Rick Fielding's passing. (March 20, 2004)

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Big Mick
Date: 24 Mar 04 - 08:41 AM

I want to jump in for a minute and tell you all how absolutely proud I am to be a part of this company. The insights I have seen here would knock Rick out. I do know Rick, and know him well. In that, I am blessed. I got to spend a fair amount of time with him and Heather, stayed at their home, and experienced their love, conversation, and that magical garden. Yet even with all that exposure, I didn't have any better handle on this man than many of you that had never met him 3D. You are why Rick found such joy in this community, and found it at all times fascinating. And I will add that it is at all times caring and insightful. Thanks for these tributes to one of the most important musicians and friends in my life. I am honored to be a part of your company.

All the best to all of you,

Big Mick Lane

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: PeteBoom
Date: 24 Mar 04 - 09:14 AM

I saw this thread after getting back from a really gruelling band practice on Sunday. I thought I could not get any lower - before I saw the thread. I met Rick cyberly - never in person. What a pity and my personal loss. I've trying to find the right words, and am now giving up and going with my initial reaction -

Much sympathy to his family and numerous friends.

My reaction then was as it is now.... "sigh"

Regards -

Pete

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Allan C.
Date: 24 Mar 04 - 10:41 AM

I have held off posting here. I have said much of what I feel on some of the other threads about Rick. Today I happened to stumble upon a song that says it as well as I could ever hope to do.

MEMORIAL
(Si Kahn)

We come today to say goodbye to one who has held us close,
To tell the stories of his life that move us each the most.
These memories of a life well lived and of a death well faced,
Are now a part of every life that crosses in this place

Cho: No circle has been broken here, no one that stands alone.
The threads of life, so lately broke, are woven through our own.

He'd hoped to meet us all again that gather here today,
But though we will not meet again, we'll meet again some way.
In work we do, in songs we sing, in courage and in pain,
In battles that we fight as one, we'll see his face again.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Nerd
Date: 24 Mar 04 - 11:28 AM

Damn, damn, damn!

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Lyrical Lady
Date: 24 Mar 04 - 11:51 AM

As a long time member of the "cat" ...I would just like to say how sad I am to lost one of our own. I don't think I ever communicated with Rick but I certainly read his posts and was always enlinghtened. My sympathies at this very difficult time.

Barbara

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: KathWestra
Date: 24 Mar 04 - 11:58 AM

Thanks for posting that Si Kahn song, Allan! Says it just right. Kathy

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Barbara
Date: 24 Mar 04 - 02:04 PM

Goodbye, good friend, and godspeed.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Marion
Date: 24 Mar 04 - 05:04 PM

What a sad thing. Heather, I am thinking of you constantly. Sympathies to all of Rick's friends as well.

I will write more later when I can put some thoughts together without crying.

Marion

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: van lingle
Date: 24 Mar 04 - 05:39 PM

What a fine man. He left us all something to live up to. My most profound condolences to you, Heather.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,Wesley S at Home
Date: 24 Mar 04 - 07:51 PM

I don't know about anyone else - but I HATE seeing this thread drop down to the bottom of the page. As if Rick would disappear with it. And don't you just know that someday - some new member will ask "Who was Rick Fielding"?

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Mar 04 - 08:39 PM

When the uninititated do ask that, Wesley, we'll have so much to share with them, plus I am sure we'll have a special page here to start them on their journey of discovery.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Amos
Date: 24 Mar 04 - 08:45 PM

I think we ought to have a collection of Rick threads on his own page, anchored, as Kat says, in the Memorial section here (full absolute path works better on my browser for some reason).

A

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Annie
Date: 24 Mar 04 - 10:30 PM

Rick, have a good journey.

Heather, my deepest sympathy for your loss.

Jeri, thanks for sharing that.

Mudcat, how cool that he shared so much here. Smart man.

