Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 05:41 AM

I never did, but Barry was on my long list of people I would like to have met. Missed him in the UK this year because of festival commitments elsewhere. God's speed Mr Finn.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 06:19 AM

I can't hope to match the quality of the tributes above from people who knew Barry in the flesh, but I was stunned when I heard the news from katlaughing on Sunday. Although I only knew Barry from postings by and about him on the 'Cat I feel yet another good friend has gone. Condolences to his family. Glad his music will live on.

RtS

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: SussexCarole
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 06:35 AM

We are both devasted by this news.   We've shared many wonderful times and songs with Barry on both sides of the pond and we have so many memories especially from this summer when Barry stayed with us on his UK trip. Barry was such a special person

Our love and thoughts are with you Justine and all your family and to all Barry's friends who are sharing this tragic loss

Carole & Andrew

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 07:01 AM

Like Mr H, I met Barry only once, at the Bull Bay Festival at the start of August. He was wonderful.
Sincere condolences to family and friends.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: GUEST,John from "Elsie`s Band"
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 07:04 AM

To Barry`s family and all who knew him, please accept our deepest condolences. This year at Mystic there was not an outward hint of any underlying problems. We are so glad friends in Britain got to see him this year.
Rest in Peace.
John

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 09:23 AM

Sad news. Please add my condolences to Barry's family and friends. One measure of a man is what others say about him. This thread is a great testament to Barry.
- Phil

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: JoeSimes
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 09:40 AM

Thanks Mark for the stories!

I've only known Barry for a few years from the Press Room. Earlier this year he decided we should learn a song together. We both like Admiral Benbow by June Tabor/Martin Simpson. So he says to me "You learn the guitar parts and I'll get the words down". I didn't tell him I already knew the guitar parts.

A few weeks ago he says to me at the Press Room. "So where's your guitar?" I said to him I was too busy with work and stuff to think about doing anything.

He said "It's just as well I don't know the $#&*^!% words!" :)

You'll be missed buddy!!

Joe

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Becca72
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 09:46 AM

Just seeing this now after being offline all weekend. I'm absolutely shocked. I only met Barry a few times at Mary's and Spring Point last year, but enjoyed his company and sense of humor.

RIP Barry

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Azizi
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 09:50 AM

Barry made the world a better place.

Thank you.

My heart felt condolences to his family.

Azizi

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Big Mick
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 09:54 AM

I remember well the session at the Getaway that Bill and Rita refer to. A great moment and a treasured memory. When I pulled into Prince Willian for my first Getaway, in the middle of the night, rain coming down, not a light anywhere, this wee man appears out of the mist, and sez something to the effect of, "It's about time you got here, ya big lug, where ya been? I'm Barry". Thus started an immediate connection, kindred souls had met once more. Here is what I wrote about that on Facebook while the Cat was down:


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


It is good Mudcat is back up. This place, after all, is the place that connected most of the names you see posting these wonderful rememberances. It is our community, my friends, please remember that. It is the source of great love and affection for us all from disparate parts of the world. Barry's life was greatly enriched by those he met here, and my life was enriched by knowing him from here. We must guard this precious thing.

I will miss you, lad, until I see you again.

Mick

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 10:01 AM

At last year's Getaway I asked Barry to take part in the Mummer's play, as the Egyptian Princess. I told him that all he had to do was to stand there looking diaphanous. Once he knew what that meant he was quite happy, particularly as he didn't have a speaking part.

We really dressed him up like a Christmas tree. You can see what he looked like here. He went along with all of it and even put in a few of his own ad libs during the performance. I loved him for that.

I was at the Scarborough (UK) Seafest this year and Barry and Ken really were the hit of the weekend. wherever I went people had nothing but good things to say about them and they just seemed to be having the best time.

Barry died way too soon for all of us but he went out on a real high. He really was a man who knew how to live life and to love every person and every minute of it. I am so glad to have known him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 10:04 AM

When I posted before when Barry had just entered the hospital, I jokingly said he was "experienced" and knew what to do to get well.

Barry, I wish you'd taken my advice.

