Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Elmore
Date: 13 Oct 12 - 08:47 PM

I met Barry in the seventies, and could tell the music was really becoming important to him. I enjoyed his Mudcat entries, and wish I could have seen him perform live.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 13 Oct 12 - 08:32 PM

I had a good time talking with Riggy at Getaway about Barry. Barry was responsible for dragging Riggy out to San Francisco and Riggy never returned until Getaway. I bet there are more stories like that. There was a lot to fathom in Barry Finn.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: ranger1
Date: 13 Oct 12 - 05:01 PM

My copy of Fathom This! Lives in my car. Whenever I'm at a stoplight next to someone with one of those obnoxious sub-woofers blasting rap music, into my CD player it goes and up goes the volume. It usually drowns them out, lol.

Barry was the kind of friend who looked out for you. We were coming back from an event once and I was dead broke. When the van stopped at a convenience store and everyone piled out for a snack, I just kind of stood in the background, hungry, but with my yankee pride stubbornly refusing to ask for handouts. Barry noticed I wasn't getting anything and figured out the reason why without my saying anything. He told me to get whatever I wanted and make sure it was enough and not to worry about it. He never said anything to any of the others we were traveling with, and any time after that, when we were traveling together, there were always extra sandwiches in his cooler. he used to say that Justine just made way to many, but I have a feeling it was to make sure that I didn't go hungry or get embarrassed.

It's taken me three years to put that into words. Glad I finally did.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: The Sandman
Date: 13 Oct 12 - 04:31 PM

I met him once,I am glad we met, a very good singer who was very knowledgeable about maritime music, I would have liked to have been able to know him better.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 13 Oct 12 - 04:00 PM

As long as we still think about Barry and sing the songs he loved to sing, he is still with us.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Bill D
Date: 13 Oct 12 - 03:56 PM

I often 'see' Barry when something happens that reminds me of something he used to sing or do. It's almost like a ghost... which I don't believe in.
   When the visions and memories get almost too much, I sorta 'hear' him saying.. "C'mon... I lived my life to the fullest, doing what I loved.... the least you can do is try to do the same."
... so... one thing I love is listening to Barry occasionally, and I do...

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: kendall
Date: 13 Oct 12 - 03:15 PM

We still miss him so much.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Janie
Date: 13 Oct 12 - 01:49 PM

Found myself thinking of Barry this morning, playing Fathom This and listening to youtube videos. Took awhile to realize it is an anniversary reaction - Barry died 2 weeks after the 2009 Getaway.

Shanty for Barry Finn has been posted before, but I feel like linking again. Thanks Ernie and David.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Paul_Schurr_PSG_NY
Date: 07 Nov 09 - 09:00 AM

Charlie,

Thanks for the link to Convoy CW-9. What a story, and what a great song. If I thought I could sing this song half as well as Barry did, I'd learn it.

We have a sing at our house tonight. You can bet that Roller Bowler and Good-bye, My Lover, Good-bye will be sung. I think we will be honoring our lost friend and celebrating his life for a long time.

For sure, I'd throw a line around the Press Room gang and bring the whole lot of you to my house for the sing tonight... if only I could!

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: bbc
Date: 03 Nov 09 - 05:53 PM

Aw, Tinker, thanks for that blast from the past. In Barry's own words--sweet! For the record, I only admit to following Jeri's bad example. Although, I will admit to being a bit sweet on the Big Mick (w/ no disrespect to his good wife).

Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Tinker
Date: 03 Nov 09 - 02:42 PM

Seems only fair to go back to how Barry saw the whole thing....

Subject: RE: Mudcat Night at the Press Room
From: Barry Finn - PM
Date: 29 Jul 01 - 07:52 PM

Thanks bbc, Duane & Pene Azul for the pics.
It was really a great night of music. Emily B & Bill did a great rendition of (I think it's called) "Roll Her From The Wall" among other songs. Duane I didn't know you were fond of the shanties, I suspect you sang them out of pity for the us & like bbc didn't want to upset the mood. Very thoughtfull of you both but WE SING ANYTHING THAT'S EVEN CLOSE TO FOLK UP HERE, just so's you'll know the next time. I can vouche for the truthfullness of what bbc says & saw, except both Jeri & bbc took their sweet time at examining Big Mick's goods & the poor ruined little was rolling in her dad's lap with laughter (I think she was laughting at Mick's merchandise & not her own behavior), maybe she not passed repair. Turtle was fiddling all night in front of our table & I didn't get to meet her till the end (shucks). As usuall Mick comes through the door way past his bedtime wussing his waay to a beer in the hopes that he won't get asked to sing. Same for him as for Naemanson, no mercy. The regulars were the treat that they always are, full of song & warm welcomes. I don't think that Big Mick & Naemanson are gonna like the pictures, they show me as usuall holding up the big wussy guys, well I didn't want you all to see pictures of them face flat on the floor. Anyway I love to see this happen often. Barry


Mudcat night at the Press Room July 2001

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Nov 09 - 02:26 PM

That story grew like Topsy. The way I heard it is that ALL the ladies were patting Mick's butt to check out the thong and potato. The little girl walked up behind him and did the same. Why not?

