Finn and his son, Gabriel Finn, both of Derry; his mother, Elizabeth Bent of W. Dennis, MA; two brothers, Daniel Bent of Walpole, MA and Earl Moore of N.H.; one sister, Cheryl Finn-Poole of Carlisle, MA. He also leaves behind countless friends in and out of the music community.

Calling hours will be held Sunday October 18th from 2 - 6pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, October 19th at 11:30am in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Crystal Ave., Derry with cremation following. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the New England Organ Bank, One Gateway Center, Newton, MA 02158.


Post #39
Mary Jane Endres wrote16 hours ago
DO NOT open or click anything from me (it might only appear in the notifications box on the lower right of the screen, next to chat) that says I sent you a 1 minute video. It is a malicious application resulting from a survey my son answered, which hijacked his friend's list. When I clicked it, thinking it was from my son, it hijacked my list also.

I'm posting this everywhere on Facebook that I can. Sorry to interject this into Barry's thread.


Post #40
Tamara Hiatt wrote2 hours ago
Last night at Billybob's Barden in the Garden party which featured The Barden of England) and Waddon Pete, I sang a spiritual trilogy as tribute to Barry.
Oh Freedom, Come and Go With Me, and I'm On My Way.

I did not know the man personally, but I have been so affected by his passing, which has been comopunded by the lack of proper Mudcat and even more so upon seeing his performances on Youtube. What a presence.

Go with power, peace and joy, Barry.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Rasener
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 12:58 PM

Very sorry to hear this. My deepest sympathies to Barry's family.

RIP Barry

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Janie
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 12:56 PM

At last. We can have a proper Mudcat Wake.

I keep waiting to see "Sorry for the huge mistake and alarm - that was another Barry Finn who died."

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 12:55 PM

Barry,
You were sorely missed at the Press Room last night. Rest in peace my beautiful friend.
Mary

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 12:54 PM

Just to reinforce Jeri's post above with regard to the funeral service time on Monday:

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, October 19th at 11:30 am in St. Thomas Aquinas Church.

And the time originally posted in FaceBook was later corrected from "10 am" to "11:30 am."

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: My guru always said
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 12:53 PM

So shocked and saddened, candle lit for Barry. Our heartfelt sympathies to Justine with love & hugs!
Hil & Richard xxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn October 16 2009
From: skarpi
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 12:47 PM

RIP Barry ,
I once sang a song called " forget me never " I did not do much
at the getaway then , but there were some people who had more loudness
than other s hee hee and you were among them .

I only saw you for one weekend 2005 , thanks for let me know you .
Tonight I will light a candle , not just for Barry and his family
also for a friend of mine who lost his wife this same week .

what we have today , we may not have tomorrow . take care all


May god be with us all .

All the best from Iceland
Skarpi .

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 12:46 PM

From The Peabody Funeral Home's site:

Barry P. Finn, 58, of Derry, NH died Friday October 16, 2009 at the Elliot Hospital, Manchester, NH. Barry was born on February 5, 1951 in Boston, MA a son of Elizabeth (Barry) Bent and the late Eugene Finn. A Derry resident for the last 22 years, he was formerly of Mission Hill, MA and Brookline, MA.

He is survived by his wife Justine Donovan of Derry; his daughter, Natalie Finn and his son, Gabriel Finn, both of Derry; his mother, Elizabeth Bent of W. Dennis, MA; two brothers, Daniel Bent of Walpole, MA and Earl Moore of N.H.; one sister, Cheryl Finn-Poole of Carlisle, MA. He also leaves behind countless friends in and out of the music community.

Calling hours will be held Sunday October 18th from 2 - 6pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, October 19th at 11:30am in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Crystal Ave., Derry with cremation following. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the New England Organ Bank, One Gateway Center, Newton, MA 02158.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn October 16 2009
From: Alice
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 12:41 PM

It is hard to know what to say. I was shocked when I read the news on Friday, as it seemed like we were giving him cheery get well wishes in the hospital thread, as he would recover. My sympathy to his family, friends and all who loved him. I felt like I knew Barry from years of mudcat discussions and personal messages. Take care. - Alice

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn October 16 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 12:40 PM

From Justine Donovan (copied from FaceBook)

To all of Barry's good friends - Barry passed away peacefully yesterday morning at the Elliot Hospital in Manchester. He had attended the Press Room session on Friday night and felt very tired afterwards. Over the next few days he experienced what everyone thought were signs of a stomach bug. On Wednesday morning my daughter drove him to the hospital and we were all shocked to learn he had suffered a heart attack earlier in the week. He was being kept in the hospital for further testing when he died.