Back in '98 when I arrived here, Barry was one of the exchanges I remember first. I agreed with his antipathy toward RUS but in his case, I don't think that was the right word. No, for Barry RUS was more like a "stomp it in the mud, rip it to shreds, burn the remains, and bury the ashes in a tar pit, hatred" than antipathy. Like many other issues, he made clear where he stood and it was not straddling a rail.

I think many of us felt a love and kinship for Barry Finn and I always felt a bond based on some similarities more than RUS.....We were close in age and were paying later in life for the "sins" of our earlier one. Somewhere along the line, 23 years ago, we both married unbelievable women who were also our best friends and had some really special kids......LOL......and a Weimaraner. Yesterday was Karen and my 23rd anniversary and we spent it with me in the hospital getting checked out once again. As we waited for testing and test results, we talked about Barry and Justine.....two people we had never met in 3D but nevertheless felt the friendship which Mudcat had given us. On a lighter note, I told Karen not to let me order any ice chips as I didn't like what they did to Barry!

On occasion I have used the old line, "If I'd known I was going to live this long, I'd have treated myself better." And while, like Barry, I too would give about anything for more time with my family, who we were in our earlier days also was a significant part of who we became. Maybe if we'd had some kind of Crystal Ball and could have seen ahead to our great fortune in finding the wonderful women we did..............but there is only what is and what should be never existed.

To Justine, Natalie, and Gabriel. you have the warmest thoughts and most heartfelt sympathies from Karen, Tristan, Michael, and myself. I know that time does heal, but it never quite heals enough. Perhaps that's the right way of things..........I dunno'...........But I also know his memory will fill your heart and be passed along to others. That's what real immortality is.

We will all miss you Barry for hundreds of reasons.......Thanks for being here, for sharing so much, so freely, and so well with us, and most of all..........For being the man you were.

   
Pat

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Severn
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 10:22 AM

Devastating news.I've greatly admired his singing since I first heard him sing "Won't You Help Me To Raise 'Em Boys" years ago at a Getaway, and looked forward to hearing him sing there at every chance I got in succeeding years. Always one of the major highlights among a those in a weekend always jam packed with them. I didn't know him well, alas, but was always in complete awe of him. A huge loss to the folk community and I'll mourn as an individual still learning how to sing to whom in both performance and choice he set a standard to aim for.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: maeve
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 10:37 AM

Barry was kind to me when we both appeared in the Maritime Folk Music Festival at Spring Point last year. I was so afraid I'd forget the words to the songs in my little set, and he encouraged me to just sing out, then told me I did a good job. It was a bonus to exchange some songs and conversation later that day at Sinsull's house. Just a few days ago I sent a PM telling him how much I looked forward to hearing his songs again.

I loved his singing, but was most impressed by his devotion to his family. He was so happy to have made a garden for them this summer, and was unencumbered by ego in seeking the best approach to garden challenges he encountered.

It would be an honor to meet Justine, Natalie, and Gabriel. Your husband- your father- loved you. Thank you all for sharing him with so many of us.

maeve

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 11:00 AM

For those who can access facebook, there is a really beautiful picture of Barry and Justine. Maybe someone who knows them better could ask permission to copy and paste it elsewhere where everyone could see it.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: JWB
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 11:07 AM

Barry was a true folk singer: unschooled, unique, passionate, talented and genuine. He may not have done hard time flat-weeding at Parchman Farm, or bowsed on a lee forebrace off the Horn, but the way he sang made you think he had. And his repertoire! My God, he had an ear for the back-of-the-drawer kind of songs, ones that 99 out of a hundred singers would pass by. He would take them and find the soul of them, and share them with us and we were amazed. I think he's the person I've asked more than any other, "Where ever did you find that song?"

He and Neil invited me to be part of Finn and Haddie some years back, and during the year I was able to participate I received an invaluable education from Barry in how to put across a ballad. He could captivate an audience with a long slow song that, in the mouths of most singers, wouldn't hold attention past the third verse. It was his energy, his belief in the song, and most of all his voice: rust on silver, with a chanteyman's stridency and the warmth of crooner, all at once.