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: bbc
Date: 03 Nov 09 - 06:45 AM

Jeri, Mick drove in from a distance & was worn out. He made some comment about it, with a reference to a part of his anatomy which you, then, verified by touch. A little girl from a nearby table followed your example. Ah, the opportunities to corrupt the youth of America!

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Jeri
Date: 02 Nov 09 - 08:21 PM

Wow! I had hair then! I remember I wasn't actually standing on the floor but sort of hanging from Mick and Brett. Barry was lean and tan--I think he was still doing roofing stuff then.

I don't remember about Mick and the little girl... well, I remember there was something, but I can't remember what.

I had some arguments with him, too. I considered him my friend through it all and respected him (if not always his opinion) always. He was one of those guys you could argue with, just like you would with a brother, and then you'd come away from it knowing that tomorrow you'd be singing and joking with him again. That's something that's rare. People aren't usually that generous.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: bbc
Date: 02 Nov 09 - 07:49 PM

I remember this session very fondly--

Press Room--2001

Duane & I were camping up in Maine & got a ride down with Naemanson & Charley Noble. What a group! Jeri, remember that thing about Mick & the little girl? He'll never live that one down! ;) Good music, good friends--I'll never forget.

fondly,


Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 Nov 09 - 07:51 PM

Paul-

Here's the link to the thread which Neil started with regard to Convoy CW-9: Click here for thread!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 Nov 09 - 07:49 PM

Paul-

Good to hear from you.

I believe that the song about the WW 2 colliers was an existing poem that Neil adapted as a song.

I'll see if I can find a thread with the lyrics.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Paul_Schurr_PSG_NY
Date: 01 Nov 09 - 12:46 PM

Charlene and I just spent the last hour or so singing with Barry on YouTube and looking over our archive of pictures from Mystic and other sings when we were together.

I hope more YouTube clips get posted.

Guantanamo Bay surprised me. I never heard him sing it until YouTube.

Does anyone have a clip of him singing the song about the coal supply ships that the Germans were blowing out of the water during WWII? This is another song that he wrote, I believe.

Barry's adaptation of Charlie's Yangtse River Shanty is another fine song.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 31 Oct 09 - 05:36 AM

i feel like a kid who has had his toffee apple taken from him after only one lick

Exactly how I feel. Every time I see the Barry threads I feel like I have been punched in the chest.

I get a selfish, "it's just not fair" feeling, because I so wanted to meet and sing with this man.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Oct 09 - 08:33 PM

Pete and Peter-

Maybe this is such a tough one because Barry tried so hard for many years, and was finally achieving some of the recognition that he so well deserved.

Oh, you ladies short an' ladies tall,
A-way, you roller bowler!
Oh, you ladies short an' ladies tall,
I love you one and all –
Timme, hey-rig-a-jig a-jig a ha-ha,
Good morning, ladies all!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Peter T.
Date: 30 Oct 09 - 07:18 PM

Just rearrived. Hard to fathom, he was so alive. Glad to have met him, glad to have been around the same planet at the same time.

yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: stallion
Date: 30 Oct 09 - 06:22 PM

Charley, you are not alone, i have been trying to sing your song but the mist turns to a flood, I know there was so much more to do, selfish really, i feel like a kid who has had his toffee apple taken from him after only one lick

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Oct 09 - 08:52 AM

Has it only been two weeks? It seems like a whole lot more time has gone past since Barry died. And I suppose a lot of that time was taken up with flashbacks, my own and those shared by others on this forum. And I deliberately created more memories by attending the Press Room in Portsmouth and Cameron's in Gloucester, two sea music sessions that Barry regularly attended.

I'm still feeling the loss, and my eyes still mist up occasionally when I try to say something. It's odd what can trigger the misting. But I have focused on what I can do to help reinforce the real contribution Barry made to our sea music community (not to mention his other musical interests).