Love, Annie

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Mar 04 - 12:04 AM

M--Crying is okay. Send thoughts when you're ready, but don't shy away from sharing because of tears. You'll be in good company.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: wysiwyg
Date: 25 Mar 04 - 12:14 AM

I worry about the ripple of upsets when someone posts a comment towards Rick on some thread, such as maybe a new player posting a question in continuance of one of Rick's teaching threads, and how many times we will have to explain, "Sorry, he's not home right now....."

~Susan

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: AKS
Date: 25 Mar 04 - 02:36 AM

My condolence to Rick's closests.

I seem not to be the only one whose joining MC is much on "this character Fielding" (as Joe put it on some thread) to blame. I sure did enjoy his tone of voice from the very first post of him I read!

Last May I had made up my mind to suggest to Sari Kaasinen (former Värttinä member, now, a.o, the artistic director of Kihaus Festival in Rääkkylä, Fin), that she should try to get Rick 'over the waters' one day to perform and make a workshop there. Before starting typing e-mail, I opened the MC with Rick's health update thread on top! It made me sad, because somehow I felt very strongly then that it was never to be.

AKS

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: hesperis
Date: 25 Mar 04 - 03:07 AM

Haven't read this whole thing, but must post before sleep... best wishes to Heather, and too all who knew him and are now struggling with grief. He will be remembered by many.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 25 Mar 04 - 03:57 AM

I still can't find the words, Heather, and I've thought of little else since you called. We loved him, you know, and you. I'll try to say more when the words finally make themselves known to me.
    Sandy (and Caroline)

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,Debra Cowan
Date: 25 Mar 04 - 06:44 AM

I am in England and have not had access to the Mudcat until now. I am at a loss.

I first met Rick through Sandy and Caroline at a house concert in Worcester, MA. We had a glorious night of singing and Rick accompanied me while I sang 'All of Me'.

I saw him again a couple of years later when he opened for Tom Paxton in Framingham and drew a standing ovation. Another glorious night.

My deepest sympathies to Heather. You are in my thoughts. I will sing a song for Rick tomorrow night at Bacca Pipes in Keighley. Rick may be on another journey, but his memory and his music will live on.

Debra Cowan

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Jeri
Date: 25 Mar 04 - 07:36 AM

Sandy, Marion - I think we all know how much you loved Rick and how hard this must be for you. This goes for all those of you who haven't checked in or have written only a few words, Rick knew I wrote things out and sometimes never shut up. I can multi-task: write and cry at the same time. For me, it's part of the healing process - I remember and sort out my thoughts. Writing or not has nothing to do with how much we loved him...love him, just how each of us deals with grief. It's OK.

Something else Rick made me think about, and believe: similarities draw us together, but it's our differences that make us interesting to one another. He was very understanding of those differences and never would have liked living in a world where everyone thought just like he did. Whatever anyone's thinking or feeling right now, whatever you do or don't do, write or don't write: if you knew Rick, you know he'd understand. I do, and I offer my love to anyone who misses him, whether you write or not, whether I know you or not.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Morticia
Date: 25 Mar 04 - 08:00 AM

that was beautifully put,Jeri, thank you

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Mar 04 - 10:19 AM

Jeri, you are a beautiful womon/soul/heart. Thanks for being here.



luvyakat

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Fortunato
Date: 25 Mar 04 - 10:26 AM

Yeah, Wesley.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Hollowfox
Date: 25 Mar 04 - 11:38 AM

Heather, my heart goes out to you. I've been thinking about you all week, and I just can't find the right words. As it is, I can only echo the above postings. I wish I knew what I could do to help. As with the others, if there's anything I can do, just let me know. The small comfort I can offer is that he doesn't hurt anymore. Love, Mary

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Frankham
Date: 25 Mar 04 - 03:37 PM

What a heartbreak! A great loss. But a great contribution!
God bless. Devastating news.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,Angela
Date: 25 Mar 04 - 09:19 PM

I took mandolin/guitar lessons from Rick. They were going quite well... that is until Rick invited me to hear him play one night. Then that was the end of my lessons. I became a fan and instead of learning something in my lessons, I went to listen to HIM play. I brought him in a John Gracie CD because there was a song I wanted to learn. I never did get that CD back :) he loved the song.