I don't want to have to say goodbye. I need to belt out "Trinidad to Venezuela!" with him again. I didn't get the "The Old Brig" from him yet. I didn't tell him what a treasure he is, or thank him for all the times he surprised, moved and delighted me. Now it's too #!@>ing late!

A sailor stood at the pearly gates,
His face was scarred and old.
He stood before the man of fate
For admission to the fold.

"And what have you done?" Saint Peter said,
"To gain admission here?"
"Oh, I've been sailor, sir," he said,
"For many and manys a year."

The pearly gates swung open wide
As Saint Peter struck the bell.
"Come on inside and choose your harp –
"You've served your time in hell."

Jerry

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 11:25 AM

"or bowsed on a lee forebrace off the Horn"
Actually, I think he may have. Barry led a very colorful existence pre-Justine. I hope Micca can remember some of the sailing tales Barry told on the infamous drive/lurch back from the Getaway.
Barry never said an unkind word about anybody. He loved life, his family, his music, his friends.
For all his roughness he was a gentle soul.
Damn! It is hard to lose him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: irishenglish
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 11:43 AM

R.I.P. Barry

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: RiGGy
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 12:06 PM

I knew Barry pretty well. We first met in the late '70s when we were both part of the Boston Irish scene centering on the Village Coach House in Brookline Village. He became my first concertina student and I his chantey understudy. When my painful breakup with an ex became too much he convinced me to pack it in for Boston and try San Francisco.

He'd lived out here for a while after sailing in from Hawaii. We packed up the car in Nov '81 and kept the snowflakes in the rear view mirror. Sang in 2-part harmony in every college town coffee house during a very relaxed, slow trip cross-country. Arriving on Thanksgiving, we had our dinner at a Zen Center across from the Plough and Stars. Found an apt in a fancy part of town near the Hyde Street Pier and Paul's Saloon and made the best of it.

Got the brilliant idea of hauling out our Cruel Ship's Captain type of songs and singing on the streets in those thriving, pre-AIDS, S&M neighborhoods in the South-of-Market and Castro. We were inseparable, and some folks thought we were an item. Justine and her sisters were lived here, and when Barry sidled up to her, she thought it he was joking.   

His roofing gig was really problematic for him and his East Coast mouth got him in trouble and the union black-balled him. He struck back with a law suit he won, and with it moved back east and bought the historic Derry house with the winnings [ please correct any of this if "kinder memory is fooling me"... ].

I later married Mary and got her deaf son, Paul, in the bargain. He and Barry got along really well, When Barry's son also had a "disability" we had a big thing we shared, and I so resonated with the song mentioned above.   

Got a nice visit last year with Barry and his daughter to my ranch, and as you all know with Barry, it was like we'd never parted. An immediate, what-you-see-is-what-you-get guy every day and every time. Sorely missed ......

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Dave Swan
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 12:18 PM

I found this thread yesterday and I'm still trying to get my head around it.

Several years ago at a singing session at my house Barry stood, jammed his hands in his pockets, threw back his head, and made the house ring. It was the first time I'd heard him live. Of course I was more than impressed. When he was finished Barry sat down as if what he had done was no big deal. He was the only one in the room who thought so.

On another visit out here I took Barry to the Thurday night chantey show at Quinn's Lighthouse pub. It's a regular performance of Skip Henderson and Starboard Watch with occasional guests. I asked Skip if he had a spot for a friend from out of town, which he graciously provided. During the second set Barry, the mild mannered out of towner, stood at our table and let go. Quinn's is usually pretty noisy and people seated at the bar normally shout over the music. Barry wasn't far into his song when the place fell quiet. He had the room to himself and made the best of it. The place went crazy when Barry finished. He acknowledged the applause with a little shrug and sat down, again as if nothing wonderful had just poured out of him.

Talent, warmth and style.

Like the rest of us, I'll miss him.

Warmest condolences to Justine, Natalie and Gabriel.

D

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 12:20 PM

Lord, I love these stories. How nice for his family to have this.

I just spit my coffee out remembering Fatima's giggle.

Dani

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 12:38 PM

LOL Dani. Thank you.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: ClaireBear
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 01:15 PM

Omigosh, yes! I'd forgotten that giggle!