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Mark Clark
Date: 29 Oct 09 - 04:10 PM

Mick, You're quite right. It was Paddy Burke's and it was the Boston Singers Circle. I had posted here prior to a Boston business trip to see if any music was happening in the area. Barry came back with an invitation to drop in. Barry was great, both musically and in his willingness to include people. A great loss.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: sciencegeek
Date: 29 Oct 09 - 11:50 AM

I can't type what I'm feeling right now.... after coming though so many health issues, I guess I figured this would just be one more to get through....

Mystic Sea Music weekend will be a chance for some of us to hug & cry.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Willie-O
Date: 29 Oct 09 - 08:50 AM

Too much loss.

I met Barry twice I guess--a great singer and a great guy, kind and encouraging. To say he was the mold for a traditional shanty singer doesn't really work--what he had is not reproducible.

Sadly, and late,
Bill

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Mick Tems
Date: 29 Oct 09 - 06:46 AM

I haven't caught up with Mudcat for quite a while, and the sad news of Barry's death surprised and shocked me. It was only this year that Barry turned up at Llantrisant Club; he hitched a lift from Andrew McKay and Carole Etherton, and had been staying at their house in Llangennith after singing at The Halfpenny Folk Club. Jerry Epstein and Ralph Boddington were the guests at Llantrisant that night. Barry only sang two songs, but he held the floor with his magnetic, great delivery. Here's to a marvellous man - sail on, Barry, sail on.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Big Mick
Date: 28 Oct 09 - 06:41 PM

Mark, that bar was likely Paddy Burke's. The now defunct Boston Singers Circle met there. Dan Milner and I spent time there one night at Barry's invitation, and I came several times after that. It is a shame that the club doesn't exist anymore. We would meet up on the third floor in what looked like an old living room. It was a grand environment, and the scene of some nice memories. Rest in peace, Barry.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Oct 09 - 02:46 PM

Thanks, Jeri.

I echo what Art said.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Mark Clark
Date: 28 Oct 09 - 12:53 PM

This is the first time I've seen the news. I saw the thread when Barry was in Hospital but missed news of his death. Barry was one of the very few Mudcatters I've actually met. I met him in Boston at an Irish bar where a bunch of folks were gathered to sing. I loved Barry's presentation of a song and effort he put into "getting it right."

And of course his posts here were usually something to look forward to.

RIP, Barry.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Art Thieme
Date: 27 Oct 09 - 11:45 PM

Respect and admiration for Mr. Finn --- That is what I feel now after reading much of this thread. You all have allowed me to know Barry---even though I never met him. Here at Mudcat, he always said very nice things to me---brilliant insights on so many topics exuded from his posts.

Thanks to you all for sharing your friend.

Art

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Jeri
Date: 27 Oct 09 - 10:33 PM

She was there, kat.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Oct 09 - 10:08 PM

That must be the one Night Owl went to? She told she'd met Justine and Barry years ago, but I forget where, just know it was a Mudcat get-together.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Jeri
Date: 27 Oct 09 - 09:57 PM

In New Hampshire, Roger.
I have strong memories of that party. Loads of people: local folkies, Mudcatters and local Mudcatters, the new Finn dog, hooking up to the UK on HearMe (or whatever it was back then), people who came from all over and Natalie playing piano. I remember Barry running around being host and not getting to sing much.
I drove back for breakfast the next morning.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: bbc
Date: 27 Oct 09 - 09:32 PM

Very nice to hear from you, Roger. I remember you very fondly from my only Get-Away. Your words reflect the wonderful qualities so many of us treasured in Barry. I've got his cd in the car & I'm listening to it as I travel to & from work.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: GUEST,Roger in Baltimore
Date: 27 Oct 09 - 01:53 PM

I will miss Barry at every Getaway of the future. He and I found a shared interest in Prison Work Songs and we bantered quite a bit on the early Mudcat. Barry had a party for Mudcatters one year at his house in Vermont, I believe. Marge and I drove up from Baltimore to attend. It was very uncharacteristic of me to drive that far to meet a bunch of people I only knew via the Internet. It was probably about 3:00 PM when we got there. Of course the party had been going on for a while by then. I grabbed a seat in the song circle between Kendall and BigChuck. I stayed until after Midnight and I think I left my seat once to take a restroom break. Marge spend some time with Justine and I met Natalie and Gabriel. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Marge and I spent the night in a motel and headed back to Maryland.