Heather, family, friends, cats... you are in my thoughts as always.

Angela

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,jay rosen
Date: 25 Mar 04 - 09:47 PM

what a loss!!!!
i have known rick since he was gracious enough tot allow us to tape performance on ciut for an issue of fast folk magazine in nyc

i have known him to be so giving unselfish and a wonderful aquaintence

my only regret was not "hanging out" with him thought the years


be well heather and all our thoughts are with you..


love
jay and lynda rosen

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Callie
Date: 25 Mar 04 - 10:18 PM

I've been away from Mudcat for a while and happened to see this by chance. I'm shocked and saddened.

Rick made so many generous contributions to Mudcat and was one of the main people I thought embodied the spirit of this virtual community. I hope that by reading this thread his family understand how he has left his mark on people all around the world, most of whom never met him in person.

My deepest condolences

Callie

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST, NOMADman
Date: 25 Mar 04 - 10:36 PM

Rick's passing leaves such a sad, awful void - a void on the Mudcat, a void on the radio and a void everywhere Rick might have been seen or heard, or his influence felt. That covers a lot of territory. We are all poorer for his passing as we are richer for his having been here.

Regards,
John

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: darkriver
Date: 26 Mar 04 - 02:46 AM

I've been away from Mudcat for a few days, so I missed this news.

Like a few others who've posted here, I never met the man, but knew him through Mudcat. He was a strong, articulate voice. What especially strikes me is the effect of his passing on the MC community. I wish I could live my life so as to influence so many lives as Rick Fielding did. Clearly a very special man. My condolences to Mrs Fielding. And to you all as well, the people who love him.

As for musical sendoffs, how about a quote from Violetta Parra of Chile? (Imagine sung as she sang it, slowly and tenderly.)

Gracias a la vida que me ha dado tanto.
Me ha dado la risa, me ha dado el llanto.
Así yo distingo dicha de quebranto,
Todos materiales que forman mi canto,
Y el canto de ustedes que es es mismo canto.

(Thanks to life, which has given me so much.
It has given me laughter and it has given me tears.
Thus I distinguish between joy and pain,
That are all elements of my song
and of your song, which the same song.)

Doug aka darkriver

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: HuwG
Date: 26 Mar 04 - 02:53 AM

The Mudcat won't seem quite the same any more. My condolences to all who knew him well.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: *daylia*
Date: 26 Mar 04 - 09:52 AM

I've been on the Cat for a only short time, just over a year, but in that time Rick's posts encouraged and enlightened me so many times over. He always spoke so kindly of everyone, was able to see both sides of the (sometimes fiery) debates around here and share those wise insights with others in a nonjudgmental, nonconfrontational way. That is a rare gift, and one this tired ole world needs VERY badly ....

He helped me make a guitar-buying decision last spring, and I've been so pleased with my new Seagull ever since! A veteran music teacher myself, I recognized him right off the bat as a loving, generous and well-seasoned 'kindred spirit'. His years of experience at (lovingly) training and encouraging young musicians just shone through his posts like the sun! I remember him telling one discouraged guitarist here ... But thumb chords are your FRIENDS!    :-) I really liked that (even though thumb chords just KILL my hand ...)

He never knew this, but faithfully practicing some of the many finger-picking techniques/exercises he so kindly posted on the digitrad here has influenced my style and made me a better player. I never got to meet him in person, but he 'taught' me well, and I am very grateful.