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: GUEST,Jed on a borrowed PC
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 01:34 PM

What very sad news. I am so sorry to find this notice - and I'm so late to the news. I wishI could be there for the funeral and the goodbyes.

My most heartfelt conolences to his loved ones - and my thanks to the heavens for the opprtunity to have known him, even for just a little while.

Barry - thanks for your song, thanks for your story and now may you add another strong voice to the Angel Chorus!

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: GUEST,Martin Ryan
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 01:51 PM

Very sad to hear of Barry's death...

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 02:10 PM

Fatima's falsetto was more than I could take. Diaphanous, indeed. Hairy!

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: RiGGy
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 02:16 PM

Please, pray tell, WHAT is "Fatima's giggle" ?
Google only gets me back to THIS thread . . .

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 02:20 PM

That was what we ended up calling Barry when he dressed up for the Mummer's play - check my post at 10:01 AM today. Trust me, once seen, never forgotten.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: radriano
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 02:26 PM

It was a shock to hear of Barry's death.

Barry was in San Francisco for awhile many years ago, back when I was singing with my former group Out of the Rain. Barry learned a shanty from us that he really loved - the river shanty version of "One More Day". Now I'll always think of Barry when I sing this. It's traditionally sung much slower than the deep water version:

ONE MORE DAY
river shanty

Oh, row me 'cross the river, I heard a maiden say
Oh, row me to my lover
One more day

One more day, my Johnny, one more day
Oh, rock and row me over
One more day

I'm almost brokenhearted, he can no longer stay
Once more we shall be parted
One more day

I've seen the seabirds flying, ashore from o'er the bay
I felt they all were crying
One more day

For seabirds get the warning, which one and all obey
The tempest loud is storming
One more day

Oh, do not fear, my beauty, the call I must obey
But love gives place to duty
One more day

Oh, heave and sight the anchor, we sail out from the bay
Oh, heave and sight the anchor
One more day

O'er many seas I'll roam, love, ere I return to stay
To stay with thee at home, love
One more day

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 02:31 PM

I think I have photos. We'll check later. Or search the thread from last year? Those eyes behind the veil, then the giggle. Oh Lord.

Dani

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 03:01 PM

"Barry was in San Francisco for awhile many years ago, back when I was singing with my former group Out of the Rain. Barry learned a shanty from us that he really loved - the river shanty version of "One More Day". Now I'll always think of Barry when I sing this. It's traditionally sung much slower than the deep water version:"




I have that playing on my page at the moment, radriano...it's on Barry and Neil's Myspace..

Finn & Haddie Myspace

This is a beautiful thread...and one he richly deserves. I hope it brings some comfort to Barry's family to see how many people cared so deeply about him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Skivee
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 03:15 PM

What sad news.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 03:32 PM

Fatima:
http://www.wincingdevil.com/FSGWGetaway08/081004_204918.html

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: alanabit
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 03:55 PM

Like many others, I only knew him from here. I can only add that I am one of many who will miss this direct and likeable man.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Busy Lizzy
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 04:21 PM

To say I am both shocked and saddened by this news is an understatement. I popped onto Mudcat this evening to say hello and start a chat about something else and read this awful news.

I am sure I speak on behalf of all of us (including Mr Happy who writes above) who were at Anglesey for the BUll Bay Music Festival this summer, it was a REAL priviledge to have met Barry - a truly likable and knowledgable man who wholeheartedly joined in our little festival and made himself really at home with us.

If any of Barry's family read this, we want you to know we are proud to have met him and it is with much sadness we send you our condolences.

Liz Rosenfield and Ian Murfitt and all the family here in Cheshire, England.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Colin Randall
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 04:25 PM

Dreadful news and just wanted to add my condolences.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Jeri
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 04:49 PM

There is a place on the Peabody Funeral Home's Obituary to leave messages of condolence. Look down at the bottom. I don't know how long the page will remain up.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: open mike
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 04:51 PM

the foto of Barry and Justine is here:
pic # 49 of 65 on album #4 on Barry's facebook pg.
http://www.facebook.com/BarryFinn?v=photos&sb=4&so=60#/photo.php?pid=247879&op=4&o=global&view=global&subj=567900817&id=1668505418

and this one in the UK radio station really shows those
blue eyes he had!in Photos of Barry Finn--Photo 10 of 65.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 05:56 PM

Judy and I just got back home from the long haul to the funeral church service for Barry. The huge cathedral was almost full and I could recognize many long time friends and family members. Barry's sister-in-law shared some wonderful stories about him; Barry wasn't necessarily their favorite pick for Justine but they sure grew to love him.