I also had the honor of sharing a workshop on Prison Songs with Barry at the Prince William Getaway. His was the first voice I heard as I pulled up to the park. Yes, with Barry there was no holding back. He was fully involved in his music. Barry was also quite a scholar. He was well-read about the Work Songs and Sea Shanteys and the work that went with them. He had a prodigious memory.

My condolences to his family. I'm sure we will sing for him at the next Getaway.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 25 Oct 09 - 09:19 PM

I have been putting off posting because everyone seemed to know him better and have something more special to say.

I met Barry three years ago when I went - for the first time - to the Getaway---jacqui and I drove down, and Sins and Ranger 1 drove in her car. We were late getting to Barry's -- i was following my GPS---when Sins called to see where we were she put him on the phone and he was asking me questions about where we were.......I gave him the name of roads and heard him say to Sins -- I don't know where they are - how can I not know where they are........! Esmerelda (GPS) will get us there, I said, just wait.

That night we stopped at Tink's -- after dinner out we sat down in a circle. I was still really new to this -- didn't know people just sat around and sang. The song went round the circle and came to Barry who threw his head back and sang 'Reuben Ranzo'.........I couldn't believe what I was hearing and everytime I heard him sing after that, I could never believe what I was hearing.

Barry - didn't know you as long as many folks did but was proud to know you and call you friend and will miss you.......your family should be, and obviously is, so proud of you.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: GUEST,guest - Tony Frasr
Date: 25 Oct 09 - 12:00 PM

Very sad news. I can only endorse Mike O'Leary-Johns comments. Barry was a fine singer and a lovely person. I feel honoured to have known him and proud to call him a friend.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: semi-submersible
Date: 25 Oct 09 - 02:36 AM

Another extraordinary human being I'll never get to meet. All who knew him know what a trail he's left behind to guide us still.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: The Sandman
Date: 24 Oct 09 - 06:57 PM

I met Barry at Scarborough sea fest last year, it was the first time we had met.
Barry was a fine singer who was also very knowledgeable, I enjoyed his company.I am saddened and shocked by this news.Dick Miles

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Oct 09 - 01:12 PM

I've just been doing some editing on the C. Fox Smith Anthology and ran across this verse in a poem called "Memories" which belongs in this thread:

"Friends . . . they go," said Murphy, "the false an' the true,
They all go at the finish, the same as the ships do;
They go like a spree that's ended or a last year's song,
But the friends a man remembers, they're his own his life long."

Notes:

From Ships and Folks, edited by Cicely Fox Smith, published by Elkin Mathews, London, UK, © 1920, p. 67.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Janie
Date: 23 Oct 09 - 07:40 PM

Guest 7:16



{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{My Best Mudcat Hug}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Oct 09 - 07:16 PM

I can tell the truth now-- I always thought that Barry was the best singer we had.

We can all sing a little, but Barry was different.

This one is going to take a little time.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 23 Oct 09 - 07:14 PM

Mike-

Would this be the song by Barry that you had in mind:

"You Wouldn't Know It To Look At Me"
                   (Tune: Australian, Trad. "One Of The Has Beens")

"You're not listening to me are you deaf in both ears.
Don't you see what you've caused, have you been blind all these years.
Could you just give an answer, so I know you're not dumb.
For Christ's sake, you bird brain has a cat got your tongue"?

Chorus:
I'm as cute as any other kid, I can run, jump & shout.
You wouldn't know it to look at me, at times I can't work things out.
I'm not stupid, I'm not lazy, I try very hard.
With a little compassion I could go pretty far.

Well, school is a torture, the teasing won't quit.
My thoughts go off track and my aide has a fit.
There are some things I excel in, so much that I'm bored,
You wouldn't know it to look at me, it takes all that I'm worth.

The kids scorn & laugh at me, I don't have a friend.
You can feel my heart break, I wonder when this will end.
The mistreatment & abuse I take, it's really a crime,
But I'm told to ignore it, though it happens all of the time.

Chorus:

I know it's hard on my family, I can't change a thing.
The aunts & uncles blame it on my folks & say it's poor upbringing.
The love & affection others get all the time,
I only hear people yell at me, when I ask where is mine.

I never feel comfort, no shoulder, no hug.
My support system's gone, they' to me, was pulled out like a rug.
No one understands me, can't they just read the signs
Most choose to ignore them, it's as if they've gone blind

Chorus:

I may be mildly autistic or just plain O.C.D.
I may twitch with Tourette's, or have A.D.D.
If you see me cross my eyes, instead of my T's
You wouldn't know it to look at me that I have special needs.