My heartfelt sympathy to his family and to all who knew him well. His passing is a great loss for the Cat ... but I know his influence and kindliness and expertise will live on, in his music, in the digitrad, and in our hearts.

daylia

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: geeman
Date: 28 Mar 04 - 11:37 PM

Hi Mudcats (I guess that's what you call 'em):
I'm new to this group of folkie nuts, so here's yet more proof of Rick's profound influence - getting me to join. I'm Glen Hornblast, a long-time Toronto folkie. Since Rick's passing, I've run into so many fellow folkies that, like myself, feel the immense loss and sorrow of losing this wonderful human being and musician (although I have a feeling he's still floating around someplace).
Rick gave me tremendous support and encouragement years ago when I was just getting my feet wet as a songwriter. His helpful tips and encouragement probably made me go on when I was ready to quit. There's even a song Rick helped me write - a song which is probably the best song I ever wrote - in the song "Mary", a song about a street person, Rick gave me the last line of the song: "Mary's only crime is being born." Do they have royalties in heaven? Cheaper wings, maybe?
So I just wanted to share with you folks from out of town, how much of a force Rick was in the Toronto folk scene. So many musicians owe their start to this wonderful, generous, humorous song-picker. Just last week I was playing a feature at Toronto's Fat Albert's coffeehouse. In the introduction, I dedicated my "Mary" song to Rick, and mentioned that Rick helped write the last line of the last verse. Lo and behold, just when I got to the last verse, somebody's cellphone went off. Someone finally answered it, but there was no one there. Afterwards, it hit me ... maybe that was Rick? He probably hated cellphones, but I wouldn't put it past him.
To Heather, my best wishes and condolances in dealing with the sorrow. Hopefully, you'll find some comfort in the tremendous and amazing outpouring of love for the man from the entire folk community - not just local but worldwide. All the best, dear Heather.
Glen Hornblast - Toronto

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Art Thieme
Date: 29 Mar 04 - 12:23 AM

I just found BBC's fine photos of Rick and some of you Catters exactly 37 posts before this one. How did I overlook those??? I'm left wishing I'd had the energy at the Cleveland meeting of the Folk Alliance, where I met Rick for the first and only time, to really hang out with him. He came running out of the hotel to grab my bag when I arrived with Kate Early and Phil Cooper & Margaret Nelson. Then he hauled it up to my hotel room as he figured in my wheelchair I'd have a hard time getting it up there. We talked for about 20 minutes and I was wiped from the trip from Chicago and had to crash for an hour or so before joining the throng. I've never forgotten his kindness that day. Cleveland was 50 degrees F with no snow for that whole February F.A. conference. I'd be willing to bet that the warm welcome I got from Rick that day had a bunch to do with that mid-winter heat wave.

I'll surely miss his presence here.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Matt_R
Date: 29 Mar 04 - 01:25 AM

As I have not been present much of late, I didn't know of Rick's battle with cancer, so his death comes as an incredibly great shock to me. I don't know what to say.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: John J
Date: 29 Mar 04 - 01:06 PM

This is very sad. I have no words.

John
:-(

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Big Mick
Date: 29 Mar 04 - 01:09 PM

Hey Art, take a look at AT THIS ONE. Those are all Mudcatters or their kin. I especially love the smile on Rick and Heathers faces. Wonderful memories of a lunatic day trip. 12 hours driving roundtrip, for a wonderful 3 or 4 hours together. There was not a person in the Jeep that wouldn't have done it all over again.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,Peter Watson
Date: 29 Mar 04 - 02:39 PM

Maestro,you illuminated a world for me that would not have existed without your teaching. The light still burns bright in all your students, but our world is forever dimmed. Courage, Heather.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Mar 04 - 03:35 PM

Welcome to the Mudcat, geeman/Glen, and thank you so much for sharing with us. It is wonderful to read of the 3D Life of Rick, too.

Funny thing about the cellphone. A couple of others think he may have been playing silly buggers with phones recently, too.:-)

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Janie
Date: 29 Mar 04 - 04:33 PM

Oh no. I have been gone for a week and just saw this. Heather, I can't add to what has already been said. You are in my thoughts and prayers also. Blessings for Rick, you, and all who love you both.