Driving back home we were mostly in a somber mood, until we got giggling over the likely reaction of the angels after they gave Barry a harp to play with.

I'm sure more of a musical remembrance will be pulled together later next year. There are so many songs that could be led to celebrate Barry's life.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: GUEST,Lorraine
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 06:25 PM

Still struggling to believe. Barry was so generous and kind. A wonderful fellow... The stories here are important and help reality set in. I believe I met Justine at that first getaway, but in any case lots of love to her and family. I wish there was more I could do.
~Lorraine

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: haddocker
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 07:01 PM

The sea chanteys were only one part of Barry's repertoire. When we would take a break from practicing, I would get out my guitar and we'd do stuff like "Pancho and Lefty", "Pour Me Another Tequila Sheilah" and Willie Nelson songs about gunfighters. Often, we might break into some doo-wop or even fifties rock n' roll. Those are the times I will really miss. Barry Finn was my singing partner for almost fifteen years. In that time frame I shared in his trials and his celebrations; came to know him as a warm and loving friend and family man who would take a singing gig at the drop of a hat, regardless of the distance or monetary return. He just loved to sing and I loved singing with him. Miss him? It's like having a piece of my heart torn out. His passing has left an unfillable hole. Tonight, the Celestial Choirs are in the process of changing their repertoire to "Sally Rackett" and "Blood Red Roses". My brother will be waiting to show him around.
    Barry will forever be in my heart and in my prayer.
          Fair winds and following seas, shipmate,
                         Neil

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 07:10 PM

Neil-

It was good to see you again today.

I wish you lived nearer so we might share some more songs and stories together.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 08:52 PM

Remembering this wonderful guy throught today.Our time with Barry was a high point of our recent crossing of the pond.
A remarkable talented character.A huge loss to us and so many.
Today will be a tribute to a spesial man.
All love to Justine family and Neil.
Richard and Hils

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: CET
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 09:04 PM

I'm not sure when I first met Barry. Was it at that first shanty session in Portland, Maine, about nine years ago? Chez Bat Goddess and Curmudgeon? At the Press Room? Or maybe at our first Getaway at Camp Ramblewood. Whatever it was, he very soon became a fixed point in our trips to the U.S. There weren't many who could make a late night singing session catch fire like he could. On our first couple of visits, I thought there was a bit of reserve on his part. It was certainly not unfriendliness, but I was an unknown quantity and I think he wanted to see what I was about. I was very proud when I showed up at one of the events (probably the Getaway) and Barry greeted me with a big hug. I don't sing like Barry, and I don't try to, but I learned a lot from him about how to present a song. I won't ever come close to his repertoire.

I'm going to miss him.

Edmund

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Susan A-R
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 09:23 PM

Damn!! I remember Barry at NEFFA, at his home, at the Getaway (and on a wonderful, memorable ride down and back to the Getaway) and at Old Songs. And Life is what I remember, in his singing, his passionate caring for people, justice, and music. I just sit here, tears streaming. So sorry to read that he has died. It's been too long since I've seen him, and now I won't. Oh Damn!

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: GUEST,Guest David Jones
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 10:17 PM

Goodbye Barry and safe harbor. I will miss you very much.
David

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Janie
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 11:13 PM

It still doesn't seem real. I keep waiting for him to post to this thread.

(And trying to imagine what he might have to say:)

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Peg
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 11:31 PM

So sad and shocking and sudden. We have lost a wonderful singer and a hell of a great human being.

The last time I saw Barry was at the Green Briar session this past spring. He'd gotten me into going to it this past year, even though I don't live in Boston anymore. But when I was commuting to teach he said it was a good singers' session and he'd like to see me there, so being the friendly sort he is he got the session leader to let me sing one so I could get my "foot in the door"--I always appreciated how supportive Barry was of other peoples' singing.