Chorus:

Copyright Barry Finn

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Oct 09 - 06:44 PM

Mike O'Leary-Johns....................
I dont "Tune in " to the Mudcat These days so I have only just recieved the news of Barry's passing.A friend of mine, Tony Fraser,
Phoned me about 30mins ago to tell me.
We met Barry for the first time in 1997 at Mystic.Became friends instantly...I would imagine that has been everyones experience ,he was that sort of Man. I loved the way he sang ; driving the songs along with such feeling.But it was a few years later again at Mystic that he blew me away ; with the song he wrote himself about his son.
I am so glad that in July of this year when he was in Wales ; he sang it for me again at a session in a Pub on the Gower Peninsular.
Since we met first he has been a Good friend.I only wish that he had made a recording of it at some time.It is a Wonderfull Song.
I cannot think of anything to say , I just find the news hard to take just as everyone else.
So I will just send my regards to his family , at this time of great loss.
One thing for sure Barry was One of the Good Guys........ Mike

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 23 Oct 09 - 08:01 AM

I was in America when I heard this dreadful news. Only a few weeks before we had met for the first time while Barry was over her here, and became firm friends straight away. I remember how touched he was by my wifes reaction to his song about his son. We had looked forwrd to meeting again in the USA. A very sad lost. Condolences to his family from my wife and I, Rest in Peace Barry. We only knew you a short while but will never forget you.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Micca
Date: 23 Oct 09 - 07:16 AM

I have been trying all week to write something about Barry that didnt sound like a rehash of what went before in this thread, after all he is a "One Off" and it shouldnt be that difficult to say something nice and anodyne about him, how much we miss him and what a joy it was to know him. but it just would not come, Because what ever Barry was he was not anodyne or commonplace. So I decided to just say some of the things I enjoyed about him over the 9+ years I have "known" him (I put that in quotes because I can't really say I "Knew" him in the usual sense of spending a lot of time in his company) I realised after a while, that "what you saw was what you got" with Barry , That took a while to sink in, he really was what he appeared to be, A Real Nice Guy, with no hidden agendas and willing (if not almost anxious) to help and befriend.
He was a phenomenal Shanty singer, I dont think I've heard many that were his equal and certainly none better in the 40+ years I have been hearing shantys.
He had a wicked sense of humour, dry and restrained at times, pure hilariously irreverent and low and earthy too. I Saw much of this and learned a lot about Barry The Man on a hectic 5 hour journey back from the Getaway (with Mary and Tami) during which we exchanged "sailor yarns" and expieriences of "life at sea" and in general.
I sat with him at the Press Room almost every time I was there ( he asked me to let him know when I was visiting in advance so he could try and be there) and he was always pulling my leg gently and very supportive of my writing.
We commiserated with each other and with Crane Driver for none of us winning the songwriting contest at Scarborough (UK) but he said how could he complain to fail in such company was an honour!!
What else can I say about him, I liked and admired him as a person, I was awed by his skills and knowledge and abilities as a singer and I will, and do, miss him.
I send my condolences to his family ,Justine, Natalie and Gabe, (Of whom he always spoke to me as If I knew them )
His friends and everyone who met him will remember him with Joy and pleasure and feel better for having known him and what better memorial could a man have,or ask for.

I must down to the sea again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick is over

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: KT
Date: 23 Oct 09 - 01:53 AM

I've been out of town, with no computer, and just returned. I've come to this thread several times and still feel suspended in disbelief. A few weeks ago, at the Getaway, I had the privilege of being in several sessions with Barry. I found myself absolutely captivated by him. Enchanted. I suppose everyone who's known/heard him sing, feels much the same way. I recorded a couple of the sessions and listened to them on the plane on the way home with great delight. Though I hardly knew him, I'd come to admire and respect him through this place and my brief encounters with him at Getaways.

To his family, my sincere, heartfelt, condolences. To Barry, my thanks.    KT

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: ranger1
Date: 22 Oct 09 - 07:52 PM

I have so many memories of Barry that I've been trying to put into words, but haven't been able to yet. I will say now that I will miss long car journeys with him (even though his driving scared the crap out of me), because you never knew what he was going to sing next.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Oct 09 - 09:33 AM

You put it well, Janie. Whenever Barry walked in my front door, the entire room lit up. We all knew we were in for some great music and tall tales.
Helen Schneyer's "Only Remembered" keeps going through my head along with Justine's "Never Seal".
And the picture of Barry all akimbo on the floor with a dagger of wood threatening to impale him while someone tried to explain that he had been sitting on a tea table...
I miss his beautiful blue eyes.