Janie

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,Dave Burton
Date: 29 Mar 04 - 10:05 PM

I only knew Rick briefly, but I always intended to get to know him better. He and Heather are the kind of people this world needs more of. They welcomed me into their home and their hearts. I am saddened by the opportunity that has slipped from my grasp. Heather I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts go out to you. May you find comfort in your sorrow. Take care.
Dave.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 30 Mar 04 - 01:23 AM

Dear Friends All:
    Our whole family is deeply saddened by the passing of a cherished friend and incredibly talented artist. Rick was not only a wonderful singer and brilliant and versatile instrumentalist, his eagerness to share his skill and enthusiasm with others made him an extraordinary teacher.
    Sandy and I first met Rick when we were invited to the Woods Music and Dance Camp in Ontario in 1992. We were tremendously impressed by his singing, playing, and his fine song-writing. I remember a particular song circle at which we were profoundly moved by his powerful song, "Voices of Struggle." Sandy decided then and there that he wanted to make a recording of Rick for Folk-Legacy.
    One thing that was very evident at the camp was Rick's willingness to help students of all levels of ability, and to back up other musicians. He could play so many different styles, and was happy to help them all, whatever the genre.
    Rick came down to the States to be with us here in Sharon, and his Folk-Legacy recording, "Lifeline," was then released in 1995. In the process of making the record, we gained not just an important recording artist, but a beloved friend. Over the years there were many more visits and concerts -- and many discussions about life and music and politics. Two outstanding leather carvings adorn the walls of our living room, one being a glorious rendition of our logo, the Green Man. Rick's artistry, his warmth, his humanity, and his goodness have truly blessed our lives.
    Heather, we think of you daily, and hope that it comforts you, somehow, to realize that Rick meant so very much to so many people.
    Caroline (and Sandy) Paton

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Biskit
Date: 30 Mar 04 - 03:17 PM

I'm so saddened to hear of Rick's passing,...I always thought I'd one day hear him play, and maybe sit in,...perhaps on the other side, eh?
May the Lord bless and keep you Heather,and all of Ricks dear Friends
and Family.
~Biskit~

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Peg
Date: 30 Mar 04 - 07:21 PM

I have been away from the forum for several weeks now due to an at-home computer mishap...it saddens me greatly that on the first day I return to the Mudcat I should find such sad news...

I never met Rick but we did have a number of communiques via PM. He'd write to ask me about a whoe range of things, from holistic nutritional advice for dealing with his cancer, to musical stuff, to gods know what. I remember the first time I saw his name in my mailbox and thinking, "Huh? Rick Fielding writing to little old me?" But of course Rick had no such illusions about himself and the great musician everyone said he was. In my experience, he was always kind, witty and eager to make people feel better than they might that day. I'd have dearly loved to share a song circle with him.

I was always struck (and still am) at how universally loved and respected this man (and his music) has been by so many in this community. Hearing of how all of you shared in his friendship makes me feel closer to a man I wish I'd had the pleasure of knowing in the flesh...so thank you, everyone.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Jeri
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 07:48 PM

There's news of a memorial event on Borealis's home page here. Looks like quite a line-up of Rick's Canadian friends!

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Justa Picker
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 04:22 PM

That's a short list.
Apparently there are in excess of 60 people wanting to perform, so many of us will be doubling up with other performers, according to the organizer.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: black walnut
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 04:35 PM

The venue's going to be too small, that's for certain.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 04:38 PM

Maybe I'm wrong, I'm only guessing, but I expect there will be a Mudcat gathering on June 5th in Toronto. How many people can this club hold? I could see this gathering going on for more than 6 hours. Hell, Rick wouldn't have left that early.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 05:17 PM

It sounds like it may become inspiration for an annual festival.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: gnu
Date: 12 Apr 04 - 11:00 AM

Just learned... RIP Rick.

g