The nurses reported that Barry had asked for ice chips at about 6:15 and that moments after his heart simply slowed to a stop. They were not able to revive him and we believe that it was swift and painless. I hope this fact brings some comfort to you, as it did to our family. Marty's post above is accurate, and if you refer to it you can find the details for the services. You are welcome to our home after the funeral services on Monday. Your posts are appreciated and welcomed. Barry and I were married twenty three years and have two amazing children; Natalie, 22 and Gabriel, 20. We will miss him for the rest of our lives and reach out to you to help us keep his memory alive.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn October 16 2009
From: jacqui.c
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 12:38 PM

Here's a link to the Facebook page.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 12:37 PM

Hard to believe and accept this news. Barry was in usual fine voice at the Getaway.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: curmudgeon
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 12:34 PM

Barry Finn's wake will be in Derry, NH this Sunday at Peabody Funeral Home, 2 to 6. Mass on Monday, 10 AM, St Thomas Catholic Church.

Subject: Obit: Barry Finn October 16 2009
From: jacqui.c
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 12:33 PM

Our darling Barry died in hospital on Friday morning early.

There have bee a lot of posts onto Facebook but it is likely that some "Catters have not heard the news yet.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 12:33 PM

Such sad news. Our love to Janine and the family.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: open mike
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 12:32 PM

Well, sorry to report that Barry did not make it.

Unfortunately this has to be changed to an OBIT thread.

The mudcat has been down for a few days and during that time he passed
away. You can find out more on the face book pages for Mudcat and on Barry's page, too.

Click (membership required)

http://www.facebook.com/BarryFinn?v=wall&ref=search

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: curmudgeon
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 12:31 PM

For those not on Facebook or other online groups, Barry sadly and unexpectedly passed away on Friday morning. The wake is today, and the funeral tomorrow. I'll post details momenraily. I hadn't expected to find Mudcat here = Tom

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 11:12 PM

Take care, Barry. Hope to have you back around again real soon.
Gibb

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Joe_F
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 10:31 PM

Oh. %^(

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 10:18 PM

Okay Barry....this sucks, but you're experienced in docs and hospitals and know what to do......so do it!

Get back here soon.


Spaw

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Severn
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 09:51 PM

The best of thoughts, prayers and wishes coming from me, as well.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: bbc
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 09:44 PM

Thanks for sharing this news, Tom. Wow! Not what I wanted to hear. Barry, take good care of yourself. Lots of us want you well & happy!

love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Micca
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 09:40 PM

Barry, Best wishes to you and Justine, Just do as your told, ok, and it will pass, like the Trinidad to Maracaibo run!!!You are in my thoughts you ol' reprobate.
Micca

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Jack Campin
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 09:33 PM

Might be worth getting the word out about what happened to Barry. I had a mild heart attack 2 months ago. It didn't feel like one - I'd been having chest pain for about three months, but thought it might be oesophageal spasms (I've had that for a long time, and occasional episodes of reflux). Or at worst angina. Then I got an attack that felt no worse than the previous ones, but wasn't brought on by exertion. Called an ambulance; the EMT guys did an ECG and it looked normal to them, but they took me into hospital anyway. Blood tests showed a mild heart attack.

They did a whole lot of investigations, but the clincher was the treadmill test, hooked up to an ECG. I didn't get very far on it before they called a halt. The nurse looked quite concerned, then asked if I was diabetic. From what the ECG was saying, I ought to have been curled up on the floor moaning, but I didn't feel much at all, just a bit tired and uncomfortable. This sort of masking of symptoms is common in diabetics, and also in women. Dunno why it happened to me, being neither.

The moral is, get chest pains looked at sooner rather than later. If I'd continued to ignore what was happening to me, I'd doubt if I'd have seen the year out. As it is, an angioplasty seems to have more or less sorted the problem.

Good luck, Barry.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: GUEST,Jed Marum
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 09:29 PM

Ooops - that was me above. Cookieless again!

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 09:29 PM

God Bless You Barry!!

Get well quickly and completely!

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: KathyW
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 09:09 PM

Barry, please get better soon!

Kathy

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Bobert
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 09:02 PM

Here's hopin for a speedy and full recovery, Barry, and next year stay away from the Getaway cafeteria...

Bobert

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: GUEST,Big Mick without a cookie
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 09:01 PM

Who gives a fair load of old shite what he wants???????? I will call the lad if I damn well feel like it! He ain't shittin' me, this is more of this old game to draw attention to his royal backside..... probably needs to jack up his CD sales.............. (sez Mick, tongue planted firmly in cheek).

Get well, you crusty old coot. This is what happens when I am absent and not there to take "care" of you...***chuckle***

And thanks to Tink for letting me know..... Love ya, baby.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Barry Finn in hospital
From: Nancy King
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 08:47 PM

Yikes, Barry! This is just TOO scary! You're too familiar with hospitals to want to be there, so you'd better start being a bit more careful. Not to mention the fact that we need you whole and singing!

Much love to you and Justine,

Nancy