First met him in the days of the Boston Singers' Club; then when that disbanded, I kept seeing him at various places; Barry got around! there was Mudcat and the huge house party Barry and Justine hosted. Then Old Songs and random sessions in Boston. He kept trying to get me to go to the Getaway, and I really wish I had. he asked if I was going to Old Songs this year as there was a young singer he thought I'd really like (Elizabeth Laprelle). He said Justine didn't like camping much anymore so I invited them to stay at our house near Altamont when Old Songs came around, though in the end they didn't make it.

I remember visiting him when he was in hospital, in rough shape waiting for his transplant. He looked kind of miserable and I thought the best thing to do would be to get him to sing, but he wouldn't sing unless I did. I didn't know many sea chanteys at the time but I got him to join me in General Tayor and some others I can't recall. It was hilarious the way the nurses kept poking their heads in the door suddenly to see what all the racket was.

Barry gave me a ride home after that Monday session at the Green Briar. It was an "off night" with people wandering off and having conversations and not really listening when songs were being sung, and he was a bit annoyed because he knew I didn't get to come there very often. But we still had fun, he introduced me to some new friends. I can't recall what we talked about in the car. I assumed I'd see him again within a few months. Barry was a Facebook pal and often commented on my updates. When I announced I'd be back teaching in Boston again this coming spring, he piped up "On Mondays???". This made me happy, looking forward to singing again and hearing songs from Barry's massive repertoire.

Despite being gifted with some extra years of life he may not have had, given his health problems at the time of his transplant, Barry prevailed and jumped right back into his full life. I took it for granted he'd be around for many years. I will miss this kind, generous man, his lusty voice, his no-nonsense politics, his straight talk about just about everything, his easy friendship, his love of music and zeal for life. I am sad but I am inspired to go forward by his bright light and big heart.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: KathyW
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 11:43 PM

I met Barry for the first time at the Mystic Sea Music Festival this year after a short email exchange. He was extremely kind and helpful to this newcomer. And then I heard him sing-- what a voice! My husband and I became instant fans. I've been plotting to somehow hear him in a formal performance ever since Mystic, and must admit that part of my sorrow at his passing is that now will never be.

I am grateful that I had the chance to meet him. My condolences to his family and friends.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 11:52 PM

I took a drive up to Boston when Barry was waiting for his liver transplant about a decade ago. His story was a very moving one and he seemed like such a great guy who was undoubtedly concerned for his family, probably bored beyond belief and most likely could use a little company. We talked for an hour and a half and, given the odd circumstances, probably revealed more about ourselves than 2 guys ordinarily would. It was very enjoyable and time well spent.

We met Barry many times. If we'd lived anywhere near him, we probably would've seen him a couple of times a week because he and my wife really hit it off.

Friday's news was totally shocking. Anyone following Barry's "mountain railroad" life would have imagined a different end for a guy who kept so many of us sitting on the edge of our chairs for so long. But, when you have to go, waiting for someone to bring you ice is a gentle way. I'm grateful he had it easy. I'm extremely sorry for Justine and the kids that it was so sudden.   

Barry must have had a million friends. It was snowing to beat the band for 240 of the 280 miles going up and back. The funeral parlor was a very busy place yesterday afternoon. We saw a lot of Barry's sea and Irish music buddies. Many are Mudcatters of course.

There were 2 or 3 boards with lots of photographs posted on them. Barry in a tuxedo, looking so relaxed that you'd think he was born in one. Barry, in a manly handsome pose, looking like a movie star. Barry in shorts with his shirt hanging out. Many with Barry singing, no doubt very loudly in all of them.

In my experience, Barry was always positive and with a large reservoir of stoicism. If he ever knocked anyone, it was always over quickly with a wave of his hand as if to say, "You've got to consider where it comes from." He was a great, enthusiastic person. You could run into him at 2 AM in Mystic looking to see where the craic was. A hard guy to ignore and entirely loveable.

Farewell, old friend. You were a treasure.

Dan Milner